Lower Lake Campground Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area is situated within Promised Land State Park, approximately 40 miles west of Port Jervis, New York. This equestrian-friendly campground sits at an elevation of about 1,800 feet in northeastern Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains, creating cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowland areas. The campground connects to over 50 miles of trails that wind through both state park and adjacent state forest land, with designated paths suitable for riders of varying experience levels.
What to do
Explore multiple trail systems: Riders at Stokes State Forest can access 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles within the park boundaries. "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 a camper who recommends the Tillman Ravine trail.
Kayaking on clear water: The lakes at Promised Land State Park offer excellent paddling opportunities with remarkable water clarity. One camper highlighted this feature: "The lake is crystal clear and the beach is spotless. You absolutely have to bring a kayak/inflatable boat, but if you don't own one, don't worry, you can rent one."
Wildlife observation: The parks around Port Jervis provide opportunities to see native wildlife in their natural habitat. At Pickerel Point Campground, campers report regular wildlife sightings: "A duck visited us every morning" and another camper spotted "beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless."
What campers like
Well-spaced campsites: Many equestrian and non-equestrian campgrounds in the region feature generously sized sites. At Lake Ocquittunk, campers appreciate the layout: "The bathrooms are clean and nicely placed. The sites had a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table and were well spaced out from other sites."
Cool mountain climate: The elevation of campgrounds in the Port Jervis area creates a comfortable camping environment even in summer. One camper at Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area noted: "Great summer campsite with decent proximity to NYC, ~3 hour drive from NYC, and a wonderful campsite with good weather in the summer - not too hot during the day and nice and cool overnight."
Clean facilities: Horse campgrounds and standard campgrounds alike maintain good bathroom facilities. A camper at Promised Land State Park observed: "Clean bathrooms are essential and even when the large campground is full the bathrooms have been clean. It is a state park and so the campsites are often close, but we don't mind."
What you should know
Fire regulations: Most campgrounds provide fire rings, but have specific rules about firewood collection. At Keen Lake Resort Campground, you can purchase firewood on-site. Some state parks like Promised Land don't sell firewood: "We collected our own firewood as there is none for sale in the state park. We thought that was going to be a problem but we were okay with it!"
Reservation timing: Horse-friendly sites fill quickly during peak seasons. For optimal selection, book well in advance, especially for holiday weekends. Most equestrian sites can be reserved through state park reservation systems.
Terrain considerations: The region features rocky soil at many campgrounds. One camper at Stokes State Forest noted: "Each large campsite has a picnic table, fire pit, and lantern hook. Some sites also have a tent platform. Many sites are a bit rocky."
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Family-friendly options include swimming and boating at several parks. "The park is large with many hiking trails and multiple lakes," notes a camper at Promised Land State Park, making it ideal for families who want variety without long drives between activities.
Kid-friendly trails: Several short hiking trails suitable for children exist throughout the region. One camper recommends: "Hiked 2 short easy trails (Little Falls and the Conservation Nature Loop- which we drove to). Absolutely beautiful!"
Educational opportunities: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center offers learning experiences alongside recreation: "The lodge has bathrooms and a small store. You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife. If you're there in the summer, I'd recommend taking a kayak around the lake and filling it with wild blueberries."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: When booking equestrian sites, verify adequate space for both living quarters and horse trailers. Beechwood Area campsites accommodate various setups: "The RV pads were spaced out perfectly and we all had our own picnic table and fire pit," according to one camper.
Hookup availability: Electric, water and sewer connections vary by campground and specific site. Research before booking as not all equestrian sites offer full hookups. "There are some RV sites with water & electric which are not on the water, but in the parking lot. I would consider getting one on the water to enjoy the water and one in the parking lot to hook up the RV. It's kind of worth it."
Weather preparation: Mountain elevations can create temperature variations. One cabin camper noted: "You need that wood stove to heat up the cabin. Turning on the oven is a help, but not a good solution. The wood stove definitely heats the room up nicely. I went through two bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning."
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