French Creek State Park offers equestrian trail riding options within 35 miles of designated trails across its 7,900-acre forest. While primitive horse camping facilities aren't prominently advertised, several campgrounds within driving distance of Valley Forge accommodate equestrians and their mounts. Camping areas near Valley Forge feature a mix of state parks with extensive trail networks and private campgrounds with varying levels of amenities for horses and riders.
What to do
Trail riding at Hibernia County Park: Just 15 miles west of Valley Forge, Hibernia features well-maintained hiking paths through wooded areas. "County park so no booze but camp sites are under trees," notes John H., highlighting the natural setting perfect for day rides.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water bodies surround Valley Forge camping areas, providing excellent fishing. At Lums Pond State Park, about 45 minutes from Valley Forge, "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," according to reviewers who appreciate the angling options.
Frisbee golf in the woods: French Creek State Park offers a unique frisbee golf course through the forested area. One camper mentions, "There is also a frisbee golf course in the woods to make it even more interesting and competitive. The trees definitely make it harder!"
Wildlife observation: Listen for natural sounds at night near camping areas. At Mountainview Campground, a visitor experienced "foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise!"
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Hibernia County Park offers secluded camping spots with good separation between neighbors. "The camp sites are right next to each other with hardly any trees. The more dense woods is on the other side of the trail," notes one reviewer about site placement.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and shower facilities matter to campers. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, a reviewer noted, "Showers were cold water only and very cold at that," showing the importance of knowing facility conditions beforehand.
Ease of reservations: Many campgrounds in the Valley Forge area offer straightforward booking systems. Starlite Camping Resort earned praise for their staff: "The employees in the camp store are amazing and go out of their way to make you feel welcome! I felt everyone went above and beyond to help me from the reservation process through check-in."
Level sites for equipment setup: Mountainview Campground provides relatively flat areas for camping. "The landing for the camper was even with gravel and the rest of the site was mostly even. The power station was well intact with 15/20, 30, and 50amp," a camper shared about their experience.
What you should know
Limited horse-specific amenities: While several parks permit equestrian activities, dedicated horse facilities are minimal near Valley Forge. At French Creek State Park, riders should bring their own containment systems as permanent corrals are not available.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally. Spruce Run Recreation Area runs "April 1 to October 31," with limited accessibility in off-seasons.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Spruce Run, a camper noted, "Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway."
Bathroom quality varies widely: Facility maintenance differs between parks. At Hibernia County Park, "There are only pit toilets in Fiddler's loop, however there is a bathroom with running water, flush toilets and electric outlets (no shower) within walking distance of the loop."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds for different ages: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. Spruce Run Recreation Area has "Several playgrounds, boat launches, and life guarded swimming area," making it suitable for families with varied interests.
Fishing ponds for children: Some parks have dedicated fishing areas for kids. A visitor at Hibernia County Park mentioned, "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing."
Scheduled activities: Look for campgrounds with organized events. Starlite Camping Resort offers "regular activities for all ages including bingo, crafts and live music," perfect for keeping children entertained during longer stays.
Consider proximity to bathrooms: When camping with children, bathroom location matters. "Tent campers...keep your shoes handy, its a hike," warns a camper about bathroom placement at Lums Pond State Park.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: Be aware of utility placement at sites. At Starlite Camping Resort, "We had two sites this trip with water and electric, but they do have quite a few full hook-up sites." Knowing which utilities are available helps with planning.
Site leveling needs: Many campgrounds in the Valley Forge region have uneven terrain. "Yes, it is quite hilly throughout the campground, but the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed," notes a visitor to Starlite Camping Resort.
Water access points: Not all sites have direct water connections. A French Creek State Park camper shared, "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."
Tree clearance for larger rigs: Watch for low-hanging branches at wooded sites. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, "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."
