5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Ferryboat Campsites stands out among horse-friendly campgrounds near Hummelstown, offering riverside sites with access for equestrian campers. While the campground does not feature dedicated horse corrals, it does provide accommodations for horses with proper arrangements. The campground maintains clean facilities with full hookup options for RVs and tent camping areas. Sites along the Susquehanna River provide scenic views for campers with horses. Most campsites are occupied by seasonal residents, creating a community atmosphere where experienced campers often share resources with weekend visitors. Bathroom facilities and grounds are well-maintained, and the campground offers reasonable rates with available discounts. The campground is susceptible to flooding when river levels rise after heavy rain.
Trails near the Susquehanna River provide riding opportunities for horse owners staying at campgrounds in the region. Starlite Camping Resort, located between Lancaster and Hershey attractions, offers spacious sites with good tree coverage providing natural shade for horses. Water pressure and electrical hookups function reliably at established sites. Neither campground imposes size restrictions for horse trailers, though Starlite's hillside location requires sufficient towing power. The main campground areas remain peaceful and quiet, ideal for horses that need calm surroundings. Seasonal operations typically run from May through October or early November. Horse owners should contact campgrounds directly regarding specific equestrian policies, as facilities primarily cater to general camping with accommodation for horses by arrangement rather than dedicated equestrian infrastructure.
"A playground is near bathhouse in the campground, along with several hiking trails. The dump station is easily accessible. Firewood is also available for purchase at the campground."
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 - $151 / 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 - $75 / night
"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
"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 ventureĀ½ 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."
"I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."
"If youāre looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isnāt it."
"Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites."
"We stayed in site 28 which was a walk-in site, this was perfect for us since we wanted to be further away from people and the light from the bathroom/shower facility."
Available this weekend
from $24 - $38 / night
from $10 / night
"Some reviewers have confused nearby State Parks with the actual State Forest, resulting in inaccurate information."
"Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail."
from $10 / 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 āsitesā 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
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.
ScoutStaff is friendly and everything is kept up well, newly renovated pool and pavilion area.
LegendWe spent 4 nights at Gettysburg Campground to attend the AIM Club Rally(Lincolnās Legacy- Gettysburg 250), and it served as base camp for the event.Ā
WHAT I LIKED:Ā
Location, Location, Location: This park is an absolute winner for convenienceājust 5 minutes from the Gettysburg battlefields, museums, and the heart of town.Ā
The Atmosphere: The staff gave us a warm reception at check-in, and the site itself was clean, well-maintained, and spacious enough to back up to a running creek. Lots of mature trees offer lots of shade and character.Ā
Big-Rig Friendly: Navigating a 45-foot motorhome with a toad can sometimes be stressful, but this park was easy to maneuver.Ā
WHAT I DIDNāT LIKE SO MUCH:Ā
Late-Night Power Struggles: On our final night, the campground experienced grid strain. Our Hughes Watchdog Power Center saved the dayābut it had to shut off our power 7 different times due to low voltage. Aside from losing a few hours of sleep to the chorus of appliances cycling off and on, no harm was done. I recommend using a surge protector/voltage regulator if you stay here.Ā
WOULD WE COME BACK?Ā
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.Ā
WHAT I LIKED:Ā
Peace& Quiet: The state park itself was lovely, serene, and felt nice and spacious.Ā
Prime Location: At just 30 minutes away from the balloon festival, this is the closest campground.Ā
WHAT I DIDNāT LIKE SO MUCH:Ā
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.Ā
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 weāve visited, the interior roads and layouts felt a bit on the tight side.Ā
WOULD WE COME BACK?Ā
ScoutFlat grounds, level campsites, nice pool, kids have tons of fun!
TravelerThe camp site was amazing. Everything is neat and clean and really beautiful place so quiet.
RangerGreat park, alittle close together than I like. I wish I had picked 1-12 sites by the creek, but I donāt think I had much choice when I booked anyway. Bathrooms were clean. My site was more of an rv and I felt like I was at the neighbors for supper.
RangerBeautiful park, pool and lake. Great for boating and fishing, running or hiking and swimming. In may, it wasnāt busy, but I can imagine it gets packed. I will be back for summer.
Colonel Denning State Park campground sits among the ridges of Blue Mountain, offering campsites within a 273-acre woodland setting about 30 minutes from Hummelstown. The park's elevation ranges from 740 to 1,600 feet, creating variable camping conditions throughout the seasons. Many campsites feature proximity to Doubling Gap Creek, which provides a natural soundtrack during overnight stays.
Hiking to scenic overlooks: At Colonel Denning State Park Campground, campers can access the challenging Flat Rock Trail. "A six mile round trip with a 1200 ft climb. Spectacular views," reports Nate & Erika L., who made the trek with their family of six.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple parks in the region offer accessible fishing spots for various species. "There is a huge lake where you can rent canoes and kayaks," notes Jen R. about French Creek State Park, which features both warm-water fishing and non-motorized boating options.
Historical exploration: The Gettysburg area provides camping with direct access to Civil War sites. "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," shares MJ B. who camped at Artillery Ridge.
Seasonal activities: Swimming is popular during warmer months at several parks. "The pool here is top notch and it's good for fishing but the hiking isn't super great," mentions Christopher E. about Little Buffalo State Park, which features both a lake and swimming pool with water features.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and grounds. At Little Buffalo State Park Campground, "The bathrooms are clean. It is nice and dark at night!" reports Amanda H., who appreciated the park's maintenance standards.
Privacy between sites: Campers frequently mention site spacing as a key factor. "The sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers," notes Jen R. about French Creek, where she found the campground layout comfortable.
Natural features: Access to water is highly valued by reviewers. At Colonel Denning State Park, Casey L. appreciates "amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites," which provides both recreation and natural ambiance.
Equestrian accommodations: Several campgrounds near Hummelstown welcome horses, though facilities vary. Artillery Ridge Campground has "horse stalls and rings if you would like to bring your own horses," according to Ray L., who observed families camping with their horses during their stay.
Seasonal flooding risks: Some riverfront campgrounds experience periodic flooding. At Ferryboat Campsites, Robin notes: "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!"
Variable site sizes: Campgrounds often have diverse site dimensions that may not accommodate all equipment. "If you have a large camper or 5th wheel you may need to double check what sites can accommodate your RV to ensure you have enough room," advises Jen R. about French Creek State Park.
Terrain considerations: The topography affects campground layouts and accessibility. At Starlite Camping Resort, Craig F. observes: "Yes, it is quite hilly throughout the campground, but the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hummelstown, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hummelstown, PA is Little Buffalo State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hummelstown, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Hummelstown, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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