Promised Land State Park offers specialized horse camping options approximately 25 miles from Archbald, Pennsylvania. The Lower Lake Campground Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area section has dedicated facilities for horseback riders with connections to trail networks. Temperatures in northeastern Pennsylvania range from winter lows around 15°F to summer highs near 80°F, making spring through fall optimal for equestrian camping.
What to do
Trail riding access: The bridle trails at Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park connect to multiple terrain types. "The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail. The bathrooms were clean with nice hot showers," shares Kelly F., who appreciated the variety of hiking options that are also suitable for horses.
Lake activities: During summer months, horses can cool off at designated lake access points. At Keen Lake Resort Campground, Shannon C. reports, "We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch. Each day we would paddle over to the swimming area on the lake." This same water access benefits horse owners who need to cool their mounts.
Winter activities: For cold-weather equestrian camping, some parks maintain winter access. According to Mara S. at Promised Land State Park, "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers." Winter trail riding requires proper preparation but offers quieter trails and unique views.
What campers like
Spacious sites: At Lackawanna State Park Campground, sites accommodate larger vehicles needed for horse transport. Michael notes, "We like Lackawanna State Park. This is the place we camped when we moved to PA. It has sites that are very wooded. Some are a little close to each other, but others offer plenty of space, including our site (52) on this trip. One of the biggest spots we have ever had."
Clean facilities: Horse owners appreciate well-maintained bathrooms after trail riding. At Ocquittunk in nearby New Jersey, Catherine S. confirms: "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."
Peaceful environment: Equestrian campers value quiet surroundings for their horses. Maze M. at Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area reports, "Despite the constant rain, it was quiet and peaceful. You could only ever hear the wildlife. The RV pads were spaced out perfectly and we all had our own picnic table and fire pit."
What you should know
Equestrian requirements: At Lower Lake Campground Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area, horse owners must follow specific rules. David S. notes, "Always a good trip. We have camped here in tents and with our teardrop trailer. All of our experiences have been good. Clean bathrooms are essential and even when the large campground is full the bathrooms have been clean."
Seasonal considerations: Winter equestrian camping requires preparation for freezing conditions. According to Mara S., winter campers should note that "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by." Additionally, some campers report limited cell service in the region.
Trail conditions: Bear Spring Mountain — DEC in nearby New York offers additional equestrian facilities. J G. reports, "Highly recommended if you like hiking. Great flowers and nature. There is a hiking loop that goes around the pond." These same trails accommodate horses with varied terrain.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Families with both children and horses find multiple options. At Stokes State Forest, Trip Over Life shares, "Outdoor activities in the area abound. Go fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and more. There are 21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries of Stokes State Forest."
Safety considerations: Keep children and horses separated unless under supervision. Paula R. at Pickerel Point notes, "Love that the road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc." These paved areas provide safe recreation zones away from horses.
Educational opportunities: Many equestrian campgrounds offer learning experiences. Samantha S. reports that Keen Lake Resort has "an overabundance amount of activities scheduled for campers," making it ideal for children to learn about horses and wildlife.
Tips from RVers
RV site selection: Horse owners with RVs need sites that accommodate both vehicles. Harry L. at Keen Lake Resort recommends, "When we got to our site the sewer pipe was buried and we didn't know where it was, they sent someone out to our site within minutes." Contact campgrounds ahead to verify horse trailer parking availability.
Power requirements: For RV campers with horses, adequate electricity matters. David at Lackawanna State Park cautions, "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained." Check power specifications when bringing horse-related equipment.
Winter camping: RVers with horses should prepare for cold weather. Guy M. advises, "We were Motorcycle camping and came in on a Holiday weekend without a reservation. But we were given a terrific tent site." Similarly, horse owners should call ahead about reservation requirements and winter accommodations.
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