Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Clarks Summit, PA has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Clarks Summit and user-submitted reviews.
Boasting 22 named waterfalls amid old-growth forest and deeply-incised canyons, Rickett’s Glen State Park encompasses more than 13,000 acres around a high bluff known as the Allegheny Front. On top of the bluff, several lakes—Lake Jean being the largest—are the source of the many creeks that tumble down the canyons and create the spectacular falls. The area was mostly logged out in the early 1900s by the landowner, R. Bruce Ricketts, before he decided to preserve the woodlands in the falls’ three glens. Following efforts to turn the area into a national park in the 1930s failed, he began selling the land to the state of Pennsylvania, who turned the area into a state park in 1944. The park is now a year-round destination for camping, hiking, fishing, bird-watching, paddling, skiing and ice climbing. Just an hour’s drive west of Scranton, the campground at Rickett’s Glen offers 120 drive-in campsites in two areas near the shore of Lake Jean. Sites can accommodate trailers and RVs up to 40 feet; some sites are ADA accessible, and a few group camps are available. Hookups are not available, but there is a dump station outside the camping area. Facilities in the campgrounds include restrooms with showers, drinking water, an amphitheater, a trail to the lake’s beach, and a designated dog area. The Big Loop campground also has five deluxe cottages available to rent. In a separate area, there are 10 cabins available, as well as a boat ramp (rentals available) and snack bar. Campsite rates range from $15–$20/night; cabins and cottages range from $60–$115/night. The most popular activity at Rickett’s Glen is to hike through the three waterfall glens. This can be done via several looping trails ranging from 3.4 miles to 7.2 miles. Two trailheads are located above the falls, from the lakes area, and one is located below the falls, from PA Route 118. Other summer activities in the park include paddling and fishing on Lake Jean, or just soaking up the sun at the beach. An onsite naturalist offers guided walks, nature activities and interpretive programs. There are also limited hunting opportunities. If visiting during the winter season, many of the trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Ice fishing is popular, as is ice climbing on the waterfalls. Check the park’s website for off-season services, accessibility, and ice climbing requirements.
Are you daring enough to hike the Shades of Death Trail? This is just one of the hiking trails available to visitors at Hickory Run State Park. Not to worry though, the trail is not nearly as ominous as its name. Hickory Run was established as a state park in 1945 following a long and storied history of devastation and restoration. The first settlements in the area occurred following the American Revolution, when landowners began building mills on the local creeks. By the mid-1800s, the area was clearcut, then experienced several incidents of fire and flooding. In 1935 the area was purchased by the National Park Service (NPS) for use as a recreation area, and many of the roads, campgrounds and trails were developed. Ten years later, the NPS transferred the land to the state of Pennsylvania for use as a state park. Just 30 miles south of Scranton, Hickory Run State Park is a 16,000-acre natural area in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains. The area features numerous trout streams, boulder fields, wetlands and restored forests. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, from birds to black bears. The park’s large campground features more than 300 tent, trailer and RV sites, as well as a few walk-in sites and camping cottages. Some campsites are ADA accessible. Park facilities include restrooms with showers, drinking water, two playgrounds, amphitheater, fishing pier, dog-walking area, and a camp store. There’s also recycling and dump stations. The Shades of Death and Beach trails are accessible right from the campground. Campsite rates range from $15–$40/night; cabins and cottages range from $38–$105/night. There is no shortage of outdoor play to be enjoyed on your visit to Hickory Run. On warm days, cool off with a dip in Sand Spring Lake, or go wading below Hawk Falls; cast a line for brook and brown trout in Hickory Run or Mud Run; or test your precision at the park’s disc golf course. There are also several geocaches hidden in the park if you’re up for a little treasure hunting. If you’re packing hiking boots, you have 44 miles of trails to wander. Choose from short, family-friendly nature and wildlife-watching trails, to the more strenuous Boulder Field Trail, which traverses a 16.5-acre field of sandstone boulders that predate several of North America’s ice ages. In winter, many of the park’s trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
Keen Lake Camping and Cottage Resort is a privately owned 90-acre spring fed mountain lake, located in the scenic northern Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania just off Route 6. Our campgound offers a variety of accommodations available for you and your family ranging from Seasonal Camping, RV Camping, Popup Camping, Tent Camping, and Seasonal Cottage Rentals. Our serene natural setting provides fresh, clean country air, a variety of amenities to fit your needs while on your vacation, a complete activities program for the young and young at heart, excellent fishing (large mouth bass, perch, walleye, crappies and more) and the opportunity to relax with your family and friends - to read, to boat, to swim, to walk, to think, to play, and mostly to create precious memories with those you best love.
