Lower Lake Campground Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area serves as the primary equestrian camping facility in the Promised Land State Park region near Barryville, New York. The facility sits at an elevation of approximately 1,800 feet in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains, where summer temperatures typically range between 55-78°F. The campground's location provides direct access to over 50 miles of interconnected horse trails spanning multiple state parks and forests.
What to do
Trail riding access: Ocquittunk in Stokes State Forest offers opportunities for riding and hiking with multiple trail options. "We stayed at site #T007 is was a short walk from the car to the site, but so worth it for many reasons. The site itself is huge and we were able to position our tent facing the lake, it was beautiful!" writes Kara L.
Horse-friendly lakes: Keen Lake Resort Campground features water access suitable for horses. "This family run Campground is beautiful and clean. The RV sites are spaced out nicely. There are plenty of things to do; paddle boats, row boats, swimming pool, snack bar/campstore, activities, etc. Very beautiful area," according to Charlotte D.
Wildlife watching: During fall and winter months, Bear Spring Mountain — DEC offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "There is an area for day use where you can rent a paddle boat or kayak to go out on the water. Highly recommended if you like hiking. Great flowers and nature. There is a hiking loop that goes around the pond," notes J G.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area maintains well-kept bathrooms and showers. "I stayed at the Beechwood location at the Promised Land state park and despite the constant rain, it was quiet and peaceful. You could only ever hear the wildlife. The RV pads were spaced put perfectly and we all had our own picnic table and fire pit," writes Maze M.
Spacious campsites: Sites at Stokes State Forest provide ample room for horse trailers and equipment. "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," shares E.M.V.
Winter accessibility: Some horse campgrounds near Barryville remain open year-round. "This was my second visit in the cold months. Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers. The park is large with many hiking trails and ice fishing," reports Mara S. about Pickerel Point Campground.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: All equestrian sites require advance booking through park reservation systems.
Campfire regulations: Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park maintains specific fire safety rules. "Sites have nice sizable fire pits, but they are very tall. It's difficult to cook over them, and sitting around the campfire in the evening is a much less visually appealing experience than I'd like," notes Alaina Z.
Seasonal considerations: Trail conditions vary significantly by season, with some becoming impassable during wet periods. "We went in early spring midweek, it was very quiet and exactly the get away we wanted," explains David G. about Lackawanna State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Lackawanna State Park Campground offers programming designed for children. "This 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 of hiking and horse riding trails," writes Janet R.
Site selection for horses: Choose sites with adequate space for both family camping gear and horse equipment. "Stayed 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," notes cheryl M.
Security measures: Most equestrian campgrounds employ rangers who patrol regularly. "The security is great and patrol to make sure quiet hours are quiet to be courtiers to other campers that want quiet time," shares Mike H.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center provides limited RV services for equestrian campers. "The Group Campsite was really big. It had 5-6 platforms, privys, big fire ring, a grill, a beatbox, a large pavilion w/picnic tables and a real full sized bathroom only 100 yards away," reports Shawn B.
Leveling challenges: Many horse campgrounds feature terrain that requires leveling blocks. "Secluded but still convenient. We went to Stokes for a one nighter to test out my new truck tent. 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," shares Josh S.
Seasonal water access: Winter campers should note that water hookups are often disconnected during cold months. "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by," notes Mara S. about winter camping at Promised Land State Park.
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