Horsey Hilton Equestrian Campground accommodates riders with dedicated facilities for horse trailers and camping near the trail network of Susquehannock State Forest. Trail riders can access multiple interconnected paths directly from campsites without needing to trailer horses to separate trailheads. The region offers additional horse-friendly camping options within 20-25 miles of Galeton, Pennsylvania, across several state forests including Tioga, Tiadaghton, and Susquehannock.
What to do
Star gazing at Cherry Springs: Lyman Run State Park Campground serves as an excellent base camp for visiting the internationally recognized dark sky park. "It's nestled within the gold level dark sky area. This means on a clear night and with a waning or new moon, one could see the arm of the Milky Way with millions of stars- more than most people see in a lifetime," notes Bill G.
Fishing opportunities: The waterways near Galeton provide varied fishing experiences. At Lyman Run, visitors can catch common species. "Pretty easy to catch some trout and blue gill," reports Joshua L. Many campgrounds maintain stocked lakes or provide access to natural streams where anglers can try their luck throughout the camping season.
Hiking trail network: The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon region offers extensive hiking options across multiple state forests. Tompkins Campground provides access to scenic trails with varying difficulty levels. According to Bran P., "This area is pretty with rolling hills all around so we enjoyed a couple of scenic drives. About an hour away is the Pine Creek Rail Trail in the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the region maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At Stony Fork Creek Campground, Greg W. reports that "bathrooms and showers [were] virtually spotless and the pool was clearly and consistently maintained at all times." This attention to cleanliness makes extended stays more comfortable.
Peace and quiet: The remote nature of camping in the Galeton area provides a true escape. At Lyman Run State Park, Michelle L. observed: "It was so quiet and peaceful, did not even notice other campers around. Bathhouse was very clean. Had a good time fishing at the lake and stopping for ice cream at the beach shop is a must!"
Spacious sites: Unlike more congested campgrounds, many locations near Galeton offer generous site dimensions. Stony Fork Creek offers "plenty of space to spread out and walk. All of the roads were paved and sites were very large," according to Greg W., making it suitable for various camping setups.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: The remote location means limited or no cell service at most campgrounds. At Stony Fork Creek Campground, Brandon W. notes: "No cell service and WiFi isn't reliable if that's what you need or are looking for." Plan accordingly by downloading maps and information before arrival.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, particularly during peak stargazing periods and summer weekends. For equestrian camping near Galeton, Pennsylvania, advance planning is essential as specialized sites are limited. Consider weekday visits during shoulder seasons for less crowded experiences.
Distance to supplies: The region is remote, with limited access to stores and services. "The nearest town is almost 45+ minutes away. But hey, there's a Fox's Pizza there," advises Bill G. about staying at Lyman Run. Pack all essential supplies and prepare for significant driving times to reach grocery stores or restaurants.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas that provide entertainment for children. Jennifer P. describes Lyman Run: "There's a beach with concessions stand and paddle boats on the lake with the prettiest skyline surrounding the lake." These supervised swimming areas offer respite during hot summer days.
Nature exploration: Small creeks and wooded areas around campsites provide natural playgrounds. "Little creek runs beside it for kids to play and explore," mentions Jennifer P. about Lyman Run State Park Campground. These natural features often become the highlight of children's camping experiences.
Recreational facilities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. MJ B. observed at Stony Fork Creek Campground: "The pool was nice and the rec center had a lot of activities for kids. The pond offered fishing and pedal boat rentals." These amenities provide entertainment options during extended stays.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: RV campers appreciate the prepared surfaces at many campgrounds. At Tompkins Campground, Stacey C. reports: "Spots are level and paved. It is always clean. There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy." These level sites minimize setup time and stabilization issues.
Site selection strategy: For RVers seeking more space and privacy, choosing strategic locations can enhance the experience. MJ B. shares: "Was able to choose a location that worked best for us. The area we selected was not busy." Consider requesting sites away from busy loops when making reservations.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary across campgrounds. Some offer full hookups while others provide only basic services. Review campground amenities carefully before booking to ensure they meet your specific RV requirements, particularly for longer stays near equestrian trails around Galeton, Pennsylvania.
