Best Equestrian Camping near Manheim, PA
We're here to help you find where to go horse camping in Manheim. Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. These scenic and easy-to-reach Manheim campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Manheim, PA (7)
1. French Creek State Park Campground
Geigertown, Pennsylvania75 Reviews•379 Photos•436 SavesIn Pennsylvania, the once industrious geography of North Coventry and Warwick now serves as home to 7,730 acres of protected wilderness known as French Creek State Park. Right in the heart of the Schuylkill Highlands, the park’s boundaries make up the largest mass of forested space between anywhere in Washington D.C. and New York City. The diverse land consisting of forests, wetlands, marshes, and sleepy bluffs throughout have become a top destination for the people of southeast Pennsylvania to hike, fish, camp, and bike. At a point long ago, before the industrial revolution, the land was once dominated by ancient forests of American chestnut. Sadly, in 1771 foresters started to clear these trees, in order to create charcoal for the furnace at nearby Hopewell Furnace. However, the forests were still allowed to regrow, with routine clearing scheduled every 25 years thereafter. The furnace was in operation for 112 years until 1883, and its impact on the regional environment was undeniable. The once wooded hillsides, towering trees, and babbling brooks that once existed now appeared as a barren wasteland in many areas. The ecological outlook was looking dim, that is until President Roosevelt started the CCC in 1993 as a response to economic turmoil created by the Great Depression. During the same time, Governor Gifford Pinchot invited the CCC to assist in reclaiming this special land, and they subsequently worked to clear the forests and streams of brush. To commemorate the work, they began the restoration of the historic Hopewell Furnace as well as the creation of many of the facilities still in use today at the park. Among these facilities are several tent camping areas, two group camps, picnic shelters, two small dams and lakes, and even the extensive network of roads and trails that snake throughout the park. Today, the second growth has brought with it a rebirth of life and wonder to the region. This massive expansion of protected land is now home to a multitude of rare animals and plants, not commonly found in the region. For example, French Creek State Park is an Important Bird Area as designated by the National Audubon Society, and an Important Mammal Area as designated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Pine Swamp is a State Park Natural Area. The park is now known for its diverse fishing, large abundance of wild game for hunt, and it’s plethora of outdoor recreation activities available within. Visitors to the park have a few options for overnight accommodations. The campground itself is well suited for both large and small groups, as well as individuals. In total, 201 modern sites accommodate thousands of visitors annually. The campground also boast a range of amenities, including a centrally located shower and toilet facility. Additionally, there are ten cozy cabins with heat and electricity. Finally, there are two historic group camping CCC Cabins available. The facilities include dining halls, central washhouses, and cabins for campers and staff.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$23 / night
2. Starlite Camping Resort
Hopeland, Pennsylvania6 Reviews•5 Photos•66 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
3. Hibernia County Park
Coatesville, Pennsylvania8 Reviews•14 Photos•104 SavesThe campground is open Friday and Saturday nights only. Two camping units are permitted at each site, one unit must be a tent. Sleeping in personal vehicles is not permitted.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Equestrian
$15 - $50 / night
4. Little Buffalo State Park Campground
New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania18 Reviews•66 Photos•54 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$52 / night
5. Ferryboat Campsites
Millersburg, Pennsylvania6 Reviews•9 Photos•131 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$30 - $100 / night
6. Tuscarora State Park Campground
Barnesville, Pennsylvania9 Reviews•14 Photos•46 Saves- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
7. Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area
Newark, Maryland2 Reviews•6 SavesThis is for equestrian camping (reservation only) and youth groups.
- Equestrian
Recent Equestrian Reviews in Manheim
58 Reviews of 7 Manheim Campgrounds
Renee P.
Guide
French Creek State Park Campground
Beautiful place
First time camper, and I'm glad this is the site I started at. Bathrooms are very clean. They have showers as well, but I didn't get to use one. Very quiet, and you get to see a bit of wildlife scattered around. They do not sell would at the sites, so you'd have to go out of your way to get them. Bring cash cause some locals don't accept cc/dc. Also, if you're tent camping, make sure you pick a place that's not too rocky. My site was A 24 and it was mostly rocks. Otherwise, I will be coming back very room!
