Best Equestrian Camping near Conestoga, PA

Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area features horse-friendly camping and extensive equestrian trails in the region near Conestoga, Pennsylvania. While the campground does not offer dedicated horse corrals according to the data, it does accommodate horses with primitive youth group camping areas that allow equestrians. The campground provides electric hookups, drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets. Fires are permitted at designated fire rings throughout the camping area. The campground maintains clean facilities according to visitor reviews, though the primitive nature means no showers are available. The park earns consistently positive ratings from campers, averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars from visitors.

The extensive trail system at Fair Hill connects riders to multiple routes suitable for horseback riding throughout the natural area. Located within reasonable driving distance from Conestoga, the park offers opportunities for day rides and overnight equestrian camping experiences. The grounds follow specific rules for group camping that must be adhered to for horse owners staying overnight. Reservations are required and can be made through the park's official website. Campers appreciate the accessible water sources for horses and the well-maintained grounds. Trail riders will find the natural terrain varies from open meadows to wooded sections, providing diverse riding experiences. The park's location offers convenient access to other regional equestrian destinations for those looking to explore multiple riding areas during their stay.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Conestoga, Pennsylvania (8)

    1. French Creek State Park Campground

    79 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $20 - $75 / 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."

    2. Starlite Camping Resort

    6 Reviews
    Hopeland, PA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 733-9655

    "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."

    3. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 368-6989

    $22 - $40 / 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."

    4. Hibernia County Park

    8 Reviews
    Coatesville, PA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 383-3812

    $15 - $50 / 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."

    5. Artillery Ridge Campground

    24 Reviews
    Gettysburg, PA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 334-1288

    "This park is a perfect location if you want to explore Gettysburg National Historical Site as you can literally walk across the street and be in the park or venture½ mile up the road and you come to the"

    "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."

    7. Finksburg Forest

    Be the first to review!
    Finksburg, MD
    44 miles
    Website

    $22 - $100 / night

    8. Haldeman Tract Campsites — Weiser State Forest

    Be the first to review!
    Elizabethville, PA
    46 miles
    +1 (570) 875-6450

    $10 / night

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Conestoga, PA

5 Photos of 8 Conestoga Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Conestoga, PA

166 Reviews of 8 Conestoga Campgrounds


  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2021

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great Location to Battlefield

    This park is a perfect location if you want to explore Gettysburg National Historical Site as you can literally walk across the street and be in the park or venture½ mile up the road and you come to the park’s main visitor center. The campground has a bunch of different sites whether you want to spend more money for a premium full hook-up or save a few bucks and just get water and electric. There are lots of tent sites, cabins, and horse stalls with a corral for those traveling with horses. The park is also very close to the historic downtown so you don’t have to drive too far for the attractions. 

    We were able to do contactless check-in by making the reservation and paying over the phone. When we arrived, they had a packet out on a picnic table for us with directions to our site and information about the park and the surrounding area. But, the best part of the check-in was that we got a free bundle of wood and the cutest little s’mores packet which had just enough fixings for the two of us. Such a great touch that we really appreciated. We had a gravel pull thru site which was easy to navigate in and out of with our tow car attached and was plenty long enough. The roads are gravel but were not dusty. The site and patio were gravel and a mix of grass. The campground was very clean and well-cared for. 

    Some of the sites are in the open without much shade but some other areas have some nice shade.  Most of the tent section is pretty open with a few trees scattered about.  Some of the sites (i.e., 82) is very close to the playground and the fishing pond which get quite a bit of action so be aware of the nearby amenities when you choose a site.  

    This park is well-suited for people traveling with horses. There are multiple pens and a fenced riding arena and ample RV sites and cabins in the near the horse stalls and there is a hose wash rack. 

    Some of the things we liked about this park:

    • There is a big section of the park dedicated to horses as the National Riding Stables are located on the grounds. You can get guided tours of the battlefield on their rescue horses.

    • A 24/7 firewood dispensing machine– which we had never seen before• Catch and release fishing pond• Free putt putt golf.