$28 / night
$17 / night
The park has 78 tent and trailer sites along two miles of river frontage. Each site contains a picnic table and a fire ring. Showers, modern toilet facilities and drinking water are available. Sites 1-23 are available for tent camping only and sites 29 -82 are available for tents, travel trailers and motorhomes.
$0 - $17 / night
Boasting 22 named waterfalls amid old-growth forest and deeply-incised canyons, Rickett’s Glen State Park encompasses more than 13,000 acres around a high bluff known as the Allegheny Front. On top of the bluff, several lakes—Lake Jean being the largest—are the source of the many creeks that tumble down the canyons and create the spectacular falls. The area was mostly logged out in the early 1900s by the landowner, R. Bruce Ricketts, before he decided to preserve the woodlands in the falls’ three glens. Following efforts to turn the area into a national park in the 1930s failed, he began selling the land to the state of Pennsylvania, who turned the area into a state park in 1944. The park is now a year-round destination for camping, hiking, fishing, bird-watching, paddling, skiing and ice climbing. Just an hour’s drive west of Scranton, the campground at Rickett’s Glen offers 120 drive-in campsites in two areas near the shore of Lake Jean. Sites can accommodate trailers and RVs up to 40 feet; some sites are ADA accessible, and a few group camps are available. Hookups are not available, but there is a dump station outside the camping area. Facilities in the campgrounds include restrooms with showers, drinking water, an amphitheater, a trail to the lake’s beach, and a designated dog area. The Big Loop campground also has five deluxe cottages available to rent. In a separate area, there are 10 cabins available, as well as a boat ramp (rentals available) and snack bar. Campsite rates range from $15–$20/night; cabins and cottages range from $60–$115/night. The most popular activity at Rickett’s Glen is to hike through the three waterfall glens. This can be done via several looping trails ranging from 3.4 miles to 7.2 miles. Two trailheads are located above the falls, from the lakes area, and one is located below the falls, from PA Route 118. Other summer activities in the park include paddling and fishing on Lake Jean, or just soaking up the sun at the beach. An onsite naturalist offers guided walks, nature activities and interpretive programs. There are also limited hunting opportunities. If visiting during the winter season, many of the trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Ice fishing is popular, as is ice climbing on the waterfalls. Check the park’s website for off-season services, accessibility, and ice climbing requirements.
Are you daring enough to hike the Shades of Death Trail? This is just one of the hiking trails available to visitors at Hickory Run State Park. Not to worry though, the trail is not nearly as ominous as its name. Hickory Run was established as a state park in 1945 following a long and storied history of devastation and restoration. The first settlements in the area occurred following the American Revolution, when landowners began building mills on the local creeks. By the mid-1800s, the area was clearcut, then experienced several incidents of fire and flooding. In 1935 the area was purchased by the National Park Service (NPS) for use as a recreation area, and many of the roads, campgrounds and trails were developed. Ten years later, the NPS transferred the land to the state of Pennsylvania for use as a state park. Just 30 miles south of Scranton, Hickory Run State Park is a 16,000-acre natural area in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains. The area features numerous trout streams, boulder fields, wetlands and restored forests. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, from birds to black bears. The park’s large campground features more than 300 tent, trailer and RV sites, as well as a few walk-in sites and camping cottages. Some campsites are ADA accessible. Park facilities include restrooms with showers, drinking water, two playgrounds, amphitheater, fishing pier, dog-walking area, and a camp store. There’s also recycling and dump stations. The Shades of Death and Beach trails are accessible right from the campground. Campsite rates range from $15–$40/night; cabins and cottages range from $38–$105/night. There is no shortage of outdoor play to be enjoyed on your visit to Hickory Run. On warm days, cool off with a dip in Sand Spring Lake, or go wading below Hawk Falls; cast a line for brook and brown trout in Hickory Run or Mud Run; or test your precision at the park’s disc golf course. There are also several geocaches hidden in the park if you’re up for a little treasure hunting. If you’re packing hiking boots, you have 44 miles of trails to wander. Choose from short, family-friendly nature and wildlife-watching trails, to the more strenuous Boulder Field Trail, which traverses a 16.5-acre field of sandstone boulders that predate several of North America’s ice ages. In winter, many of the park’s trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
Keen Lake Camping and Cottage Resort is a privately owned 90-acre spring fed mountain lake, located in the scenic northern Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania just off Route 6. Our campgound offers a variety of accommodations available for you and your family ranging from Seasonal Camping, RV Camping, Popup Camping, Tent Camping, and Seasonal Cottage Rentals. Our serene natural setting provides fresh, clean country air, a variety of amenities to fit your needs while on your vacation, a complete activities program for the young and young at heart, excellent fishing (large mouth bass, perch, walleye, crappies and more) and the opportunity to relax with your family and friends - to read, to boat, to swim, to walk, to think, to play, and mostly to create precious memories with those you best love.
