Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area offers equestrian camping options within a 30-minute drive of New Castle, Delaware. The park contains over 5,600 acres of terrain with miles of trails for horseback riding. The campground operates seasonally with sites that accommodate both horse trailers and camping equipment. Water access is available at designated spots, and campers must bring portable corrals for their horses as permanent equine facilities are limited.
What to do
Trail riding: Lums Pond State Park Campground has multiple trails with varying difficulty levels. "There are so many wonderful activities. There really is something for everyone here and if you can't find it you aren't looking very hard," notes a camper at French Creek State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line at one of several stocked ponds or lakes. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," shares a visitor at Hibernia County Park.
Water activities: Explore lakes and ponds via non-motorized boats at several parks. "Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking," explains a regular camper at Lums Pond State Park.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer room for horses and camping equipment. "The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern," reports a visitor at Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Private camping: Tree coverage provides separation between sites. "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room," notes a camper at Blackbird State Forest Campground.
Clean facilities: Most parks maintain their amenities regularly. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," shares an enthusiastic visitor to French Creek.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular equestrian sites fill quickly, especially during peak season. "Book early because it fills up fast!" advises a frequent visitor to Lums Pond.
Limited hookups: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank," warns a camper at Hibernia County Park.
Bathroom availability: Facilities vary significantly between parks. "There are only pit toilets in Fiddler's loop, however there is a bathroom with running water, flush toilets and electric outlets (no shower) within walking distance of the loop," explains a Hibernia County Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks have kid-friendly play areas. "The playground at the campground and at the lake were super peaceful," notes a visitor to Hibernia County Park.
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with learning experiences. "There is a huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake. There are trails for mountain biking or hiking, a frisbee golf course," explains a visitor to Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area.
Child-friendly fishing: Dedicated fishing areas for younger anglers exist at some parks. "We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12... The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," shares a family that visited Hibernia.
RV tips
Site dimensions: Check size restrictions before booking. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," reports a camper at French Creek State Park.
Hookup variations: Campgrounds offer different utility options. "Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer," explains a regular visitor to Lums Pond.
Accessibility concerns: Some campgrounds have difficult terrain for larger vehicles. "I wouldn't attempt to park an RV up there," cautions a visitor referring to the Lake Loop at Hibernia County Park, while noting that "there are a few sites that will [fit RVs], including #3, #17 & #18."
