6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
While Pilesgrove, New Jersey offers limited dedicated equestrian camping options, Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, located approximately 25 miles away in Elkton, Maryland, provides access to extensive trail systems popular with horse riders. The 5,600-acre park maintains numerous trails through forest and meadow terrain suitable for horseback riding. Restrooms and picnic facilities are available for day use visitors. While the campground does not feature dedicated horse corrals, it does accommodate tent and RV camping with electric hookups and water access. The area's clean facilities and well-maintained trails attract riders throughout the riding season.
Located roughly 35 miles from Pilesgrove, Brendan Byrne State Forest in Woodland, New Jersey offers year-round horse camping with primitive sites suitable for horses and riders. The forest's extensive trail network connects to the wider Pinelands region, allowing for varied riding experiences through pine barrens and wetland ecosystems. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with access to drinking water, showers, and toilets. The campground permits pets and allows fires, making it suitable for overnight horse camping trips. Trash disposal is available on-site. Seasonal considerations include higher visitor numbers during summer months and occasional trail closures during wet periods, particularly in early spring.
"There are some equestrian and tent sites as well. Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking."
"I took her older cousins to the fishing pier, and we didn't even get a nibble, but I think it was too cold for panfish that close to shore."
from $27 - $45 / night
Check Availability"We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"
"Activities See the photo that shows 35 miles of hiking trails. It's an excellent brochure! "
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability"The only thing about this site specifically is the trail was close by so you’d occasionally see people walking by but not enough that it didn’t still feel secluded."
"I was only one in the forest ATM but saw some hikers occasionally throughout the day walking by."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"Campsite decent size, but some don't have clear boundaries to neighbors, and sometimes not optimally configured (e.g., the site next door's fire pit was placed on the edge of its site/right next to my"
"First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed!"
from $3 - $60 / night
Check Availability"This campground has 2 small loops, the Lake Loop and the Fiddler's Loop. Lake loop is the bigger of the two, however the “sites” are smaller and it's more open. It is popular with group tenters."
"Large campsites at the Lake Loop. Map is a little deceiving- the sites are farther from the lake than I expected and there are no running water bathrooms. Very clean and wooded sites."
from $15 - $50 / night
Check Availability
ScoutRestrooms are filthy with mold and mildew.
Water puddled on the restroom floor.really gross.
Cabin was mostly clean. The windows were full of dirt and bugs on the tracks.mattresses were terrible.The fireplace was nice. Kitchen was clean.
Can t wait to move on to a cleaner park.
GuideBeautiful campground but made the mistake of going on a holiday weekend, the campgrounds next to us were screaming and blasting music all day and throughout the night so we ended up leaving early. A beautiful campground when there aren’t noisy capers ruining it.
ScoutFirst time at this campground really like it a lot will be returning. The bathrooms are always clean. The grounds are always kept up. Just a really nice place to stay. Most of the sites have some kind of shade.
LegendWe spent a weekend at French Creek State Park as our home base for the Chester County Balloon Festival. We stayed for 2 nights at a full-hookup paved site, which ran us $55.25 per night.
WHAT I LIKED:
Peace& Quiet: The state park itself was lovely, serene, and felt nice and spacious.
Prime Location: At just 30 minutes away from the balloon festival, this is the closest campground.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
The"Leveling" Challenge: We were at site#C-241, which had a pretty significant slope. It took a few boards under the rear wheels and fully extended jacks just to get us anywhere near level.
Tight Fit for Big Rigs: Even though there was plenty of open space behind our site, the actual driveway pad was too short to comfortably fit our motorhome and Jeep together. Compared to other state parks we’ve visited, the interior roads and layouts felt a bit on the tight side.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
LegendOverall, this is a nice, small (about 65 sites) state park with plenty of recreational opportunities inside the park. There is nice separation between sites so you don’t feel like you are on top of your neighbor. Tall trees are scattered about which provide shade at some sites but overall, the park is pretty open. Roads getting to the park are easy to navigate with any size RV. Within the park, roads are paved and free of potholes and there are no low hanging branches. Since the roads are one-way they are not very wide so backing in big-rigs can be a little tight and you might have to run over the grass.
All RV sites are full hook-up and there is a separate area for tents and there is one canvas yurt for rent. The tent sites are nice in that they are tucked along the wood line slightly away from RVs with more privacy and shade. The only downside is that they are pretty far away from the centrally located bathroom and showers. The bathroom has separate rooms for showers which is nice and private. They were tended to daily and very clean. Also, located in the center of the campground is a playground, camp store and laundry. The dumpsters and recycle bins are located in a separate area on the way out of the campground and were frequently full and overflowing. Campsites are paved and some have wide enough that the patio is paved but others have a narrow pad for the RV and gravel patio. We discovered that most sites are level but a few are not (like 22 and 24). The campground is very clean and camp hosts were diligent about picking up trash and cleaning out fire pits every day.
