2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
French Creek State Park Campground, located in Elverson, Pennsylvania, lacks dedicated horse corrals or equine-specific camping facilities based on available data. The 7,900-acre park offers multiple camping loops with various accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts, but none specifically designed for equestrians. While pets are allowed in loop C, the feature list does not indicate specialized amenities for horses such as corrals, hitching posts, or dedicated equestrian campsites. The park maintains 35 miles of trails throughout the forested area, though reviews do not specifically mention horseback riding accessibility or trail use for equestrians.
The extensive trail network at French Creek connects to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, providing opportunities for recreation, though horse owners should contact park management regarding equestrian policies before planning a visit. Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions, with the park remaining open year-round in loop C, while other loops operate seasonally. For riders seeking horse-friendly accommodations near Chesterbrook, it's advisable to inquire directly with park management about any unofficial horse use policies or special permits that might be required for bringing equines. The bathrooms and facilities are generally well-maintained according to visitor reviews, but camping with horses would require advance planning and permission since no standard equestrian amenities appear in the campground's feature list.
"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 - $90 / 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
"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
"We were kindly escorted to our site (a nice refreshing change from having to wander around to find the sites ourselves), which was the one farthest away from the entrance."
"Close by to a couple of nice state parks. Cute sheep and goats that wander about during the day! Sweet little spot, we'll definitely be back!"
"Park employees and park police drive around through the day. Some big groups of campers got a little rowdy at night. The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting."
"The actual site was nice and was close to the bathrooms. There was plenty of shade as the sun moved throughout the day."
"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."
"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
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
French Creek State Park Campground offers year-round camping accommodations in Pennsylvania's forested landscape. Located about 20 miles west of Chesterbrook, this 7,900-acre park sits at elevations between 500-800 feet, creating varied terrain for hikers and mountain bikers. While not specifically designed for equestrian camping, the surrounding Chester County area offers several alternatives for those seeking horse campgrounds near Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania.
Trail exploration: 35+ miles of pathways connect throughout French Creek and into neighboring Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. "There are trails for mountain biking or hiking, a frisbee golf course, playground at the campground and at the lake, and an amphitheater at the campground where they hold events and Sunday morning church services," notes Jen R. at French Creek State Park Campground.
Water recreation: Two lakes for fishing and boating. "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish, kayak, canoe or just relax by. There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," reports a visitor. Ice fishing is permitted when conditions allow, with staff monitoring ice thickness.
Equestrian options: Plan ahead for horses. For riders looking for dedicated horse campgrounds near Chesterbrook, check out Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in nearby Maryland. While primarily offering group camping, the 5,600-acre property maintains extensive equestrian trails with specific areas for horses.
Privacy between sites: Unlike many crowded campgrounds, French Creek offers more secluded camping spots. "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors," writes a camper at Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Wildlife encounters: The forests surrounding Chesterbrook provide opportunities to experience Pennsylvania wildlife. At Mountainview Campground, one camper noted, "Shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise!"
Dark sky viewing: Areas with less light pollution offer stargazing opportunities. "Great spot for stargazing. Owners are very nice," reports a visitor at Mountainview Campground. The rural settings around Chesterbrook provide better night sky viewing than urban areas.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Cleanliness and amenities differ significantly between campgrounds. At Hibernia County Park, "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."
Seasonal operation and limited services: Many campgrounds operate on reduced 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 Hibernia County Park camper. Some close entirely during winter months.
Limited equestrian facilities: True horse campgrounds near Chesterbrook remain limited. While trails exist, most campgrounds lack dedicated corrals, water troughs, or specialized equestrian sites. Contact park offices directly about current horse policies.
Look for playgrounds and kid-friendly activities: French Creek offers multiple play areas. "Very nice playground area and clean," reports one camper. Another mentions, "There is a huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake."
Consider campsite placement carefully: Proximity to bathrooms matters with children. "Tent campers...keep your shoes handy, it's a hike," warns a reviewer at Lums Pond State Park Campground. "Meanwhile Mr and Mrs 12 slideout supernova with 5 bathrooms and a washer/dryer get the closest spot to a quick potty/shower break."
Choose sites away from noise: For better sleep quality with children, avoid campsites near highways or busy areas. "Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway," notes one Spruce Run camper, while another mentions, "You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down."
Check site levelness before booking: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. At Starlite Camping Resort, "Yes, it is quite hilly throughout the campground, but the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed."
Water and electric access varies: Not all sites offer full hookups. "We had electric however no water or sewer hookup. There was a spigot for water at the next site over from us, so we didn't have to walk far to get fresh water," notes a French Creek camper. Some campgrounds require filling tanks before arrival.
Power requirements for hilly terrain: Engine capacity matters when towing to some campgrounds. "If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills," warns a Starlite visitor. The rolling landscape around Chesterbrook requires adequate vehicle capacity for safe towing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Chesterbrook, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Chesterbrook, 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 Chesterbrook, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Chesterbrook, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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