Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area provides direct trail access for horse campers within Promised Land State Park. Located at the southern edge of the Poconos, the area sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation where summer temperatures average 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. The equestrian loop features sites designed for both horses and riders with fire rings and picnic tables at each location. Winter camping remains available at select sites when many other regional facilities close for the season.
What to do
Lake activities at Keen Lake: Keen Lake Resort Campground offers water recreation opportunities with kayak and canoe access. "We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch. Each day we would paddle over to the swimming area on the lake," notes Shannon C., who visited in August. The lake also provides fishing opportunities for various species, including sunfish and perch.
Hiking trails throughout Promised Land: Pickerel Point Campground connects to multiple hiking paths. "The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail," suggests Kelly F. The Conservation Walk on the nearby island offers an accessible nature experience that one camper describes as "short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked."
Horseback riding networks: The trail system accessible from Hemlock Hill provides direct connections to the broader Promised Land State Park path network. While most reviewers note the convenience of the trail access, riders should be prepared for changing trail conditions based on recent weather. The equestrian area serves as a strategic starting point for exploring the park's extensive trails without needing to trailer horses to separate trailheads.
What campers like
Quiet forest settings: Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area receives praise for its peaceful environment. "Despite the constant rain, it was quiet and peaceful. You could only ever hear the wildlife," reports Maze M. The wooded campsites provide natural separation between sites for increased privacy.
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and shower facilities throughout the Promised Land State Park campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. "Bathrooms were clean with nice hot showers," mentions Kelly F. about Pickerel Point facilities. Another camper at Beechwood notes, "Bathrooms were clean and so was the site. Sites were a good size and not on top of each other."
Lake views from select sites: Lackawanna State Park Campground offers waterfront camping options. "We like Lackawanna State Park. This is the place we camped when we moved to PA. It has sites that are very wooded," notes Michael, who enjoyed site 52. The campground combines lake access with forest settings approximately 30 miles from Lake Ariel.
What you should know
Limited services near Promised Land: Campers should arrive prepared as store options are limited. "Not much for stores so pack everything in before," advises Siobhan D. about the Beechwood Area. The park itself does not offer extensive on-site purchasing options for supplies or firewood.
Site selection considerations: When booking at Stokes State Forest, approximately 40 miles from Lake Ariel, choose carefully based on needs. "Each campsite has a pit toilet 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," explains Adeline M. Site terrain varies significantly throughout the region.
Weather preparedness essential: The higher elevation creates variable conditions. "We had a great time despite cold wet weather," reports one camper at Keen Lake. Another visitor at Ocquittunk camping area mentions that despite the beauty, "worst part though was when i did go and camp out for a week near the small pond part it rained and our campsite turned into a complete mud pit."
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: Mohican Outdoor Center offers organized activities for youth. "Lots of hiking options as well. Tent sites are either on the ground have wooden platforms," notes Dan X. The center provides structured programming during peak season months.
Swimming options: Multiple beaches provide swimming access for children. "The kids had a great time! Bathrooms could be cleaned more often but relatively clean," shares Paula R. about Pickerel Point. "Love that the road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc."
Campsite selection for families: Larger family groups should target specific sites. "The site has one potential drawback for some, no electric hookup, however most of the loop we were in and the other pet friendly loop was also electric capable," explains a camper at Lackawanna State Park. Sites vary in size and amenities, with some better suited for larger family groups than others.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions matter: Keen Lake Resort Campground offers varied RV sites but with specific limitations. "The RV sites are spaced out nicely," notes Charlotte D., but another camper adds that "Most of the sites seem to be on the smaller size when compared to other campgrounds we've been too."
Full-hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete services for RVs. "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 facilities at Pickerel Point. Electrical service varies between campgrounds, with Hemlock Hill specifically offering 30 and 50-amp service.
Winter camping considerations: For off-season RV camping near Lake Ariel, note that many facilities winterize bathrooms. "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers," explains Mara S. about winter conditions. Horse campgrounds near Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania typically maintain limited winter operations with reduced services.
