1 campground with availability this weekend
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area stands out as the primary equestrian camping destination near Concordville, Pennsylvania. The 5,600-acre park features extensive bridle paths and designated areas for horse camping. Sites provide essential amenities including water hookups, electric service, and sanitary dump stations. The campground maintains clean toilet facilities and trash collection for riders staying overnight. While no dedicated horse corrals are listed in the amenities, riders typically bring portable corrals or use highlines for their horses. Trails throughout the area connect to a network of riding paths that extend beyond park boundaries.
Located approximately 18 miles from Concordville, Fair Hill offers direct access to miles of multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding with varied terrain. Trail maps are available at the park office for riders planning day trips or extended stays. Trailer parking is available at designated camping areas and day-use trailheads. Sites are available year-round, though trail conditions vary seasonally. Horse owners should note that while pets are not permitted in certain park areas, horses have dedicated facilities and access routes. Riders appreciate the well-maintained paths and scenic routes through the natural management area. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak riding seasons in spring and fall when trail conditions are optimal.
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $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
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area extends across 5,600 acres of diverse terrain in Cecil County, Maryland, about 18 miles from Concordville, Pennsylvania. Situated in the Piedmont region where Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland meet, the area features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 220 to 450 feet. The natural resource area maintains moderate temperatures throughout camping season with daytime highs averaging 75-85°F in summer and 55-65°F in spring and fall.
Trail riding: Access 80 miles of maintained trails at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, where both day use and overnight equestrian camping are available. "There are two primitive youth group camping areas. There are specific rules that need to be followed and the guidelines are on the website," notes Gen F. in her review.
Fishing opportunities: Try your luck at French Creek State Park where two lakes offer diverse fishing options. "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," explains Jen R. in her detailed review.
Water activities: Rent canoes or kayaks at the lakes for non-motorized exploration. "We did take our inflatable kayak out on the water, and it was lovely! There is also a nice picnic area with grills and picnic tables right by the boat landing, where we picnicked and hung out for an afternoon," shares Katie M.
Hiking trail networks: Find connected trail systems perfect for day hikes from most campgrounds. "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 a camper from Lums Pond State Park.
Private, spacious sites: Campers consistently mention the breathing room between sites at Hibernia County Park. "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," notes Chelsea in her review of this equestrian-friendly park near Concordville.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain excellent bathhouses. "The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms," reports Adam and Suzanne B. about their experience at Lums Pond State Park.
Natural settings: Wooded camping areas provide shade and privacy at several parks. "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 Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.
Affordable options: Budget-friendly camping is available at several parks. "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under," mentions John Z. regarding Hibernia County Park.
Reservation requirements: Many horse campgrounds near Concordville fill quickly during peak season. "Book early because it fills up fast!" advises Ellen B. about Lums Pond State Park, which offers equestrian access.
Limited hookups: Be prepared for primitive camping at some parks. "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," warns Jennifer S. about Hibernia Park.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts trail conditions significantly in this region. "We have been having a crazy amount of rain here in Pennsylvania so due to weather related issues we haven't been able to get out there until now," reports Jen R. about her spring camping experience at French Creek.
Facility variations: Bathroom options vary widely between parks. "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," notes a reviewer about Hibernia Park.
Playground access: Find campgrounds with dedicated play areas for children. "Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean," mentions Jen R. about French Creek State Park.
Kid-friendly fishing: Take younger anglers to designated children's fishing areas at Blackbird State Forest, located within 30 miles of Concordville. "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground," shares John Z.
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with historical learning at parks near historic sites. "There is the Reading and Berks County Visitors Bureau and Chester County Visitors Bureau, State Game Lands 43, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and Daniel Boone Homestead," notes a camper about attractions near French Creek State Park.
Safety considerations: Note that some campgrounds have challenging terrain for very young children. "Yes, it is quite hilly throughout the campground, but the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed," reports Craig F. about Starlite Camping Resort.
Site leveling: Check campground reviews for information about site grading. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze," shares Jen R. about French Creek State Park campsites.
Hookup availability: Confirm services before booking as they vary widely near Concordville. "We paid $46 per night plus fees for a FHU 50 Amp Back-in site(#56)," notes Matt S. about Starlite Camping Resort, adding, "Beautiful park setting with fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved."
Dump station access: Not all parks provide this essential service. "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," advises Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.
RV size limitations: Verify your rig will fit before reserving. "If you have a large camper or 5th wheel you may need to double check what sites can accommodate your RV to ensure you have enough room," cautions a reviewer at French Creek State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Concordville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Concordville, 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 Concordville, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Concordville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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