French Creek State Park offers equestrian camping opportunities with four separate camping loops and 200 individual sites. Campers can choose from full hookup sites, electric-only sites, or primitive tent sites. Loop C is the only pet-friendly area of the campground, allowing visitors with horses for day use. The campground provides paved level areas at each site, facilitating easier setup for camping equipment and horse trailers. The surrounding trail system connects to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site through designated horseback riding paths.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: French Creek State Park features Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake where anglers can catch various warm water fish including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, and panfish. "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," notes Jen R. at French Creek State Park Campground.
Horseback riding on designated trails: Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, about an hour from Reading, offers extensive equestrian facilities and trails. The area has specific youth group camping areas with guidelines available on their website. "There are two primitive youth group camping areas. There are specific rules that need to be followed and the guidelines are on the website," mentions Gen F. at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area.
Hiking nearby mountain trails: The mountain areas surrounding Reading offer varied hiking experiences with wildlife viewing opportunities. "There are many trails for walking, hiking or biking as well! There are a ton of picnic tables too so you can take a lunch and just sit by the lake to relax and have a bite to eat," explains a camper at French Creek State Park.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Hibernia County Park offers secluded camping with multiple trails connecting to the lake. "Lake loop is the bigger of the two, however the 'sites' are smaller and it's more open. It is popular with group tenters. I wouldn't attempt to park an RV up there," advises Jennifer S. at Hibernia County Park.
Clean facilities: Tuscarora State Park maintains well-kept facilities for campers and their horses. "The sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean," reports Cheryl K. at Tuscarora State Park Campground.
Natural surroundings: Most horse campgrounds near Reading maintain wooded sites with natural barriers between camping spots. "There is a lot of shade and the campground is laid out well. There are three separate loops to camp at, Loop C is the only loop that allows pets, plus an area for large group camping which can accommodate anywhere from 30 to 60 people," describes a reviewer about French Creek State Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the Reading area require advance reservations, especially during peak seasons. "We were able to book our sites online which was also a nice feature. The website is very easy to use and you can also call a phone number and they can help you book your stay at any State Park," shares a camper from French Creek State Park.
Site limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on the type and size of campers they can accommodate. "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. from Hibernia County Park.
Seasonal considerations: At Starlite Camping Resort near Stevens, PA, the camping season runs from May 1 to November 1. "This campground is only open on the weekends, in season. Sites can be reserved online, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration," mentions a reviewer about seasonal availability at a nearby park.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Multiple campgrounds near Reading feature playground facilities for children. "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. All kids and adults agreed it was the most fun!" shares Jen R. about French Creek State Park.
Water activities: Lakes provide swimming and boating opportunities for families. "The lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails. Each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring with a built in grill. Plenty of firewood to be found. Great for families," says Anna at Hibernia County Park.
Kid-friendly fishing: Some areas have designated fishing ponds specifically for children. "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground," notes John Z. at Mountainview Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites carefully when bringing horse trailers or larger RVs to campgrounds near Reading. "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. It was nice to just be able to back up our camper and have it mostly level already," advises a camper at French Creek State Park.
Hookup options: Different loops offer varying levels of hookups for RVs and horse trailers. "We had two sites this trip with water and electric, but they do have quite a few full hook-up sites. Overall the sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy," says Craig F. at Starlite Camping Resort.
Leveling considerations: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring preparation. "The sites aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix," notes Jennifer S. about accommodating an RV at Hibernia County Park.
