Horseback riders seeking camping options near Branchville, New Jersey can find several alternatives beyond the popular Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area. The northwest New Jersey region sits within the Kittatinny Mountains, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet, creating varied terrain for riding. Weather conditions change seasonally, with summer highs averaging 82°F and winter lows reaching 18°F, affecting trail accessibility for horses.
What to do
Hiking with four-legged companions: Stokes State Forest permits pets on designated trails while camping. A visitor noted, "Sussex county is beautiful. Stokes is such a peaceful campground! We stay in the cabins. It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family."
Lake activities when not riding: Pickerel Point Campground offers water recreation after trail riding. A camper shared, "Kids had a great time! Love that the road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc... We will definitely be back."
Trail exploration beyond horse paths: Explore non-equestrian trails at Mohican Outdoor Center when resting your horse. "Lots of hiking options as well. If you're there in the summer, I'd recommend taking a kayak around the lake and filling it with wild blueberries."
What campers like
Clean facilities for humans and horses: Regular maintenance keeps campsites comfortable at Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area. A visitor mentioned, "Bathrooms were clean and so was the site. Sites were a good size and not on top of each other."
Seasonal camping patterns: Horse campers find less crowded conditions during weekdays. At Ocquittunk campground, a reviewer observed, "The bathrooms are clean and nicely placed. The sites had a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table and were well spaced out from other sites."
Natural settings near riding trails: Keen Lake Resort Campground attracts equestrians with spacious sites. "The RV sites are spaced out nicely. There are plenty of things to do; paddle boats, row boats, swimming pool, snack bar/campstore, activities, etc."
What you should know
Reservation requirements for horse sites: Book well in advance for equestrian camping. "Due to cooler temps there were really no bugs to complain about while camping," noted a visitor at Stokes State Forest, highlighting seasonal considerations.
Weather impacts on horse facilities: Spring conditions create muddy conditions on trails and in camping areas. A camper at Mountainview Campground advised, "The ground is moderately rocky, so there may be some slight troubles getting tent stakes in the ground."
Limited hookup options: Not all horse-friendly sites offer full connections. "The only downside was fire pit area was very un-level for camping chairs, otherwise it's a nice wooded site with privacy," reported one Lower Lake Beechwood Area camper.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife education opportunities: Children can learn about local fauna while camping with horses. A visitor to Stokes State Forest noted, "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Kid-friendly activities between rides: Spruce Run Recreation Area offers diverse recreation. "You can bring a camper, tent, or use one of the cabins. Many sites have a lovely water view of the reservoir. Several playgrounds, boat launches, and life guarded swimming area."
Multi-generational camping setup: Different accommodation types suit various family needs. "I stayed at the Mohican Outdoor Center in Nov while section hiking from the Del. Water Gap to the NY State Line. The bunkhouse was very clean, had full kitchen facilities, hot showers, and a common area with lots of reading material."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations for horse trailers: Some sites restrict larger rigs. One camper at Keen Lake noted, "We selected site T219. It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water."
Hookup availability near equestrian sites: Water and electric options vary by campground. "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper. The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail," shared a Pickerel Point visitor.
Maneuverability considerations: Access roads may present challenges for combined horse trailer and RV setups. A camper at Mountainview stated, "We just bought a small tear drop trailer and have begun taking it on weekend excursions. Not to worry, they gave us a nice drive through space."
Ranger
