Promised Land State Park spans over 3,000 acres in the Pocono Mountains with an elevation of approximately 1,800 feet. The park contains two lakes surrounded by a mixed hardwood forest that creates distinct seasonal camping experiences. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer days typically range from 70-85°F with cooler evenings compared to Washington, New Jersey.
What to do
Hiking at Stokes State Forest: With over 63 miles of marked trails including access to the Appalachian Trail, Stokes offers diverse terrain for all skill levels. "We took a few pictures of the cabins in Shotwell. I wouldn't personally rent one, but I guess if your winter camping it has a little fireplace and will keep you dry and somewhat warm," notes Adeline M. from Stokes State Forest.
Kayaking on Spruce Run Reservoir: Rent boats directly from the recreation area for water exploration. Frank J. mentions, "Boats/Kayaks can be rented" at Spruce Run Recreation Area, making it accessible even if you don't own watercraft.
Stargazing opportunities: The region offers excellent night sky viewing away from urban light pollution. At Camp Starry Night, one camper reported: "The stars and moon were absolutely amazing. We got some great night shots and the moon is so bright it actually looks like the sun in the photos."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between camping areas. At Mountainview Campground, Christina H. observed, "Campsites are a good distance from each other. Plenty of open field as well as wooded areas."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high on visitors' priority lists. Scott A. noted about Mountainview: "Very clean and quite. Bath stalls and showers are basic but clean. Great spot for stargazing. Owners are very nice."
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting offers opportunities to observe local fauna. One reviewer at Camp Starry Night mentioned, "You could only ever hear the wildlife... The best part of this trip was definitely the views. You look out over the field and see the mountains in the background with the river running between them."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the region operate on limited schedules. Spruce Run Recreation Area operates from "April 1 to October 31" according to the campground information, while Lake Ocquittunk offers year-round opportunities.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially for equestrian camping near Washington, New Jersey. Robert J. mentions about Mountainview: "We've tent camped here three or four times. It's a quiet wooded campground (not all spots, but most). Easy to get to, and friendly family ownership."
Cell reception limitations: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. One camper at Pickerel Point noted: "The only negative is that I had almost no cell reception with Verizon" - important for those needing to stay connected.
Equestrian accommodations: Besides Hemlock Hill, several campgrounds near Washington offer horse-friendly options. Though facilities vary, some provide direct trail access without requiring trailering between riding locations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Children need dedicated activity spaces. Paula R. shares about Pickerel Point Campground: "Kids had a great time! Bathrooms could be cleaned more often but relatively clean. Love that the road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc..."
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer educational programs. John R. mentions, "Was pleasantly surprised they have programs for kids. Can never go wrong here," when describing Pickerel Point.
Swimming areas: Designated swimming locations with supervision provide safer water recreation. Jocelyn G. notes about Spruce Run: "Several playgrounds, boat launches, and life guarded swimming area."
Site selection for tent camping: Families using tents should carefully research site conditions. One reviewer at Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area advised: "Was told it was a tent only spot but the layout was not great for tents. We used a three person tent and it was tight to fit in the site."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds and specific sites. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, Ruette W. explains: "There are some RV sites with water & electric which are not on the water, but in the parking lot. I would consider getting one on the water to enjoy the water and one in the parking lot to hook up the RV."
Site leveling challenges: Terrain affects comfort for larger rigs. Douglas P. warns: "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."
Dump station access: Waste management facilities differ between locations. Sarah from Mountainview Campground noted: "The power station was well intact with 15/20, 30, and 50amp. Overall it was a nice stay and served our purpose. We don't need frills like a pool so we enjoyed it and would go again."
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