Horsehead Lake Recreation Area

Star4.30
81 reviews
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Summer Destination

Quick Facts

705 ft

Price

$10 - $15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Horsehead 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

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What Campers Say

4.30

Satisfactory

Based on 81 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."

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Campground Map

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Horsehead Lake Recreation Area

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Driving directionsnull
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Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer is peak — swimming, paddling and boating are best then and reviewers recommend summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Autumn scenery praised, but fewer activity-specific reviews than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Spring can have access challenges and possible flooding; not ideal for peak recreation.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter reviews are sparse; water activities cease and limited winter facilities mentioned.

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.
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Amenities available

Showers
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
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.
HikingThe area features some walking trails, which are described as welcoming and relaxing. Users recommend exploring the trails during summer for the best experience.
FishingFishing 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.
SwimmingThe 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.'
BoatingBoating 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 viewingThe 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
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlooding 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

Reviews

4.3
81 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Horsehead Lake Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 81 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,'...
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Based on 81 reviews

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...
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Based on 81 reviews

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...
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Based on 81 reviews

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 81 reviews

Camper 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 81 reviews

Site-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 81 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific information was provided regarding accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 81 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but users expressed frustration over other visitors not adhering to leash rules, causing disturbances.
Based on 81 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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