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Stokes State Forest provides equestrian camping options near Central Valley, New York with varied accommodations including tent sites, RV spots, and cabins. The campground features spacious campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and access to drinking water. Most sites are well-spaced and shaded, offering relative privacy thanks to surrounding vegetation. While the campground does not have dedicated horse corrals, horses are permitted in designated areas. The Steam Mill Camping Area offers the most primitive experience with 27 sites suitable for tents or small trailers, while other camping areas provide more amenities including showers and toilet facilities. Camping areas near streams allow horses convenient water access during stays.
Multiple bridle trails connect through Stokes State Forest, providing extensive riding opportunities for equestrians. The trail system includes 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles within the forest boundaries, with some trails connecting to the Appalachian Trail network. Trail difficulty varies from easy lakeside paths to more challenging mountain terrain with elevation changes. Riders appreciate the peaceful surroundings and diverse scenery, from riverside paths to mountain overlooks. The park borders High Point State Park and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, extending potential riding routes for longer excursions. Sites with trailer parking accommodate equestrian visitors planning day rides or overnight stays. The campground operates year-round, though trail conditions vary seasonally with optimal riding typically from late spring through early fall.
"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."
"* Water and dumpsters are within walking distance, or if you are not up to walking you can just take a short drive to fill up and dispose of your trash
- There are outhouses scattered around, or if"
from $7 - $55 / night
Check Availability"We stayed at site #T007 is was a short walk from the car to the site, but so worth it for many reasons."
"The caping set up was nice and I enjoyed the proximity to available hikes in the area. The ‘lake’ however, was kind of a disappointment."
"Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City."
"Very easy to hop on transit to get to New York City. People were friendly."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability"If you're there in the summer, I'd recommend taking a kayak around the lake and filling it with wild blueberries. Lots of hiking options as well."
from $5 - $75 / night
Check Availability
RangerVery plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!
ScoutThere is only a small place for tents. Mostly people go there with campers. Not your typical campground. Very easy to hop on transit to get to New York City. People were friendly.
TravelerEnjoyed 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. Site came with bear proof bin for garbage and fire ring. Very comfortable site, quiet but still with plenty of amenities. Bathrooms and shower were all single stall and very clean, only a 5 min walk from our site. Two water sources nearby as well. We didn’t have direct views of the lake, but were within a minute walk to some quiet views of the lake. Also the location is amazing; there are trail heads near the campsites and longer trails, including access to the Appalachian Trail within a short 10-15 minute drive. You can also rent kayaks and SUP at the main office. Highly recommend Stokes.
RangerI would definitely recommend this campsite to anyone wanting a beautiful, remote setting, but with all of the conveniences that the campgrounds offer. Anyone from a beginner to an expert would enjoy Stokes. Whether it be just a short, relaxing weekend trip or an adventure-packed week long trip, this place has the potential to be whatever you make it.
Pros:
Has the perfect balance of feeling secluded without feeling completely alone in the middle of nowhere; the campsite we were specifically on was just far enough to be remote-feeling and fully private with trees surrounding it
Cute little pond right on the campgrounds
Our site had a fire ring, a picnic table, and a large sturdy pole with a hook for your lantern/mesh dry bag/etc
Even, rocky, yet soft enough ground to sleep on, many trees available for hammock camping
There was a huge, nasty storm one night that we stayed there, with terrible downpour and flash flood warnings, our site was elevated and did not get flooded
A lot of firewood and kindling in the area to be gathered, or you can buy firewood right from the office
Lots of stuff to do in the area for nature-lovers and outdoors-enthusiasts (Hiking trails, fishing/fly-fishing, sightseeing, mountain-biking, kayaking/paddle-boarding (rentals in the area if you do not own), hunting, swimming, horseback riding, waterfall-hunting, bird/wildlife watching (there are hawks, rabbits, owls, deer, toads, snakes, turtles, frogs, foxes, bats, salamanders, many interesting bugs, beavers, and bears in the area, you never know what you will see), lots of beautiful brooks and streams throughout the entire park, many awesome remote areas to set up your hammock and relax) Whoever said that there wasn't much to do here is just either not an outdoors person or straight up lying!
Water and dumpsters are within walking distance, or if you are not up to walking you can just take a short drive to fill up and dispose of your trash
There are outhouses scattered around, or if you are really needing a clean restroom where you can wash your hands, the park office's restroom is always open and very clean
Can be buggy at night time however, I was pleasantly surprised to have experienced zero mosquito bites and ZERO ticks on ourselves and even our dog (however she did have a leech on her from playing in the brook all day). We moderately used bug spray on ourselves and the dog had her flea and tick topical on.
