Lower Lake Campground Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area offers the only dedicated horse camping facilities near Union Dale, Pennsylvania. Located within Promised Land State Park, this campground provides primitive camping options specifically for equestrians. The sites accommodate both tents and RVs with electric hookups, fifty-amp service, and water connections available. Each campsite features a picnic table and fire ring with fires permitted in designated areas. Equestrians appreciate the reservation system that ensures space for horses and trailers. The campground maintains toilets and shower facilities for campers, though drinking water must be brought in or obtained from central locations. Trailer parking areas are designed to accommodate various sizes of horse trailers while keeping horses and camping equipment in proximity.
The equestrian area connects directly to the park's trail system, providing immediate access to riding routes through the Pennsylvania wilderness. Promised Land State Park encompasses over 3,000 acres of forests and lakes with multiple trail options suitable for horseback riding. Riders can explore the park's natural features including lakes, streams, and diverse forest environments. The camping season typically runs from spring through fall, with exact dates varying based on weather conditions and park schedules. Pets are allowed in the camping area, making it possible for campers to bring both horses and dogs. Equestrians should note that the campground does not feature developed horse corrals, so portable corrals or highline systems are recommended for securing horses overnight. The relatively small size of the equestrian area creates a community atmosphere among horse campers, particularly during summer weekends.
"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."
"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
"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
from $25 / 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.
Promised Land State Park offers horseback riders dedicated accommodations in the Pocono Mountains. The equestrian camping area sits at 1,800 feet elevation amid northern hardwood forests that cool considerably at night even during summer months. Rain averages 45 inches annually, creating lush trail conditions favorable for horse riding throughout the main season.
Trail riding access: Riders at Lower Lake Campground Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area can reach multiple trail systems directly from their sites. "Always a good trip. We have camped here in tents and with our teardrop trailer. All of our experiences have been good," notes camper David S., who appreciated the clean facilities even when the campground was at capacity.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes within 30 minutes of Union Dale provide fishing options for equestrian campers. At Lackawanna State Park Campground, anglers can fish from shore or non-motorized boats. According to David G., "Campground has cabins and yurts, pull in sites for RV's and strictly walk in tent sites. There is a beautiful lake and a very large pool."
Catskill Mountains exploration: For equestrian campers willing to drive 45 minutes north into New York, Bear Spring Mountain — DEC offers additional horse-friendly terrain. "Great flowers and nature. There is a hiking loop that goes around the pond," reports camper J G., who recommends renting kayaks at the day-use area when taking a break from horseback riding.
Private lakefront sites: Many equestrians appreciate the option to camp near water when not using the dedicated horse facilities. At Pickerel Point Campground, Nancy L. explains, "My favorite site does [allow pets], plus I can launch my kayak right from there!" Horses aren't permitted at this location, but it's a popular choice for mixed-use camping trips.
Clean bathroom facilities: Unlike some rustic equestrian camping areas, most campgrounds near Union Dale maintain well-serviced facilities. Campers at Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area noted, "Bathrooms were clean and so was the site. Sites were a good size and not on top of each other," according to Siobhan D., who spent three nights tent camping.
Seasonal activity options: The region supports equestrian camping from spring through fall with winter options for experienced campers. Mara S. shares, "This was my second visit in the cold months. Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers."
Limited services: Most equestrian camping areas near Union Dale have basic amenities only. As Tiffany K. discovered at Beechwood Area, "Bathrooms and showers had been winterized. Stayed in a beechwood area camp site. Was told it was a tent only spot but the layout was not great for tents."
Horse-specific restrictions: Always check current regulations before bringing horses. At Bear Spring Mountain, Kevin T. noted, "There is horses so you will smell them," referring to the permanent equestrian facilities that affect nearby camping areas.
Site selection matters: When horse camping, carefully research specific sites. Alaina Z. advises at Keen Lake Resort Campground, "Sites have nice sizable fire pits, but they are very tall. It's difficult to cook over them, and sitting around the campfire in the evening is a much less visually appealing experience."
Activity planning: Schedule around peak usage times at equestrian facilities. Paula R. suggests, "Love that the road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc..." which provides alternative activities when not riding horses.
Weather preparation: Pack for variable conditions even in summer. According to Emily Z., "My kids really loved having a pool to swim in, in addition to the lake," providing options when rain affects trail riding plans.
Space requirements: Family equestrian camping requires more room than standard camping. Dawn R. experienced this firsthand: "Short walk to bathrooms, showers and lake. Though had to drive to park and beaches. Would go back again and might try to stay in Pickerel point campground instead."
Site leveling challenges: RVers towing horse trailers should research access routes carefully. Harry L. shares, "Well marked with signs directing you to office for checkin. 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."
Electrical capacity limits: Older campgrounds may have insufficient power for larger RVs with horse trailer accommodations. David noted at Lackawanna State Park, "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained."
Site spacing variations: RV sites with room for horse trailers vary widely between campgrounds. As Mike H. explains, "The security is great and patrol to make sure quiet hours are quiet to be courtiers to other campers that want quiet time."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Union Dale, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Union Dale, 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 Union Dale, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Union Dale, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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