Lower Lake Campground Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area in Promised Land State Park provides horse camping opportunities near Starlight, Pennsylvania. The campground features electric hookups with both fifty-amp and thirty-amp service for campers with horse trailers. Sites accommodate tents and RVs with ample space for horse trailers. The campground maintains clean facilities including showers, toilets, and water hookups. Picnic tables are available at each site, and fires are permitted in designated fire rings. Pets are allowed throughout the campground, complementing the horse-friendly atmosphere. The campground operates on a reservation system to ensure space availability for equestrian campers. Bear Spring Mountain DEC also accommodates horses, with campers noting the smell of horses throughout certain areas of the campground.
Trail access is available directly from the camping areas, connecting riders to miles of bridle paths. Bear Spring Mountain features multiple hiking trails suitable for both hiking and horseback riding, with streams providing natural water sources for horses during rides. Visitors have observed significant horse activity throughout the area, though rental options may not be available on-site. The surrounding woodlands offer extensive riding opportunities with terrain varying from gentle slopes to more challenging trails. Both campgrounds maintain clean bathroom facilities with showers for riders returning from trail excursions. Campers should follow proper horse etiquette, including manure management and respecting designated areas for horses. Reviews indicate abundant wildlife viewing opportunities during trail rides, making these campgrounds particularly appealing for equestrians seeking natural experiences.
"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. "
"We didn’t have a view of the lake, instead we were in someone’s back yard lol. It wasn’t a big deal. The site was well maintained and flat which were the most important."
"Went here with some friends who had never been outside NYC before. They were absolutely blown away. For me, it was a nice site but not exceptional. Bring or rent a kayak!"
"I drove to NYC for a business trip and ended up driving 1 and a half hour to reach this place. I always carry a tent in the back of my trunk and decided to go camping."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $18 - $40 / night
"There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network if hiking and horse riding trails."
"The sites were a little close to each other and where we were in the park was a mixed use area. So we had an RV next to us with the Genny running all day."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $90 / night
"3 hour drive from NYC, and a wonderful campsite with good weather in the summer - not too hot during the day and nice and cool overnight."
"We stayed in lower lake beechwood site 323. Was decent site only downside was fire pit area was very un-level for camping chairs, otherwise it’s a nice wooded site with privacy."
from $27 - $29 / night
from $25 / night
from $20 - $40 / night
GuideStayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
TravelerThe state park is beautiful. The site was very nice. The park itself is very big with many activities available such as boat rentals and a swimming pool. There's also an amphitheatre which hosts specials. During our stay the only activity we made it to was the pool. The main reason we didn't do more was the distance. We have a motorhome so we didn't have additional vehicles to get to and from places. We walked to the park which according to my Fitbit was 1.5 miles away. That doesn't seem too bad until you realize it's mostly hills in both directions! We are a fairly active young family who has no problem with a bit of a walk but after that experience we decided to just spend the remainder of our trip hanging out at our site. It's a good thing we only stayed 2 nights because our 10 year old might've lost his mind with boredom if we stayed longer. Overall, the site we had was great and I'd recommend it. My husband and I may come back for a couples date weekend.
GuideStayed in the fairly new ledges loop that are all full hookup sites. Nice large sites, beautiful area, friendly rangers. Nice play area for kids, water craft rentals, nice lake. Plenty of picnic areas for day trips.
TravelerKeen lake is the most cleanest friendliest family environment campsite you will ever find. Beautiful lake great fishing. Activities all day long for the children. Great general store that has everything in it that is open from sun up to sundown. The nachos and ice cream are the best. Super friendly staff. It's big they have tent sites right along the lake the lake is huge there's so much I could say but I would run out of room. I started coming here when I was four and I am now 46 years old and it is just the best place ever. It will always have a special place in our heart. Look forward every year to coming here no matter what age my kids are they all have a blast. From tent sites to RVs to cottages to glamping you name it they have it highly recommend it. Recently went camping to somewhere a little bit closer to home and it's nothing compared to here. It's like comparing Macy's to Walmart. You will never regret coming here. So pack your family up and have a great time.
TravelerWent tent camping for 3 nights, easy to get to, bathrooms were clean and so was the site. 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.