Stephen W.GuideFrench Creek State Park Campground
Excellent State Park campground
We stayed in loop C that allows pets. Very spacious sites. The paved parking spot was tight but a short walk down to the spacious fire pit picnic table area.
Inez W.GuideFrench Creek State Park Campground
Unique campsites
Staying in C loop and here are some tips. If you want starlink, stay toward the entrance of the loop for a good view of the sky. If you want to be away from everyone and don't need a site that has good accessibility, stay in C27. You park at the top of the site and walk your tent and gear down a small slope where you can set up your tent. A little further down is a large-ish area with a fire pit and table. You can't see the roady from there and it looks like a great place to get away from it all!
Other sites around C27 have similar set-ups but not so far off the road.
- Marc P.
TravelerFrench Creek State Park Campground
New Years Eve weekend
Been here many times over the years. Most recently stayed New Years Eve weekend. Had a homeless couple living in a pop up camper next to use but kept to themselves. Park Rangers drove through constantly at least 10 times a day slowly looking into our site. Sites are extremely close together in some areas. The layout sometimes had it where the sites next to your had their fire ring behind your camper while other sites you could be 50 yards from the next site. In winter only a couple loops open and water is turned off. Most sites around the back of the loops are very rocky terrain and get very muddy when it rains.
- AAshley B.Traveler
Little Buffalo State Park Campground
Travel stop
We camped in on of the cabins overnight on a recent road trip. Cabins are nice and spacious, bath facilities are some of the best I've seen. We didn't;t get to explore since we were traveling, but there's plenty to do in the area.
Abi D.
Scout
Hibernia County Park
Beautiful park, not so great camping
The park itself is beautiful.
First, there is absolutely no privacy. The campsites are right next to each other with hardly any trees. The more dense woods is on the other side of the trail. You can see everything other campers do any they can see everything you’re doing.
Second, The campground is ON the hiking trail so everyone doing the loop walks along the sites. Including people with dogs off leash.
Stephanie H.
RangerLittle Buffalo State Park Campground
Quick overnight
We arrived when it was dark out and had site #2. The camp hosts were fantastic and helped us back into a spot. The spot was hard to maneuver for a 41 ft 5th wheel because of the turning radius. There was also a drop off on the other side of the road which limited the turning radius as well. We only slept here but it looked like a nice place. The grounds are hilly.the well was dry so there wasn’t any water.
Ange S.Guide
Tuscarora State Park Campground
Tuscarora is unbeatable for local camping
Love this park
- Ange S.Guide
Tuscarora State Park Campground
Very nice
Great for families or solo
Lee D.
LegendFrench Creek State Park Campground
Convenient to Philadelphia
General: Four loops with a total of 200 campsites. Two of the loops allow pets (A, C) and two do not. Loop D offers no hookups while Loops A-C offer a mix of no hookups, water/Electric, and full hookups. We had no problem securing a site on a weekday in October with no reservation. There are also two yurts and three cottages.
Site Quality: We chose a non-electric site in the B Loop, so this review focuses on this loop. There are abundant trees separating the sites. The pads were paved and B12 was very long. A picnic table and fire ring complete the site. Because the loops are on a slight slope, not all of the sites are completely level, something that would be difficult to determine if making reservations ahead of time.
Bathhouse: Pennsylvania state parks get high marks for their modern, clean restrooms and this park (at least the B Loop) was no exception. Hot showers were no additional charge and generous in size.
Activities: 35 miles of hiking trails. Be aware that the Hopewell Lake Loop is not very well marked (it appears to be a work in progress) although blazes on trees are abundant for most trails. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent during the summer season, and there is a boat dock for your own boat for fishing (either from a fishing pier or on your boat). There is a huge pool available from Memorial Day through Labor Day (there is an additional fee for this). Some of the trails allow horseback riding. Nearby Hopewell Furnace is accessible via hiking trails, or you can drive there. Other activities include orienteering and disc golf. Make sure you wear blaze orange during the fall hunting season as you will hear hunters!
In general, it is obvious Pennsylvania invests in its state park campgrounds and the price is reasonable ($27 for a non-electric site during the week with a $4.50 senior discount). My only complaint is that the dumpsters are a hike from the loops, but this is a minor complaint.
