Equestrian camping options near Paoli, Pennsylvania are limited but nearby parks offer trails accessible to horseback riders. Located in the piedmont region of southeastern Pennsylvania, this area features rolling hills with elevations between 200-500 feet. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with temperatures averaging 45-85°F during camping season.
What to do
Trail riding at Fair Hill: Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in nearby Elkton maintains an extensive trail system with 80 miles of trails. "There are two primitive youth group camping areas. There are specific rules that need to be followed and the guidelines are on the website," notes Gen F. While not offering individual horse corrals, the area accommodates group camping with proper arrangements.
Explore multiple lake activities: French Creek State Park features two lakes for diverse recreation. "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," explains Jen R. The lakes offer electric-motor boating options with no swimming permitted.
Off-season camping: Winter camping provides a different experience at some parks. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby," reports Galit P. about French Creek State Park. Off-season camping means fewer crowds but requires proper cold-weather gear.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Starlite Camping Resort offers secluded campsites with natural buffers. "Overall the sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy. Too often private campgrounds attempt to squeeze as many sites as possible and end up with campers on top of their neighbors, but at Starlight, the sites felt very secluded," writes Craig F. Many sites feature level pads requiring minimal blocking.
Clean facilities: Lums Pond State Park maintains well-kept amenities. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," shares Mark. The park features individual shower rooms rather than community shower spaces.
Affordable options: Hibernia County Park provides budget-friendly camping close to Paoli. "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," notes John Z. This park offers basic amenities at approximately one-third the cost of full-service campgrounds.
What you should know
Limited water access at some parks: Water availability varies significantly between campgrounds. "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. There is one spigot at the bathroom," warns Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park. Always check water source locations before setting up camp.
Bathroom facilities vary: Campground restroom quality ranges from primitive to modern. "There are only pit toilets in Fiddler's loop, however there is a bathroom with running water, flush toilets and electric outlets (no shower) within walking distance of the loop," explains Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park. Some parks require walks of 5-10 minutes to reach proper facilities.
Terrain challenges: Mountainview Campground features hilly terrain with specific site considerations. "The ground is moderately rocky, so there may be some slight troubles getting tent stakes in the ground," notes Christina H. Bringing extra-sturdy tent stakes or rock bags for tents is recommended.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Several parks offer dedicated children's areas. "There is a huge lake where you can rent canoes and kayaks. 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, and an amphitheater at the campground where they hold events and Sunday morning church services," details Jen R. about French Creek State Park.
Family-friendly fishing: Blackbird State Forest offers spacious sites near fishing opportunities. "My family had a great time here. 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," shares a camper named Blind. Children under 16 can fish without licenses in most park ponds.
Select sites strategically: Loop selection impacts your camping experience with children. "We have stayed at French Creek in the past however, we have never stayed in Loop C before. This is the only loop that allows pets. I expected it to be much noisier than it was. All of the dogs were well behaved, and we didn't have any problems as we took our walks around the loop," reports Jen R. Loops closer to playgrounds often fill first but generate more foot traffic.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Most campgrounds require some leveling adjustments. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," notes Jen R. about French Creek State Park. Bringing leveling blocks remains essential despite paved pads at many sites.
Full hookup availability: Lums Pond State Park offers complete services. "We paid $46 per night plus fees for a FHU 50 Amp Back-in site(#56). This place is a gem, even among nice state parks," reports Matt S. The campground provides water, electric and sewer connections at designated sites for approximately 30% higher fees than partial hookup sites.
