Promised Land State Park contains several campground areas beyond the equestrian facilities at Hemlock Hill. The park sits on the Pocono Plateau at approximately 1,800 feet elevation, creating cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Many campgrounds in this region remain open year-round, though winter visitors should expect limited facilities and potentially challenging road conditions from December through March.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Stokes State Forest offers 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles, including 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail. "We hiked the Tillman Ravine trail (tip: make the trail a loop and visit both the ravine and the nearby old cemetery)," notes one visitor who appreciated the diverse terrain options.
Fishing in clear waters: Ocquittunk provides shoreline fishing access with several sites positioned along the water. "Clear streams and lake. Stunning overall," shares one reviewer who enjoyed the exceptional water quality. The fishing areas are most productive during early morning and evening hours.
Kayaking on multiple lakes: The lakes at Pickerel Point Campground offer calm waters suitable for paddling. "Almost every campsite is close to the water. Our site had kayak access and that was a real bonus," explains a camper who enjoyed direct water access. Rental equipment is available during summer months at some parks.
What campers like
Site privacy: Mountainview Campground offers well-spaced sites for campers seeking quiet. "The campsite was wonderful and isolated," notes a visitor who appreciated the layout. The most private spots are positioned at the perimeter of the camping areas, often requiring early reservations during peak season.
Bathroom facilities: Clean restrooms are consistently mentioned as a positive feature. "Bathrooms and shower were all single stall and very clean, only a 5 min walk from our site. Two water sources nearby as well," reports a camper at Stokes State Forest. Most campgrounds maintain flush toilets during primary season, with some facilities winterized during colder months.
Off-season availability: Several parks offer extended camping opportunities. "This was my second visit in the cold months. Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers," notes a visitor to Pickerel Point Campground. Winter camping requires additional preparation but rewards with quieter surroundings and better wildlife viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Rocky terrain challenges: Most equestrian campgrounds near Andover, New Jersey feature natural surfaces that can be challenging for tent setup. "The ground is moderately rocky, so there may be some slight troubles getting tent stakes in the ground," warns a camper at Mountainview. Bringing additional ground padding and heavy-duty stakes is advisable.
Variable enforcement of rules: Quiet hours exist at most campgrounds but enforcement varies by location and season. "It was very loud and rowdy into the late night. There were campers making lots of noise, arming/disarming their car alarms, slamming doors, cars driving in/out, bright lights flashing, etc. all PASSED 2am!!" reports one visitor at Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Limited cellular service: Cell reception can be spotty in mountainous areas. "The only negative is that I had almost no cell reception with Verizon," mentions a camper about Pickerel Point. Signal strength varies by carrier and specific location within each park, with higher elevation spots typically offering better connectivity.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center provides alternative accommodations for families not ready for tent camping. "The bunkhouse was very clean, had full kitchen facilities, hot showers, and a common area with lots of reading material," shares a visitor who enjoyed the indoor amenities while still experiencing nature.
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas for children. "Several playgrounds, boat launches, and life guarded swimming area," mentions a visitor to Spruce Run Recreation Area, highlighting facilities that keep children entertained during downtime at camp.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites offer chances to observe native animals. "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!" reports a camper at Mountainview Campground who appreciated the natural soundscape.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Electric and water connections are available at some but not all sites. "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by," notes a Pickerel Point camper who managed with partial hookups. Reservations for sites with full amenities should be made months in advance, especially for weekend stays.
Dump station access: Most equestrian campgrounds near Andover provide sanitary facilities, though their convenience varies. "There is a dump station, but not the easiest to use," explains a visitor to another regional park, suggesting RVers arrive with empty tanks when possible.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven sites. "The fire pit area was very un-level for camping chairs," notes a visitor to Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area, highlighting a common issue. Bringing additional leveling blocks is recommended, particularly for larger rigs.
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