Promised Land State Park's Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area provides trail access for horse riders with routes connecting to extensive trail networks. Located in Greentown, Pennsylvania at about 1,800 feet elevation, the area experiences cooler temperatures than Middletown, with summer highs averaging in the 70s-80s°F. The park's bridle paths traverse moderately challenging terrain through mixed hardwood forests, requiring horses accustomed to rocky trails in some sections.
What to do
Trail riding with elevation changes: The equestrian area connects to trails with varied difficulty levels for different riding experiences. At Stokes State Forest, "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," notes one visitor. Riders can access trails directly from camping areas in both parks.
Lake activities for non-riding days: Alternate between trail riding and water activities. "You can rent kayaks and SUP at the main office," says a visitor to Stokes State Forest. At Pickerel Point Campground, visitors mention "crystal clear" water perfect for cooling off after a day on horseback.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening rides offer wildlife spotting chances. One camper at Mohican Outdoor Center mentioned seeing "plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife" at nearby water features. These viewing opportunities extend to the bridle paths throughout the equestrian camping areas.
What campers like
Spacious sites for horse trailers: The equestrian camping area provides room for both camping equipment and horse trailers. A Spruce Run Recreation Area visitor noted, "The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade," which mirrors the spacious layout at Hemlock Hill.
Clean facilities despite heavy use: Bathroom facilities remain well-maintained even during peak season. A visitor to Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area noted, "Bathrooms were clean and water was hot in the shower," reflecting similar standards across Promised Land State Park's camping areas.
Moderate temperatures: The elevation provides relief from summer heat. "Not too hot during the day and nice and cool overnight," mentioned one Beechwood Area camper, which benefits both horses and riders after active trail days.
What you should know
Reservation requirements and timing: Book equestrian sites well in advance, especially for holiday weekends. A visitor to Mountainview Campground noted they "just bought a small tear drop trailer and have begun taking it on weekend excursions," highlighting the need to secure spots early since specialty sites fill quickly.
Water access points: Horse watering locations exist along trails, but availability varies seasonally. "Water access for horses is available near the camping area," though riders should identify specific watering points before departing on longer trails.
Trail conditions and hazards: Some trails contain rocky sections requiring appropriate hoof protection. "Some sites may be rocky," requiring appropriate footwear for horses, particularly after rain when terrain becomes slippery.
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities between rides: Plan alternative activities for younger family members. At Ocquittunk, "The views of the lake are nice, very peaceful," offering fishing and swimming opportunities when not riding.
Choose sites with shade: Select camping spots with natural protection from heat. "Our site was on a hill and most likely not in a flood area," noted one Spruce Run visitor, highlighting the importance of site selection for both comfort and safety.
Proximity to bathrooms: For families with small children, consider sites closer to facilities. "Short walk to bathrooms, showers and lake," mentioned a Lower Lake Campground visitor, which proves helpful for families managing both children and horses.
Tips from RVers
Power requirements for equestrian setups: Equestrian sites offer both 30-amp and 50-amp service, accommodating various RV needs. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, one visitor mentioned, "The sites had electric and water," similar to the hookup options available at Hemlock Hill's equestrian area.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for potentially uneven sites. "Only downside was fire pit area was very un-level for camping chairs," noted one Beechwood camper, an issue that can affect both camping comfort and trailer positioning.
Tank filling protocols: Water hookups are available, but dump station procedures require planning. "They do a great job of mowing the grass on the sites," shared a Spruce Run visitor, indicating the general maintenance level extends to all facilities including water and sanitation areas.
Ranger