Beautiful view of the stars on a clear night (Which can be breathtaking especially to city folk or those that cannot see stars from their homes)
Cons:
Can hear the traffic from 206, but generally gets much quieter at night
Campsites are close enough that you may occasionally hear other groups if they are being very loud (We were next to a group campsite that had a very noisy party crowd, but could really only hear them at their loudest, and we weren't bothered)
Tent sites are located just off the dirt road where people travel to get to their sites, which means other campers' cars will occasionally pass right through your area. If this bothers you, be sure to book a site as far back as possible. Ex: Site T137 should have no vehicle traffic but your own and is the most remote of that area
Water fill stations can be a bit busy at certain times
Our fire ring rack was bent, but luckily we came prepared with our own rack to place on top of it and it worked out
Lots of poison ivy in the area, if you are not immune to it be very mindful of where you are stepping!
Our neighbor warned us that they got a flat tire after arriving at their campsite, and after searching their site found a bunch of nails almost intentionally thrown about. It's not the park's fault and the rangers were made aware of it. Carefully check your site after arriving for anything out of place and report to the office if necessary to keep these campsites safe and enjoyable.
Points of interest nearby the campsite:
Big Flat Brook - A beautiful babbling brook that runs all throughout the area. Has great fly fishing for stocked rainbow trout. Access to the brook was only a short but beautiful hike north from our site through some thistle fields and woodlands.
Buttermilk falls (Tallest waterfall in NJ), Tillman Ravine, Dingmans Ferry/Falls, and my personal favorite, Silver Spray Falls - Multiple gorgeous waterfalls and ravines just waiting to be explored, all within ~15-20 min by car. I definitely recommend checking them out while you are camping here especially if you live far away from the area.
Sunrise Mountain and Rattlesnake Mountain - Catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset on top of Sunrise Mountain, which is a pleasant, scenic car ride directly to the top where there is a small parking lot, a smelly outhouse, and a nice picnic table area with a great view. Rattlesnake Mountain is a part of the Appalachian Trail and is somewhat barren towards the top which makes for excellent views. Like its name, it's not uncommon to see many snakes in the area, rattlesnakes tend to hang out on the top and sunbathe on the rocks. Keep your pets on a leash and have a stick handy just in case, however, they will leave you alone if you keep your distance.
Lake Ashroe, Stony Lake, Lake Ocquittunk - Many lakes for multiple activities in the area such as fishing (trout stocked waters), kayaking, swimming (Stony lake has a beach area with lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic areas. Check their website for more info.)
Horseback riding - A few great horseback riding places nearby, some offering trail rides through the beautiful park.
Appalachian Trail - The widely-known Appalachian Trail, the longest hiking-only trail in the world, that runs all the way from Maine to Georgia goes right through this area. You may run into very interesting people from all over who are thru-hiking the AT.
PLEASE CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR VISIT. LEAVE NO TRACE. KEEP OUR PARKS BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU.
GuideThis is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room. If it's packed, your neighbor with be within inches of your rig. Pluses, minutes walk to the Statue of Liberty, liberty Science center. Two blocks away from NJ Path train into Manhattan or take the ferry to Wall Street!
GuideWe 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!
GuideStokes State Forest is a beautiful park with a lot of different trails to check out, though some of them are difficult to access due to parking. The camping areas are split between two different entrances. If you’re in Lake Ocquitunk, like I was, you don’t enter at the main entrance, you have to go past the main entrance about another mile on rt. 15 N. and enter by the YMCA. All the other camping areas are near the main entrance by the forest office. The campsites themselves are a little too close together in some spots with little coverage or privacy. There is a day parking area which is only accessible going through the main entrance by the forest office— if you visit during the week park entrance is free, but on the weekend fees can be a bit steep. I wasn’t super happy with my campsite as I wasn’t able to physically have my car on the site like I thought. I had to park in a small lot above my campsite and carry my belongings down a short slope to the site. I like to car-camp so this was a bit of a let down having my car separate from my actual campsite.
The bathrooms were nice and had flush toilets, but the showers were out of service during my time. Bathrooms are extremely spaced out so you will have to walk a far distance unless you strategically choose a site next to one. I drove through the other campsite and only saw 1 set of bathrooms that had toilets and showers per campground, not including the outhouses I saw for those in the small cabins.