LegendThis is an amazing state park that has something for everyone. There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network if hiking and horse riding trails. There are several campgrounds, with tremendous variety for every camping style. There are standard car camping tent sites, RV sites, and yurts and camper cabins. For those who like more rustic options, there are hike-in sites that are beautiful and not far from the parking area. The campsites are nestled in a deep shady mature forest, and peaceful and quiet due to the wooded aspect and spacing of sites (at least for me, in September in a hike-in site not far from the regular campground). It is nice to have such a fine camping and outdoor recreation opportunity within an easy drive of the city of Clarks Summit, so probably a great weekend getaway for local folks, but a wonderful stopover for anyone on a road trip through northern PA as it is not far off Interstate 81. I was there only one day, but would like to be back to explore the trails!
GuideFirst trip of the season and we were amazed. Not crowded this time of year, serene, and perfect weather. We collected our own firewood as there is none for sale in the state park. We thought that was going to be a problem but we were okay with it!
Hiked 2 short easy trails (Little Falls and the Conservation Nature Loop- which we drove to). Absolutely beautiful! Bathrooms were clean and water was hot in the shower.
We will be visiting again!
LegendNice state park. Wooded campgrounds. Nice sites. Boating and fishing.
ScoutWe 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. It is a state park and so the campsites are often close, but we don’t mind. We’d be somewhere else if isolation was what we wanted.
Equestrian camping is a distinctive feature near Starlight, Pennsylvania, with multiple facilities accommodating horse enthusiasts within the Pocono Mountains region. This rural area sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation with moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, making spring through fall the primary horse camping season for the region.
Trail riding access: Promised Land State Park's Lower Lake Campground Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area provides direct connections to riding paths. David S. notes, "Clean bathrooms are essential and even when the large campground is full the bathrooms have been clean."
Water recreation: Keen Lake Resort Campground offers multiple water activities for when you're not riding. Shannon C. reports, "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."
Hiking alternatives: When not riding, explore the extensive trail systems. At Pickerel Point Campground, Alaina Z. recommends, "The Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked."
Lakefront sites: Many equestrian campgrounds feature proximity to water. At Pickerel Point, Nancy L. shares, "My favorite site does [allow pets], plus I can launch my kayak right from there! The only drawback is no alcohol allowed, but most State Parks are like that I think."
Clean facilities: Bear Spring Mountain DEC maintains good bathroom standards despite horse activity. J G. notes, "There is an area for day use where you can rent a paddle boat or kayak to go out on the water. Highly recommended if you like hiking."
Wildlife viewing: Horse camping often provides opportunities to see animals. Amber A. reports about Bear Spring Mountain, "Lots of wildlife! There are two areas for camping, check out both though one smells kind of like a barn."
Campsite terrain: Some sites can be challenging for tent setup. At Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area, Tiffany K. explains, "Was told it was a tent only spot but the layout was not great for tents. We used a three person tent and it was tight to fit in the site."
Animal smells: Kevin T. notes about Bear Spring Mountain DEC, "There is horses so you will smell them. There is a lake, grills, restrooms and showers."
Limited stores: Prepare by bringing supplies. Siobhan D. advises about Lower Lake, "Firewood was available in the area. But not much for stores so pack everything in before."
Family activities: Lackawanna State Park Campground provides structured options for children. Michael notes, "We would love to come back in the winter when they have an ice rink with a warming house."
Lake swimming: Water activities complement horseback riding. Paula R. says about Pickerel Point, "Loved camping on Pickerel Point. Kids had a great time! The road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc."
Educational programs: Look for nature activities while not riding. Dawn T. shares about Keen Lake, "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: Choose sites strategically at horse campgrounds. At Keen Lake, Emily Z. recommends, "Get a site on the lake. If you don't want to drive during your stay, camp on the side w/ the beach and pool."
Power requirements: Check electrical specifications before booking. David notes at Lackawanna, "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained."
Accessibility considerations: Some areas have challenging terrain. Harry L. from Keen Lake advises, "I'll start with our arrival: well marked with signs directing you to office for checkin. They were very organized in the office."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Starlight, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Starlight, PA is Keen Lake Resort Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Starlight, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Starlight, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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