Bear Spring Mountain DEC Campground near Kirkwood accepts horses and provides equestrian access. The campground features extensive horse riding trails and offers standard camping amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, drinking water, and bathroom facilities with showers. Horse owners should note that while horses are allowed, reviews mention the distinct smell of horses throughout parts of the campground area. The campground is situated within 1,740 acres of mixed hardwood forest, creating an immersive nature experience for riders.
Trail access directly from the campground connects riders to over 24 miles of marked bridle paths. The trail system includes loops around Launt Pond and connections to the broader Catskill Forest Preserve. Riders can access both wooded terrain and open meadow riding areas. Water access for horses is available at several points throughout the property. Camping options include tent sites and RV spots with electric hookups, though space may be limited during peak season. The campground typically operates from mid-May through late August, with reduced services during shoulder seasons. Proper manure management and adherence to trail etiquette are expected of all equestrian visitors.
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $90 / night
"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."
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $18 - $40 / night
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 DEC Campground offers equestrian enthusiasts dedicated facilities for camping with horses near Kirkwood, New York. The terrain features a mix of wooded trails and open meadows at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,500 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below 10°F, while summer temperatures typically range from 65-80°F during camping season.
Trail exploration for all levels: Bear Spring Mountain campground connects to trails beyond the 24-mile bridle path network mentioned in reviews. Campers note the diverse terrain options. "Nothing but woods all around! Endless hiking and beautiful steams - you can drink straight from the pipes!" reports Kimberly S. from Bear Spring Mountain — DEC.
Water recreation: For non-equestrians, the pond offers fishing and paddling 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," notes J G. from Bear Spring Mountain. Families often combine water activities with hiking during summer months.
Wildlife viewing: The Catskill region supports diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous bird species. Visitors should follow proper food storage protocols. One camper at Lackawanna State Park notes, "The trails are fun for relaxing hikes, we especially like the one right along the lake" where wildlife sightings are common.
Quiet atmosphere: The lower visitor density compared to more popular Catskill destinations creates a peaceful experience. "We were there in May and there were plenty of empty sites so it was nice and quiet," mentions Mayra D. about Bear Spring Mountain DEC. This makes it ideal for those seeking solitude, especially during weekdays.
Natural water sources: Multiple campers mention the natural springs and streams throughout the area. "You can drink straight from the pipes!" notes one enthusiastic review. These natural springs maintain flow even during drier periods, providing reliable water access for both horses and campers.
Extended season options: While primary services run mid-May through late August, shoulder season camping offers unique experiences. "We would love to come back in the winter when they have an ice rink with a warming house," shares Michael from Lackawanna State Park Campground, noting that some nearby facilities offer winter activities.
Varying site privacy: Campsite layout varies significantly across the region. "Campsites are nested in a deep shady mature forest, and peaceful and quiet due to the wooded aspect and spacing of sites," explains Janet R. from Lackawanna State Park. However, others note that "some are a little close to each other, but others offer plenty of space."
Seasonal considerations: Regional campgrounds typically operate from mid-May through October, with reduced services during shoulder seasons. Peak horse trail usage occurs from June through August, potentially affecting trail conditions and campground atmosphere.
Facility maintenance: Bathroom and shower facilities receive regular cleaning but can vary in condition. "The bathrooms were the cleanest we've ever experienced at a campground," reports Samantha S. from Keen Lake Resort Campground, while others note occasional maintenance issues at different properties.
Activity planning: The region offers diverse activities beyond equestrian trails. "My kids absolutely love it and always have something to do. They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day!" shares Mike H. from Keen Lake Resort Campground, highlighting organized programming.
Site selection: Families should research specific site characteristics. "We had a great time despite cold wet weather. Our site was probably one of the worst in the place but we were able to scope out others that we would prefer for our next visit," mentions Emily Z., recommending lakeside sites for families at Keen Lake.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly, especially during spring and fall. "We stayed one night when it happened to rain all evening. So, we stayed inside our camper," reports Amy V. from Lackawanna State Park, emphasizing the need for contingency plans.
Hookup reliability: Electrical services can vary between campgrounds. "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained," notes David from Lackawanna State Park, suggesting checking with management about recent electrical upgrades.
Site sizing and access: RV sites in horse campgrounds typically accommodate larger rigs but may have specific requirements. "Camped here for a weekend... the campsites are all very small and packed tight," reports another reviewer, contrasting with others who found "nice large sites" at different loops.
Dump station access: Not all equestrian campgrounds offer full-service hookups. Some provide dump stations only. "We stayed in the fairly new ledges loop that are all full hookup sites. Nice large sites, beautiful area," notes cheryl M., highlighting the importance of researching specific facility offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Kirkwood, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Kirkwood, NY is Lackawanna State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Kirkwood, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Kirkwood, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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