1 campground with availability next weekend
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area offers specialized camping for equestrians with direct access to 80 miles of maintained trails through the Maryland countryside. The campground accommodates horses with specific amenities including electrical hookups, water access, and sanitary dump facilities. Tent and RV camping is available with picnic tables and fire rings at each site. While no dedicated horse corrals are listed in the facilities, the area is designed with equestrians in mind, providing ample space for temporary containment systems. Sites accommodate both camping equipment and horse trailers, though reservations are required. The campground is clean and well-maintained according to visitors, making it suitable for overnight horse camping trips.
Located approximately 90 minutes from Waterville, Pennsylvania, Fair Hill's trail system connects riders to scenic woodland paths and open meadows ideal for extended rides. The natural resource management area provides drinking water access points along some trails, allowing horses to hydrate during longer excursions. Campground rules prohibit pets but welcome horses with appropriate containment and waste management practices. Most riding trails remain open year-round, though seasonal conditions may affect accessibility after heavy rainfall. Trailer parking areas provide adequate room for various sizes of horse trailers, from single-horse bumper pulls to larger goosenecks. The primitive youth group camping areas follow specific guidelines detailed on the official website, and riders appreciate the secluded nature of the trails away from road traffic, creating a peaceful riding experience.
"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
"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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $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
"Campsite decent size, but some don't have clear boundaries to neighbors, and sometimes not optimally configured (e.g., the site next door's fire pit was placed on the edge of its site/right next to my"
"First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed!"
from $3 - $60 / 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
ScoutRestrooms are filthy with mold and mildew.
Water puddled on the restroom floor.really gross.
Cabin was mostly clean. The windows were full of dirt and bugs on the tracks.mattresses were terrible.The fireplace was nice. Kitchen was clean.
Can t wait to move on to a cleaner park.
GuideBeautiful campground but made the mistake of going on a holiday weekend, the campgrounds next to us were screaming and blasting music all day and throughout the night so we ended up leaving early. A beautiful campground when there aren’t noisy capers ruining it.
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.
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area spans 5,600 acres of rural Maryland countryside with 80 miles of trails through mixed hardwood forests and open meadows. The equestrian campground sits at approximately 300 feet elevation in the Piedmont region, providing moderate temperatures in spring and fall with humid summers. Trail conditions vary seasonally with some areas becoming muddy after rainfall.
Trail riding opportunities: Fair Hill's extensive trail network connects riders to diverse terrain suitable for various skill levels. "The Park Rangers drive by regularly which is nice in case you are having any problems or just have general questions about the park," notes a visitor at French Creek State Park. Many trails at Fair Hill remain accessible year-round, though spring conditions can create muddy sections.
Fishing excursions: Several water bodies near horse campgrounds offer fishing options when not riding. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish. Ice fishing is also allowed at both lakes and the ice thickness is monitored," reports a camper from French Creek State Park. Fair Hill's streams contain smallmouth bass and sunfish.
Nearby historic sites: The region surrounding horse campgrounds features significant historical attractions. "If you can't find enough to keep you busy at the campground or park there are a few attractions nearby...Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and Daniel Boone Homestead," mentions a visitor. These sites offer educational opportunities to learn about regional history during non-riding days.
Privacy between sites: Many equestrian campgrounds provide adequate separation between camping areas. At Hibernia County Park, "The sites are mostly grass, and not very well defined which means the distance between you and your neighbor can vary depending on how you set up camp." This flexibility allows equestrians to position trailers and set up containment areas with adequate space.
Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and common areas at horse-friendly campgrounds. A visitor to Lums Pond State Park shared, "Great bath houses, always super clean." Regular maintenance helps ensure pleasant stays for riders after long days on trails.
Natural surroundings: The wooded settings create peaceful camping environments. "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," writes a camper at Hibernia County Park. These natural settings provide relaxing base camps for equestrian adventures.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance booking, particularly during peak seasons. At Blackbird State Forest, "This is a good free state forest with maybe 10 (or less) designated tent-camping sites, and designated areas for deer hunting. Each campsite features a picnic table or two, and a fire pit, plus one bundle of firewood." Many horse campgrounds have limited availability, so securing sites early is essential.
Water access limitations: Some equestrian camping areas have restricted water sources. "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. There is one spigot at the 'bathroom'," warns a camper at Hibernia County Park. Riders should plan accordingly for both human and equine water needs.
Seasonal closures: Operating schedules vary throughout the year. "This campground is only open on the weekends, in season," notes a visitor to Hibernia County Park. Some trail sections may close during hunting seasons or after significant weather events, affecting riding routes.
Kid-friendly activities: Several horse campgrounds offer amenities specifically for children. At Brendan Byrne State Forest, a visitor shared, "Great place for a weekend getaway. Very well maintained campsites and facilities." Many campgrounds within driving distance of Fair Hill provide playgrounds and family-oriented programming.
Space considerations: Family groups need adequate room for setup. "Campground Review: French Creek State Park is a 7,526-acre Pennsylvania state park in North Coventry and Warwick Townships in Chester County and Robeson and Union Townships in Berks County which is approximately 15 miles southeast of Reading. This is a beautiful state park with so many wonderful activities," reports a visitor. Look for sites that accommodate both camping equipment and horse trailers.
Safety protocols: Families with children need to establish clear boundaries around horses. "We had sites #32 & #34 in Loop B and the kids had a lot of room to run and play between the two sites," mentions a camper at French Creek State Park. Designating separate areas for equine activities and child play helps ensure everyone's safety.
Site dimensions: RV campers should verify that sites can accommodate both living quarters and horse trailers. One camper at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area noted, "Clean family friendly environment with tons of extra curricular activities for all." Most equestrian campgrounds can accommodate moderate-sized rigs, though specific site dimensions vary.
Hookup availability: Electric connections are available at select equestrian campgrounds. At Lums Pond State Park, a visitor shared, "Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer." Confirm whether water and electric hookups are available at your specific site.
Leveling requirements: Some horse campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring additional preparation. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," reports a camper at French Creek State Park. Bringing leveling blocks helps ensure comfortable parking for both living quarters and horse trailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Waterville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Waterville, 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 Waterville, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Waterville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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