    • Heated swimming pool

    • Clean, well-kept campground• Lots of activities for kids with playgrounds, volleyball basketball, game room, camp store, movies, pool, etc.

    We paid $44/night for our full hook-up site (#45) which we didn’t think was too expensive or unreasonable. Luckily for us, nobody was next to us during our stay (in May) as the neighboring sites were pretty close and this campground probably feels very tight when it’s full. The close proximity to Gettysburg NHS was the biggest plus of this park for us.

  • Amanda K.
    Aug. 14, 2022

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Reviews are misleading, they don’t offer what they use to

    I’m sure one point in time this use to be a 4-5 star campground. It is a far stretch from that today.

    PROS:

    AT&T / Cricket cell service Paved loops good for bicycles

    CONS:

    The large pool you see in pictures, is not operating.

    The kayak/canoe rentals is not operating.

    It is prohibited to take a swim in the lake.

    A majority of the campsites are small and stacked right on top of each-other. Ours, C15, was a rocky terrain making it difficult for our children to walk around.

    Loop A has many parking pads that are on a significant sloop making it very difficult to level your camper/rv

    The bathrooms don’t seem to be well maintained or cleaned.

    No camp store

    No place to buy firewood

    THE WORST PART - The park rangers are on the boarder-line of harassment. They constantly patrol the area and seek out reasons to write tickets. We have witnessed them rummaging around peoples campsites when they were away from their sites. It doesn’t take much to do something wrong. Your vehicle tires must be on the pavement pad, they cannot be touching the grass. If your vehicle cannot fit it must go in “over flow parking” which isn’t close by. Any evidence of alcohol is surly a fine.

    NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: Hopewell Furnace Historical Site Birdsboro Preserve St. Peters Classic Auto Mall Museum Ryerss Farm for aged equestrians

  • Ellen B.
    May. 23, 2019

    Lums Pond State Park Campground

    Great place in the back yard

    We do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations.

    Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer. 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. There’s an off leash dog park, equestrian center and boat ramp. Book early because it fills up fast!

  • MJ B.
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Camping as close to history as you can get

    Spent a weekend at Gettysburg. We camped at Artillery Ridge Campground, which served as an artillery storage/staging area for the Union during the battle. Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts. So close to history. We have been to Gettysburg before, but going with the kids again being older, we all had a greater appreciation of the sacrifice of this 3-day battle. We did Park Ranger tours to learn about the 1st shot and how the war started to stand in the footsteps of General Buford at Senitary Ridge in the cupola overseeing the battlefield. Later in the day we took a horse carriage ride through the battlefields, Picketts Charge and the peach orchard with a private guide to learn every ounce of the battlefield and the major players to learn about the 3 days of fighting that took place to how the civilians of Gettysburg were impacted. The three day battle claimed over 50,000 lives and we toured the town of Gettysburg to learn how the community had to deal with the aftermath of the masses who perished, the smell which went on for over 30 miles and limited resources such as clean water. It's amazing to see how history was so preserved but right across the street from battlefields where so many died stands fast food restaurants, and hotels. A little surreal. Would definitely recommend a ride out to Gettysburg and this campground, which is right next to the battlefields. Clean facilities. If you are into horses, this is the place for you! Though sites are not very private, everyone is very respectful, and you are not on top of each other. Quiet hours are observed, which is nice too. Store has a great variety of souviners, treats, and emergency camping items. You can't get any closer to history than here. Would definitely recommend if you are looking to visit Gettysburg.

