Northeastern Pennsylvania's camping areas near Kingston sit within the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, where elevations range from 1,000 to 1,800 feet. The region experiences warm summers with average July temperatures around 80°F and cooler evenings dropping into the 60s. Most campgrounds in the area have mature forest cover, creating natural shade for summer camping sites.
What to do
Hiking trails: The trail system at Hickory Run State Park Campground offers diverse difficulty levels and terrains. "A splendid weekend with a group outing. Amenities were very good, and plenty to do," notes Ken G. The park features "44 miles of trails" ranging from easy to difficult, with options like Hawk Falls and Shades of Death trails that are accessible with dogs.
Boulder exploration: The unique geological feature at Hickory Run State Park Campground draws outdoor enthusiasts. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," explains Mike M. The boulder fields are accessible via a stone road through the woods.
Water activities: Lakes throughout the region provide numerous recreation options. At Tobyhanna State Park Campground, visitors can "swim in the lake in the summer or do a 5-mile hike around the lake along well-marked walk paths," according to J.K. The park includes a beach area and shower facilities near the swimming area.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The updated amenities at Lackawanna State Park Campground receive positive feedback. "Campground has cabins and yurts, pull in sites for RV's and strictly walk in tent sites. There is a beautiful lake and a very large pool," notes David G. The well-maintained facilities contribute to a comfortable camping experience.
Spacious sites: Site layout varies considerably between parks. At Tobyhanna State Park, Marlaina M. describes the camping areas as "scenic and spacious. Large camping areas that can fit two cars onsite and include picnic tables, some even with water and electric hookups." However, some visitors note that certain sites can feel crowded.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities for wildlife observation. "We saw deer daily. There are 3 resident geese who wander around near the creek and lakes," reports Becca U. about Moyers Grove Campground. At Hickory Run, campers "were warned to be cautious about leaving food out as there have been some bear sightings."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Hickory Run, Tobyhanna, and Lackawanna State Parks typically open from "the second Friday in April through the third Sunday in October," which affects planning for shoulder season visits.
Water conditions: Some parks have water quality considerations. At Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, "the water had been tested earlier in the season and unsafe levels of manganese were detected. All water spigots were shut off and covered," according to Lee D. At Tobyhanna, the lake water has a distinct "copper kind of like iced tea color but was very nice."
Connectivity: Cell service varies significantly. At Moyers Grove Campground, "there was no cell service or internet for AT&T users. (Verizon did have some service.) Also, there is no cable and our antennae was unable to pick up any TV channels." In contrast, Lackawanna offers "respectable cell service in most parts of the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Kingston offer play areas for children. Highland Campgrounds features a "playground that is also older but also gives off the vintage look with some of the older, older swings and sit spin," according to Jennifer R. Tobyhanna State Park provides "a horse shoe pit volleyball ball area and a little play area in the camping area."
Swimming alternatives: When planning water activities with kids, consider the various options. At Cozy Creek Family Campground, Michael B. notes the "campground is based around kids, there's a lot for them to do!" The campground offers creek access for cooling off during hot summer days.
Educational opportunities: Lackawanna State Park offers "an environmental education center with programs," providing structured activities for children. Hickory Run features "a truly lovely interactive museum displaying the history and current wildlife of the park," which can engage children during inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric service differs between parks. At Frances Slocum, John T. appreciates the "nice level sites easy to back in rv and set up." However, some parks have aging infrastructure, as one camper notes at Lackawanna: "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained."
Water connections: Come prepared with adequate water equipment. At Manny Gordon Recreation Area, electric hookups are available, but water access requires planning. At Moyers Grove, visitors are advised to "make sure you have a LONG water hose. We actually had to buy a 50 foot hose in the camp store to accommodate the distance to the spigot."
Site selection: Pay attention to site descriptions when booking. At Tobyhanna, Emilie D. warns that "these sites are RIGHT AGAINST THE ROAD. Other state parks tend to make their sites deep, whereas these are wide." Site selection can significantly impact the camping experience, especially for larger RVs requiring more space.
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