Equestrian camping near Wind Gap, Pennsylvania offers access to trail networks through the Delaware Water Gap region. The Pocono Mountains provide terrain ranging from 400 to 1,600 feet in elevation, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping is available at select locations with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Paddle the lakes: At Spruce Run Recreation Area, campers can enjoy water activities on the reservoir. "Lots to do. Still trying to catch a fish here," notes Gregg G., adding there's "a quick treat at Rita's around the corner" for after-water activities.
Stargazing opportunities: Mountainview Campground in Little York, NJ provides exceptional night sky viewing. "Great spot for stargazing. Owners are very nice," reports Scott A. who stayed at one of the primitive sites.
Hiking varied terrain: Stokes State Forest connects to multiple trail systems with elevation changes. "There are 21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries of Stokes State Forest. Twelve miles are part of the Appalachian Trail," explains a visitor who hiked the Tillman Ravine trail and recommends making it a loop to visit both the ravine and a nearby old cemetery.
Wildlife observation: Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms offers opportunities to view local wildlife. "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!" reports one camper who appreciated the natural soundscape.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Pickerel Point Campground at Promised Land State Park provides lakeside camping with direct water access. "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper," shares Kelly F., who also found the "trails were beautiful" and recommends the Little Falls trail specifically.
Clean facilities: Spruce Run Recreation Area maintains well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. "The bathrooms were absolutely beautiful," reports one camper, adding that "park employees and park police drive around through the day" maintaining order at the campground.
Quiet atmosphere: Mountainview Campground offers a peaceful setting for those seeking solitude. "This place was actually fantastic," writes Christina H., explaining that "this place was just so calming and quiet, it was really just such a relaxing place to be. There was no irritation from loud, busy nearby roads, no city noise, no people yelling or stomping about."
Fire amenities: Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area includes well-designed fire pits. "Each site comes with a fire ring and picnic table," notes a camper who found the campgrounds well-maintained despite visiting in cooler weather.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Stokes State Forest enforces strict arrival policies. One camper reports being told "they would not allow us to come late, but did refund the first night" when they couldn't arrive before 9 PM. The staff was described as "strict, but fair," providing "a quick and satisfactory resolution."
Bear awareness: This region requires proper food storage. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided," warns a camper who visited Steam Mill Camping Area. The region also has "ticks and rattlesnakes" according to the same review.
Seasonal temperature variations: Winter campers should prepare for cold conditions. "I paid $41 for 2 days," reports a mid-week July camper at Ocquittunk who noted that "showers were cold water only and very cold at that," indicating that even summer facilities may have temperature limitations.
Firewood availability: Firewood policies vary between campgrounds. "They do not allow you to gather your own firewood, but they do sell it in their camp store," reports a Mountainview Campground visitor who found this restriction a minor inconvenience.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area at Promised Land State Park provides recreational facilities for children. "Bathrooms were clean and so was the site. Sites were a good size and not on top of each other," reports Siobhan D., who found the campground "peaceful and clean" during a three-night tent camping trip.
Educational opportunities: Mohican Outdoor Center offers nature programs for kids. A regular group camping trip leader notes, "We hosted group camping trips here for years. Excellent spot! The lodge has bathrooms and a small store. You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife."
Beach swimming areas: Several parks maintain designated swimming beaches for families. Paula R. found that even during COVID restrictions, Pickerel Point Campground was great for families: "Kids had a great time! Bathrooms could be cleaned more often but relatively clean. The museum and crafts were closed due to Covid so that was a bummer but we found other things to do."
Cabin options: Tuscarora State Park provides alternative accommodations for families not ready for tent camping. "My girlfriends and I just stayed in the yurts for annual glamping trip. We reserved 3 of 4 yurts for first weekend in June," shares Mandy F., describing that "yurts have 2 sets of bunk beds with one set having full size mattress on bottom. Yurts have heat and fans."
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Lake Ocquittunk offers varied site types for different RVs. "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs," advises Douglas P. from experience.
Hookup availability: Electric service ranges from 30-50 amp at different campgrounds. "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," reports Debbie W. about Pickerel Point.
Dump station locations: Sanitary facilities are available at major campgrounds. Ruette W. notes that for those without hookups, "We fill our fresh water tank for and bring drinking water," also mentioning that solar power helps "go for awhile without running the generator."
Road condition awareness: Access roads to some campgrounds may present challenges. "Watch the local roads for potholes," warns Tommy M. about the routes to Pickerel Point Campground, while another RVer mentions "the drive up to the campsite was literally jaw-dropping the whole way up into the mountains."
Ranger
