Lower Lake Campground Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area provides specialized camping accommodations for horse owners in the Pocono Mountains region. Located within Promised Land State Park, this equestrian-focused camping area allows visitors to bring their horses while enjoying outdoor recreation. The sites feature electrical hookups with 30- and 50-amp service along with water and sewer connections specifically designed for equestrian needs. Trail access directly from the campground connects to miles of riding paths through Pennsylvania's forests and surrounding recreation areas.
What to do
Riding trails: Access over 63 miles of marked trails at Stokes State Forest with routes suitable for various skill levels. "We camped at the Steam Mill Camping Area in Stokes State Forest in our campervan over a chilly autumn weekend... The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes. Outdoor activities in the area abound. Go fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and more. There are 21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries of Stokes State Forest," writes a visitor.
Water recreation: Paddle on the lakes at Pickerel Point Campground with kayak access from many campsites. "I spent the night in the Promised Land State Park at Pickerel Point and it was so pretty and quiet. There was a bathroom with flush toilets nearby and the campsites were well spaced apart. Mine overlooked the water and had a gorgeous sunset. There was a beach nearby that was an excellent place to gaze at the stars," notes a camper.
Year-round camping: Camp during different seasons for 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," reports a winter visitor at Pickerel Point.
What campers like
Private sites: Many campsites at Beechwood Area offer good spacing and natural barriers. "Sites were a good size and not on top of each other. Firewood was available in the area. But not much for stores so pack everything in before," notes a camper.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms across most campgrounds. "The bathrooms were clean with nice hot showers," reports a visitor to Pickerel Point Campground. Another camper at Beechwood Area mentioned, "Went tent camping for 3 nights, easy to get to, bathrooms were clean and so was the site."
Lake access: Many sites at Spruce Run Recreation Area offer waterfront views and water activities. "I have camped here on many occasions for over ten years... 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," shares a regular visitor.
What you should know
Wildlife precautions: Properly store food and be aware of wildlife presence. At Mohican Outdoor Center, campers note the diverse wildlife: "You are able to camp in tents in the activity field or lakeside... We rented a canoe out a couple times during our stay... plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife."
Firewood regulations: Most campgrounds do not permit gathering wood on-site. You must purchase firewood from designated vendors. "They do not allow you to gather your own firewood, but they do sell it in their camp store," notes a camper about Mountain View Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Water access may be limited in colder months. "Open year round," notes a camper at Stokes State Forest, but adds that "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by," during winter visits.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Mountainview Campground offers amenities for children. "A playground for kids... This place was actually fantastic, I don't really have anything negative to say about it. The whole scene was exactly what I love about camping, a nice little remote campground in the mountains," shares a visitor.
Wildlife encounters: Create educational opportunities by observing local animals. "There were bats right above us all night making noise! I guess if you don't like that kind of stuff you should avoid an area like this, but for some of us, this is what camping is all about," explains a Mountainview camper who also heard foxes and deer around their site.
Equestrian camping with children: Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area offers a unique opportunity for children to camp with horses. "Always a good trip. We have camped here in tents and with our teardrop trailer. All of our experiences have been good," shares a repeat visitor to the equestrian area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For horse trailers at equestrian campgrounds near Shawnee on Delaware, Pennsylvania, choose sites with adequate space. "Clean bathrooms are essential and even when the large campground is full the bathrooms have been clean. It is a state park and so the campsites are often close, but we don't mind," reports an RVer at Lower Lake Campground Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area.
Hookup options: Some equestrian campsites have full hookups while others have partial connections. At Pickerel Point, a reviewer notes: "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."
Road conditions: Be aware of access roads that may be challenging for larger rigs. "Watch the local roads for potholes," warns a camper at Pickerel Point, while another mentions, "The drive to our site had some inclines and was relatively rocky and some vehicles would surely struggle."
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