Equestrian camping near Johnsonburg, New Jersey offers specialized facilities for horse owners in the Pocono Mountains region. The area sits at approximately 800-1,200 feet elevation with moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Several campgrounds maintain dedicated equestrian areas with trailer parking, paddocks, and direct trail access for riders wanting to explore the forested terrain.
What to Do
Trail riding near Lower Lake: Access miles of bridle trails directly from Lower Lake Campground Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area in Promised Land State Park. "Always a good trip. We have camped here in tents and with our teardrop trailer. All of our experiences have been good," reports camper David S.
Kayaking on Catfish Pond: Rent watercraft at Camp Mohican Outdoor Center for a day on the water. "You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife. If you're there in the summer, I'd recommend taking a kayak around the lake and filling it with wild blueberries," notes Dan X.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: The AT runs directly through many camping areas. At Stokes State Forest, campers can access multiple trail systems. "There are 21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries of Stokes State Forest. Twelve miles are part of the Appalachian Trail," according to one visitor.
What Campers Like
Spacious sites with lake access: Many equestrian campers appreciate the generous site spacing at Ocquittunk in Stokes State Forest. "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. The views of the lake are nice, very peaceful," writes Catherine S.
Clean facilities: Horse owners value well-maintained shower and restroom facilities after trail rides. At Pickerel Point Campground, "The bathrooms were clean with nice hot showers," according to Kelly F., while another visitor noted, "I spent the night in the Promised Land State Park at Pickerel Point and it was so pretty and quiet. There was a bathroom with flush toilets nearby."
Wildlife viewing: Riders often spot diverse wildlife from horseback. "We stayed on a beautiful mossy bank, next to a river and a lake. The area was quiet and peaceful, and areas with waterfalls and great views were easily accessible," shares Kiya N. about her Stokes State Forest experience.
What You Should Know
Seasonal restrictions: Most equestrian camping facilities near Johnsonburg close during winter months. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, the camping season runs "April 1 to October 31," with optimal trail riding conditions from May through September.
Reservation requirements: Horse camping sites fill quickly during peak season. "We stayed at site 11 on Lake Ocquittunk. While making reservations it said almost all sites were full but upon arrival the vast majority of sites were empty which made for a quiet/relaxing night," reports Josh S.
Terrain conditions: Some horse trails traverse rocky terrain requiring appropriate horseshoes. "Most sites are a bit rocky," notes one Stokes Forest camper, while another mentions, "The ground is moderately rocky, so there may be some slight troubles getting tent stakes in the ground."
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly activities: Families with both horses and children find plenty to do at Promised Land State Park. "Loved camping on Pickerel Point. 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," writes Paula R.
Educational programs: Some parks offer nature programs for younger visitors. "Can never go wrong here. Was pleasantly surprised they have programs for kids," notes John R. about Pickerel Point Campground, providing activities for children while parents tend to horses.
Safety considerations: Parents should note wildlife precautions. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," warns one camper at Stokes State Forest.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Horse trailers with living quarters need adequate space. "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," advises Douglas P. from Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Hookup availability: At Mountainview Campground, equestrian travelers find suitable amenities. "The power station was well intact with 15/20, 30, and 50amp. Overall it was a nice stay and served our purpose," reports Sarah, noting that sites can accommodate both horses and RVs comfortably.
Turning radius considerations: When towing horse trailers, site approach matters. "The drive to our site had some inclines and was relatively rocky and some vehicles would surely struggle," notes Christina H., highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate sites when bringing equestrian equipment.
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