Horse camping in the Exton region is limited with few dedicated facilities for equestrians. Located in Chester County's rolling Piedmont region at approximately 300 feet elevation, this area experiences moderate seasonal temperatures with summer highs around 85°F and winter lows near 25°F. While dedicated equestrian camping is scarce, several parks maintain trail systems accessible to riders with proper arrangements.
What to do
Horseshoe Trail riding: Access this historic 140-mile trail system near French Creek State Park Campground, which connects riders to varied terrain. "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," notes Jen R.
Lake activities: Enjoy fishing, kayaking or canoeing at multiple locations throughout the region. "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," reports Ellen C., who camped at French Creek.
Explore historic sites: Visit Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site adjacent to French Creek State Park. "Close by there is Hopewell National Furnace and St. Peter's Village with shops and restaurants and hiking trails as well," mentions one reviewer, highlighting the cultural attractions beyond nature activities.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many campgrounds feature natural separation between campsites. At Hibernia County Park, "Most sites are heavily wooded which means plenty of hammock hanging opportunities. 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," according to Jennifer S.
Clean facilities: Visitors appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. "Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean," writes Jen R. about French Creek State Park Campground.
Affordability: Many camping options provide good value. One reviewer noted Hibernia County Park is "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground."
What you should know
Limited availability: Reservations are essential at popular campgrounds, especially during peak season. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, "We do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations... Book early because it fills up fast!" advises Ellen B.
Horse facility restrictions: While trails permit horses, most campgrounds lack dedicated equestrian facilities. For overnight horse stays, contact Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in nearby Maryland for more extensive options.
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds feature varied terrain and amenities depending on loop location. "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," explains a reviewer at French Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly fishing spots: Look for stocked ponds designated for young anglers. At Hibernia, "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," notes Anna, adding that "We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12. There's running water available, porta potties are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp."
Playground access: Several parks feature dedicated play areas. "There is a very nice playground situated conveniently between the loops of the campground. It had some slides, a bridge, lots of monkey bars, ladders to climb on and the best feature was the zip line," according to Jen R.
Trail difficulty levels: Choose appropriate hiking paths based on children's ages. "There are a half dozen, easy trails, the longest is around 2 miles," mentions Jennifer S. about Blackbird State Forest Campground, which provides manageable outdoor adventures for families.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Research specific sites that accommodate larger vehicles. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," reports Jen R. about French Creek State Park Campground.
Hookup location matters: Check utility placement when selecting sites. At Starlite Camping Resort, "We had two sites this trip with water and electric, but they do have quite a few full hook-up sites. Overall the sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy... Water pressure and electric were both great throughout the stay," according to Craig F.
Terrain considerations: Be prepared for hilly terrain at certain campgrounds. "If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills," advises Chris G. about Starlite Camping Resort, while another camper notes that despite hilliness "the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed."
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