5 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Bear Spring Mountain campground in Downsville accommodates horseback riding activities with designated areas for horses. The campground connects with several trail networks and features drinking water access, making it suitable for day trips with horses. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with both tent and RV camping available. Though official horse corrals are not listed among amenities, the campground has a strong connection to equestrian activities, with one visitor noting the significant horse activity at the property. Many campers experience the distinctive scent of the barn area at certain campsite sections.
The trail system at Bear Spring Mountain offers various hiking options that are also suitable for horseback riding. Located in the Catskills region, the campground provides access to scenic woodland trails through diverse terrain. Camping is available from mid-May through late August, with standard campsites featuring basic amenities suitable for visitors bringing horses. Restrooms, showers, and drinking water are accessible to campers. The campground maintains a natural setting with a small lake for fishing and recreation. Visitors should note that some areas of the campground have steep roads that may affect horse trailer access and parking considerations. Standard bear safety protocols must be followed throughout the property.
"Went here with some friends who had never been outside NYC before. They were absolutely blown away. For me, it was a nice site but not exceptional. Bring or rent a kayak!"
"I drove to NYC for a business trip and ended up driving 1 and a half hour to reach this place. I always carry a tent in the back of my trunk and decided to go camping."
from $18 - $40 / night
Check Availability"I stayed on a lakeside electric/water site for 5 nights in August 2020. It was SO BEAUTIFUL. We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch. "
"We didn’t have a view of the lake, instead we were in someone’s back yard lol. It wasn’t a big deal. The site was well maintained and flat which were the most important."
"There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network if hiking and horse riding trails."
"The sites were a little close to each other and where we were in the park was a mixed use area. So we had an RV next to us with the Genny running all day."
from $20 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Only found one designated campsite, which was available, but there’s a lot of good space for dispersed camping right nearby. Access at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road."
"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."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability
GuideStayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
TravelerThe state park is beautiful. The site was very nice. The park itself is very big with many activities available such as boat rentals and a swimming pool. There's also an amphitheatre which hosts specials. During our stay the only activity we made it to was the pool. The main reason we didn't do more was the distance. We have a motorhome so we didn't have additional vehicles to get to and from places. We walked to the park which according to my Fitbit was 1.5 miles away. That doesn't seem too bad until you realize it's mostly hills in both directions! We are a fairly active young family who has no problem with a bit of a walk but after that experience we decided to just spend the remainder of our trip hanging out at our site. It's a good thing we only stayed 2 nights because our 10 year old might've lost his mind with boredom if we stayed longer. Overall, the site we had was great and I'd recommend it. My husband and I may come back for a couples date weekend.
GuideStayed in the fairly new ledges loop that are all full hookup sites. Nice large sites, beautiful area, friendly rangers. Nice play area for kids, water craft rentals, nice lake. Plenty of picnic areas for day trips.
TravelerKeen lake is the most cleanest friendliest family environment campsite you will ever find. Beautiful lake great fishing. Activities all day long for the children. Great general store that has everything in it that is open from sun up to sundown. The nachos and ice cream are the best. Super friendly staff. It's big they have tent sites right along the lake the lake is huge there's so much I could say but I would run out of room. I started coming here when I was four and I am now 46 years old and it is just the best place ever. It will always have a special place in our heart. Look forward every year to coming here no matter what age my kids are they all have a blast. From tent sites to RVs to cottages to glamping you name it they have it highly recommend it. Recently went camping to somewhere a little bit closer to home and it's nothing compared to here. It's like comparing Macy's to Walmart. You will never regret coming here. So pack your family up and have a great time.
LegendThis is an amazing state park that has something for everyone. There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network if hiking and horse riding trails. There are several campgrounds, with tremendous variety for every camping style. There are standard car camping tent sites, RV sites, and yurts and camper cabins. For those who like more rustic options, there are hike-in sites that are beautiful and not far from the parking area. The campsites are nestled in a deep shady mature forest, and peaceful and quiet due to the wooded aspect and spacing of sites (at least for me, in September in a hike-in site not far from the regular campground). It is nice to have such a fine camping and outdoor recreation opportunity within an easy drive of the city of Clarks Summit, so probably a great weekend getaway for local folks, but a wonderful stopover for anyone on a road trip through northern PA as it is not far off Interstate 81. I was there only one day, but would like to be back to explore the trails!
LegendNice state park. Wooded campgrounds. Nice sites. Boating and fishing.
GuidePretty good State park. Convenient to Scranton. The bathhouse was adequate and clean. Site was paved but not really level and layout was odd, fire ring and table were on drivers side. Didn’t use facilities but Lake looke nice
LegendStopped at Lackawanna on our way to Vermont... good overnight spot!
TravelerMy experience here was most enjoyable. I stayed in a yurt for the first time and it was also my first time camping since my teenage years. The yurt was most comfortable and the park is beautiful in the spring. Went hiking and was sure to bring my camera along. Got some beautiful shots too. Would highly recommend visiting and/or camping here!
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.
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."
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.
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.
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!"
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Afton, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Afton, NY is Bear Spring Mountain — DEC with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Afton, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Afton, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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