Equestrian camping near Little Falls, New Jersey includes several options within an hour's drive. While Stokes State Forest remains the primary location for horse camping, other campgrounds within 60 miles offer varying experiences for riders. The terrain around Little Falls transitions from suburban areas to more rural landscapes with access to bridle trails of different difficulty levels and ground conditions.
What to do
Trail riding at Delaware Water Gap: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center offers access to extensive trail systems connecting to the Appalachian Trail. One visitor noted, "The AT runs right through the camp. I love this place!" while another mentioned the availability of "lots of hiking options" with various difficulty levels.
Water activities after rides: Turkey Swamp Park provides options for cooling off after a day with horses. "There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," reports one camper.
Seasonal riding events: Spruce Run Recreation Area hosts seasonal horseback activities with direct reservoir access. A visitor mentioned, "Our site was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning." The reservoir area includes several miles of shoreline suitable for guided trail rides.
What campers like
Site privacy: Horse owners appreciate the spacing between sites at Mountainview Campground which allows for equipment and trailer staging. "This place was actually fantastic... The whole scene was exactly what I love about camping, a nice little remote campground in the mountains," notes one camper, adding that "our site was fully private (could not see or hear neighbors)."
Terrain variety: The diverse ground conditions provide different riding experiences. At Ocquittunk, "Many sites are located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep," mentions one visitor, offering a peaceful overnight environment for horses and riders.
Wildlife viewing: Horse campers enjoy wildlife encounters. At Stokes State Forest, one camper mentioned, "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes." This serves as an important reminder for proper horse containment and feed storage.
What you should know
Site limitations: While accommodating to horses, most campgrounds have specific requirements. At Mountainview Campground, "The ground is moderately rocky, so there may be some slight troubles getting tent stakes in the ground" which affects portable corral setup.
Seasonal variations: Timing matters when planning horse camping trips. A visitor at Liberty Harbor RV Park mentioned, "We would only consider staying here again during the 'off-season' months when the campground isn't busy," which applies to many area campgrounds for horse trailers.
Reservation requirements: Most horse-friendly sites require advance booking. "The vast majority of sites were empty which made for a quiet/relaxing night," noted one Stokes camper, but added that the reservation system showed most sites as full despite actual availability.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Families with horses can find complementary activities. Turkey Swamp Park offers "age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," giving children options when not riding.
Cabin options: For mixed groups with non-riders, Allaire State Park provides alternative accommodations. "We stayed in the cabins. It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family," notes one visitor, though confirming horse access is essential before booking.
Educational opportunities: Combine horse camping with learning experiences. "We took a kayak around the lake and filling it with wild blueberries," mentioned a Camp Mohican visitor, highlighting nature education possibilities alongside equestrian activities.
Tips from RVers
Horse trailer positioning: RV sites with horse accommodations require planning. At Spruce Run, "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 one camper.
Water access: Horse owners need reliable water sources. A Spruce Run camper noted, "We fill our fresh water tank for and bring drinking water," which applies to horse watering needs as well since not all campgrounds provide dedicated equine water facilities.
Combined hookups: For longer stays with horses, some RVers recommend multiple sites. "I would consider getting one on the water to enjoy the water and one in the parking lot to hook up the RV. It's kind of worth it," suggests one camper regarding strategy for balancing amenities with horse-friendly locations.
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