2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area offers horse camping opportunities with specific rules and guidelines for equestrians. The primitive youth group camping areas require adherence to published regulations available on the park's website. While the park does not have dedicated horse corrals listed in the amenities, the management area provides drinking water, electric hookups, picnic tables, and toilets for campers. Trail access makes this a practical base for riders seeking natural terrain for day excursions.
Located near Elkton, Maryland, Fair Hill provides year-round access for equestrians looking to explore the region. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping, though it lacks big-rig accessibility and sewer hookups. Fires are permitted at designated sites, and trash disposal is available on premises. Campers should note that alcohol is not permitted within the park boundaries. The management area receives high ratings from visitors who appreciate the group camping arrangements and natural setting. Equestrians planning horse camping trips should check current reservation requirements before arrival, as specific rules apply to groups bringing horses.
"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
"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
"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
"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
from $22 - $100 / 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
The Drumore, Pennsylvania area sits at elevations ranging from 400-700 feet in the rolling hills of Lancaster County. Many equestrian campgrounds in this region offer creek access to the Susquehanna River watershed. Winter camping is limited to specific sites that remain open year-round with accessible facilities despite seasonal temperature changes.
Horseback riding trails: French Creek State Park Campground maintains miles of trails suitable for day rides. "We also checked out the horseback riding! Please bring your own horse - no rentals available," notes one visitor who explored the diverse terrain.
Water recreation: Lums Pond State Park Campground provides boating options within 45 minutes of Drumore. "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish at, 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," shares a reviewer.
Hiking systems: Multiple forest paths connect throughout the region with varying difficulty levels. "There are so many wonderful activities. There really is something for everyone here and if you can't find it you aren't looking very hard," explains a camper about the trail networks that offer both casual walking routes and more challenging elevation changes.
Private site spacing: Starlite Camping Resort gets high marks for adequate separation between campsites. "The individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed. Overall the sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy," notes one camper who appreciated the layout.
Clean facilities: Campground bathrooms and common areas receive consistent praise. "Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes," explains a visitor to French Creek State Park, while another mentions, "The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms."
Equestrian accommodations: Several properties offer specific amenities for horse camping. Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area features group camping arrangements that work well for trail riders. "There are specific rules that need to be followed and the guidelines are on the website," notes a visitor regarding the equestrian camping regulations.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds near Drumore fill quickly during peak season. "Book early because it fills up fast!" advises a camper about the popularity of certain sites, particularly those with full hookups for longer stays.
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Hibernia County Park offers basic camping with fewer amenities. "A nice primitive campground - good for a quick trip away. The campground is a county run one that works on a first come first serve basis, which is fine if there are others close by. They are wooded sites and have 2 loops. There is no store, but there a places close to get supplies," explains a camper about the arrangements.
Alcohol restrictions: Several public campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption. "The park is dry, no alcohol," notes a reviewer about Hibernia County Park, while similar restrictions exist at other public facilities in the region.
Water access planning: Water sources vary widely by location. "If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank. There is one spigot at the bathroom," advises a camper who experienced this limitation firsthand.
Playground access: Blackbird State Forest provides family-friendly spaces with appropriate facilities. "The camp sites are spaced out a good amount so each site has good privacy. There are multiple port a potties here but some sites are a bit far from them. Each site has a fire pit, a grill, and two tables with a decent amount of space for tents," notes a visitor who camped with children.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds maintain pools or water features for hot weather recreation. "Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean," mentions a reviewer about the amenities at French Creek that appeal to families.
Educational activities: Seasonal programming often includes nature study opportunities. "There are a ton of picnic tables too so you can take a lunch and just sit by the lake to relax and have a bite to eat. We have also attending an Orienteering event here which was nation wide and really exciting," shares a camper about the structured activities available.
Site leveling considerations: Many horse campgrounds near Drumore, Pennsylvania require careful positioning for larger rigs. "Yes, it is quite hilly throughout the campground, but the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed," explains a camper at Starlite Camping Resort who successfully navigated the terrain.
Hookup access: Electric and water connections may be positioned differently than expected. "Water pressure and electric were both great throughout the stay. There is no internet, but we had good cell phone service," notes a camper who appreciated the reliability of utilities.
Big rig limitations: Some locations cannot accommodate larger rigs. "I wouldn't attempt to park an RV up there," warns a reviewer about certain loops at Hibernia, while another suggests: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Drumore, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Drumore, 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 Drumore, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Drumore, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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