Casey L.LegendLittle Buffalo State Park Campground
Love it here!!
We just love this little park! Easy to access, big rig friendly although there is a hill to get up to campground. They have water and electricity at most sites and some are dry. They have a very clean bathhouse with a dump station. We love the fishing access, boat rentals, great playgrounds and fun activities for the kids!
John Z.RangerHibernia County Park
Hidden gem
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.
Brie A.Traveler
Starlite Camping Resort
Offers a wide variety of amenities and activities
Starlite offers a wide variety of amenities such as a community pool, general store, snack bar, playground area, toilets, indoor shower stalls, daily activities, pets permitted, water/electric utilities and laundry units. Staff was very friendly! Loved the cleanliness and atmosphere as well!
- jjohn H.Traveler
Hibernia County Park
Hibernia
County park so no booze but camp sites are under trees
NapunaniLegendFrench Creek State Park Campground
Campsites Jammed Closely Together
PROS
Reserved 328 days prior to arriving
$13.50 senior discount
Immediately greeted by Loop C camp host who was extremely friendly and helpful
Site C3 parking pad level asphalt
Metal frame wooden picnic table that was moveable
One hook lantern pole
Metal fire pit which was cleaned out upon our arrival
Some vegetation between sites provided a bit of privacy from neighbors sites
Park is 21 miles from Valley Forge National Historical Park. Catch National Park Service 90 minute trolley tour at the Visitor Center.
Shady Maple Smorgasbord...authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking…largest buffet in the USA…16 miles from French Creek SP
CONS
$6.50 reservation fee for making my own on-line reservation
Horrible signage along PA-345. Never saw very small sign when we where intensely searching
Such a large overall park, but camping loop sites are jammed together
Pitiful low water pressure in Loop C
Site sewer connection is high; needs to be knocked down to ground level
Short length of site caused creative tow vehicle parking
Loop C women’s toilet/shower building a big nasty mess Saturday
Trash dumpsters are on the main road near the campground check-in station (not walkable)
Noisy campground; 9pm quiet hour not enforced
Lots of barking dogs
No wood sales in park
No WiFi
1 bar Verizon
Lawrence D.Scout
Ferryboat Campsites
Typical tent camping
They offer the typical tent camping environment, mostly out in an open field and good walk to showers/head. Other than that was enjoyable place to stay.
- Paige H.Traveler
Tuscarora State Park Campground
Good Stuff!
A group of us stayed here over Memorial Day weekend. The sites were super spacious and private. There was enough room for a full overlanding setup, three vehicles, a hammock, two dogs and a two person tent with plenty of room to spare. Good hiking trails were just a short walk away from our campsite. Would definitely go back again.
- mmelissaGuide
Ferryboat Campsites
It’s ok
We enjoyed our stay here — but mostly because we liked being right on the water. If it weren’t for that this would not be the campground for us. The weather was hot so lots of tubing and fishing and kayaking in the river — we loved to sit out and watch the water go by. Wood at the camp store is incredibly expensive — they don’t sell to nightly campers by anything more than the small bundle ($8) — thankfully a lien seasonal let us buy some of his stock, otherwise we wouldn’t have been able to afford more than one fire over the weekend. Come for the river and the kind seasonal people (which is the majority).
- Ron H.Guide
Little Buffalo State Park Campground
Cold April weekend
We arrived late moring on Saturday. Reserved site 16 and it was plenty big enough for my 34ft trailer, but not enough to fit my truck. Campground is very clean and the spots are not too close to each other. Rangers are on site a lot and enforce the no alcohol policy, so keep it on the down low. We did get a chance to explore the park itself because the weather was cold and rainy.
- SSusan B.Traveler
Little Buffalo State Park Campground
Beautiful state park
We liked it so much we stayed another night. Quiet, wooded spots, with a very nice bathhouse, and good trails nearby. We would stay again.
- RRobinGuide
Ferryboat Campsites
Beautiful River View
We stayed at a Susquehanna river view site with full hookups for 2 nights. Site was level and shaded, but very close to neighbors. Most sites were occupied by permanent or seasonal residents. Bathrooms and grounds were very clean. Rates are reasonable for what you get, and they offer discounts. We would stay here again. Update: Storms with heavy rain in the area made the river rise. We were told the campground is susceptible to flooding, so check the weather when you come!