  • Laure D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 24, 2021

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Feels crowded

    This PA state park felt, upon first impression, very tightly spaced and had an overall crowded feel in loop C, the only dog friendly electric loop. The sites that aren’t ADA have more space between them than we did.  Our site C41 was full hookup as are several others (1-7, 39-47). This is an ADA site, there are several of them. Perhaps this is why it’s crowded so they could fit extra ADA sites? They are very level and have paved pads, but also a paved picnic pad, and paved fire ring pad. Non ADA full hookup sites appeared to be the nicest though they were narrow and some weren’t level side to side. There were a lot of rocks embedded in the ground around and on many sites. Non ADA sites have only a paved pad for the RV. The picnic table and fire ring were behind our RV and when sitting at them, we were within view of sites 37, 39, and 40. I felt like I was in a townhouse setting. Non ADA sites varied as to where picnic and fire rings were set. Also many sites looked like there was quite a drop off at the edge of the already narrow pad so that you had a big step down off your last RV step. Site C42 is ADA and is a nice, semi private, spacious site. Though I’d choose from sites  #1-7 next time. ALL parking pads are 45’ long.

    Loop B has a mix of electric and non electric but doesn’t allow pets. That loop was more spacious and had trees between some  sites so it felt  more private. The sites appeared level. There are Yurts and mini cabins outside Loop C that had lots of space around them. Loop A is a pet loop but no electric. However, it’s closed now for what appears to be renovations. Loop D is non electric, no pets.

    The campground had no vacancy on this particular weekend. One car allowed per site and most had to park perpendicular. Sites were short (45’ long). 2nd cars are $5 a night but wouldn’t fit in most sites.

    The day use areas have frisbee golf, boat rentals, fishing, hunting, hiking, and a pool that overlooks the lake. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is adjacent to the park but was not fully open due to covid. It’s a large state park. The pool was nice looking but not open until Memorial Day. Boat rentals are available weekends in May and Sept. and daily all summer. These amenities were far from the campground and would require driving your car. Hiking trails were plentiful but most were labeled as “more difficult.”  Horse back riding is allowed on some trails. I didn’t see any trails that started at the campground loops. 

    Overall, it’s an adequate campground but not my favorite.

  • R
    Oct. 31, 2020

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Pretty much on the battlefield

    We stayed at this campground during the COVID pandemic so not much was open at the campground. But from the looks of it they have a small mini golf area, nice size basketball court and a good size building for activities. This campground has horse stalls and rings if you would like to bring your own horses. There were a few families that brought their horses and they were right across from our site. Kids loved being able to see them and get close and even pet them!

    This campground is minutes from town and is practically on the battlefield.

  • Christina S.
    Aug. 13, 2017

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Great local getaway

    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, there's a lake but unfortunately you can't swim in it, they have a public pool but we opted for hiking instead.

  • Z
    Jul. 5, 2021

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Amazing 4th of July Weekend

    The staff are very friendly and helpful. The campground was very well maintained and clean. Bathhouse is updated and clean. The RV sites are gravel and pretty level. Fun filled weekend of activities for the whole family. Close to historic Gettysburg battleground. Fantastic horse rescue on the campground. You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback. Nice catch and release pond in campground. Will definitely be returning.

  • Ellen C.
    Oct. 5, 2019

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Wenzel Ivanhoe 6 Tent at French Creek State Park

    Campground Review: French Creek State Park Campground is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. There are 200 individual sites in four loops, some with full hookups for RVs, some with electric only but mostly primitive sites. There are also several cottages, cabins and yurts available as well.

    For this trip, my husband and I camped alongside our friends, which included three other couples and their children, so we took up two electric sites for the tent campers and two full hook up sites for our friends with RVs. We stayed in Loop C, which is the only dog friendly loop in the campground, on sites 35, 37, 39,& 40. Thankfully, a short walk to the bathroom facilities for us tent campers.

    Normally site 35 would have been way too small for our usual gear– a behemoth 9X15 tent- but it was a perfect fit for the tent I was reviewing on this trip. Our friends, who have the same large tent as us, stayed on site 37 and had plenty of space to pitch it, but many of the sites surrounding ours were very rocky and left little option for a larger than normal sized tent so keep this in mind if you have a large family sized tent. I’ve included a few photos of the surrounding sites for future reference. The bath/shower house in this loop was adequate and includes two dish washing stations outside. The showers had good pressure and hot water. It was cleaned often throughout the weekend, however it is definitely in need of an update.