$28 / night
Ranger
Checkin was quick and no fuss. Friendly staff, grounds look well taken care of. The pond is a very nice amenity. Convenient FHU off interstate 81. Reasonably priced.
Scout
Really cute and affordable campground, will definitely be back to camp again!
Scout
I recommend reading the article at https://femia.health/health-library/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/things-to-avoid-after-losing-mucus-plug/. After losing your mucus plug, which usually happens closer to labor, it is important to take some precautions to minimize the risk of complications. First of all, avoid heavy physical activity and excessive stress, as this can cause premature contractions or other problems. Also, avoid any potentially infectious activities, such as unprotected sex or using unwashed objects in the intimate area, to prevent infection. It is also important to avoid long trips and temperature changes, as this can negatively affect your condition. Visit your doctor regularly for monitoring of the condition and follow the recommendations of medical professionals.
Guide
There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area. Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county.
Guide
If you’re looking for a place to be a recluse, this is not the campsite to go. Being it’s along the Delaware water gap it attracts a lot of people, especially in summer. During the day you can hear music, smell fires, see people tubing on the water, or pass by people doing day picnics near the forest office. I went in the middle of the week and all the campsite in my area were filled up. I’m normally used to having campgrounds to myself when I go since I do during off times so this was a bit of a surprise. WiFi is very spotty— I was essentially out of range the entirety of my stay. Trails are nice and well marked, and there is no fee to enter if you drive all the way down to the day area parking at the end of Old Mine Rd. Bathrooms were decently clean and had flush toilets. Showers had hot water and nice ventilation. Overall it was a nice campsite, but too busy for my liking.
Scout
Guide
I stayed overnight and into the next day here and was never messed with. I felt safe as a solo woman car camper. Plenty of other people staying overnight and truckers parked so I didn’t feel isolated and afraid. The bathrooms are extremely clean and there are vending machines in the visitor center.
Traveler
Nice and clean, right on the water. Spread out just enough to feel like we had good privacy
Traveler
Keen lake is the most cleanest friendliest family environment campsite you will ever find. Beautiful lake great fishing. Activities all day long for the children. Great general store that has everything in it that is open from sun up to sundown. The nachos and ice cream are the best. Super friendly staff. It's big they have tent sites right along the lake the lake is huge there's so much I could say but I would run out of room. I started coming here when I was four and I am now 46 years old and it is just the best place ever. It will always have a special place in our heart. Look forward every year to coming here no matter what age my kids are they all have a blast. From tent sites to RVs to cottages to glamping you name it they have it highly recommend it. Recently went camping to somewhere a little bit closer to home and it's nothing compared to here. It's like comparing Macy's to Walmart. You will never regret coming here. So pack your family up and have a great time.
Scout
Why does it cost about the same as renting a cabin out as compared to bringing your own camper make no damn sense .
Traveler
Went tent camping for 3 nights, easy to get to, bathrooms were clean and so was the site. Sites were a good size and not on top of each other. Firewood was available in the area. But not much for stores so pack everything in before.
LegendWe stayed at Lakewood Park Campground in Barnesville, PA, for a few days for R&R. And we got it!
THINGS I LIKED:
This place has the best of an old-fashioned campground with a great layout. But it offers modern amenities and utilities in a natural setting.
Family owned and operated by folks who take great pride in offering a really nice place to stay.
About 30-minutes to Jim Thorpe, PA, or Lehigh Valley Zoo.
The place is filled with mature shade trees which offer some protection from the sun and a beautiful setting. But they take great care to remove problem trees and branches from the sites and roads.
Fun activities during our stay included bingo and a food truck.
Our site(#74) was plenty big enough for our 45’ motorhome and Jeep plus lots of room to spread out.
The park is relatively new. Everything is clean and in great working order. All kinds of maintenance was going on throughout each day, and it shows.
I contacted the campground by email after 11pm to inquire about availability to arrive a day early. I sent an email rather than a phone call as I had no expectation of a response until at least the next day. They replied within minutes, adjusted my reservation, sent a revised confirmation email, and didn’t ask for payment until I arrived for check-in. Wow, that’s top-notch service!
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Scout
Love being down here with the family.
ScoutI especially like the idea ofanimals on the farm, iq test, which will bring an interesting experience to nature-loving tourists.
Scout
Friendly staff, beautifully kept.
Traveler
Shady sites in a quiet cg . Nice lake for fishing . Reasonably priced breakfast on weekends . Great staff . Good utilities and clean bathrooms .
