Marino Equestrian Campground, Green Lane, PA

Introduction / Overview

For dedicated equestrians across the Keystone State, finding a specialized and well-maintained horse camping facility is a necessity, not a luxury. The Marino Equestrian Campground, situated within the vast and beautiful Green Lane Park in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, is precisely that destination. This is a unique facility explicitly designed to serve the needs of riders who wish to camp overnight with their horses, providing direct access to over 25 miles of picturesque, multi-use trails.

The campground is an integral part of Green Lane Park, a 3,400-acre outdoor haven. Unlike standard family campgrounds in the area, the Marino Campground operates under a strict equestrian-only policy. Prospective campers should note the non-negotiable requirement: you must have at least one horse present at check-in and throughout your stay to occupy one of its 10 dedicated sites. This ensures a community atmosphere and keeps the focus entirely on the equestrian experience, creating a perfect basecamp for riders exploring the rolling hills and natural beauty of northwestern Montgomery County.

While the trails themselves are expansive and highly valued, some customer reviews indicate a need for maintenance, advising that trails "need a trimmed back really over grown" and recommending that "shoes or boots a must for trails." This highlights the authentic, sometimes rugged nature of the riding experience. The park’s managing authority in Montgomery County is committed to the upkeep of the entire facility, ensuring the campsites themselves are continually improved, with previous users noting that the "Campsites are getting better each year." Operating seasonally from April 1st to October 30th, Marino Equestrian Campground is a vital resource for Pennsylvania’s horse owners.

Location and Accessibility

Marino Equestrian Campground boasts a strategic and scenic location in Green Lane, PA, positioning it perfectly for regional accessibility while providing a secluded, nature-rich environment. The physical address is 2871-2899 Hill Rd, Green Lane, PA 18054, USA, placing it directly within the grounds of the expansive Green Lane Park system.

The park itself is located in northwestern Montgomery County, making it a convenient drive from the greater Philadelphia region, the Lehigh Valley, and other parts of Eastern Pennsylvania. The campground’s layout is specifically designed to accommodate large vehicles, offering ample space for horse trailers and recreational vehicles (RVs). This ease of access for large rigs is paramount for equestrian camping.

Beyond the immediate campground, the location offers practical local amenities. For essentials, campers can find a propane refill station and a popular Italian restaurant just down the road, as noted by a satisfied customer. This combination of isolated trail access with nearby town convenience is a major draw for Pennsylvania locals seeking a temporary home base for their riding adventures. Moreover, the campground is central to the greater Green Lane Park’s recreational offerings, including a popular disc golf course and other outdoor amenities, expanding the fun even when the horses are resting.

Services Offered

The services at Marino Equestrian Campground are carefully tailored to meet the dual needs of both the human camper and their equine companion. With a limited capacity of only 10 campsites, the focus is on quality and specialized amenities. Note that all sites have a maximum capacity of six persons and a maximum stay limit of 14 nights per person per season.

Equine Water Supply: The site provides well water specifically for the horses, a critical service for extended stays. Campers are advised to bring their own potable drinking water.
Electricity Hookup: Each of the 10 sites is equipped with a 20 AMP electrical service maximum, accommodating the basic power needs of camping trailers.
Spacious Trailer Sites: The layout is designed to allow for easy maneuvering and parking of large equestrian camping trailers.
Campsite Essentials: Each site comes standard with a fire ring, a grill, and a picnic table for comfortable outdoor cooking and dining.
Pet-Friendly Policy: The campground is dog-friendly, allowing campers to bring their leashed dogs, provided they adhere to all clean-up rules.
Restroom Facilities: A Port-a-Potty is provided on-site for the convenience of the campers. Note that this campground does not feature a bathhouse or modern restroom facilities, which are available at the park’s Deep Creek Campground section.

Features / Highlights

Marino Equestrian Campground is a premier destination in Pennsylvania for a niche outdoor pursuit, thanks to its exceptional and unique features:

Specialized Equestrian Focus: This is a dedicated horse campground where having a horse is a mandatory requirement for a reservation. This commitment ensures a focused, supportive community for riders.
Direct Trail Access: Campers have immediate and direct access to over 25 miles of diverse, multi-use trails that crisscross the extensive Green Lane Park, perfect for a long day of riding.
Part of Green Lane Park System: Being situated in the 3,400-acre Green Lane Park means riders also have easy access to the park’s numerous other recreational activities, including three bodies of water for fishing and boating.
Proximity to Disc Golf: The park is home to the well-known Ryan C. Kelly Disc Golf Course, adding another recreational activity for campers when they are not on the trails.
Seasonal Operations and Continuous Improvement: The campground is open for the full riding season, from April 1st to October 30th, and is noted for its continuous maintenance and improvement efforts over the years, ensuring a high-quality experience.
Local Convenience: The short distance to local amenities, including propane refill stations and an Italian restaurant in the nearby area, provides modern convenience that complements the rugged outdoor stay.

Contact Information

To inquire about date availability or to make a reservation for the Marino Equestrian Campground, prospective users should contact the management office for Green Lane Park, which oversees the facility. The campground utilizes an online reservation system, but phone inquiries for specific questions are welcome.

Address:

2871-2899 Hill Rd, Green Lane, PA 18054, USA

Phone:

(215) 234-4528

Mobile Phone:

+1 215-234-4528

Note: Reservations for camping cannot be made online once the gate is closed at sunset. It is highly recommended to book in advance through the official Montgomery County Parks & Recreation online system, particularly during peak riding season.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Pennsylvania, particularly those in the southeastern and central regions, the Marino Equestrian Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent—it is a community hub for horse owners. Its suitability for locals is rooted in its specialized focus and comprehensive access to the outdoors.

Firstly, it eliminates the lengthy travel required to access quality, horse-friendly trails and camping facilities, making it ideal for weekend trips. The ability to park a trailer, set up camp with 20 AMP electric, and immediately ride out onto 25 miles of equestrian-designated trails is a unique and valuable amenity. Secondly, by requiring campers to have a horse, the campground cultivates a shared passion and a supportive environment among local riders, creating a network of fellow equestrians.

Finally, being part of the popular Green Lane Park ensures that the non-equestrian members of a family or group also have plenty to enjoy, from boating and fishing on the lake to playing a round of disc golf. The Marino Equestrian Campground is a well-maintained, purpose-built facility that strongly supports the local equestrian community and promotes the active use of Montgomery County’s extensive and beautiful park system.