Horsehead Lake Recreation Area
4.5020 reviewsnull
Quick Facts
Price
$10 - $15/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
8 campsites
Season
null
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$10 - $15/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
8 campsites
Season
null
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyShowers
Get DirectionsHorsehead Lake Recreation Area
$10.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Based on reviews, campsites cost $10-$15 depending on the site and self-serve payment method at the campground.
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$15.00
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What Campers Say
4.50
Recommended
Based on 20 reviews
80 Google reviews
Most mentioned
peacefulspaciouslakesites
"Reviews highlight the serene lakeside setting and opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and swimming. However, there are concerns about inconsistent maintenance of facilities such as restrooms and campsites."
Fees & Passes at Horsehead Lake Recreation Area
$10 - $15/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: null
Cancellation: A $10 cancellation fee applies and late cancellations will forfeit the first night's recreation use ...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official null website.
Best Time to Camp at Horsehead Lake Recreation Area
Summer transforms Horsehead Lake into an aquatic playground where warm days beckon swimmers to cool waters and perfect conditions inspire paddlers to explore every hidden cove. As the sun climbs high, anglers cast their lines in the early morning mist while kayakers glide across glass-smooth surfaces. Though each season brings its own charm to the lake, summer's long days and comfortable temperatures create the ideal backdrop for those quintessential camping moments—from afternoon swims to evening campfire gatherings under star-filled skies.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: null
- Current Alerts: No active alerts are mentioned in authoritative sources.
About Horsehead Lake Recreation Area
Escape to the tranquil shores of Horsehead Lake Recreation Area, where spontaneous adventures await on a first-come, first-served basis. This lakeside retreat invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature's rhythms. Simply arrive, claim your spot, and settle into the peaceful atmosphere that draws visitors back year after year. Payment is refreshingly simple through self-serve stations or the convenient Recreation.gov Scan & Pay app. While the rustic facilities embrace a back-to-basics camping experience, the serene lake setting and welcoming community of outdoor enthusiasts create memories that outlast any modern amenity.
Horsehead Lake Recreation Area primarily offers primitive camping facilities suitable for tents, with no electricity or water hookups. A few sites are designed for RVs, but visitors must be self-contained.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Horsehead Lake into an aquatic playground where warm days beckon swimmers to cool waters and perfect conditions inspire paddlers to explore every hidden cove. As the sun climbs high, anglers cast their lines in the early morning mist while kayakers glide across glass-smooth surfaces. Though each season brings its own charm to the lake, summer's long days and comfortable temperatures create the ideal backdrop for those quintessential camping moments—from afternoon swims to evening campfire gatherings under star-filled skies.
ElevationNo elevation information is available in the provided materials.
Natural Features and SceneryHorsehead Lake serves as the sparkling centerpiece of this outdoor haven, where soft sandy beaches invite barefoot wandering and refreshing dips. Towering trees create a natural canopy, filtering sunlight into dappled patterns while providing welcome shade during warm afternoons. Keep your eyes skyward—majestic bald eagles patrol these waters, offering breathtaking displays of aerial mastery. The lake's calm waters mirror the surrounding forest, creating picture-perfect reflections that change with each passing hour. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling through afternoon calm, or watching sunset paint the water in golden hues, the scenic beauty here speaks to something timeless in the outdoor spirit.
Geological Regionnull
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Campsite details
Sites SizeSites are described as large, with ample space for camping. 'Sites are big,' noted one user, who also described some areas as poorly maintained with weeds and washouts.
Sites PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy. Some reviews mentioned a peaceful and quiet environment, while others noted potential for rowdiness depending on other campers.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose campsites near the lake for better views and access to the water. Site #7 is highly recommended for its location and features.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 7-8 RV camping sites with basic amenities. Sites are spaced out for privacy and are shaded by trees.
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be directly made upon arrival using the Scan & Pay feature of the Recreation.gov mobile app. Advance reservations are not applicable as the sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground operates solely on a first-come, first-served basis, as confirmed by the authoritative source and user reviews. No advance reservations are allowed.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies and late cancellations will forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Scan & Pay transactions are non-refundable.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Horsehead Lake Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities centered around its lakeside location. Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and hiking are popular. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife viewing and relaxing by the lake. 'We spend our day kayaking around the lake and then stopping to swim and eat,' one user shared.
Hiking
The area features some walking trails, which are described as welcoming and relaxing. Users recommend exploring the trails during summer for the best experience.Fishing
Fishing is allowed, and the lake is popular among anglers. 'My husband loves to fish here,' shared a reviewer, though no large catches were reported. Be cautious of tree stumps just below the water's surface.Swimming
The swimming area is spacious with soft sand and a grassy slope leading to the water. Some users found it crowded but still enjoyable. However, another review described the swimming experience as 'not the greatest.'Boating
Boating is a highlight at Horsehead Lake, with facilities like boat launches and docks available. Kayaking is particularly popular, and users enjoy exploring the lake’s dead-end offshoots. However, 'there are A LOT of tree stumps just inches below the waterline,' one user cautioned.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to diverse wildlife, including bald eagles frequently seen soaring over the lake. 'I love to watch the bald eagles,' one user commented.Water Sports
Water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are popular due to the lake’s calm and scenic environment.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No specific fire policies are mentioned, but user reviews suggest bringing firewood for campfires.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsFlooding risk during spring is a noted concern by users, with some roads submerged under water up to a meter deep. Tree stumps below the water's surface pose hazards to boats. Ticks are also reported to be prevalent in the area.
Active alertsNo active alerts are mentioned in authoritative sources.
Weather at Horsehead Lake Recreation Area
46
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are available on-site, and users are encouraged to bring their own trash bags. No recycling facilities were mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is directly adjacent to Horsehead Lake, offering easy access for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include poor cleanliness of pit toilets, tick infestations, and lack of enforcement of pet rules. Some reviewers also noted run-down sites with weeds and washed-out areas.
HostUser reviews indicate the absence of campground hosts or rangers on-site.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsnull
nullNearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
20 reviews
Horsehead Lake Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the serene lakeside setting and opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and swimming. However, there are concerns about inconsistent maintenance of facilities such as restrooms and campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews
What Campers Love
'We love it here,' one user stated, praising the lake's activities. Many users appreciated the peaceful atmosphere, spacious campsites, and opportunities for swimming and fishing. 'Highly recommend,'...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues include poorly maintained restrooms, with reports of 'filthy' conditions, and lack of cell service. Some users also noted safety concerns due to unsupervised campsites, potential...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
1. Bring your own bug spray and be prepared for ticks.
2. Be cautious with vehicles as roads may flood during spring.
3. Carry sufficient supplies, as amenities are limited.
4. Download the...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Users recommend visiting during summer for the best experience, especially for water-based activities. Spring may pose access challenges due to potential flooding. Fall and winter reviews are sparse.
Based on 20 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'We spend our day kayaking around the lake.'
2. 'The site was $15 at a self-serve station.'
3. 'I love to watch the bald eagles soaring across the lake.'
Based on 20 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #7 received specific praise for its lakeside location and spacious layout. 'This site (#7) is right on the lake with plenty of space,' noted one reviewer.
Based on 20 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific information was provided regarding accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 20 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but users expressed frustration over other visitors not adhering to leash rules, causing disturbances.
Based on 20 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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