Legend
This park is technically a “state park” because the land for it was donated to the state for public use. However, once the state became the official stewards, there werent funds in the state budget to maintain it as a park. A lical group, the Friends of Salt Springs, stepped up and offered to maintain the park with funds raised by their group. The result is a small but unique property open to the public for day use (picnicking and hiking and fishing) along with 2 small rustic campgrounds. One campground has a large open mowed grassy meadow with level sites for car camping or small campers, no hookups are available but each site has a fire ring and picnic table. On the other side of the parks trout stream are seven secluded primitive hike-in tent sites along with three basic camper cabins. The Friends of Salt Springs makes a good effort to maintain these two rustic campgrounds, however it seems there isnt a ranger on site at night so a camper said the meadow campground can get a little noisy some nights. The hike in sites are relatively quiet and secluded though, and are positioned nicely along the stream, one site actually adjacent to a good swimming hole.
The camper cabins are basic with bunks, bring all your own gear. They are fairly new and have electricity but no water or heat.
On the grounds in the day use area are picnic spits, a pavilion, and an activity barn. When I was there, the barn was featuring a local quilt show.
The special aspect of this park are the hiking trails through old growth hemlock forest, said to be the largest hemlocks in Pennsylvania. The trout stream also cascades through some some waterfalls, and there are gorges with unique geology.
There is a village nearby with limited supplies, you may want to stock up on groceries before heading out to this somewhat remote park. There is, however, a local brewery, plus an odd coffee shop featuring both donuts and ammo, an unusual combination…..
Scout
I was warned about this place and told not to go here, gave it a chance anyways and biggest regret. Spent$300 on 2 sites and for extra people to come which is ridiculous to begin with but did it anyways. They seemed laid back as a person was drinking a beer in the office. So im not sure why there were rangers stalking us in the woods... right after my fiance proposed getting down on 1 knee the rangers come running to ticket us for having a celebratory drink!! Completely ruined our entire weekend and engagement. Got a ticket minutes after our engagement!!! Never had an experience like this camping out of 100 camping trips we've done!! Worst place we have ever been to. Let alone u can't swim even swim at the riverfront sites. The water is 1 foot deep the entire river across. IF YOU WANT TO CAMP AT A GREAT RIVER CAMPGROUND GO TO WORTHINGTON NJ!!! RANGERS AND STAFF WILL NEVER RUIN YOUR NIGHT AND THE CHANNEL IS RIGHT AT YOUR SITE SO CAN SWIM!!! ONLY$25 A NIGHT!!!!:D Only 20 min from this rough campground Go to Worthington you won't regret it, you'll regret it at dingmans
ScoutWow, what a great time!!! Love the themes they have. Kids loved the crafts and train ride. Pool was clean, bathrooms were clean. Seasonals were nice, friendly and social. They have food for sale on Fridays, no need cook and set up at the same time. Already booked two more weekends.😊
Legend
This is an amazing state park that has something for everyone. There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network if hiking and horse riding trails. There are several campgrounds, with tremendous variety for every camping style. There are standard car camping tent sites, RV sites, and yurts and camper cabins. For those who like more rustic options, there are hike-in sites that are beautiful and not far from the parking area. The campsites are nestled in a deep shady mature forest, and peaceful and quiet due to the wooded aspect and spacing of sites (at least for me, in September in a hike-in site not far from the regular campground). It is nice to have such a fine camping and outdoor recreation opportunity within an easy drive of the city of Clarks Summit, so probably a great weekend getaway for local folks, but a wonderful stopover for anyone on a road trip through northern PA as it is not far off Interstate 81. I was there only one day, but would like to be back to explore the trails!
Guide
Our first timing camping at Tobyhanna and it won't be our last.
Mix of electric and non-electric sites. No water hook ups but a water station is on site.
Camp sites are generously size, good spacing between sites and heavily treed. Huge lake to enjoy. We rode our mountain bikes around the 5 mile trail around the lake. Just awesome.
ScoutI drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere. Very gorgeous but not rv friendly.
TravelerAverage at best but better during the week . Can get really overcrowded on summer weekends sometimes . On holiday weekends it looks like a refugee camp . Always seems to be kids in charge here and it shows . Nothing gets done about late night noise when it occurs .
Scout
Loved our site, very spacious and close to a bathroom. The shower I was stuck using had a broken shower head. Overall good experience (except for loud neighbors) and staff is helpful and friendly.
ScoutA very suitable place to camp and entertain with everyone. geometry dash online
Scout
Wonderful eastern views of the valley below. Paved road and hard packed gravel for a short distance to get to the camp site. We made it up there no problem motorcycles.
ScoutThis place is still wild and I like that to see nature and play slice master to its fullest.
Camping near Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.
Camping near Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Clarks Summit, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Clarks Summit, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 181 campgrounds and RV parks near Clarks Summit, PA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Clarks Summit, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clarks Summit, PA is Ricketts Glen State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 67 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clarks Summit, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Clarks Summit, PA.
What parks are near Clarks Summit, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Clarks Summit, PA that allow camping, notably Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
