Equestrian camping facilities near Dallas, Pennsylvania provide specialized accommodations for trail riders across several state parks. The region sits within the Pocono Mountains at elevations between 1,200-1,800 feet, creating moderate summer temperatures that rarely exceed 85°F. Horse-friendly campgrounds connect directly to extensive bridle trail networks through hardwood forests and along watershed areas.
What to do
Kayaking on Promised Land State Park lakes: Visitors can bring their own kayaks or rent them on-site to explore the crystal-clear waters. Nancy L. from Pickerel Point Campground notes, "My favorite site does [allow pets], plus I can launch my kayak right from there!" The park features two lakes with multiple access points.
Hiking the Conservation Island trail: This short nature walk provides educational signs about local ecology and wildlife. Alaina Z. reports, "The Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked." The loop trail takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and connects to larger trail systems.
Swimming at Lackawanna State Park: The park maintains a dedicated swimming beach with lifeguards during summer months. According to cheryl M., "Nice large sites, beautiful area, friendly rangers. Nice play area for kids, water craft rentals, nice lake. Plenty of picnic areas for day trips." Swimming hours typically run 11am-7pm during peak season.
What campers like
Electric hookup options: Many campsites throughout the region offer various electrical connection options for both tent and RV campers. Harry L. from Keen Lake Resort Campground shares, "We were there over 4th of July so the pool was pretty full during the weekend so we decided to utilize the lake for those days and enjoyed the pool during the week once some of the weekenders left. All facilities were clean and in working order."
Equestrian-specific amenities: Horse campgrounds near Dallas, Pennsylvania feature specialized facilities for riders. David S. from Lower Lake Campground Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area comments, "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."
Lake access from campsites: Several campgrounds offer direct water access from individual sites. Shannon C. explains, "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." Water access sites typically fill first during reservation periods.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer months. Zoltan P. from Tuscarora State Park Campground advises, "It is free to camp at one of the spots but you must call the respective ranger station ahead of time and let them know your car name etc and they issue you a permit free of charge."
Bathroom facilities: Campground bathhouses vary in amenities and maintenance schedules. Mara S. notes, "This was my second visit in the cold months. Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers. The park is large with many hiking trails and ice fishing."
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited connectivity due to mountainous terrain. One camper reported, "The only negative is that I had almost no cell reception with Verizon." Coverage varies by carrier, with higher elevation sites generally offering better connectivity.
Tips for camping with families
Paved roads for kids' activities: Some campgrounds offer paved camping loops ideal for biking and skating. Paula R. from Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area mentions, "Love that the road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc... We will definitely be back."
Educational programs: Park naturalists often conduct family-friendly activities during summer months. According to Dawn T., "This is a very nice park with a beautiful lake. Clean bath houses and very friendly staff. They have activities for all ages. My kids love going here and I also enjoy coming knowing I can relax and not worry about them."
Campsite selection: Families should consider proximity to bathrooms and play areas when booking. Samantha S. explains, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV campers should verify site lengths when booking to ensure proper fit. Harry L. advises, "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. After finding it they determined the top flange was crushed but I could still get my drain in there."
Electrical capacity: Some older campgrounds may have limitations on electrical output. David from Lackawanna State Park Campground notes, "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained." Campers with multiple high-draw appliances should plan accordingly.
Campground layout considerations: RV sites vary significantly between campgrounds. Debbie W. explains, "We stayed in the Pickerel Point of the park. 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. All of the sites were spacious."
