Camping options for horse owners remain limited near Sumneytown, Pennsylvania. The region's rolling terrain ranges from 400-800 feet in elevation across forested hills and farmland. While specialized equestrian facilities are scarce, the area's 40+ inches of annual rainfall supports lush vegetation and seasonal camping from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months.
What to do
Trail riding day trips: French Creek State Park offers 35 miles of trails with some sections open to horses, though overnight stabling isn't available. "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," notes one visitor to French Creek State Park Campground.
Water recreation: The region's lakes provide alternatives to horseback riding. "There's a huge lake where you can rent canoes and kayaks. A huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake," explains a camper at French Creek. For fishing enthusiasts, Spruce Run Recreation Area provides waterfront options: "You can launch your kayak easily from the shore."
Visit nearby historic sites: Take a break from riding to explore local history. "The park's trail system connects to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, accessible via hiking paths or by vehicle," reports a camper. "There is Hopewell National Furnace and St. Peter's Village with shops and restaurants and hiking trails as well."
What campers like
Private sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots for privacy. At Hibernia County Park, "There are two 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." The vegetation provides natural screening at some parks: "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."
Wildlife viewing: Campers enjoy natural encounters not available at dedicated horse facilities. One camper at Mountainview Campground shared: "I've never heard so much wildlife there as I did here. Only 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!"
Affordable rates: Campsites offer economical alternatives to horse boarding. "It cost us $65 for the weekend plus a $6 service fee for using the Reserve America website. We had electric however no water or sewer hookup," noted a camper. Another mentioned, "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups."
What you should know
Pet policies vary: While many campgrounds welcome dogs, policies differ from horse accommodations. At Starlite Camping Resort, "Pets permitted," but at Spruce Run Recreation Area, reviews indicate "NO pets-allowed." French Creek State Park allows pets only in designated areas: "This is the only loop that allows pets."
Reservation requirements: Plan ahead, especially for holiday weekends. "This campground is only open on the weekends, in season. Sites can be reserved on line, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration." Most parks require advance booking for holiday periods.
Limited horse-specific amenities: Expect minimal equestrian infrastructure. While traditional camping amenities are common, specialized horse facilities are rare. A camper noted, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several parks offer swimming areas for children. At Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, visitors find "Clean family friendly environment with tons of extra curricular activities for all." French Creek State Park includes "a huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake."
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with play areas. "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."
Fishing spots for kids: Family fishing opportunities abound. "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too." Another camper mentioned, "The lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites carefully for larger rigs. "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." At Hibernia County Park, "We mostly camp in a 28ft 5th wheel and 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."
Hookup limitations: Expect variations in hookup availability. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other." However, not all sites offer full connections: "We had electric however no water or sewer hookup."
Water access planning: Bring extra water for dry camping. "There is one spigot at the bathroom" at some parks, while others note, "There was a spigot for water at the next site over from us, so we didn't have to walk far to get fresh water."
Ranger
