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 Clarks Summit, PA
26 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Campgrounds near Clarks Summit in northeastern Pennsylvania offer a mix of developed sites and forested settings across state parks and private facilities. Camping near Clarks Summit ranges from full-hookup RV sites to primitive tent camping and cabin rentals, with options spread across state parks and private campgrounds within 20-30 miles. Lackawanna State Park Campground serves as a central option with wooded sites for tents, RVs, cabins, and yurts around its 198-acre lake. Highland Campgrounds in nearby Dalton provides full hookup sites and rustic options, while accommodations range from primitive tent sites to modern cabins with amenities. The region includes several additional options within 20-30 miles, including Cozy Creek Family Campground, Keen Lake Resort, and Frances Slocum State Park.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April through October, with Lackawanna State Park specifically running from the second Friday in April to the third Sunday in October. Full hookups for RVs are available at several locations, though tent campers will find more spacious, secluded options at state park campgrounds. Facilities typically include showers, restrooms, and picnic tables, with varying levels of electrical hookups. Reservation requirements are common, especially for weekend stays during peak summer months. As noted in feedback on The Dyrt, "the campsites are nestled in a deep shady mature forest, and peaceful and quiet due to the wooded aspect and spacing of sites."
Campers report high satisfaction with the region's mixed-use campgrounds that balance natural settings with convenient amenities. Lackawanna State Park receives consistent praise for its wooded privacy, lake activities, and hiking trails, with reviewers noting it has "something for everyone" including an environmental education center, fishing, boating, and "an amazing network of hiking and horse riding trails." Private campgrounds like Highland offer additional amenities including swimming pools and camp stores. Water features remain a significant draw, with creek-side tent sites at Cozy Creek and lakefront activities at both Lackawanna and Keen Lake. Winter camping options are limited, though several sites like Ricketts Glen State Park (about 45 miles west) remain open year-round for those seeking off-season camping experiences.
Best Campgrounds near Clarks Summit (200)
1. Lackawanna State Park Campground
"There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network if hiking and horse riding trails."
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $90 / night
2. 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."
3. Frances Slocum State Park Campground
"Was also an easy back in site as there’s an adjacent road (to parking and the amphitheater) right in front of it. All sites only have electric and only certain allow pets."
"Large, wooded sites, good bathhouse, nice trails close by. A little highway noise, but dark and quiet at night. Very peaceful place."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $48 / night
4. Highland Campgrounds
"This campground was very nice and had so much hiking in and around it. They were very helpful with getting us a site since it was so last minute on a holiday weekend Will be visiting again"
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $100 / night
5. Cozy Creek Family Campground
"Campground is based around kids, there’s a lot for them to do!"
Check Availabilityfrom $17 / night
6. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
"The biggest draw to this state park (which no one in Pennsylvania I spoke with seemed to know about) is the 22 waterfalls!"
"Many of the sites looked close to the road and not very private but we were in site 63 which was pretty private(though we were lucky neighboring site 62 was empty)."
10 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $15 - $92 / night
7. Hickory Run State Park Campground
"Great location lots of hiking trails right in the park and many more close by"
"Hickory Run is in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. We had a full hook-up site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground. "
61 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $72 / night
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. Clayton Park RV Escape
10. 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
Drive Time
- 11 min from Scranton, PA
- 47 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 16 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 35 min from Elmira, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Clarks Summit, PA
433 Photos of 200 Clarks Summit Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Lackawanna State Park Campground
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Keen Lake Resort Campground
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Recent Reviews near Clarks Summit, PA
837 Reviews of 200 Clarks Summit Campgrounds
- RRussell A.
Scout100 Mile View Camping
What a great place. So unique! Love the view, and a great experience! There are no hook ups, so be prepared but if you are looking for the dispersed camping experience you have found it. What a gem!
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.
Tony F.Guide100 Mile View Camping
The best views
This is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
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.
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!
Guide to Clarks Summit
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Clarks Summit, PA?
What camping is available near Clarks Summit, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Clarks Summit, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 200 campgrounds and RV parks near Clarks Summit, PA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Clarks Summit, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Clarks Summit, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clarks Summit, PA is Lackawanna State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clarks Summit, PA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clarks Summit, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Clarks Summit, PA.
What parks are near Clarks Summit, PA?
What parks are near Clarks Summit, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Clarks Summit, PA that allow camping, notably Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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