Casey L.RangerLittle Buffalo State Park Campground
Great people!
We went to Little Buffalo State Park for Labor Day weekend and had a blast! Great neighbors, lots of kids to play with, good playground and very clean facilities (cleaned daily). The driving path is gravel with a steep hill at the end so if you can help it I would avoid sites 32,34,36 as they are VERY difficult to back into with larger rigs. People’s trucks kept sliding down the gravel hill as they tried to back in. Overall, lots to see and do, beautiful hikes and views of the lake, will revisit!
- EElizabeth L.Traveler
Starlite Camping Resort
Heaven on Earth
We have been camping at Starlite with Dave and family for 15+ years. The campground is in a great location with easy access to Lancaster, Hershey and many other places to explore. The facilities are spotless and the campground is maintained to the highest standards I have seen. There are regular activities for all ages including bingo, crafts and live music. Add all of that to the best view we have seen and it’s a win win. We highly recommend!
Megan B.GuideLittle Buffalo State Park Campground
Nothing to write home about
In terms of PA State Parks, this one is ok. There is a pool (with a fee) that is pretty nice. The campground is small and functional. Would stay here again but not something I would seek out.
Michelle L.GuideFrench Creek State Park Campground
Perfect even in the Rain
First time camping at this park and it was perfect. Even though it rained all weekend, we explored the area by car, even tried some fishing off the pier and we got to get some much needed rest and relaxation in. D Loop seemed like the best loop (for tent campers such as us). Pretty spacious between sites. No pets though. B and C loop felt like the spaces were very close to each other. A loop was closed at this point. Bathhouses can use an upgrade but has flush toilets and hot showers which is all you need.
- SStefan K.Ranger
French Creek State Park Campground
Needs some TLC
We stayed there for 5 Days. It's a quit Campground. I don't think that we would stay here for a whole week, since there is really nothing going on. Unless you like to hike a lot, then this would ideal. You will have a hard time to find a parking spot for your truck, since most sites are short. Don't Park on the grass, the Park Ranger will come to visit you.
We had 6 Verizon devices with us and they barely worked. Even with 1 to 3 signal bars. So forget streaming movies when it rains......
We arrived from the south and the roads can be a challenge with larger rigs. The roads are very narrow and there are a lot of turns. Oh did I mention Hills.....
It's not a bad state park for a couple of nights and you need to get away for a while
- AAnnaTraveler
Hibernia County Park
Lake Campground great for families
We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12. There’s running water available, porta potties are very clean and don’t smell and are lit with a street lamp. Very quiet at night. The park ranger this weekend was the nicest and very helpful with directions to walk to the playground and indoor restrooms. The lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails. Each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring with a built in grill. Plenty of firewood to be found. Great for families. We are already planning our next trip. Super great price at $15/night as well. The children’s pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing.
Guide to Manheim
Horse camping in Pennsylvania offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the scenic trails.
Campers appreciate these amenities for horses
- At Starlite Camping Resort, equestrians can enjoy spacious sites with electric hookups and easy access to trails, making it a convenient choice for horse camping.
- Tuscarora State Park Campground provides a serene environment with ample space for horse trailers and nearby trails for riding.
- Little Buffalo State Park Campground features well-maintained facilities and access to scenic routes, perfect for a day of riding.
Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and water access
- Hibernia County Park offers a beautiful setting with nearby trails, making it ideal for horseback riding and enjoying nature.
- At Ferryboat Campsites, campers can take advantage of the river access for cooling off after a long ride, along with spacious sites for horses.
- Little Buffalo State Park Campground also features trails that are perfect for equestrian adventures, ensuring a fun-filled experience.
Tips for equestrian camping near Manheim, Pennsylvania
- When visiting Starlite Camping Resort, be sure to reserve a site with electric hookups to keep your horse comfortable during your stay.
- At Tuscarora State Park Campground, check for any seasonal events or activities that may enhance your camping experience with your horse.
- Always bring enough water and supplies for your horse, especially when camping at places like Hibernia County Park, where amenities may be limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Manheim, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Manheim, PA is French Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 75 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Manheim, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Manheim, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.