Stephen R.
Guide
GuideRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Camping here for many years and still love it here got it all camping trails water fall trail and lake.
Camping near Carbondale, PA
15 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Camping near Carbondale, Pennsylvania ranges from RV parks with full hookups to rustic tent sites and cabin rentals, with most campgrounds within 20 miles offering a mix of accommodation styles. Facilities like Keen Lake Resort Campground and Lackawanna State Park Campground provide camping options within 20 miles of Carbondale. The region includes both privately operated resorts with amenities such as swimming pools and general stores, as well as more rustic state park campgrounds with simpler facilities. Most campgrounds accommodate various camping styles including traditional tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, with some locations even offering glamping and yurt options.
The camping season in northeastern Pennsylvania typically runs from late April through mid-October, with most facilities closing during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds in the area maintain restrictions on alcohol consumption, particularly in state parks like Tobyhanna and Promised Land where it is prohibited. Facilities generally provide electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, with varying levels of water and sewer connections. Bathroom and shower facilities are standard at established campgrounds, though cleanliness and maintenance can vary. According to one visitor at Keen Lake, "The bathrooms were the cleanest we've ever experienced at a campground," though they noted that "the showers are coin operated."
Lakefront camping represents a significant draw in the region, with several campgrounds situated on or near bodies of water. Campers report high satisfaction with water activities including fishing, swimming, kayaking and boating. While many sites receive positive reviews for their family-friendly atmospheres and planned activities, some visitors mention challenges with site spacing and privacy. As one camper noted, "The sites seemed a little narrow when we first pulled in, but it was plenty." Several reviewers highlighted the natural beauty of lake settings and well-maintained grounds as primary reasons for return visits. Weekends typically see higher occupancy and more activity, while weekday camping offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds. Campgrounds closer to highways may experience road noise, particularly those near Roosevelt Highway where some reviewers mentioned disturbance from passing trucks.
Best Campgrounds near Carbondale (199)
1. Keen Lake Resort Campground
"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."
2. Lackawanna State Park Campground
"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."
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $90 / night
3. Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park
"Pros: beautiful new bathrooms -private lakeside walk-in sites -beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless -the Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked."
"Some sites are right on the lake, just put the kayak on the shore, and you're ready for an early morning paddle."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $44 / night
4. Clayton Park RV Escape
5. Honesdale - Poconos KOA
"Enjoyed walking the trails and wooded area but sprained my right ankle. So I was laid up for a few hours before I left."
6. Cherry Ridge Campsites and Lodging
"Nice lake for fishing . Reasonably priced breakfast on weekends . Great staff . Good utilities and clean bathrooms ."
7. Valley View Farm and Campground
8. Tobyhanna State Park Campground
"We were looking for a lakeside campground with a spacious campsite that could comfortably fit two large tents and two vehicles."
"Breathtaking views from nearby trails and nearby Big Pocono State Park. The park staff were very helpful and knowledgeable about nearby trails and best places to get the most out of the views!"
4 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $43 / night
9. Ponderosa Pines Campground
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $60 / night
10. Shady Rest Campground
"The beautiful setting around is nicely within the woods. There is also a playground and the rates are hard to beat."
Drive Time
- 17 min from Scranton, PA
- 51 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 25 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 27 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Carbondale, PA
498 Photos of 199 Carbondale Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Keen Lake Resort Campground
Lackawanna State Park Campground
Honesdale - Poconos KOA
Tentrr Signature Site - The Other Place
Tentrr Signature Site - Daydreamin on Dyberry Creek
Wake in The Woods Aqua Park and Campground
Tentrr Signature Site - Lakeview Glampsite "Lakeside Lounge" (G2)
Hidden Brook GlampingB
Secluded Acres Campground
Oh! Pear Orchards
Ironwood Point Rec Area
Hillside Campgrounds
Recent Reviews near Carbondale, PA
930 Reviews of 199 Carbondale Campgrounds
Nancy W.
LegendHickory Run State Park Campground
Peaceful State Park Camping in the Fall
This is a large campground with a wide array of campsites so be careful attention when you book online, especially if you have a pet because some sites are not pet-friendly. Some are 50-amp full hook-up and some are primitive with no hook-ups.
