2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in Elkton, Maryland provides a unique equestrian camping experience near Landenberg, Pennsylvania. The campground offers primitive group camping areas that accommodate horses, with specific rules and guidelines available on their website. Camping sites include picnic tables, toilet facilities, and trash collection. Drinking water and electric hookups are available for campers. The management area maintains trails suitable for horseback riding throughout the property. Clean family-friendly environment with numerous recreational activities characterizes the experience at Fair Hill.
Located approximately 10 miles from Landenberg, Fair Hill connects riders to an extensive network of equestrian trails through the Maryland countryside. The natural resource management area features well-maintained paths suitable for both novice and experienced riders. Water access points for horses are available along the trail system. Horse owners should note that the campground requires reservations for group sites, and specific equestrian guidelines must be followed. The primitive nature of the facilities makes this destination best suited for experienced horse campers comfortable with basic amenities. The surrounding trail system provides ample opportunities for day-long rides through varied terrain, including wooded areas and open fields. Trail maintenance is consistent throughout the riding season.
"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
"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
"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
"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."
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.
TravelerThis is the most quietest campground. Perfect when you need to go somewhere to think. The people here are very nice. The wildlife is amazing
TravelerHarder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area spans 5,656 acres of preserved woodland and meadow in Maryland, approximately 10 miles from Landenberg, Pennsylvania. The area features a network of multi-use trails through rolling hills with elevations ranging from 220 to 420 feet above sea level. Camping options include primitive equestrian group sites and youth group areas, with specific regulations governing their use.
Kayaking and fishing: Lums Pond State Park Campground is situated around a 200-acre millpond where visitors can fish for northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and panfish. "There are a huge pond that you can rent paddle boats and small v-bottom boats! We did enjoy the paddle boats and saw a few cranes! They offer fishing at the pond which was also enjoyable!" shares Amanda H.
Trail riding: The extensive trail network at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area accommodates equestrians with designated paths through diverse terrain. Youth groups can access primitive camping areas for overnight horse camping experiences. Gen F. notes, "There are two primitive youth group camping areas. There are specific rules that need to be followed and the guidelines are on the website."
Hiking: French Creek State Park Campground offers multiple well-marked hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. "The trails were well marked, and the day we took a hike, we ended up on the equestrian trail that runs all the way around the pond. It was a long, but easy hike," explains Mark, highlighting the accessible nature of the park's pathway system.
Private, wooded sites: Campers at Hibernia County Park appreciate the secluded nature of the camping areas. Jennifer S. describes, "We LOVE this campground. It's tiny (19 sites in Fiddlers loop), it's quiet, it's heavily wooded. There is NOTHING to do except walk or bike the beautiful trails, spend time on Chamber's Lake, spend time in the hammock and stare at the fire."
Clean facilities: Blackbird State Forest Campground maintains well-kept camping areas despite their primitive nature. Sarah M. reports, "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return! No running water- only port a potties but they were clean."
Equestrian accommodations: Horse owners value the specialized facilities at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area. The management area maintains specific camping areas designated for equestrian use, with access to water points and trail connections. Heather P. notes the "Clean family friendly environment with tons of extra curricular activities for all."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Landenberg require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. For Lums Pond State Park, Ellen B. advises, "Book early because it fills up fast!"
Limited amenities: Several horse campgrounds near Landenberg offer primitive sites without full hookups. Hibernia County Park provides basic facilities as John Z. explains: "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups."
Site variations: Campsite quality and size can vary significantly within each campground. At Starlite Camping Resort, Craig F. observed, "Overall 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!"
Child-friendly fishing spots: Hibernia Park offers dedicated fishing areas for younger anglers. Anna notes, "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At French Creek State Park, Katie M. found, "There is lots of hiking, the lake is beautiful, at least two playgrounds (perfect for our kids), the bathrooms were well maintained."
Easy trail options: For families with young children, select shorter trail segments at equestrian campgrounds near Landenberg. Jen R. from French Creek State Park observed, "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."
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in the Landenberg area have uneven terrain requiring preparation. Jennifer S. notes about Hibernia County Park, "They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Full hookup availability: For RVers seeking more amenities, Lums Pond State Park offers complete services. Matt S. shared, "Beautiful park setting with fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved."
Access considerations: Some horse campgrounds near Landenberg have challenging approach roads. Chris G. warns about Starlite Camping Resort, "There is also a great view of the surrounding countryside because it's up on a big hill. If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Landenberg, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Landenberg, PA is Lums Pond State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 53 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Landenberg, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Landenberg, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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