Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area offers primitive equestrian camping near Narberth, Pennsylvania, but numerous other camping options exist within driving distance. The region spans parts of southeastern Pennsylvania, northern Delaware, and western New Jersey with elevations ranging from 200 to 600 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in this area experience four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging in the 80s F and winters dropping below freezing.
What to do
Hiking trails and forests: French Creek State Park features over 80 miles of marked trails through diverse terrain. "There are many trails for walking, hiking or biking as well as frisbee golf course," notes Jen R., who adds the "trees definitely make it harder" when playing disc golf through the wooded course.
Water activities: At Spruce Run Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking and swimming. "You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," explains Ruette W., who appreciates the water views. The reservoir provides a perfect setting for water recreation, and as Jules T. mentions, "A duck visited us every morning" at their waterfront site.
Equestrian trails: Beyond Fair Hill, Brendan Byrne State Forest offers extensive trail systems for riders. "Plenty of trails for hiking, family friendly," notes Katie M. The forest has "hundreds of miles of trails through the woods and bogs to explore," according to Benjamin K., making it an excellent alternative horse camping destination near Narberth.
What campers like
Private campsites: At French Creek State Park Campground, campers appreciate the thoughtful layout. "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors," explains Jen R.
Spacious layouts: Lums Pond State Park offers "beautiful site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved," according to Matt S. The sites provide plenty of room with Adam and Suzanne B. noting they are "large and well spaced."
Natural settings: At smaller campgrounds like Hibernia County Park, the environment itself is the main attraction. "We LOVE this campground. It's tiny, 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," shares Jennifer S.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds near Narberth require advance booking. At French Creek, "You can book your sites online which is also a nice feature," according to Jen R., but popular periods fill quickly.
Facility variations: Bathroom and shower facilities vary widely between campgrounds. Blackbird State Forest offers more primitive conditions with "No running water- only port a potties but they were clean," reports Sarah M.
Access limitations: Some campgrounds have specific entry rules. At Mountainview Campground, Christina H. notes, "They do not allow you to come late, but did refund the first night," when they couldn't arrive before the 9 PM check-in deadline.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: French Creek offers multiple play areas for children. "There is a very nice playground situated conveniently between the loops of the campground. It had some slides, a bridge, lots of monkey bars, ladders to climb on and the best feature was the zip line," reports Jen R.
Swimming options: Hibernia County Park Lake Campground provides family-friendly water activities. "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under," notes John Z., making it an affordable option for families.
Wildlife encounters: Kids often enjoy the natural animal sightings at these campgrounds. At Mountainview Campground, Christina H. describes, "Shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Spruce Run, RVers should note that "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs," advises Douglas P.
Hookup availability: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of services. At Lums Pond, Adam and Suzanne B. appreciate the "large and well spaced" full hook-up sites, noting that "Many are in full sun."
Space constraints: Not all horse campgrounds near Narberth can accommodate larger RVs. At Hibernia County Park, Jennifer S. explains, "Though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper. They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Ranger
