Equestrian camping near Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania provides access to the Pocono Mountains wilderness with 1,300+ miles of trails through mixed hardwood forests. Located in northeastern Pennsylvania at approximately 700 feet elevation, the area experiences distinct seasonal changes with moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F, making it ideal for horse-centered camping from April through October.
What to do
Hiking with varied terrain: Lackawanna State Park offers networks of trails suitable for day hikes while camping. "The hiking trails are good, the lake is nice, but there is no privacy at the campsites; they're all very small and packed tight," notes David from Lackawanna State Park Campground.
Lake activities: Keen Lake provides multiple water recreation options beyond swimming. "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," shares Shannon C. from Keen Lake Resort Campground.
Winter camping options: Some parks remain open year-round for those seeking off-season experiences. Mara S. reports from Pickerel Point, "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."
What campers like
Lakeside sites: Waterfront camping spots are particularly valued for their convenience and views. At Pickerel Point Campground, Nancy L. shares, "Certain sites allow pets. My favorite site does, plus I can launch my kayak right from there!"
Family-friendly environments: Organized activities for children make camping more engaging. According to Mike H., "My boys absolutely love it and always have something to do. They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day!"
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and shower facilities remain important to campers. Alaina Z. mentions, "Beautiful new bathrooms" at Pickerel Point, while describing the overall experience: "Private lakeside walk-in sites" with "beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless."
What you should know
Site surfaces vary: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain for tent campers. "Chunky bluestone gravel on the sites, so bring a sleeping pad!" warns Alaina Z. about Pickerel Point Campground.
Cell service limitations: Coverage can be spotty in more remote areas. Mara S. notes, "The only negative is that I had almost no cell reception with Verizon" at Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area.
Firewood considerations: Not all parks sell firewood on-site. Angie G. shares, "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!"
Horse-specific requirements: Equestrian camping areas require special reservations. World's End Equestrian Campground connects directly to bridle trails throughout Loyalsock State Forest with varying terrain for riders of all experience levels.
Tips for camping with families
Look for paved roads: Certain campgrounds offer better surfaces for kids' activities. Paula R. appreciates this feature at Pickerel Point: "Love that the road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc... We will definitely be back."
Check program availability: Environmental education activities enhance family trips. Janet R. highlights this at Lackawanna: "This 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."
Consider site location carefully: Lower Lake Campground Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area provides specialized horse-friendly camping, with David S. noting, "We 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."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions before booking: Some campgrounds have size limitations. Harry L. at Keen Lake shares, "They were very organized in the office. When we got to our site the sewer pipe was buried and we didn't know where it was, they sent someone out to our site within minutes."
Electric service reliability: Older electrical systems may have limitations. One camper reported 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."
Consider site spacing: The layout can affect camping experience. Dawn R. from Beechwood Area notes, "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. Short walk to bathrooms, showers and lake."
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