Across the pond (north of the campground) is where most of the amenities are located such as concessions, ball fields, horseshoe pits, disk golf, and more. For those wanting to fish there is a pier in the campground and a self-serve vending machine with bait in it. There are additional fishing piers located in other parts of the park and there are boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for rent. We stopped in at the Nature Center but it was a bust– just a few taxidermy specimens and not much information. One of the most popular areas of the park is Go Ape which is a ropes/zip line course through the canopy (which does require admission fee). There are nice trails that leave right from the campground– some 17 miles in all. There is a boat launch about a quarter mile from the campground entrance which is suitable for trailerable boats and paddle craft but there are no docks so you can’t leave your boat tied up there. There is an off-leash dog area but it is located far from the campground so it’s best to drive.
ScoutBathrooms are clean and staff is nice
TravelerThe camp site was amazing. Everything is neat and clean and really beautiful place so quiet.
GuideThis campground has everything. Conveniently located, short drive to Dover, Wilmington, Annapolis and Baltimore. The sites were very large and spacious. Sites can accommodate any type of trailer or vehicle. Plenty of site hookups, areas for tents. There is a camp store, several washer and dryers. The best private, individual shower booths and even a pond to go fishing in.
ScoutThis is our 3rd time at this park, it is one of our favorites. Well maintained, very quiet. We stay in Loop A (full hookup) pet friendly. Sites are spacious, generally large but they are all back-in sites.
Equestrian camping opportunities exist within 35 miles of Pilesgrove, New Jersey, primarily in the neighboring states of Maryland and Delaware. The region features a mix of pine forest and wetland terrain with sandy soil conditions that drain well after rainfall. Seasonal temperatures range from winter lows around 30°F to summer highs in the mid-80s, with higher humidity levels during July and August.
Trail riding at Lums Pond State Park: Located about 30 miles from Pilesgrove, this Delaware park offers several equestrian trails with access to a 200-acre pond. "There's an off leash dog park, equestrian center and boat ramp. Book early because it fills up fast!" notes Ellen B., highlighting the popularity of this multi-use recreation area.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds near Pilesgrove feature lakes and ponds for fishing and boating. At French Creek State Park Campground, about 40 miles northwest, you'll find both Hopewell and Scotts Run Lakes. "We spent Saturday afternoon fishing but not catching anything at Scott's Run. It's a beautiful location and it was still a fun way to spend the day with the kids away from the site," shares Ellen C.
Hiking and biking: The region offers numerous trails through varied terrain. "Bike trails, Going Ape, kayaking and peaceful. Planning my next trip," writes Leah H. about Lums Pond State Park, mentioning activities beyond equestrian trails that make for a well-rounded outdoor experience.
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the roominess at Brendan Byrne State Forest, where horse camping is accommodated. "Sites are spaced out enough to offer privacy. Good trees for hammocking! Plenty of room for a few tents at each site," says Lindsay D., noting features that complement equestrian camping needs.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rank high on campers' priority lists. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, Adam and Suzanne B. found that "The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms."
Natural surroundings: The regional forests provide scenic camping backgrounds. Benjamin K. describes Brendan Byrne State Forest: "It's in the great NJ pine barrens. This place is fantastic! The smells, the sounds, the wildlife. Love it." This sensory description captures why many equestrian campers choose this location.
Reservation requirements: Many popular equestrian camping areas fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Hibernia County Park, Jennifer S. explains the system: "Sites can be reserved online, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration."
Hookup limitations: Be prepared for primitive camping at some locations. Jennifer S. continues about Hibernia: "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."
Wildlife considerations: The region's forests host abundant wildlife, including ticks. One camper at Brendan Byrne State Forest warns: "Ticks were very active on this visit be sure to remember your bug spray and tuck your pants in your socks!" This is particularly important for equestrians spending time on trails.
Playground access: Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in Maryland offers family-friendly amenities alongside equestrian trails. "Clean family friendly environment with tons of extra curricular activities for all," reports Heather P., highlighting the diverse recreation options.
Fishing opportunities: Several parks offer dedicated fishing ponds for younger anglers. Anna mentions at Hibernia County Park: "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing." This provides an alternative activity when not trail riding.
Weekend availability: Many smaller campgrounds have limited operating days. Chelsea notes about Hibernia: "Fantastic weekend with family. Large campsites at the Lake Loop." Plan accordingly as some facilities only operate Friday through Sunday.
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose your campground carefully if bringing horse trailers with living quarters. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, Matt S. appreciated the "Beautiful park setting with fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved." These features are essential for equestrian rigs.
Water and dump station access: RVers with living quarters should plan for water needs. Jennifer S. cautions about Hibernia County Park: "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home."
Primitive camping preparedness: For RVers used to full hookups, Blackbird State Forest Campground requires adjustments. D R. notes: "RV camping is not encouraged. Horseriding is encouraged." Come prepared for self-contained camping if bringing a horse trailer with living quarters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Pilesgrove, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Pilesgrove, NJ is Lums Pond State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 53 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Pilesgrove, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Pilesgrove, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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