2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in Elkton, Maryland offers equestrian camping options for horseback riders exploring the Oxford region. The 5,656-acre park maintains miles of multipurpose trails suitable for horseback riding, with camping areas specifically designed to accommodate horse trailers. The campground features drinking water access, electric hookups, picnic tables, and trash collection services. While Fair Hill does not have permanent horse corrals, the primitive group camping areas provide ample space for portable corrals and highlines. Campgrounds are reservable and accessible by vehicle, accommodating both tent and RV camping setups. The grounds remain open year-round, though winter camping requires special preparation for horses.
Trails at Fair Hill connect to an extensive network of equestrian pathways through rolling countryside, providing varied terrain for riders of all experience levels. Horse owners must follow specific guidelines when staying overnight, including proper manure management and maintaining appropriate distance between horses and other campers. The campground enforces regulations regarding horse containment and trail etiquette. Water for horses is available at designated locations throughout the property. Group equestrian camping is particularly popular, with specific areas designated for multiple riders traveling together. The park requires advance reservations for horse camping to ensure adequate space for trailers and animals. Clean porta-potties are maintained regularly, and the park rangers are knowledgeable about local riding conditions and trail connections.
"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
Horse campgrounds near Oxford, Pennsylvania offer primitive to full-service options within an hour's drive. The rolling Piedmont region features wooded terrain between 300-600 feet elevation, with moderate seasonal temperatures that allow for year-round equestrian camping in most locations. Trail systems typically connect through mixed hardwood forests and cross multiple waterways, providing natural watering options during longer rides.
Trail riding along waterways: At Lums Pond State Park Campground, equestrians enjoy the 7-mile trail that circles the pond. "There's an off leash dog park, equestrian center and boat ramp," notes Ellen B. The park maintains wide, well-marked trails suitable for horse traffic.
Fishing between rides: Many equestrian campgrounds offer fishing access for when you're not in the saddle. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," explains a visitor to French Creek State Park Campground. The park maintains two lakes where riders can rest their horses while trying to catch dinner.
Multi-use trail exploration: The region offers extensive connected trail systems. "We ended up on the equestrian trail that runs all the way around the pond. It was a long, but easy hike," shares Mark about French Creek. These multi-use trails allow riders to encounter varied terrain within a single outing.
Spacious trailer parking: Equestrian sites typically provide extra room for rigs. "The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun," notes Adam and Suzanne B. about Lums Pond State Park. This layout accommodates large horse trailers without crowding.
Clean facilities: Hibernia County Park maintains basic but well-kept amenities. "The porta potties are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp," writes Anna. Regular maintenance ensures comfortable facilities even at primitive equestrian sites.
Helpful staff: Staff at equestrian campgrounds understand specific horse camping needs. "Jim, the host camper by us was fantastic... He not only lent us a socket, but asked if I needed help, and if I had teflon tape and was willing to lend a hand," explains Mark about his experience at Lums Pond. Many equestrian sites have staff familiar with trailer setups and horse requirements.
Seasonal availability varies: While some equestrian camping areas operate year-round, others have limited seasons. "The grounds remain open year-round, though winter camping requires special preparation for horses," explains one camper about Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area.
Booking requirements: Popular horse campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Book early because it fills up fast!" warns Ellen B. Most equestrian sites require advance reservations, particularly for group camping with multiple trailers.
Terrain challenges: The rolling landscape means navigation can be tricky with horse trailers. "If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills," advises Chris G. about Starlite Camping Resort. Consider your towing capacity when planning which campground to visit.
Combined activities for riders and non-riders: Blackbird State Forest Campground accommodates mixed groups. "Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return!" shares Sarah M. Forest camping areas often provide both riding opportunities and hiking trails for non-riders.
Multi-generational options: Plan activities that accommodate different experience levels. "My daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards)," mentions Mark about family amenities at Lums Pond, which complement the equestrian facilities.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer learning experiences alongside riding. "There is an old mansion that gives tours on weekends," notes Jim N. about Hibernia County Park. These educational activities provide alternatives when younger family members need a break from riding.
Site preparation for horse rigs: Most equestrian campgrounds require specific setup knowledge. "Each site has a fire pit, a grill, and two tables with a decent amount of space for tents," explains Blind at Blackbird State Forest, where many sites accommodate both horses and camping rigs.
Hookup limitations: Water access varies significantly between equestrian campgrounds. "There is one water pump," mentions D R. about Blackbird State Forest. Many horse campgrounds have limited hookups, requiring self-sufficiency for longer stays.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts horse camping comfort significantly. "In February, about 1/4 of the sites were occupied. It was very quiet," observes Adam and Suzanne B. about Lums Pond, noting the advantages of off-season equestrian camping when trails are less crowded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Oxford, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Oxford, 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 Oxford, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Oxford, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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