There is a nice nature center with interesting interpretive exhibits and lots of informational brochures including ones about the hiking trails, bears, scat and tracks of local animals, and fishing. Our site was at the edge of the campground and backed up to Route 534 which resulted in a bit of road noise at our site. Other than the road noise the campground was pretty quiet and was not very crowded when we camped there in October.
Not all sites are level and we happened to book one that was not and we had to live with a slant for our stay. The roads in the park are gravel/dirt and since it rained the day we arrived the roads were a muddy mess which made the roads slippery and there were lots of potholes. Unfortunately, some campers were disrespectful and left bags of trash in the fire pit and scattered around their site which was totally unnecessary because there were dumpsters plenty of dumpsters in the campground. Since we camped at Hickory Run late in the season, there were no camp hosts and the trash never got picked up.
The campground is open from mid-April to mid-December; however, the shower facilities and dump station are not available after the third week of October so plan accordingly. We really like the hiking trails which are of varying degrees of difficulty and lengths. The Hawk Falls is a nice easy walk (1.4 miles round-trip) to a waterfall but is extremely popular so don’t think you will be admiring the falls alone. The parking lot at this trail head fills up fast so you better get there early if you want to get a spot.
You can enter the park from two different directions. If you have a big-rig, it is best to approach from the east side. We made the mistake of coming in from the west side as we dropped down from I-80 and came down 534 and the road was really windy with no shoulder. Luckily, there was very little traffic so we could go 10 mph and safely navigate the roads.
Be aware alcohol is not allowed in PA state parks. This park does allow hunting in certain sections of the park. The no-hunting areas are clearly marked with white no hunting signs on trees and you can also pick up a brochure from the office that designates hunting and no-hunting sections.
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.LegendRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Beautiful Falls!
What a great campground! We stayed here on a recommendation from a friend after the Overland Expo. Great hiking trails and the falls were absolutely breathtaking. Truly enjoyed our stay and plan to return!
- WWill W.Guide
Lackawanna State Park Campground
Car camping
Stayed 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.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Council Cup Campground
Better than nothing
Small campground with rude owner. Everything I asked about was putting her out. It was cheap though at $36 for water and electric with a military discount.
Daniel C.
ScoutHillside Campgrounds
Stay away... Unless you like 70 y/o men acting like high schoolers
This clothing-optional campground has a highly toxic, intrusive, and vindictive environment. During my stay, the seasonal permanent residents('perms') subjected me to intense harassment, inappropriate sexual advances, and severe social retaliation/rumor-spreading when those advances were rejected. The situation escalated to the point where an employee had to intervene for my safety. Furthermore, despite management allowing my photo to be taken in costume at a party, I was intentionally blocked from the community group where the photos were posted, leaving me unable to monitor how my image was being used. Avoid this place if you value your privacy, personal boundaries, and safety.
Thomas B.
RangerNeversink River Resort
Cool Riverside Campground
I'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
Kathy L.RangerHickory Run State Park Campground
Beautiful forest
Gorgeous forested area in the Poconos. We stayed on the Rattlesnake Loop which was lovely. Sites not super private but most nestled in trees. The only bummer was that that Campground Loop didn’t have any direct links to the trail network and was far from it. The other Campground Loop was closer to trails and office. Would return!
Art S.LegendMoon Lake Recreation Area Campground — Pinchot State Forest
Quiet camping
Just a few others here so it is quite peaceful. A one mile walk gets you to the lake. They have a covered pavilion with plenty of picnic tables. My site is large with plenty of trees providing shade. The outhouse is a bit of a walk. Garbage cans are inside it. I haven’t seen a water source but it might be around.
Guide to Carbondale
Carbondale's northeastern Pennsylvania location in the Lackawanna Valley sits at approximately 1,060 feet elevation with surrounding hills reaching up to 2,000 feet. The camping season typically extends from late April through October, with most campgrounds closed during winter months except for select locations that offer year-round access. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping months.
What to do
Lake activities at Keen Lake Resort Campground: The 90-acre lake offers multiple water recreation options. Visitors can rent paddle boats, row boats, and kayaks directly from the campground. "We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch. Each day we would paddle over to the swimming area on the lake. It was awesome," shares Shannon C. from Keen Lake Resort Campground.
