2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in Maryland is one of the only equestrian-friendly campgrounds within reasonable driving distance of Glen Riddle Lima, Pennsylvania. Located in Elkton, this 5,600-acre property features 80 miles of maintained trails through varied terrain, making it popular with horse riders throughout the region. The facility provides limited electric hookups at campsites that can accommodate both tents and RVs with horse trailers. Trail riders note the well-maintained bridle paths that connect directly to camping areas. The management area is specifically designed with horse owners in mind, with accessible trailheads and ample parking for horse trailers.
Fair Hill's primitive equestrian camping requires advance reservations, especially during peak riding seasons from spring through fall. The natural resources area maintains year-round availability, allowing riders to experience the trail system throughout different seasons. Portable water troughs can be set up at campsites, though campers should bring their own water buckets. The trails connect to various scenic overlooks and wooded areas popular with local equestrians. Horse owners must follow specific manure management protocols, removing waste from campsites and designated areas. While not offering permanent horse corrals, the area provides space for portable corrals or highline setups. The campground's terrain is generally level, making it suitable for setting up temporary horse containment systems.
"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
"Campsite decent size, but some don't have clear boundaries to neighbors, and sometimes not optimally configured (e.g., the site next door's fire pit was placed on the edge of its site/right next to my"
"First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed!"
from $3 - $60 / 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."
ScoutRestrooms are filthy with mold and mildew.
Water puddled on the restroom floor.really gross.
Cabin was mostly clean. The windows were full of dirt and bugs on the tracks.mattresses were terrible.The fireplace was nice. Kitchen was clean.
Can t wait to move on to a cleaner park.
GuideBeautiful campground but made the mistake of going on a holiday weekend, the campgrounds next to us were screaming and blasting music all day and throughout the night so we ended up leaving early. A beautiful campground when there aren’t noisy capers ruining it.
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.
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area provides primitive equestrian camping facilities near Glen Riddle Lima, Pennsylvania. Located in northeastern Maryland, the management area spans 5,600 acres with varied terrain and over 80 miles of maintained trails. The area features limited electric hookups at campsites that accommodate both tents and RVs with horse trailers. The campground offers year-round availability with higher usage during spring through fall months.
Hiking and exploring trails: The expansive trail system at French Creek State Park Campground connects directly to camping areas. "We loved our stay at this park, and plan to return. There is lots of hiking, the lake is beautiful, at least two playgrounds, the bathrooms were well maintained," states Katie M.
Kayaking on local lakes: Several parks within driving distance offer water recreation opportunities. "We did enjoy the paddle boats and saw a few cranes! There is also a pool and another playground near the park office," notes Jen R. about her experience at French Creek.
Visit historic sites: The region features significant historical landmarks. "If you can't find enough to keep you busy at the campground or park there are a few attractions nearby... Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and Daniel Boone Homestead," shares a French Creek visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Hibernia County Park offers dedicated fishing areas for different age groups. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," mentions Anna, who camped at the park's Lake Campground.
Private, wooded sites: Many equestrian camping options near Glen Riddle Lima provide natural separation between campsites. At Blackbird State Forest Campground, "The camp sites are spaced out a good amount so each site has good privacy. Each site has a fire pit, a grill, and two tables with a decent amount of space for tents," notes a camper identified as Blind.
Clean facilities: Regular maintenance is a common positive mention. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, "The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms," according to Adam and Suzanne B.
Level parking areas: Horse trailer parking is easier with properly graded sites. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," shares Jen R. about French Creek State Park.
Natural surroundings: The region's varied landscape appeals to equestrians seeking diverse riding experiences. "The smells, the sounds, the wildlife. Love it," Benjamin K. says about Brendan Byrne State Forest, adding "There are probably hundreds of miles of trails through the woods and bogs to explore."
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campsites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "Book early because it fills up fast!" advises Ellen B. about Lums Pond State Park.
Water access varies: Not all horse campgrounds provide easy water access for large trailers. At Hibernia County Park, a visitor notes "There is one spigot at the bathroom," but advises "If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Glen Riddle Lima, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Glen Riddle Lima, 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 Glen Riddle Lima, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Glen Riddle Lima, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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