Stokes State Forest offers limited options for horse camping near Stony Point, New York. The forest maintains several campgrounds including Lake Ocquittunk, Shotwell, and Steam Mill areas, but none feature dedicated horse corrals or equestrian-specific facilities according to available data. Campers traveling with horses should contact park management directly regarding policies for bringing horses, as the forest does have multiple trails that could potentially accommodate riders. The campgrounds provide standard amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to drinking water, with some sites featuring tent platforms and bear-proof storage containers.
The extensive trail network within Stokes State Forest spans over 63 miles across 21 marked trails, including 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail. While specific bridle paths are not identified in the available information, the diverse terrain could offer suitable riding opportunities with proper permission. Nearby High Point State Park and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provide additional outdoor recreation possibilities. Horse owners should verify trail access restrictions before planning their visit, as some trails may have seasonal limitations or specific regulations regarding equestrian use. The forest's varied landscape includes lakes, streams, and scenic overlooks that create a diverse environment for potential trail riding experiences.
"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
"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
"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."
TravelerWe’re here for the Rock, Ribs, and Ridges festival and what a great experience! Make sure to bring a 50’ power cord as the hook ups are grouped together on telephone poles rather than at each individual site. As far as I know camping is only available during select events.
ScoutI love this location. Close to public transportation, great staff, and site security.
GuideWe stayed at a tent platform site in Shotwell camping area. The platforms could use a little maintenance as there were a few tie down hooks that were missing or corroded. The campsites are close around this loop that includes lean-tos, but not so close that you are bothered by your neighbors normal sounds. The bathroom is close and clean. There is a bear box at each campsite which gave peace of mind. Firewood is available for sale at the park office. The staff there is very welcoming. Great Jersey getaway with gorgeous hiking trails.
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!
ScoutGave us a welcome folder with lots of helpful info, can walk to get food up the street, short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night. They have hook ups and big laundry room.
GuideThere are four campgrounds that are all pretty different, we stayed at Shotwell across from the pond. For the most part, each campsite has its own porta potty or it shared with a couple other sites. At the entrance of the campground, there is a bathhouse with running water, bathrooms, and potable water. We stayed in one of the RV areas across the pond. It was peaceful to hear the frogs chirping at night, but definitely didn’t think about how many more bugs the pond would bring, probably wouldn’t stay at that specific spot again even though it’s really pretty. Most of the campsites were very rocky, but you can find some that have a little bit of grass. We came on a Friday night. Everyone was up pretty late, but was not crazy loud. The rest of the weekend it seemed like everyone’s simmered down. The campground was full of mostly families. If you wanted to shower, you would have to head to the group campsite not too far but you need to drive. We don’t typically expect to have a campgrounds with a ton of amenities. Potable water and a toilet is really all we need. Overall, it was a great time gorgeous park. Also took a few pictures of the cabins in Shotwell. I wouldn’t personally rent one, but I guess if your winter camping it has a little fireplace and will keep you dry and somewhat warm.
LegendThis is a pricey park, but options are limited. As in almost non existent. This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8.
Staff is average, as this is not meant to be high end. They are nice but a bit rough. We had some issues with our converter and they wanted to extort a 20% commission to allow our repair man in. A bit of logical conversation put that idea to sleep. Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump. The bath house was above average and heated. The laundry was helpful and was acceptable. Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless.
Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze.
TravelerStokes is my go-to state park for unplugging and enjoying time with my family. We brought our son (23 months at time of visit) on his first camping trip this past September. He loved every minute of it.
Site T07 in Lake Ocquittunk is gorgeous and one of the few relatively secluded sites in the campground. You need to carry your gear down a narrow, rocky path that's a little steep near the road, but it's manageable. There's also a graded path into the site adjacent to a neighboring site, but you should check with those campers if they are ok with you cutting through to use it. (We opted not to disturb our neighbors and take the slope.)
I thought I would be able to launch my kayak from site 7 since it's waterfront, but there are a lot of huge rocks in the water that prevent you from getting out into the lake. We had to find a different launch spot. That was probably the biggest disappointment for us.
Still, I love site 7 and it's absolutely worth the privacy and the views every morning.
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.
Stokes State Forest provides several tent and RV camping options near Stony Point, New York, situated in the Kittatinny Mountains with elevations reaching over 1,600 feet. The forest spans 16,000 acres within Sussex County, New Jersey, approximately 35 miles from Stony Point. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer daytime temperatures typically range between 70-85°F with cooler evenings.
Hiking trails: Access over 63 miles of marked trails within Stokes State Forest including connections to the Appalachian Trail. "Tillman Ravine trail (tip: make the trail a loop and visit both the ravine and the nearby old cemetery)" suggests a reviewer from Stokes State Forest.
Waterfront activities: Fish or paddle at Lake Ocquittunk. A camper at Ocquittunk mentioned they "enjoyed some fishing and hiking within walking distance from the site."
Scenic overlooks: Drive or hike to Sunset Mountain Scenic Overlook for views of High Point Monument. According to a visitor, "You can also drive or hike to Sunset Mountain Scenic Overlook for a view of High Point Monument. High Point Monument is the highest elevation in New Jersey."
Waterfront sites: Select lakeside spots for water views and sounds. One camper at Ocquittunk noted, "We stayed at site #T007... The site itself is huge and we were able to position our tent facing the lake, it was beautiful!"
Rustic cabins: Stay in historic cabins with basic amenities for an alternative to tent camping. A visitor to Stokes State Forest shared, "We stay in the cabins. It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family. A must see campground."
Diverse campground options: Choose between more developed or primitive camping areas. "Stokes State Forest has four campgrounds. The Steam Mill Camping Area is tucked out the of the way and is the most primitive. It is the smallest of the campgrounds with 27 sites only suitable for tents or small trailers/campervans."
Bear safety requirements: Store food properly as this is bear country. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided," warns a camper from Stokes State Forest.
Site characteristics: Many sites have rocky terrain and some include tent platforms. A visitor noted that at Liberty Harbor RV Park, sites are "Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat," showing the contrast with more natural settings at Stokes.
Seasonal conditions: The forest experiences significant weather variations throughout the year. Winter camping requires preparation as one cabin camper mentioned: "I went through two bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning."
Cabin convenience: Consider renting cabins for family stays. A family visitor noted, "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. The interior features are just what you'd expect for getting away for the weekend."
Amenities access: Check specific campground facilities before booking. An Ocquittunk camper shared, "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."
Wildlife awareness: Educate children about local wildlife precautions. According to one visitor to Stokes State Forest, "The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," making safety education important.
Site selection: Choose sites carefully based on rig size and amenities needed. A camper at Stokes State Forest mentioned, "If you are looking for more secluded campsites try to get 13 or 14 as they seem to stick back more. Sites 8-11 are adjacent to the road and in peak times probably have a fair about of foot and vehicle traffic."
Equestrian camping considerations: While dedicated horse facilities are limited near Stony Point, New York, some camping areas can accommodate horse trailers. At Stokes State Forest, one visitor noted the "extensive trail network" could potentially be suitable for riders, though you should verify trail access before arrival.
Hookup availability: Confirm utility connections when booking. A visitor at Stokes mentioned, "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," but RVers should note that hookup options vary between campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Stony Point, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Stony Point, NY is Stokes State Forest with a 4.4-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Stony Point, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Stony Point, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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