Camping near Dalton, Pennsylvania centers around the wooded northeastern Pennsylvania Appalachians, where elevations range from 800-1,500 feet, creating moderate summer temperatures between 70-85°F. The region encompasses several water features including lakes, creeks, and waterfalls that provide diverse camping environments from April through October, with peak season typically running Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What to do
Hiking waterfalls trails: Ricketts Glen State Park offers 44 miles of trails with the Falls Trail system providing access to 22 waterfalls. "The hike is definitely not for the easily winded people, or anyone with bad knees, the hike down was pretty steep at some points but very well maintained! and the hike back up was again steep but maintained!" reports Anne P.
Boating on local lakes: Keen Lake Resort Campground provides boat rentals for their large lake. "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.
Swimming options: Most campgrounds in the region offer water access. "The swimming beach looked nice. They do have boat rental. Our site and the others we saw were nicely shaded," notes Amy V. from Lackawanna State Park, which also features a large pool area for swimmers who prefer chlorinated water.
What campers like
Lakeside campsites: Lackawanna State Park Campground has recently added new full-hookup sites. "Stayed in the fairly new ledges loop that are all full hookup sites. Nice large sites, beautiful area, friendly rangers. Nice play area for kids, water craft rentals, nice lake," reports Cheryl M.
Creek-side tent camping: Smaller waterways offer tranquil camping experiences. "The tent sites are right on the creek. The grounds, the little store/coffee shop and the facilities were pristine," Louis P. mentions about Cozy Creek Family Campground.
Winter recreation options: Some campgrounds in the area maintain winter operations. "We would love to come back in the winter when they have an ice rink with a warming house," says Michael from Lackawanna State Park, noting year-round appeal for certain parks.
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies: Frances Slocum State Park Campground has mixed reviews on site spacing. "The camping sites were really packed in together tightly," notes Natalie B., while Jackie F. found "Site 44 in the Stony Point loop... by far the largest campsite on the property."
Water quality concerns: Lakes in the region occasionally have water quality issues. "DO NOT take your pups to the water. There is a weird bacteria or algae currently growing in the lake, it's completely visible. There are advisories around about it too," warns Jackie F.
Seasonal facilities: Many parks close entirely from late October through April. "Real Quiet in Early Spring. Campground has cabins and yurts, pull in sites for RVs and strictly walk in tent sites. We went in early spring midweek, it was very quiet," reports David G. from Lackawanna State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-focused activities: Cozy Creek Family Campground designs their amenities around children. "Campground is based around kids, there's a lot for them to do!" says Michael B., making it ideal for family outings.
Playground access: Highland Campgrounds features vintage playground equipment. "Rec room and bathrooms are older, but vintage. Playground is also older but also gives off the vintage look with some of the older, older swings and sit spin," notes Jennifer R.
Educational options: Some parks offer learning opportunities. "There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network if hiking and horse riding trails," explains Janet R. about options at Lackawanna State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Hickory Run State Park Campground has different sections with varying amenities. "We had a full hook-up site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground. The sites in this loop were spacious and more in an open area, but we were along a wooded area which gave us some shade," reports Shirley M.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. "The road in (Vacation lane) is dirt, rough and narrow," notes April L. about Cozy Creek Family Campground, which can be important for larger rigs.
Electric reliability: Electrical systems at some parks have maintenance issues. "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained," warns David from Lackawanna State Park, suggesting bringing surge protectors.
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