Trail exploration at Lackawanna State Park: The park features a network of hiking trails including a lakeside path particularly enjoyed by visitors. "The trails are fun for relaxing hikes, we especially like the one right along the lake," explains Michael from Lackawanna State Park Campground. Many trails are moderate difficulty and connect to various recreation areas throughout the park.
Winter recreation options: Unlike most campgrounds in the region, some parks offer winter camping and activities. "We would love to come back in the winter when they have an ice rink with a warming house," notes Michael about Lackawanna State Park. For year-round campers, Promised Land State Park offers winter camping. "This was my second visit in the cold months. Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers," reports Mara S.
What campers like
Waterfront site selection: Lakeside camping options remain popular, particularly those with direct water access. "My favorite site does [allow pets], plus I can launch my kayak right from there!" notes Nancy L. from Pickerel Point Campground. Site selection timing matters, particularly for premium spots.
Family-run operations: Several campgrounds feature family ownership that contributes to the experience. "This family run Campground is beautiful and clean. The RV sites are spaced out nicely," observes Charlotte D. about Keen Lake Resort. The personal touch extends to maintenance and activities.
Privacy levels vary: Campground layouts differ significantly in terms of site spacing and seclusion. At Ponderosa Pines Campground, one camper mentioned it's "Well kept and peaceful. They have some entertainment, but nothing rowdy." For those seeking more separation, Lackawanna State Park offers "signts that are very wooded. Some are a little close to each other, but others offer plenty of space."
What you should know
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters require proper precautions at certain campgrounds. Erik M. from Tobyhanna State Park Campground warns, "Do not leave any food out be sure to lock up everything in car. Camp sites were nice most had plenty of trees for privacy but were still kind of close." Bears are particularly active during summer months.
Coin-operated showers: Several campgrounds utilize pay showers rather than including them with site fees. At Keen Lake Resort, visitors note "The bathrooms were the cleanest we've ever experienced at a campground" but point out "The showers are coin operated."
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Promised Land State Park, a camper reported "The only negative is that I had almost no cell reception with Verizon." This affects planning for those needing to stay connected.
Site surface conditions: Ground conditions at campsites vary between campgrounds and may present challenges. At Pickerel Point, one camper noted "chunky bluestone gravel on the sites, so bring a sleeping pad!" This contrasts with other campgrounds offering more natural surfaces.
Tips for camping with families
Activity programs: Structured recreation options vary significantly between campgrounds. At Cherry Ridge Campsites and Lodging, visitors appreciate the "Multi site facility with many activities. Campfires permitted, fishing, row boat rental, bath house, dance hall." The campground also offers weekend meals: "Country kitchen has breakfast and lunch on Saturday, breakfast only on Sunday."
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Shady Rest Campground, visitors note "There is also a playground and the rates are hard to beat." These areas provide central locations for families to gather.
Kid-friendly programming: Organized activities specifically designed for children are available at select locations. At Keen Lake, a visitor observed "There is a lot for younger kids to do and the grounds are pet friendly which was a huge plus for us. My kids really loved having a pool to swim in, in addition to the lake."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Terrain can create difficulties for larger rigs at some campgrounds. James P. from Shady Rest Campground warns, "Very hilly campground. Sites aren't level." Bringing additional leveling equipment is recommended.
Hookup reliability: Electrical systems at older campgrounds may present challenges. At Lackawanna State Park, one RVer noted "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained." Surge protectors are highly recommended.
Site dimensions: Space configurations vary between campgrounds and may limit larger vehicles. "The sites seemed a little narrow when we first pulled in, but it was plenty," reports Shannon C. about Keen Lake. For easier access, Clayton Park RV Escape gets high marks from RVers: "A well run, well staffed, facilities are excellent," according to Robert H.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Carbondale, PA?
What camping is available near Carbondale, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Carbondale, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 199 campgrounds and RV parks near Carbondale, PA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Carbondale, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Carbondale, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carbondale, PA is Keen Lake Resort Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carbondale, PA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carbondale, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Carbondale, PA.
What parks are near Carbondale, PA?
What parks are near Carbondale, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Carbondale, PA that allow camping, notably Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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