6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Bear Spring Mountain DEC Campground near Trout Creek accommodates horses and riders with specialized equestrian camping facilities. The campground features horse-friendly sites and dedicated trails for riding, with guests reporting excellent access to Catskills terrain. Standard amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water. The campground maintains restrooms and shower facilities for campers. Horse owners should be prepared for farm-like scents in certain camping areas, as noted by visitors who mentioned that one section "smells kind of like a barn."
Extensive bridle paths throughout Bear Spring Mountain Wildlife Management Area connect directly to the campground, offering varied terrain for riders of all experience levels. Trail riders can access multiple hiking routes that are suitable for horses and explore the natural landscape. The campground pond provides water access for horses after rides. Visitors observed significant horse activity throughout the property, though rental services may not be available. Multiple reviews confirm abundant wildlife viewing opportunities during rides. Campers must follow proper bear safety protocols when camping with horses, securing both human food and horse feed appropriately to prevent wildlife encounters.
"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."
from $18 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $20 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Only found one designated campsite, which was available, but there’s a lot of good space for dispersed camping right nearby. Access at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road."
"Beautiful forest with miles of trails. I found this spot passing through on my bike and had no problem pitching a tent in a secluded spot in the woods."
"I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability
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!
ScoutLove to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots
ScoutI live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road. There's a stream alongside it, a fire pit, and a town about 8 mi away. It's a small town, with just a gas station store. I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done.
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
Bear Spring Mountain State Forest contains multiple equestrian camping facilities north of Trout Creek, New York. The area sits at approximately 1,800-2,000 feet elevation in the western Catskills region, with camping areas spread across a 7,000-acre wildlife management area. Water access is available through natural streams where campers report "you can drink straight from the pipes" at certain locations.
Hiking exploration: The forest trails around Bear Spring Mountain — DEC offer extensive hiking opportunities beyond the equestrian trails. One camper noted there was "Nothing but woods all around! Endless hiking and beautiful steams" throughout the property. Day hikers can access moderate to difficult terrain depending on their experience level.
Fishing opportunities: Several ponds and streams in the area provide fishing access. At Lackawanna State Park Campground, approximately an hour from Trout Creek, "The swimming beach looked nice. They do have boat rental." Anglers report catching sunfish and perch in area waters. Most locations require a valid New York fishing license.
Paddling access: Local waterways support small watercraft use during warmer months. At some locations, "There is an area for day use where you can rent a paddle boat or kayak to go out on the water." Rental equipment availability varies by season, with most services operating from late May through September.
Clean facilities: Horse campgrounds near Trout Creek, New York maintain better-than-expected cleanliness despite their equestrian focus. Visitors to Keen Lake Resort Campground reported "The bathrooms were the cleanest we've ever experienced at a campground" though noted "The showers are coin operated" at some facilities.
Privacy levels: Most campsites offer adequate space between neighbors. Campers at Bear Spring Mountain described sites as "Clean, private, and quiet!" The equestrian-focused areas may have less privacy than standard camping sections but provide necessary room for horse trailers and equipment.
Wildlife viewing: The Catskill region supports diverse wildlife populations visible from camping areas. One visitor explained, "We were there in May and there were plenty of empty sites so it was nice and quiet" which increases wildlife sighting opportunities. Deer, small mammals, and numerous bird species frequent the area, especially during morning and evening hours.
Seasonal considerations: Horse campgrounds in the Trout Creek area typically operate from mid-May through late August. One camper at Charles E. Baker State Forest noted they "Camped here on a Thursday night in late September" finding the area much less crowded in off-season periods.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, especially for equestrian sites that accommodate trailers. Dispersed camping options exist but may have restrictions during peak season.
Water availability: Water sources vary by location, with some requiring campers to bring their own supply. At more primitive sites, "Water access at a lovely nearby pond" may be the only option, requiring treatment before consumption.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. One visitor mentioned "Small playground was nice for the kids" when describing amenities at an area campground. Most playgrounds are simple structures with standard climbing equipment and swings.
Swimming options: During summer months, Betty Brook Camp provides stream access where "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots" suitable for wading. For families seeking deeper water, several area lakes offer designated swimming areas with varying levels of supervision.
Educational opportunities: Children can learn about local ecosystems and farm animals at equestrian-focused campgrounds. One campground "has an environmental education center with programs" that runs seasonal activities teaching about local wildlife and conservation efforts.
Site dimensions: Most horse camping areas accommodate moderate-sized RVs but may challenge larger rigs. One camper mentioned sites were "all very shaded. Look forward to visiting again in the sun for a longer period" indicating potential solar charging limitations.
Hookup limitations: Electric service can be inconsistent at some locations. A camper reported "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained" at certain campgrounds. Units requiring reliable power should verify service availability before arrival.
Access road conditions: Several equestrian campgrounds near Trout Creek access via unpaved roads. One local resident described a site as "rather remote, but it is right along West kill road" with limited turning radius for larger rigs. Most access roads remain passable for standard RVs under 30 feet during dry conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Trout Creek, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Trout Creek, NY is Bear Spring Mountain — DEC with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Trout Creek, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Trout Creek, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
