The Riegelsville area sits at the intersection of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and Hunterdon County, New Jersey, with elevations ranging from 200-600 feet along the Delaware River Valley. Seasonal temperatures vary dramatically, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows often dropping below freezing. Horse owners seeking camping options will find several parks within a 30-40 mile radius that can accommodate trailers, though dedicated equestrian facilities are limited.
What to do
Kayaking on local waterways: Mountainview Campground provides convenient access to the Delaware River for water activities. "We took it to Mountain View this weekend, with a little trepidation on how we were going to get the trailer backed into the space. Not to worry, they gave us a nice drive through space," notes Robert J., highlighting the campground's accommodation for vehicles with trailers.
Stargazing opportunities: Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms offers exceptional night sky viewing conditions. "The stars and moon were absolutely amazing. We got some great night shots and the moon is so bright it actually looks like the sun in the photos," according to Jen R., who visited this quieter campground option.
Fishing in multiple lakes: Spruce Run Recreation Area features a large reservoir with various fish species. "I have camped here on many occasions for Over ten years, beginning when I only had a tent. Then with a camper van, and now an RV. I love the water views, The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," explains Ruette W.
Wildlife observation: The area's diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife. "I've never heard so much wildlife there as I did here. Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise!" mentions Christina H. from Mountainview Campground.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: French Creek State Park Campground offers secluded camping spots with natural buffers. "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors," shares Jen R.
Lakefront camping options: Pickerel Point Campground provides waterfront sites with immediate lake access. "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper. The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail," notes Kelly F.
Well-maintained grounds: Many campgrounds in the region prioritize cleanliness. "The park and surrounding forest have lots of hiking and multiple lakes. Park staff were super friendly and helpful," reports Tiffany K. about Lower Lake Campground.
Diverse accommodation types: Beyond traditional tent sites, several parks offer alternatives. "I stayed at the Mohican Outdoor Center (MOC) in Nov while section hiking from the Del. Water Gap to the NY State Line. The MOC is about 10 miles from the Gap and it was my destination for the 1st day. The staff is friendly and the facilities were what I expected. I stayed in one of the bunkhouses and I had a private room with bunk beds," describes Richard M.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires preparation but offers unique experiences. "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," shares Mara S. about Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Bathroom facility quality varies: Facility conditions differ significantly between campgrounds. "The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. I thought with COVID they were cleaning them more, but for the entire weekend, someone's #2 remained all over the toilet, floor, and corner wall. The other stalls weren't as bad, but definitely not clean," warns Jules T. about one campground.
Limited cell service: Many rural campgrounds have poor connectivity. "The only negative is that I had almost no cell reception with Verizon," notes Mara S., while others mention complete lack of service in certain areas.
Reservation requirements: Stokes State Forest and other popular parks fill quickly during peak seasons. "It was pretty much what you would expect in a state park camp ground in NJ. Clean, well kept. Lots of grassy and open area. Still a good amount of shade," mentions Dan G.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Several parks offer dedicated children's areas. "Several playgrounds, boat launches, and life guarded swimming area," notes Jocelyn G. about Spruce Run Recreation Area, making it suitable for families with children who need activity options.
Bike-friendly campgrounds: Lower Lake Campground features paved areas for cycling. "Love that the road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc... We will definitely be back," mentions Paula R., highlighting an important consideration for families with children.
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer learning activities. "Can't speak to the condition of the bathrooms, I stopped going into them 6 years ago as soon as I bought a cassette toilet to avoid them. This review would be 5 stars if only they would knock the present facilities down and rebuild really nice ones, that were kept clean," shares Ruette W., providing perspective on bathroom facilities that parents should consider.
Pet policies vary: For equestrian camping near Riegelsville, Pennsylvania, check whether your dogs can accompany your horses. "Stokes is the only loop that allows pets. I expected it to be much noisier than it was. All of the dogs were well behaved, and we didn't have any problems as we took our walks around the loop," explains Jen R.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Mountainview Campground offers accommodating RV sites. "This is a smallish campground with many seasonal spots and some rental spots. Our spot was #27 and pretty spacious. The showers were free and clean with hot water and decent pressure. The landing for the camper was even with gravel and the rest of the site was mostly even. The power station was well intact with 15/20, 30, and 50amp," reports Sarah.
Limited hookup options: Not all campgrounds provide full connections. "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," notes Debbie W., providing useful information for those requiring specific amenities.
Late arrival restrictions: Some campgrounds enforce strict check-in times. "I reserved two nights, but the first night we were not going to be able to arrive until after 9. After talking to them, they would not allow us to come late, but did refund the first night. This was frustrating, but they did provide a quick and satisfactory resolution," explains Kyhlea D.
Low-clearance considerations: For horse trailers and larger RVs heading to equestrian-accessible camping near Riegelsville, be aware of height limitations. "The drive to our site had some inclines and was relatively rocky and some vehicles would surely struggle," warns Christina H., important information for those hauling larger trailers.
Ranger
