Lower Lake Campground Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area features designated sites for riders within Promised Land State Park near Carbondale, Pennsylvania. The equestrian area offers electric hookups, fifty-amp and thirty-amp service for RVs, and accommodates tent campers with horses. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with fires permitted in designated areas. The campground provides access to water, showers, toilets, and sanitary dump stations for extended stays. While the campground doesn't have dedicated horse corrals, the sites are designed with sufficient space for temporary containment systems. Pets are allowed throughout the grounds, making it suitable for travelers with both horses and dogs. Sites at the equestrian area are reservable through the Pennsylvania state park reservation system.
Trail access directly from the campground connects riders to the extensive network within Promised Land State Park's 3,000 acres. Riders find varied terrain suitable for different experience levels, with trails winding through forested areas and along scenic viewpoints. Water sources are available for horses at designated points along the trails. The campground serves as a convenient base for day rides, with sites spacious enough for horse trailers and camping equipment. Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions, with spring often bringing muddy sections while fall offers the most favorable riding weather and foliage views. Campers should bring their own containment systems for horses as the park does not provide permanent corrals. The park's location provides strategic access to additional riding opportunities in the surrounding Pocono region.
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $90 / night
"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."
"We stayed in lower lake beechwood site 323. Was decent site only downside was fire pit area was very un-level for camping chairs, otherwise it’s a nice wooded site with privacy."
from $27 - $29 / night
from $25 / night
"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
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $18 - $40 / 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."
"If you're there in the summer, I'd recommend taking a kayak around the lake and filling it with wild blueberries. Lots of hiking options as well."
"The Appalachian Trail crosses through here also."
from $5 - $75 / night
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.
RangerI've visited the MOC a bunch of times, and have taken training classes here also. There are campsites for tent camping, cabin stays where you can rent a whole cabin or rent a bunk in a cabin with others. There is a store as well as food options. It's a great place to visit whether you grab a meal, a bunk, or just take a hike. The Appalachian Trail crosses through here also.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Equestrian camping areas around Carbondale, Pennsylvania allow riders to access forest trails through the Pocono Mountains' rugged terrain. The region sits at elevations between 1,300-2,100 feet, creating a moderate climate with occasional overnight frost even in summer months. Designated horse camping facilities typically offer larger sites designed for trailers, with trail access directly from camp.
Trail riding through state forests: Lower Lake Campground Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area provides direct access to over 50 miles of trails. "Always a good trip. We have camped here in tents and with our teardrop trailer. All of our experiences have been good," notes David S. The equestrian area connects to wider trail networks throughout Promised Land State Park.
Fishing in local lakes: Keen Lake Resort Campground offers fishing opportunities for families. "The kids caught multiple sunnies and even a small perch," reports Shannon C. The campground provides boat rentals for accessing deeper water, with catch-and-release regulations for most species.
Hiking nature trails: Multiple trail systems connect the horse campgrounds near Carbondale to scenic viewpoints. The Conservation Walk at Pickerel Point Campground is particularly notable. "The Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked," according to Alaina Z. Most trails feature moderate terrain suitable for day hikes.
Spacious sites for equipment: Equestrian camping sites near Carbondale provide extra room for horse trailers and gear. "Our site was probably one of the worst in the place but we were able to scope out others that we would prefer for our next visit," shares Emily Z. about Keen Lake Resort. Sites typically accommodate standard horse trailers with living quarters.
Clean facilities: Lackawanna State Park Campground maintains well-kept shower facilities even during busy periods. "Camp host is always most helpful and the park is always clean and well maintained. Great pool, lake, hiking etc.," writes William R. Most equestrian campgrounds feature restrooms within walking distance of horse sites.
Seasonal water features: Multiple campers note the clear water quality in area lakes. "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," Debbie W. explains about Pickerel Point. Water access from most horse campgrounds requires a short trailer ride.
Terrain challenges: Many trails near Carbondale feature rocky sections requiring careful navigation with horses. "Chunky bluestone gravel on the sites, so bring a sleeping pad," warns Alaina Z. about Pickerel Point. Trail conditions change seasonally, with spring often bringing muddy sections.
Reservation requirements: All designated equestrian camping requires advance booking. Most campgrounds open reservations 6-12 months in advance with limited availability during summer weekends and fall foliage season.
Weather variability: The Pocono elevation creates temperature swings. At Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area, one camper notes, "First trip of the season and we were amazed. Not crowded this time of year, serene, and perfect weather." Spring conditions often include overnight temperatures below 40°F.
Animal regulations: Horse campers must bring containment systems as permanent corrals aren't provided at most sites. Some areas restrict grazing, requiring packed feed. Water access for horses varies by campground, with most requiring campers to transport water from spigots to horse areas.
Activity planning: Family-friendly campgrounds offer scheduled programs. "They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day!" shares Mike H. about Keen Lake Resort. Most activities run May through September with reduced schedules in shoulder seasons.
Multi-use trails: Select trails designated for both hiking and horses when camping with mixed groups. "There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network of hiking and horse riding trails," explains Janet R. about Lackawanna State Park.
Lakeside sites: For families with both horse riders and non-riders, Stokes State Forest offers versatile options. "We selected site T219. It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook," reports one camper. Mixed-use sites accommodate both horses and standard camping equipment.
Hookup availability: RVers with horse trailers should verify power capabilities before booking. "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," reports Debbie W. about camping at Promised Land State Park.
Site selection: When bringing horses and RVs, prioritize sites with level areas for both. "Our site had kayak access and that was a real bonus. It is a spotless facility," notes Aida K. Sites with back-in parking for horse trailers generally offer more room than pull-through options at most campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Carbondale, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Carbondale, PA is Keen Lake Resort Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Carbondale, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Carbondale, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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