2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Equestrian enthusiasts seeking camping options near Coatesville, Pennsylvania have limited dedicated facilities for horses. Hibernia County Park offers primitive camping suitable for tent and RV campers, though without designated horse corrals or stalls. The park features hiking trails that permit horseback riding through wooded areas and around Chambers Lake. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings with built-in grills. The lake campground has two separate loops—Lake Loop and Fiddler's Loop—with Fiddler's Loop offering more wooded sites that can accommodate smaller RVs. Sites are somewhat close together with minimal privacy, particularly in the Lake Loop where campsites are situated directly along hiking trails.
French Creek State Park, located approximately 15 miles from Coatesville, provides camping options though also lacks specific equestrian facilities. The park contains over 7,500 acres with multiple trails suitable for horseback riding through the largest tract of forest between New York City and Washington D.C. Four camping loops offer various accommodation options including tent sites, RV sites with hookups, and cabins. Loop C allows pets and may be more suitable for horse owners. Sites feature paved level areas, picnic tables, and fire rings. Trailer parking is limited, and riders should check in advance about regulations for horse access on specific trails. The terrain consists primarily of wooded areas with some elevation changes throughout the trail system.
"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 - $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 next weekend
from $17 - $32 / 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."
"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 offers camping options within 15 miles of Coatesville, Pennsylvania in Chester County. The park contains 7,526 acres of protected land between urban centers with hiking and equestrian trails throughout its forested terrain. Sites have paved areas with varying levels of hookups. Several campgrounds near Coatesville accommodate tents, RVs, and some provide facilities for horse owners looking for outdoor recreation opportunities.
Horseback riding trails: French Creek State Park has extensive trails suitable for horseback riding through forested areas. According to Katie M., "There is lots of hiking, the lake is beautiful, at least two playgrounds (perfect for our kids), the bathrooms were well maintained." The park offers diverse terrain for riders of various skill levels.
Water activities: Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and canoeing at Lums Pond State Park Campground, located within driving distance of Coatesville. Ellen B. notes, "Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking." The park allows only electric motors on the pond, making it peaceful for paddlers.
Orienteering: French Creek hosts organized orienteering events that attract participants from across the country. One reviewer mentioned, "We have also attending an Orienteering event here which was nation wide and really exciting. People came from all over the country to attend which was really a great experience." The park's varied terrain makes it ideal for this navigational sport.
Frisbee golf: The wooded setting at French Creek adds challenge to the frisbee golf course. "There is also a frisbee golf course in the woods to make it even more interesting and competitive. The trees definitely make it harder!" This activity provides a different way to experience the park's natural environment.
Privacy between sites: At Starlite Camping Resort, campers appreciate the spacious layout. Craig F. reports, "Overall the sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy. Too often private campgrounds attempt to squeeze as many sites as possible and end up with campers on top of their neighbors, but at Starlight, the sites felt very secluded."
Clean facilities: The bathhouse facilities at many campgrounds in the region receive positive reviews. At French Creek, Cheryl K. observed, "Bathrooms were just okay. Muddy floors - don't know how often floors are cleaned. Showers were odd - one large stall but no separate dressing area so you have to be very careful so as not to get your stuff wet during the shower."
Wooded campsites: Blackbird State Forest Campground provides secluded sites with natural surroundings. As Sarah M. describes, "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return! No running water- only port a potties but they were clean." The forest setting offers a true nature experience for those seeking equestrian camping near Coatesville.
Limited hookups: At Hibernia County Park, Jennifer S. points out, "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." Plan accordingly if visiting with an RV.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Lums Pond, Ellen B. advises, "Book early because it fills up fast!" Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis while others require advance reservations.
Bathroom facilities vary: Facility quality differs significantly between campgrounds. At French Creek, Jen R. found "Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes." However, Hibernia Park offers more rustic options with "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."
Site terrain challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain that can affect setup. Jennifer S. notes about Hibernia, "They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix." This is particularly important for horse owners looking for level sites to set up temporary corrals.
Playground access: Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area offers group camping facilities with nearby recreation options. At similar facilities like French Creek, Katie M. shares, "There is lots of hiking, the lake is beautiful, at least two playgrounds (perfect for our kids), the bathrooms were well maintained."
Fishing opportunities: Anna at Hibernia County Park recommends, "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing." This provides a dedicated area for younger anglers to practice their skills with higher chances of success.
Swimming options: During summer months, check which parks offer swimming facilities. One camper at French Creek mentioned, "There is a pool and another playground near the park office," though they noted that "the pool was closed" during their October visit.
Hiking with kids: Many parks offer shorter trail options suitable for families. Katie M. shares about French Creek, "We loved our stay at this park, and plan to return. We tented in loop D... There is lots of hiking, the lake is beautiful, at least two playgrounds (perfect for our kids)."
Site specifications: At French Creek, Cheryl K. advises, "We were in the D loop which is rustic with no hookups. Quiet, very few people mid-week. Spacious sites." Knowing which loops accommodate larger rigs helps with planning.
Level parking areas: Most campgrounds near Coatesville offer at least some sites suitable for RVs. Jen R. notes about French Creek State Park, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other."
Electric service information: For campers requiring hookups, check amperage availability. At Starlite Camping Resort, Timothy T. mentions the campground is "clean and spacious sites" and they offer water and electric hookups, with some full hookup sites available.
Water access for RVs: At Hibernia County Park, Jennifer S. cautions, "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." This practical information helps RV owners plan water usage during their stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Coatesville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Coatesville, 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 Coatesville, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Coatesville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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