1 campground with availability next weekend
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area offers access to a variety of trails for horse riders camping in the Holtwood area. The campground features a trail system with multiple routes suitable for horse riding through wooded areas. Campers can set up tent or RV accommodations near the riding areas, though there are no dedicated horse corrals at this location. Most sites are primitive with basic amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, picnic tables, and toilet facilities. The park enforces specific rules for group camping areas that must be followed according to guidelines published on their website.
Riders at Hibernia County Park can access trails connecting to the campground's two loops - Lake Loop and Fiddler's Loop. The park's wooded setting provides natural shade for horses and riders during summer months. Sites are positioned along clearly marked trails with access to Chamber's Lake approximately a three-minute hike away. While the campground does not offer specialized equestrian facilities, the primitive setting works well for experienced horse campers who bring their own portable corral systems. The Lake Loop is more open and suitable for group equestrian camping, while Fiddler's Loop provides more tree cover and privacy between sites. The campground operates primarily on weekends during the May to October season with most sites available through online reservation or first-come, first-served self-registration.
"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
"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
"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."
"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."
"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
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.
Equestrian camping near Holtwood, Pennsylvania offers access to diverse trail systems across eastern Pennsylvania and nearby Delaware. The region features predominantly deciduous forest with elevations ranging from 250-500 feet and moderate precipitation throughout the camping season. Sites typically open from May through October, with some facilities providing year-round access.
Trail riding at French Creek State Park: The 7,526-acre park features multiple trail systems accessible to equestrians through wooded terrain. "Lots of hiking, family friendly. We tented in loop D...lots of hiking, the lake is beautiful, at least two playgrounds (perfect for our kids), the bathrooms were well maintained," explains Katie M. about French Creek State Park Campground.
Fish local waterways: Several parks offer fishing opportunities in well-stocked ponds and lakes. "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish, 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," notes Jen R. about her stay at French Creek.
Explore historic sites: The region contains numerous historic landmarks within short driving distance. At Artillery Ridge Campground, one camper shared, "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts."
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural barriers between camping areas. "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors," writes Jen R. about Hibernia County Park.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities receive consistent praise. "Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean," reports Jen R. at French Creek State Park.
Natural settings: The wooded environment creates an immersive experience. "Quiet. Occasional planned activities. Rented pavilions for reunions, birthdays, seasonal gatherings, etc.," mentions Erin S. about Hibernia County Park.
Limited hookups at some parks: Several campgrounds offer primitive camping only. "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 Hibernia County Park.
Weekend-only operations: Verify operating schedules before planning trips. "This campground is only open on the weekends, in season. Sites can be reserved on line, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration," explains Jennifer S. regarding Hibernia County Park's schedule.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, Ellen B. advises, "Book early because it fills up fast!"
Accessible fishing for children: Some parks offer dedicated fishing areas for young anglers. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," notes Anna about Hibernia County Park Lake Campground.
Playground access: Multiple parks feature playground equipment within walking distance of campsites. "There is a huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake. There are trails for mountain biking or hiking, a frisbee golf course, playground at the campground and at the lake," shares Jen R. about French Creek.
Family-friendly layouts: Certain camping areas are designed with families in mind. "The sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy. Except for the Plateau sites, which have the amazing view, the rest of the campground had a great tree cover," describes Craig F. at Starlite Camping Resort.
Site levelness varies: Many campsites require adjustment for proper RV positioning. "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. As I said in the first paragraph, we mostly camp in a 28ft 5th wheel and though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will," advises Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.
Full hookup availability: Some parks offer comprehensive utilities. "Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer," reports Ellen B. about Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area.
Dump station considerations: Not all parks provide waste disposal facilities. "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home," cautions Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Holtwood, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Holtwood, 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 Holtwood, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Holtwood, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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