2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Horse camping near Millersville, Pennsylvania is limited, with none of the campgrounds in the area offering dedicated horse corrals according to available data. Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in Elkton, Maryland provides the closest equestrian-oriented horse campsite, approximately 25 miles from Millersville. Though the campground lacks specific horse corrals, the 5,600-acre property features extensive multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding. Sites at Fair Hill accommodate tents and RVs with basic amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, picnic tables, and toilets.
French Creek State Park, located about 30 miles northwest of Millersville, permits horseback riding on designated trails but offers no specific equestrian camping facilities. The park's extensive trail system connects to multiple camping loops with full hookup sites available for RVs. The bathhouses remain spotless and well-maintained throughout the camping season. Horse owners must transport their animals to the park for day use only, as overnight accommodations for horses are not provided at the campground.
"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
"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."
"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 next weekend
from $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
"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."
"With that said they do have primitive camping spots next to the putt putt course and water only tent sits at the upper feild."
"Lots to do very close to water and many things to do in and around camp ground. Stayed for a few days would go back."
from $30 - $100 / night
from $10 / 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.
Horse campgrounds near Millersville, Pennsylvania are limited in the immediate area, though equestrian enthusiasts can find options within a 30-40 mile radius. The region features rolling hills at elevations between 300-500 feet above sea level, with moderate seasonal temperature variations. Summer camping temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, while spring and fall can dip into the 40s overnight, requiring appropriate gear for overnight horse trips.
Trail riding at Fair Hill: The Natural Resources Management Area in Elkton, Maryland provides over 80 miles of maintained trails for horseback riding through varied terrain about 35 miles from Millersville. While primarily functioning as a group campground, equestrians appreciate the extensive trail system. A camper 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" at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds near Millersville offer fishing as a primary activity. At Hibernia County Park in Coatesville (about 25 miles northwest), campers can access both a dedicated children's fishing pond and a larger lake. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," notes one visitor at Hibernia County Park.
Water activities beyond horseback riding: For those looking to complement horse activities with water recreation, Lums Pond State Park (about 28 miles south) offers diverse options. "There is a huge lake where you can rent canoes and kayaks," reports a visitor, adding that the park features "trails for mountain biking or hiking, a frisbee golf course, playground at the campground and at the lake."
Privacy between sites: While horse-specific amenities are limited, campers appreciate spacious sites at several campgrounds near Millersville. At French Creek State Park, a visitor highlights: "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers" at French Creek State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds within driving distance of Millersville consistently receive praise for maintenance. At Starlite Camping Resort (about 20 miles northeast), a camper reports: "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!"
Scenery and natural settings: The region's landscape offers picturesque camping backdrops. At Ferryboat Campsites (about 40 miles northwest), visitors highlight riverside views: "We stayed at a Susquehanna river view site with full hookups for 2 nights. Site was level and shaded, but very close to neighbors... Bathrooms and grounds were very clean" at Ferryboat Campsites.
Varying levels of amenities: While equestrian-oriented camping is limited, general camping facilities range from primitive to full-service. At Hibernia County Park, "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."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds have limited operating seasons or different availability through the year. At Starlite Camping Resort, the season runs "May 1 to Nov 1," making it unavailable for winter horse camping trips.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially those with equestrian facilities. For Lums Pond State Park, a camper advises: "Book early because it fills up fast!" Another adds, "I understand why it is so difficult to get a reservation at Lums Pond. I don't know if it's the host campers or the management, but they're definitely doing something right."
Playgrounds and kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds within driving distance of Millersville offer dedicated children's facilities. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, a visitor shares: "Our daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards)... She fought us about leaving the playground, and really would have been content if that was all we did."
Educational opportunities: Families interested in both horses and history can combine activities. At Artillery Ridge Campground (about 55 miles west), a visitor explains: "You can't get any closer to history than here. 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."
Safety considerations: Proper planning for horse trails with children requires research on terrain 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," notes a Lums Pond visitor, indicating suitable terrain for families.
Leveling and site selection: RVers with horse trailers should research site conditions carefully. At Artillery Ridge Campground, a camper mentions: "Nice pull through site for out 21ft popup. Site was pretty level. Pool, mini golf and live music were great. Also amazing location to the battlefield and all the tourist attractions."
Hookup configurations: RVers should verify campground utilities match their needs, especially when traveling with horses that require additional space. A French Creek visitor reports: "Stayed here 2 nights without a reservation. We were in the D loop which is rustic with no hookups. Quiet, very few people mid-week. Spacious sites."
Seasonal flexibility: Off-season camping offers advantages for horse owners seeking quieter conditions. "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," notes a winter visitor to French Creek, adding that "the honor system of payment at the office makes it really easy to come in late and leave early."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Millersville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Millersville, 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 Millersville, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Millersville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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