Equestrian camping options near Havertown, Pennsylvania include several state parks and forests within a 40-60 mile radius. The region features varied terrain with rolling hills, densely forested areas, and elevations ranging from 200 to 800 feet above sea level. Weather conditions typically allow for camping from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Brendan Byrne State Forest in Woodland, New Jersey offers extensive trail networks through pine forests about 55 miles from Havertown. The trails connect through the Pine Barrens ecosystem. "There are probably hundreds of miles of trails through the woods and bogs to explore. Can't tell you how much I love it. Could spend a whole vacation just with these trails and never leave this state park," notes Benjamin K.
Fishing excursions: At French Creek State Park, campers can access two lakes for fishing. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," explains Jen R. The park is approximately 30 miles northwest of Havertown.
Historical exploration: Hibernia County Park features historical attractions alongside camping. "There is an old mansion that gives tours on weekends," reports Jim N. The park provides primitive camping with access to nearby historical sites, including the mansion tour which typically runs Saturday and Sunday from 1-4pm during summer months.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the layout at Hibernia County Park, located about 25 miles west of Havertown. "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. Fiddler's loop is where we always camp... We LOVE this campground. It's tiny (19 sites in Fiddlers loop), it's quiet, it's heavily wooded," shares Jennifer S.
Clean facilities: Lums Pond State Park in Bear, Delaware receives high marks for maintenance. "Great bath houses, always super clean," reports al K. Another camper notes, "The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms."
Wildlife encounters: Mountain View Campground offers quiet surroundings with abundant wildlife. "I've never heard so much wildlife there as I did here. Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise," describes Christina H.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: State parks fill quickly, especially in summer. At Lums Pond State Park, one camper advises, "I understand why it is so difficult to get a reservation at Lums Pond." Another notes, "Book early because it fills up fast!"
Limited horse facilities: Most campgrounds require bringing your own containment systems. At French Creek State Park, horse riders need to bring portable corrals or high-line setups as permanent facilities aren't available. Brendan Byrne State Forest allows horses on trails but has similar limitations regarding overnight accommodations.
Site limitations: Pay attention to site descriptions. "Even though the towel is a nice size it could still be a little bigger. My husband is 6'3" and he felt like he was using a dishcloth to dry himself off," shares one camper about amenities at French Creek State Park. Research campsite dimensions beforehand, especially for larger rigs or groups with multiple tents.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Blackbird State Forest offers spacious sites for families. "Each site has a fire pit, a grill, and two tables with a decent amount of space for tents," notes a camper. The camping area includes easy hiking trails accessible for children with proper supervision.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean," reports Jen R. about French Creek State Park. The playground is situated between camping loops, providing convenient access for families.
Water recreation: Lakes at multiple parks offer family water activities. "We also used them to eat our chili. It was funny as my husband was using the spoon side and me the fork side. What do you eat your chili with? Let the great debate begin!" shares a camper about mealtime after spending the day at the lake at French Creek State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Mountainview Campground accommodates various RV sizes. "We just bought a small tear drop trailer and have begun taking it on weekend excursions. We took it to Mountain View this weekend, with a little trepidation on how we were going to get the trailer backed into the space. Not to worry, they gave us a nice drive through space," shares Robert J.
Levelness considerations: Pay attention to site grade at horse campgrounds near Havertown. "The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back. That was a bonus," notes one camper about Lums Pond State Park. French Creek State Park sites have "a paved level area which made set up a breeze."
Hookup locations: Check utility placement before selecting sites. "The site offered electric and water but they were on 2 different sides. This made it difficult to set up. Had to park the camper crooked to use both," reports Amanda H. about facility layouts that can affect RV positioning.
