1 campground with availability next weekend
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.
"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 - $75 / 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."
"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 next 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
"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."
from $22 - $100 / night
from $10 / night
GuideGreat campsite. Fire pit, picnic table, swimming pool ( not open), miniature golf course, laundromat, bathrooms, showers, dump station, gathering areas for groups, playground, and even a horse area and stalls for horses. Dog friendly. Staff was very helpful and curious.
GuideWhere we were camping had blown up their dump station. Artillery Ridge helped us out. $10. to dump. If we come to camp in Gettysburg, it will be hear.
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.
ScoutStaff is friendly and everything is kept up well, newly renovated pool and pavilion area.
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.
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area provides tent and RV accommodations within 60 miles of Conestoga, Pennsylvania. The park spans 5,600 acres of rolling countryside in the Piedmont plateau region with elevations between 200-300 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F, with periodic thunderstorms creating muddy conditions on the extensive trail network.
Trail riding: The extensive trail system at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area connects to multiple routes specifically designed for equestrians. "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., explaining the accommodation options for those with horses.
Kayaking and fishing: Visit Lums Pond State Park Campground for water activities within driving distance. "Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking," shares Ellen B. The park maintains fish stocks including "northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish."
Family hiking: Hibernia County Park offers accessible trails within a short drive from Conestoga. "Walking/hiking trails and the lake were super peaceful," reports Chelsea. The trail system includes "a half dozen, easy trails, the longest is around 2 miles," according to Jennifer S., making them suitable for families.
Affordable camping: Equestrian campers appreciate budget-friendly options near Conestoga. At Hibernia County Park, campers note the value: "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups," shares John Z. This makes it an economical choice for horse owners seeking basic accommodations.
Clean facilities: French Creek State Park Campground maintains well-kept amenities despite heavy usage. "Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes," reports Jen R. The campground "maintains clean facilities according to visitor reviews," making it comfortable for overnight stays.
Privacy between sites: Many equestrians value separation between camping areas. "The sites are not right on top of one another. There is a lot of shade and the campground is laid out well," notes Jen R. about French Creek State Park. Sites often feature "ample shade" with "so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors."
Reservation requirements: Starlite Camping Resort requires advance booking during peak seasons. "The employees in the camp store are amazing and go out of their way to make you feel welcome! I felt everyone went above and beyond to help me from the reservation process through check-in," shares Craig F. Reservations open several months in advance for equestrian sites.
Site terrain variations: Campground conditions vary significantly based on location and recent weather. "It was a little on the dirty side. I don't know if they have anyone who goes around to clean the bath houses but it certainly was in need of cleaning," reports one camper about facilities during peak season.
Limited water access: Water availability presents challenges at some horse-friendly locations. "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 one primitive camping area.
Playground access: Artillery Ridge Campground offers play areas for children near horse-friendly sites. "A little complaint we had was people walking through our sites due us being close to the playground and the noise level on the playground," mentions lakota M., indicating the proximity of some sites to play areas.
Kid-friendly fishing: Several parks near Conestoga offer designated fishing areas for young anglers. "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too," notes John Z. about local fishing opportunities that complement horseback riding activities.
Educational opportunities: History-focused campgrounds provide learning experiences. "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded," shares MJ B., describing the historical context available at Artillery Ridge, where "you can't get any closer to history."
Leveling challenges: Horse owners with RVs should prepare for uneven terrain. "The sites are mostly grass, and not very well defined which means the distance between you and your neighbor can vary depending on how you set up camp," notes Jennifer S. Sites "aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Water management: When visiting horse campgrounds near Conestoga, Pennsylvania, plan water usage carefully. At some parks, "there is one spigot at the bathroom," requiring campers to fill tanks before arrival. Some campgrounds offer "no showers are available" due to their primitive nature.
Site selection for large rigs: Equestrians with larger trailers should research specific site dimensions. "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," advises one experienced camper. Some parks like French Creek offer "sites #32 & #34 in Loop B" where "the kids had a lot of room to run and play between the two sites."
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 84 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Conestoga, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Conestoga, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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