2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area accommodates horseback riders with dedicated trail systems and equestrian facilities near Chester Heights, Pennsylvania. Located 28 miles southwest in Elkton, Maryland, this established campground maintains drinking water access, electric hookups, and sanitary dump stations beneficial for equestrian camping trips. The campground features primitive youth group camping areas with specific guidelines that must be followed according to their website. Tent and RV camping options are available, though reviews note this is primarily a group camping destination rather than individual sites.
The extensive trail system at Fair Hill provides excellent riding opportunities through forested terrain and open fields. Trail networks connect to nearby waterways and offer varied terrain suitable for different riding experience levels. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings with allowed fires, and trash collection services. While no specific horse corrals are mentioned in the campground data, the area is well-known for its equestrian events and horse-friendly environment. The park maintains clean, well-maintained grounds and facilities as noted by visitors. Reservations are required for camping, with specific rules designed to accommodate organized groups rather than individual campers.
"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 this weekend
from $20 - $75 / night
"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 this weekend
from $27 - $45 / 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
The region surrounding Chester Heights features rolling hills and hardwood forests with an average elevation of 300-400 feet above sea level. Located along the Brandywine Valley, this area experiences mild summers and cold winters with average rainfall of 45 inches annually. Equestrian camping facilities near Chester Heights often connect to extensive trail networks spanning thousands of acres of managed woodland and meadow habitat.
Hiking trails access: Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area offers extensive trail systems through varied terrain. "There are a ton of picnic tables too so you can take a lunch and just sit by the lake to relax and have a bite to eat. We have also attending an Orienteering event here which was nation wide and really exciting," notes one visitor who enjoyed the diverse recreation options.
Fishing opportunities: At French Creek State Park, anglers can access two lakes stocked with diverse fish species. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish. Ice fishing is also allowed at both lakes and the ice thickness is monitored," reports a camper who appreciated the year-round fishing access.
Horseback riding trails: Hibernia County Park connects to regional equestrian trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "The park is well-known for its equestrian events and horse-friendly environment," explains a frequent visitor, noting that riders should bring water for their horses as natural water sources may be seasonal.
Clean facilities: Lums Pond State Park earns consistent praise for maintenance. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," writes one camper who visited with family members with varying comfort levels.
Spacious campsites: Many equestrian campgrounds provide extra room for trailers and equipment. "From the moment I pulled in and observed how large the sites were, I was hooked. Bike trails, Going Ape, kayaking and peaceful," notes a visitor who appreciated having adequate space for their camping setup.
Natural setting: Hibernia County Park offers a secluded woodland camping experience. "We LOVE this campground. It's tiny (19 sites in Fiddlers loop), it's quiet, it's heavily wooded. There is NOTHING to do except walk or bike the beautiful trails, spend time on Chamber's Lake, spend time in the hammock and stare at the fire," shares a repeat visitor who values the undeveloped character.
Reservation requirements: Most horse-friendly campgrounds near Chester Heights require advance booking. "Book early because it fills up fast!" advises a regular camper at Lums Pond State Park who has learned to secure sites well in advance.
Limited hookups: Blackbird State Forest offers primitive camping with minimal amenities. "Each campsite features a picnic table or two, and a fire pit, plus one bundle of firewood. The ground is dirt covered with woodchips and sometimes evergreen needles -- pretty easy to sleep in a tent," explains a visitor who appreciated the natural setting despite limited facilities.
Seasonal availability: Several area campgrounds operate on restricted schedules. "This campground is only open on the weekends, in season. Sites can be reserved on line, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration," notes a visitor to Hibernia County Park who planned accordingly.
Playground access: Several equestrian campgrounds near Chester Heights include family amenities. "Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean," reports a visitor to French Creek State Park who traveled with children.
Kid-friendly fishing: Dedicated fishing areas for younger anglers make family outings more enjoyable. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," explains a visitor to Hibernia County Park who found activities suitable for children ages 3-12.
Multi-age activities: Starlite Camping Resort provides programmed events for different age groups. "There are regular activities for all ages including bingo, crafts and live music," reports a long-term visitor who found entertainment options for the entire family.
Leveling considerations: Horse camping areas often have varied terrain requiring preparation. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," notes a visitor to French Creek State Park who appreciated the thoughtful site design.
Electric availability: Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area provides limited electric hookups at equestrian sites. "We stayed in Loop C, which is the only loop that allows pets, on sites 35, 37, 39,& 40. Thankfully, a short walk to the bathroom facilities for us tent campers," explains a visitor who selected their site based on specific needs.
Water access planning: Prepare for limited water availability at some horse camping facilities. "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. There is one spigot at the 'bathroom'," advises an RV camper at Hibernia County Park who recommends arriving with full tanks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Chester Heights, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Chester Heights, PA is French Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 84 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Chester Heights, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Chester Heights, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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