LegendThe caping set up was nice and I enjoyed the proximity to available hikes in the area. The ‘lake’ however, was kind of a disappointment. It was much smaller then I expected and a rather underwhelming. Of the camping options in Stokes State Forest, Lake Oqcuittunk and Steamill were each a bit closer to High Point which offers more hiking options. Each campsite was set up with a picnic table and a fire ring. One big positive was the covered picnic area which was a nice place to bring food and eat and hang out during the day to get out of the sun.
TravelerBasicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten. Jersey city has a lot of restaurants and bars walking distance. Wonderful state park, liberty park, a bike ride ride away. Our experience was very good.
They also have a clean laundry room on site.
Stokes State Forest offers several equestrian camping options near Central Valley, New York at an elevation ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet. The forest spans over 16,000 acres within the Kittatinny Mountain range, creating diverse terrain for horse riding. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing while summer highs reach the 80s, making late spring through early fall the most popular season for equestrian camping.
Trail riding with elevation changes: At Stokes State Forest, riders can explore varied terrain with significant elevation changes. "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 reviewer who recommends picking up hiking maps at the park office.
Water-based activities: Combine riding with fishing or kayaking at Ocquittunk campground. "Nice place to set up and car camp. Enjoyed some fishing and hiking within walking distance from the site," mentions Vito M. Many riders appreciate being able to cool off after a long day on horseback.
Wildlife observation: Morning and evening rides often yield wildlife sightings. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," warns one camper, highlighting the importance of wildlife awareness when riding.
Spacious sites for horse trailers: The campsites accommodate equestrian needs with ample space. "Individual sites were generously sized, shady, and relatively private thanks to the vegetation," notes Harry H. about camping at Ocquittunk. This makes it easier to manage horses and gear during overnight stays.
Proximity to water access: Riders appreciate easy water access for horses. "We stayed on a beautiful mossy bank, next to a river and a lake. The area was quiet and peaceful, and areas with waterfalls and great views were easily accessable," shares Kiya N., describing the convenient water features.
Off-season tranquility: For serious equestrians, shoulder seasons offer more solitude. "The area was incredibly peaceful in December with many cabin reservations abandoned due to rain in the forecast," reports W L. from Camp Mohican Outdoor Center. Winter trail riding can provide completely different landscapes and experiences.
Terrain challenges: The rocky ground can be demanding on horses and equipment. "Many sites are a bit rocky," notes one camper about Steam Mill camping area. Proper horseshoes and careful trail selection help prevent injuries on the more challenging trails.
Water quality: The streams and lake water are notably clear. "Clear streams and lake. Stunning overall," reports Stephanie T. who appreciated the clean water sources during hot summer rides at Stokes State Forest.
Seasonal variations: Trail conditions change dramatically throughout the year. "Due to cooler temps there were really no bugs to complain about while camping," explains Josh S., highlighting how seasonal timing affects the camping experience. Spring often brings muddy conditions while fall offers the best combination of mild temperatures and dry trails.
Cabin options: For families with young riders, cabins provide comfort after long days. "We stay in the cabins. It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family," shares Amy B., who considers Stokes "a must see campground" for family equestrian trips.
Campsite selection: Choose sites strategically based on family needs. "We selected site T219. It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water," advises one reviewer. Sites near water sources are convenient for both horses and children.
Group facilities: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center accommodates larger family gatherings with horses. "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," describes Shawn B., highlighting the amenities available for family events.
Site configuration: RV sites with horse accommodations vary in layout. "Each campsite has a picnic table, fire pit, and lantern hook. Some sites also have a tent platform," explains a camper detailing the Steam Mill area configuration, important for planning your trailer and rig placement.
Limited hookup availability: Most equestrian-friendly areas have minimal RV amenities. "If you wanted to shower, you would have to head to the group campsite not too far but you need to drive," notes Adeline M. from the Shotwell campground area, explaining that shower facilities aren't always adjacent to horse-friendly sites.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping with horses requires preparation. "You need that wood stove to heat up the cabin. Turning on the oven is a help, but not a good solution," advises W L., who recommends bringing extra firewood during colder months, particularly important for RVers with horse trailers who may need to warm up after caring for animals in cold weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Central Valley, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Central Valley, NY is Stokes State Forest with a 4.4-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Central Valley, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Central Valley, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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