Bear Spring Mountain offers equestrian camping near Afton, New York with designated trails that wind through 7,000 acres of diverse Catskill terrain. The campground operates from mid-May through late August and provides access to several interconnected trail systems suitable for horseback riding. Weather varies considerably with summer daytime temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F and cooler evenings down to the 50s.
What to do
Hiking and horseback trails: The trail system at Bear Spring Mountain provides extensive options for both hiking and horseback riding. "Nothing but woods all around! Endless hiking and beautiful steams - you can drink straight from the pipes!" notes Kimberly S.
Fishing opportunities: Campers can enjoy fishing at the small pond within the campground area. "Pond/very small lake was nice for fishing," shares Becky S., though she also mentions that some hiking trails "didn't deliver" on expected views of the Catskills.
Watercraft rentals: At Lackawanna State Park Campground, visitors have access to boat rentals for enjoying time on the water. One visitor mentions, "They do have boat rental. The swimming beach looked nice."
What campers like
Natural setting: Charles E. Baker State Forest offers a primitive camping experience without the crowds. "Beautiful forest with miles of trails. I found this spot passing through on my bike and had no problem pitching a tent in a secluded spot in the woods," says Matt A.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities at Bear Spring Mountain. "Clean, private, and quiet! We had a blast!!" reports Amanda P., highlighting the well-maintained nature of the campground.
Wildlife observation: The forests around Afton provide opportunities for spotting local wildlife. "Lots of wildlife!" mentions Amber A., indicating the area's rich biodiversity and potential for nature watching during horseback rides or hikes.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: The camping season in this region is relatively short, typically running from late spring to early fall. At Keen Lake Resort Campground, the season runs "Apr 26 - Oct 14," providing a slightly longer window than some state facilities.
Varying terrain: Some areas have challenging topography that may affect mobility. "Brought bikes but the roads were way too steep," notes one Bear Spring Mountain visitor, indicating that terrain should be considered when planning activities.
Bear safety protocols: Wildlife safety procedures are mandatory in this region. "Obey bear rules!" emphasizes Amber A., reminding visitors of the importance of proper food storage and waste disposal when equestrian camping in the Afton area.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Families appreciate water recreation opportunities during summer months. At Keen Lake Resort Campground, "My kids really loved having a pool to swim in, in addition to the lake," shares Emily Z.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "Small playground was nice for the kids," mentions Becky S. about Bear Spring Mountain, providing an option for younger campers when not on horseback.
Organized activities: Some facilities provide structured recreation for various age groups. At Keen Lake, Mike H. notes, "They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RVers considering horseback camping opportunities, choosing the right site is crucial. At Lackawanna State Park, cheryl M. recommends the "fairly new ledges loop that are all full hookup sites. Nice large sites, beautiful area, friendly rangers."
Electrical considerations: Some campgrounds have electrical limitations. One Lackawanna visitor noted, "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained," suggesting bringing power management equipment.
Road conditions: Access roads to some equestrian camping areas can be challenging. One camper at Charles E. Baker State Forest mentions "Access at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road," indicating that larger rigs should consider road conditions when planning their approach.
