Equestrian camping near Beach Lake, Pennsylvania offers dedicated facilities for riders and their horses at several state parks within the region. The area sits in the northwestern Pocono Mountains, featuring rolling hills with elevations between 1,200-1,800 feet and mixed hardwood forests. Camping conditions generally include cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with overnight lows often 10-15 degrees below daytime highs even in summer months.
What to do
Trail riding access: Lower Lake Campground at Promised Land State Park connects to multiple trail systems suitable for horses. "My family has been going there for years... My boys 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!" according to Mike H. at Keen Lake Resort Campground.
Lakeside activities: Multiple lakes throughout the region allow for fishing, swimming and paddling when not riding. "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," says Debbie W. at Pickerel Point Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The forested trails provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. "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," notes Dan X. about nearby Mohican Outdoor Center.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Equestrian-friendly campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. "The bathrooms were the cleanest we've ever experienced at a campground. The showers are coin operated," reports Emily Z. from her stay at Keen Lake Resort Campground.
Private sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites for horses and gear. "The sites had a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table and were well spaced out from other sites. The views of the lake are nice, very peaceful," notes Catherine S. about Ocquittunk.
Natural surroundings: The wooded environment provides shade and natural beauty. "The campsites were nestled in a deep shady mature forest, and peaceful and quiet due to the wooded aspect and spacing of sites," describes Janet R. from Lackawanna State Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Weather can change rapidly in the mountain region. "Went tent camping for 3 nights, easy to get to, bathrooms were clean and so was the site. Sites were a good size and not on top of each other. Firewood was available in the area. But not much for stores so pack everything in before," advises Siobhan D. from Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian sites require advance booking. "We were Motorcycle camping and came in on a Holiday weekend without a reservation. But we were given a terrific tent site. The park was very neat and well manicured," relates Guy M.
Water sources: Access to horse-friendly water points varies by campground. "Camped here for a weekend, and probably one of my least favorite sites so far. Hiking trails are good, the lake is nice, but there is no privacy at the campsites; they're all very small and packed tight," reports David.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Many parks offer organized activities for different age groups. "This place is perfect for families, beginners, adventurers, and fisherman alike. They have an overabundance amount of activities scheduled for campers. You are able to camp in tents in the activity field or lakeside," shares Samantha S.
Safety considerations: Designated swimming areas provide safer water access. "Kids had a great time! Bathrooms could be cleaned more often but relatively clean. The museum and crafts were closed due to Covid so that was a bummer but we found other things to do. Love that the road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc," notes Paula R. from Stokes State Forest.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with playground facilities. "The camp is always clean and well maintained. Great pool, lake, hiking etc," writes William R., highlighting amenities that complement equestrian camping activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Not all equestrian sites accommodate larger rigs. "The RV pads were spaced put perfectly and we all had our own picnic table and fire pit," reports Maze M. from Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area.
Hookup availability: Electric, water and sewer connections vary between equestrian camping areas. "We had full hookups (20/30/50 amp, water & sewer). There's no cable but we were able to pickup about 6 channels with our digital antenna," explains Debbie W.
Access considerations: Some equestrian campgrounds have challenging access roads. "Look forward to visiting again in the sun for a longer period," states Amy V., indicating the weather and road conditions can impact RV access and enjoyment.
Ranger
