2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area accommodates horseback riders with extensive trail systems and camping options near Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania. The campground offers drinking water, electric hookups, picnic tables, and restroom facilities. Fire rings are provided at each site, allowing for campfires during overnight stays. Trail access connects directly to the property's riding areas, making it convenient for equestrians to explore without trailering horses between campsites and riding locations. The campground maintains a clean, family-friendly environment with organized camping areas specifically designated for groups.
The extensive trail network at Fair Hill connects to over 80 miles of multi-use paths suitable for horseback riding through varied terrain. Located approximately 25 miles from Peach Bottom, the natural resource management area provides ample space for horse trailers with designated parking areas near the camping facilities. Trails wind through wooded areas and open fields, offering diverse riding experiences for all skill levels. Guests should note that reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons when the group camping areas fill quickly. Horse owners must follow specific guidelines outlined on the official website regarding containment, waste management, and trail use when visiting with their equine companions. The primitive youth group camping areas feature specific rules that need to be followed when bringing horses.
"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
"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."
"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
from $22 - $100 / night
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
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area offers direct access to over 80 miles of trails for horseback riding across varied terrain. Situated approximately 25 miles from Peach Bottom, this area features both wooded sections and open fields suitable for riders of all skill levels. The campground includes specific accommodations for horse trailers near camping areas.
Trail riding along waterways: Fair Hill's extensive trail network connects directly to riding areas, making it convenient for equestrians to access trails without moving horses between locations. According to a camper, "The extensive trail network at Fair Hill connects to over 80 miles of multi-use paths suitable for horseback riding through varied terrain."
Fish in multiple lakes: French Creek State Park Campground has two fishing lakes with diverse fish species. "There are two lakes in French Creek, Hopewell and Scott's Run and each contain many species of fish. We spent Saturday afternoon fishing but not catching anything at Scott's Run. It's a beautiful location and it was still a fun way to spend the day with the kids away from the site," notes Ellen C.
Enjoy water activities: Lums Pond State Park Campground offers boating options on their large pond. A visitor shared, "They have a large pond that you can rent paddle boats and small v-bottom boats! We did enjoy the paddle boats and saw a few cranes! They offer fishing at the pond which was also enjoyable!"
Spacious, private sites: Hibernia County Park provides wooded camping areas with natural separation. "Most sites are heavily wooded which means plenty of hammock hanging opportunities. 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," explains Jennifer S.
Clean facilities: At Blackbird State Forest Campground, cleanliness stands out to visitors. "Beautiful and clean... super easy to navigate with a map. People super friendly," reports Avrey S. Another camper noted, "Great bath houses, always super clean."
Affordability: Horse camping near Peach Bottom offers good value for equestrians. Hibernia County Park charges just $15 per night for basic sites. As John Z. mentions, "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the Peach Bottom area fill quickly during peak seasons. At Starlite Camping Resort, campers recommend booking well in advance. As Timothy T. notes, "Been coming for years, clean and spacious sites. Family operated. Located between Hershey and all of the PA Dutch Lancaster County attractions."
Limited amenities at some sites: Campgrounds vary significantly in available amenities. Hibernia offers minimal facilities: "No hook ups either. There is an old mansion that gives tours on weekends," mentions Jim N.
Terrain considerations: The topography around Peach Bottom presents challenges for some campers. "Yes, it is quite hilly throughout the campground, but the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed," explains a Starlite camper.
Look for dedicated youth areas: For horse-riding families, designated youth camping sections provide dedicated spaces. These areas often have specific guidelines for equestrian use.
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Blackbird State Forest Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "My family had a great time here. The camp sites are spaced out a good amount so each site has good privacy. There are multiple port a potties here but some sites are a bit far from them. Each site has a fire pit, a grill, and two tables with a decent amount of space for tents," shares one visitor.
Consider proximity to attractions: Many campgrounds are strategically located near family destinations. "The campground is in a great location with easy access to Lancaster, Hershey and many other places to explore," notes an Elizabeth L. at Starlite Camping Resort.
Check site dimensions carefully: Many equestrian camping options have limited space for larger rigs. At Hibernia County Park, "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," advises Jennifer S.
Bring water supplies: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "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," warns a reviewer at Hibernia County Park.
Consider dump station availability: Plan ahead for waste disposal. "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home," notes an experienced Hibernia camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Peach Bottom, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Peach Bottom, 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 Peach Bottom, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Peach Bottom, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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