    We also checked out the other loops for future use and found Loop A to have very spacious, less rocky sites, however, there was little shrubbery between each site, making them less private than the sites in Loop C.

    There are two lakes in French Creek, Hopewell and Scott's Run and each contain many species of fish. We spent Saturday afternoon fishing but not catching anything at Scott's Run. It’s a beautiful location and it was still a fun way to spend the day with the kids away from the site.

    We found several places nearby to purchase wood, besides the supermarket and a nursery in town, there are a few residents that sell it right on their front lawn so be on the look-out en route to the park entrance.

    Generally, we camp in the off season, and usually have the whole place to ourselves, so I had some concern prior to arrival that every site in every loop was booked for the whole weekend and expected it to be noisy, however, I was pleasantly surprised. It was quiet and our neighbors were respectful of the quiet hours and our space. It was a wonderfully peaceful weekend for us all and we will definitely visit again soon.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Product Review: Wenzel Ivanhoe 6 Tent

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I am occasionally offered the opportunity to test new outdoor products. For this trip I tested the Wenzel Ivanhoe 6 Tent https://wenzelco.com/ivanhoe-6/.

    Generally, my husband and I use a larger ez up tent, but I liked this tent specifically for the design which is reminiscent of the tent my parents used when I was a child and figured it would be a good option for shorter weekend trips, rather than our 9X15 ez-up.

    The set up was relatively easy, although one person might have some difficulty. It held up well during an evening thunderstorm, but for a small seam leak near the door. We believe this is a result of the fact that our site was slightly uneven and that particular corner was not as evenly pitched with the other corners of the tent which resulted in a bit of a gap in the roof.

    The airflow is great, with the small vent in the rear, two side windows and the full screen door. There are also two smaller vents at the top- though neither seem seem to add that much airflow,- perhaps a design flaw or more likely the uneven ground it was pitched on.

    I love the fact that there are awnings over the side windows, but in order for them to be effective one must stake out three guy lines on each side, plus the one on the front and the back. Knowing this I had purchased some small lights to hang on the lines to prevent tripping on them at night and it worked out perfectly.

    The front doors are secured closed from wind and rain by velcro strips, rather than the standard ties. There are four side pockets and a handy troubleshooting guide sewn into the interior wall for any issues you experience while in use, such as leaking, condensation, or a faulty zipper.

    I am very happy with this tent. For the two of us it was the perfect size for our ten inch high queen size air mattress and some minimal gear. The peak height was just over 6 foot, so we were both able to stand upright without issue.


Guide to Conestoga

Horse camping in Pennsylvania offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian enjoyment, perfect for those looking to explore the scenic landscapes on horseback.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities for horse lovers

  • Starlite Camping Resort provides spacious sites with electric hookups and water, making it a comfortable choice for horse campers.
  • Artillery Ridge Campground features well-maintained facilities and easy access to trails, ideal for those wanting to ride through historic Gettysburg.
  • Finksburg Forest offers reservable sites with electric hookups and water, catering to equestrian needs.

Equestrian campers enjoy these nearby activities

  • At Starlite Camping Resort, families can partake in daily activities like crafts and live music, ensuring a fun-filled stay for all ages.
  • Artillery Ridge Campground is conveniently located near the Gettysburg battlefield, allowing campers to combine history with their equestrian adventures.
  • Hibernia County Park features scenic trails perfect for horseback riding, along with a beautiful park setting for family activities.

Most campgrounds have horse-friendly features for a great experience

  • Starlite Camping Resort is known for its friendly staff and clean facilities, making it a welcoming spot for horse enthusiasts.
  • Artillery Ridge Campground offers a unique camping experience right next to the battlefield, enhancing the adventure for history buffs and horse riders alike.
  • Finksburg Forest provides a peaceful environment with essential amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for both horses and their owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Conestoga, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Conestoga, PA is French Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 79 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Conestoga, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Conestoga, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.