Equestrian camping options flourish in the northern Pennsylvania region surrounding Cowanesque Lake, located at approximately 1,080 feet elevation in the Allegheny Plateau. The area features a mix of hardwood forests and rolling hills with multiple interconnected trail systems spanning across several state forests. Winter temperatures average 15-25°F while summer months typically range from 65-85°F with moderate rainfall throughout the year.
What to do
Trail riding access points: At Backbone Horse Campground near the Pennsylvania-New York border, equestrians can access multiple trail systems directly from their campsites. "Large camp sites have room for all your horses and horse paraphernalia. Call Finger Lakes National Forest to make sure trails aren't closed due to weather, spring melt, etc," advises camper Harry H.
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location of many horse campgrounds near Cowanesque Lake creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing. Ian A. notes about Backbone Horse Campground: "Perfect quiet spot to star gaze and listen to the wildlife. We had perfect weather and it was a spectacular night!"
Swimming and boating: Tompkins Campground offers water recreation options just minutes from several equestrian trail systems. Stacey C. shares: "We love this campground. We come every year. It is run by Army Corp of Engineers because it is on a lake with a dam. There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy."
Seasonal hiking trails: The region's trail systems transition from muddy spring conditions to drier summer and fall periods with varying difficulty levels. Camper Aaron W. describes Tompkins as having "Amazing View And Hiking" with connections to longer regional trail systems.
What campers like
Quiet environment for horses: Many equestrian campers appreciate the peaceful settings that help horses remain calm during overnight stays. "We had the whole place to ourselves," notes Heather D. about Backbone Horse Campground. "More than half of the camp is designated for horses but only one horse trailer came into the camp the entire time we were there."
Clean facilities despite rustic settings: While most horse campgrounds offer basic amenities, campers frequently mention cleanliness as a priority. At Stony Fork Creek Campground, Greg W. observed: "The campground was exceptionally maintained, bathrooms and showers virtually spotless and the pool was clearly and consistently maintained at all times."
Proximity to Pennsylvania Grand Canyon: Many equestrian campers use the Cowanesque Lake area as a base for exploring regional attractions. MJ B. notes: "Area is open, not offering a lot of privacy, but we had shade and woods behind us, and the ground was grassy and level. We chose this campsite due to its proximity to the Leonard Harrison State Park."
Flexible campground policies: Horse campgrounds around Cowanesque Lake often feature relaxed scheduling. At Backbone Horse Campground, Heather D. found that "Payment of the low fee is on the honor system and check in / out is very flexible. We seen maybe three people pass through the three days/two nights we were there."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: The entire region experiences limited connectivity, requiring advance planning. Bran P. notes about Tompkins Campground: "No Verizon phone service and very slow internet with a booster."
First-come campsite availability: Many horse campgrounds operate without reservation systems. As Heather D. observed at Backbone Horse Campground, "Sites are first come first serve. Payment of the low fee is on the honor system."
Trail condition awareness: Seasonal weather significantly impacts trail conditions for horses. According to Harry H., riders should "Call Finger Lakes National Forest to make sure trails aren't closed due to weather, spring melt, etc."
Camping without horses: While Lyman Run State Park welcomes non-equestrian campers, some horse-specific areas have unofficial expectations. Brenley R. experienced this at Backbone: "It was actually perfect for our small popup, but the horse riders that camp here were not pleased with us. This campground is apparently ONLY for horse owners with their horses."
Tips for camping with families
Dark sky viewing opportunities: The region offers exceptional stargazing for families. Peggy S. recommends: "We like staying at Lyman Run since Cherry Springs gets filled pretty quickly. Lyman Run campground is great. There are 2 campgrounds, one right by the lake(larger) and one a little further away (smaller)."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities for children during summer months. At Lyman Run State Park, Jennifer P. found: "There's a beach with concessions stand and paddle boats on the lake with the prettiest skyline of surrounding the lake."
Creek exploration for kids: Families appreciate natural water features for children's activities. Jennifer P. notes about Lyman Run: "Little creek runs beside it for kids to play and explore."
Playground availability: Limited playground options exist at select campgrounds. Bran P. observed at Tompkins Campground: "Our second week, we stayed on site 44 (FHU 50A) right across from the seldom used playground."
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: Equestrian campers with trailers should prioritize finding level parking areas. At Stony Fork Creek Campground, MJ B. shares: "Was able to choose a location that worked best for us. The area we selected was not busy... the ground was grassy and level."
Site spacing considerations: RV campers note varying density at different campgrounds. Brandon W. cautions about Stony Fork Creek: "Can get a bit crowded in some spots where the campers seem to be on top of one another. Luckily we didn't have one of those sites."
Surface types for parking: Various campgrounds offer different parking surfaces for trailers and RVs. According to Bran P., Tompkins Campground features "All roads and parking pads are paved," making it suitable for larger rigs with horse trailers.
