Promised Land State Park offers multiple specialized camping areas for equestrians within 40 miles of West Milford, New Jersey. The park's Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area features tent sites and RV accommodations that welcome horses with water and electric hookups. Trail riding options connect directly to campgrounds through forested terrain that varies from flat paths to moderate inclines. Winter temperatures in the region typically range from 15-40°F, with summer averages between 60-85°F.
What to do
Hiking trails: Access the Appalachian Trail from Mohican Outdoor Center where multiple trail options connect to campsites. "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. Pick up a hiking map at the park office or download the Avenza Maps app."
Lake activities: Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards at Stokes State Forest office to explore multiple water bodies. "You can also rent kayaks and SUP at the main office. Highly recommend Stokes."
Horseback riding: Trail connections from campsites allow direct horse access to miles of trails at different elevations. While some campgrounds require portable corrals, water sources for horses are accessible throughout trail systems.
Wildlife viewing: Look for beavers and other local wildlife near campsites. "Beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless. The Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked."
What campers like
Lakeside camping: Pickerel Point Campground offers water access directly from campsites. "Almost every campsite is close to the water. Our site had kayak access and that was a real bonus. It is a spotless facility. Evan in August it was not crowded."
Peaceful settings: Many sites provide quiet surroundings with natural buffers between campsites. "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."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies allow for excellent star viewing conditions away from urban light pollution. "The stars and moon were absolutely amazing. We got some great night shots and the moon is so bright it actually looks like the sun in the photos."
Water features: Streams and lakes provide natural sounds and recreational options. "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."
What you should know
Site terrain: Many campsites have rocky surfaces that can impact tent setup. "Most of the campsites were very rocky, but you can find some that have a little bit of grass" at Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Bathroom facilities: Quality and maintenance vary across campgrounds. "The bathhouses were above average and heated. The laundry was helpful and was acceptable."
Drinking water access: Not all sites provide direct water hookups. "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by."
Animal precautions: Bear safety measures are necessary in many areas. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Seasonal considerations: Off-season camping requires preparation for limited services. "You need that wood stove to heat up the cabin. Turning on the oven is a help, but not a good solution. The wood stove definitely heats the room up nicely."
Tips for camping with families
Platform tents: Look for sites with tent platforms for better sleeping comfort. "We selected site T219. It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook."
Activity options: Choose Beechwood Area for a mix of hiking and water activities. "Hiked 2 short easy trails (Little Falls and the Conservation Nature Loop- which we drove to). Absolutely beautiful! Bathrooms were clean and water was hot in the shower."
Cabin alternatives: For families new to camping or during cooler weather, cabins provide a comfortable option. "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."
Paved areas for kids: Some campgrounds feature paved roads ideal for bicycle riding. "Love that the road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc... We will definitely be back."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RVs with equestrian needs, Liberty Harbor RV Park offers larger sites on end rows. "Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room. If it's packed, your neighbor will be within inches of your rig."
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by campground section. "We had full hookups (20/30/50 amp, water & sewer). There's no cable but we were able to pickup about 6 channels with our digital antenna."
Tree clearance: Watch for low-hanging branches when selecting sites with trees. "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."
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging in certain seasons. "Watch the local roads for potholes."
Ranger
