Lower Lake Campground Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area caters to horse owners with specialized camping facilities. Located in the Pocono Mountains at approximately 1,800 feet elevation, this equestrian campground offers trail access through Pennsylvania's dense hardwood forests. The region typically experiences cool evenings even during summer months, with temperatures dropping to the mid-50s overnight.
What to Do
Trail riding opportunities: Riders at Spruce Run Recreation Area can explore interconnecting trail systems. "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," notes Amy B.
Explore nearby lakes: Ocquittunk offers fishing and scenic rides around water bodies. "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," says Catherine S.
Visit conservation areas: The region includes protected woodland areas with educational trails. At Stokes State Forest, "The park's extensive bridle paths wind through forested areas with varied terrain suitable for different riding skill levels," and you can "take a kayak around the lake and fill it with wild blueberries," according to Dan X.
What Campers Like
Cabin conveniences: At Stokes State Forest, "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. The interior features are just what you'd expect for getting away for the weekend," notes W L., who adds "The main room has a bunk bed and two twins, a table with benches, two Adirondack chairs, a wood stove set into a fireplace."
Spacious campsites: Mountainview Campground offers generous sites for horse trailers and gear. "The campsite was wonderful and isolated," reports Kyhlea D. Christina H. adds, "Picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Fire ring had a grate for cooking. Nice flat area for your tent. Our site was fully private."
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites feature natural settings with opportunities to observe local fauna. "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!" explains Christina H. at Mountainview Campground.
What You Should Know
Seasonal considerations: Horse trails in the region can become muddy during spring months. "The cabins are open most of the year. The wood stove definitely heats the room up nicely. I went through two bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning," explains W L.
Campsite terrain: At Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area, "Only downside was fire pit area was very un-level for camping chairs, otherwise it's a nice wooded site with privacy," reports Dawn R. Tiffany K. adds, "Was told it was a tent only spot but the layout was not great for tents. We used a three person tent and it was tight to fit in the site."
Bathroom facilities: Most equestrian campgrounds include shower facilities. "Bath stalls and showers are basic but clean," notes Scott A. about Mountainview Campground. Meanwhile at Spruce Run, Jules T. warns, "The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. I thought with COVID they were cleaning them more, but for the entire weekend, someone's #2 remained all over the toilet, floor, and corner wall."
Tips for Camping with Families
Choose cabin options: For families visiting horse campgrounds near Picatinny Arsenal, cabins offer convenience. "My favorite close to home spot. Certain sites allow pets. My favorite site does, plus I can launch my kayak right from there!" recommends Nancy L. about Pickerel Point Campground.
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer playgrounds and structured activities. "Kids had a great time! Bathrooms could be cleaned more often but relatively clean. The museum and crafts were closed due to COVID so that was a bummer but we found other things to do. Love that the road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc," shares Paula R.
Bring extra activities: Weather can be variable in equestrian areas. Kelly F. suggests, "The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail. The bathrooms were clean with nice hot showers," mentioning activities beyond horseback riding at Pickerel Point Campground.
Tips from RVers
Check site specifications: When bringing an RV to equestrian campgrounds, verify site dimensions. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, Frank J. notes, "My campsite was 34W, right next the reservoir. Nice location however the website said it was full shade. The picnic table was in shade. The spot for the RV was full sun."
Plan for hookups: Some equestrian sites have limited utilities. "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. about Spruce Run Recreation Area. Ruette W. adds, "There are some RV sites with water & electric which are not on the water, but in the parking lot."
Prepare for varied terrain: Horse campgrounds often have irregular surfaces. "The sites had a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table and were well spaced out from other sites," says Catherine S. about sites at Ocquittunk.
Guide
