Camping near Clarks Summit, PA

Campground options near Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania range across three counties within the Pocono Mountain region. At 1,700 feet elevation, this northeastern Pennsylvania area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently dipping below freezing. Fall camping spots near Clarks Summit feature vibrant foliage from mid-September through October, while spring camping often requires preparation for mud and varying temperatures.

What to do

Kayak on crystal-clear waters: Pickerel Point Campground at Promised Land State Park provides direct water access from many sites. "My favorite site does, plus I can launch my kayak right from there!" notes reviewer Nancy L. The clear waters make this a prime paddling destination with rentals available.

Hike to stunning waterfalls: Ricketts Glen State Park Campground offers access to 22 named waterfalls via its Falls Trail. "We saw 18 of them on a four-mile moderate hike, but if you want to see the additional four, you could make it a seven-mile hike. The trails are very well marked," shares Lee D. The park requires proper footwear and caution on wet trails.

Play in the lake: Keen Lake Resort Campground features multiple water activities beyond swimming. "Each day we would paddle over to the swimming area on the lake. It was awesome," writes Shannon C. The campground also maintains a separate dog-swimming beach for four-legged campers.

What campers like

Lakefront camping opportunities: At Promised Land State Park, waterfront sites provide exceptional views. "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper," reports Kelly F. Many sites include direct lake access for fishing or launching small watercraft.

Clean facilities despite rustic settings: Frances Slocum State Park Campground maintains well-kept grounds. "Cleanest campground I have been to. Great in between spot to worlds end state park and rickets glen," says Jennifer O. Most state parks in the region feature regular bathroom cleaning schedules.

Family-focused programming: Many campers appreciate the organized activities. At Keen Lake Resort, "They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day!" according to Mike H. These programs often include nature walks, crafts, and seasonal celebrations.

What you should know

Bear activity requires precautions: The region has significant black bear populations. At Tobyhanna State Park Campground, "We were warned at check in that there have been a lot of bears in the area but never really thought that we would see one. As soon as we got to our site one came right up as we were setting up our tent," reports Erik M. Always secure food in vehicles when not actively cooking or eating.

Water quality varies seasonally: Lake water may contain natural tannins or seasonal algae. Jackie F. warns at Frances Slocum that "DO NOT take your pups to the water. There is a weird bacteria or algae currently growing in the lake, it's completely visible." Check with ranger stations about current water conditions.

Insect preparation essential: Ticks and mosquitoes are prevalent from April through October. Bring appropriate repellent and conduct regular tick checks. Campground reviews frequently mention insect concerns during warmer months.

Tips for camping with families

Look for loop-specific amenities: Different camping loops offer varying facilities. At Hickory Run State Park Campground, "The camp store had good hours and is stocked to high heaven; you could come here with just the clothes on your back and buy everything you need for a very comfortable stay," notes Bridget D.

Check for playground proximity: Some campgrounds feature multiple play areas. At Tobyhanna State Park, Erik M. mentions they "have a horse shoe pit volleyball ball area and a little play area in the camping area. There was plenty more at the swimming area."

Book sites strategically: Water proximity affects site selection. At Keen Lake Resort Campground, Emily Z. advises, "If you don't want to drive during your stay, camp on the side w/ the beach and pool." Many families prefer sites within walking distance of bathhouses and recreation facilities.

Tips from RVers

Site selection impacts privacy: At Highland Campgrounds, site locations vary significantly. Jennifer R. notes, "Whether it's nature and back roads, or wanting to have a dip in the pool and lay in the sun, this campground is the best of both worlds." RVers should request sites based on shade preference and proximity to facilities.

Electrical reliability varies: Some older campgrounds may have electrical limitations. At Lackawanna State Park, one reviewer experienced issues where "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained."

Leveling challenges exist: Many regional campgrounds feature natural terrain requiring leveling blocks. At Frances Slocum State Park, John T. observed "Nice level sites easy to back in rv and set up," but this isn't universal across all campgrounds in the area.