2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
French Creek State Park Campground offers equestrian-friendly camping with designated trails for horseback riding throughout its 7,730 acres. The park features multiple camping loops, with Loop C specifically allowing pets and providing a mix of full hookup, electric, and non-electric sites. Trails are marked for horse use, though some reviews note they can be muddy after rain. The campground accommodates tents, RVs, and also offers yurts and cabins for those seeking alternative accommodations. Park rangers patrol the grounds regularly, ensuring rules are followed, including proper vehicle parking and campsite maintenance. Horse owners find the park's extensive trail system provides ample riding opportunities through wooded terrain.
Located 21 miles from Valley Forge National Historical Park, French Creek provides access to both natural areas and historical sites for day trips. Lums Pond State Park Campground, another option for horse enthusiasts, includes an equestrian center and trails suitable for riding. The pond loop trail accommodates horses and connects to additional riding paths. Sites at both parks require advance reservations, especially during peak seasons when availability becomes limited. Trailer parking is available, though some sites may have length restrictions requiring creative parking solutions. The terrain at French Creek can be rocky in certain areas, which affects both campsite comfort and trail conditions for horses. Water access points are available throughout both parks, providing necessary hydration stops during longer rides.
"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."
Available next weekend
from $27 - $45 / night
"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"
"Campground Review: French Creek State Park Campground is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."
Available next weekend
from $20 - $75 / night
"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
"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
"Starlight is a nice campground to relax or explore central Pennsylvania."
"The campground is in a great location with easy access to Lancaster, Hershey and many other places to explore."
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.
TravelerThis is the most quietest campground. Perfect when you need to go somewhere to think. The people here are very nice. The wildlife is amazing
TravelerHarder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept
Equestrian camping facilities dot the landscape around Avondale, Pennsylvania, with multiple state parks featuring dedicated trails and accommodations for horses. The rolling hills of Chester County provide varied terrain for riders, with elevations ranging from 230 to 500 feet above sea level. Most horse campgrounds near Avondale remain open year-round with prime camping season from April through October when trail conditions are optimal.
Trail riding at Blackbird State Forest: This less-crowded alternative to other parks offers secluded camping with multiple hiking paths suitable for horses. "We spent a weekend in BO1, spacious campsite, grill, picnic table, firepit, parking for 2-3 cars plus overflow parking. Firewood was easy to get and was plenty of it," notes John C. about Blackbird State Forest Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds near Avondale feature stocked fishing ponds for a break from riding. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," states a review from French Creek State Park Campground.
Children's fishing pond: Younger campers can enjoy designated fishing areas at some parks. "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too," reports John Z. about Hibernia County Park's dedicated fishing areas for kids.
Private, spacious sites: Many equestrian campers appreciate the well-designed campsites that accommodate trailers. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers," says Jen R. about Hibernia County Park.
Clean facilities: The maintained bathhouses receive consistent positive mentions. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," Mark shares about Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Seasonal adaptability: Many equestrian campgrounds operate year-round. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby," reports Galit P. about winter camping at French Creek State Park.
Site reservations fill quickly: Popular horse camping locations book up fast, especially during peak seasons. "Book early because it fills up fast!" advises Ellen B. about Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Variable bathroom facilities: Facilities range from primitive to modern across the region. "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 Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.
Campsite terrain challenges: Some sites require creative leveling solutions. "The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun," reports Adam and Suzanne B. about Lums Pond State Park Campground, indicating the importance of checking site conditions before booking.
Playground access: Several equestrian campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Our daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards). The only complaint I have is that the kiddie swings seem to be modeled after the seasickness machine," shares Mark about Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area.
Nature activities: Trails offer educational opportunities beyond riding. "The trails were well marked, and the day we took a hike, we ended up on the equestrian trail that runs all the way around the pond. It was a long, but easy hike," reports Mark about exploring with family.
Quiet camping environment: Many campers note the peaceful atmosphere. "In February, about 1/4 of the sites were occupied. It was very quiet. The sites are large and well spaced," shares Adam and Suzanne B. about winter camping with families at Lums Pond.
Hookup availability: RV options vary significantly across horse campgrounds. "Sites are full hook up with about 5 tent sites. All are pretty much level. Close to shopping if needed," notes Sandy E. about Starlite Camping Resort, which provides alternatives for those seeking more amenities.
Site leveling considerations: RVers should prepare for varied terrain. "The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back. That was a bonus," reports Mark about Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Seasonal differences: Weather impacts site conditions significantly. "We were in the D loop which is rustic with no hookups. Quiet, very few people mid-week. Spacious sites," explains Cheryl K. about French Creek State Park's off-season camping, noting how camper density changes with seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Avondale, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Avondale, PA 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 Avondale, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Avondale, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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