Lower Lake Campground Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area offers specialized accommodations for horse owners looking to camp with their equine companions. Located approximately 45 miles from Wharton, New Jersey in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains region, this campground sits at an elevation of 1,800 feet. The higher elevation provides cooler summer temperatures, typically 5-10 degrees lower than surrounding lowlands, making it comfortable for both horses and riders during peak summer months.
What to do
Trail riding access: The equestrian campground connects to over 50 miles of trails suitable for horseback riding with varying difficulty levels. According to one camper, "We have camped here in tents and with our teardrop trailer. All of our experiences have been good. Clean bathrooms are essential and even when the large campground is full the bathrooms have been clean."
Kayaking opportunities: Spruce Run Recreation Area provides excellent water activities for those mixing trail riding with water sports. A visitor noted, "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."
Wildlife observation: The wooded campsites at Pickerel Point Campground offer opportunities to spot native wildlife. One camper shared their experience: "Loved camping on Pickerel Point. 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."
What campers like
Peaceful lakeside settings: Ocquittunk gets high marks for its tranquil water views and well-spaced campsites. A reviewer commented, "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."
Forested campsites: Stokes State Forest offers wooded sites that provide natural privacy between campers. One visitor mentioned, "Enjoyed a great weekend at Stokes State Forest. We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents."
Access to extensive trail systems: Horseback riders appreciate the direct trail access without needing to trailer horses between camping and riding locations. A visitor to Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area wrote, "This park is large and has many different campgrounds. We stayed in lower lake beechwood site 323. Was decent site only downside was fire pit area was very un-level for camping chairs, otherwise it's a nice wooded site with privacy."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian camping areas require advance booking, especially from spring through fall. For Mountainview Campground, a camper noted, "I reserved two nights, but the first night we were not going to be able to arrive until after 9. After talking to them, they would not allow us to come late, but did refund the first night."
Weather considerations: The region experiences temperature swings between day and night. One camper at Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area shared, "~3 hour drive from NYC, and a wonderful campsite with good weather in the summer - not too hot during the day and nice and cool overnight."
Facilities maintenance: Bathhouse and shower facilities vary by location and season. A visitor to Spruce Run Recreation Area commented, "Showers were cold water only and very cold at that. Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway."
Tips for camping with families
Bring extra clothing layers: Temperature variations in the Pocono region can be significant. One family camping at Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area recommended, "First trip of the season and we were amazed. Not crowded this time of year, serene, and perfect weather. We collected our own firewood as there is none for sale in the state park."
Choose sites near bathroom facilities: When traveling with children, proximity to restrooms makes a big difference. At Beechwood Area, a camper noted, "Short walk to bathrooms, showers and lake. Though had to drive to park and beaches. Would go back again and might try to stay in Pickerel point campground instead."
Pack entertainment options: While horse-related activities will occupy much of your time, having alternatives helps. A camper at Spruce Run Recreation Area advised, "Decent overnight park. Lots of space. Great for sailing and fishing. Does get a little rowdy at night with some groups that party."
Tips from RVers
Check hookup availability: Not all equestrian sites have full hookups. At Mountainview Campground, an RVer reported, "We just bought a small tear drop trailer and have begun taking it on weekend excursions. We took it to Mountain View this weekend, with a little trepidation on how we were going to get the trailer backed into the space. Not to worry, they gave us a nice drive through space."
Site selection considerations: Choose sites based on your specific needs. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, an RVer suggested, "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."
Water management planning: Some campgrounds have limited water access. A visitor to Spruce Run Recreation Area shared, "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."
