Promised Land State Park encompasses 3,000 acres of forested land in the Pocono Mountains, offering year-round camping experiences at multiple campgrounds. The park sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation, resulting in cooler summer temperatures than surrounding areas. Winter camping options remain available in select areas when most regional campgrounds close for the season.
What to Do
Lake activities: Promised Land State Park features two lakes where visitors can swim, fish, and boat during warmer months. "The lake is crystal clear and the beach is spotless. You absolutely have to bring a kayak/inflatable boat, but if you don't own one, don't worry, you can rent one," notes a visitor to Pickerel Point Campground.
Year-round camping: Unlike many regional campgrounds, some areas remain open throughout winter. A camper at Pickerel Point Campground mentioned, "This was my second visit in the cold months. Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers. The park is large with many hiking trails and ice fishing."
Hiking options: The Conservation Walk provides an accessible nature experience. At Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area, a camper reported, "Hiked 2 short easy trails (Little Falls and the Conservation Nature Loop- which we drove to). Absolutely beautiful!"
Wildlife viewing: The park offers opportunities to observe diverse wildlife. "The Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked," notes one camper, while another mentions, "We even got to see an eagles' nest near our campsite" at Tobyhanna State Park.
What Campers Like
Lake access sites: Sites near the water provide enhanced recreation options. A visitor to Tobyhanna State Park explained, "Scenic and spacious. Large camping areas that can fit two cars onsite and include picnic tables, some even with water and electric hookups. The lake is nearby and doesn't get crowded. There's a separate shore for kayaks and canoes to enter the lake."
Educational programs: The park offers structured learning activities. A camper at The Pines Campground shared, "We were impressed that they got a bag full of stuff when we checked in. It was also a pleasant surprise that they offered environmental education programs. We took the boys to learn about fish and then took them later to an amazing bear presentation."
Private sites: Some areas offer more seclusion. "We stayed in the northwoods loop, which was ok but more conducive to tent camping. Our site was in the back of the loop and more private than the others, so we enjoyed it," notes a camper at The Pines Campground.
Waterfront views: Lakeside sites provide scenic vistas. "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper. The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail," reports a visitor at Pickerel Point Campground.
What You Should Know
Bear awareness: Black bear sightings occur regularly in the park. At Lower Lake Campground Rhododendron Area, a camper noted "Beautiful State Park!! Great beach area for swimming and kayaking. Beware of bears!!" Another visitor at The Pines Campground shared, "During the July stay, there were reports of young orphaned bear cubs in the campsite area and we were asked to stow our food safely in a vehicle."
Site variations: Campground loops differ significantly in layout and amenities. "If you are in a camper or RV, I think that the Beechwood loop looked best. We stayed in the northwoods loop, which was ok but more conducive to tent camping," explains a visitor to The Pines Campground.
Seasonal differences: Winter camping requires different preparation. "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by," notes a winter camper at Pickerel Point Campground, who also mentioned, "The park is large with many hiking trails and ice fishing. The only negative is that I had almost no cell reception with Verizon."
Campsite spacing: Some areas provide more privacy than others. A camper at Lower Lake Campground Rhododendron Area observed, "The campsites themselves were a bit small," while another noted, "Sites were clean and easy to locate. Depending on your site choice, there are campsites that are WAY too close together for my preference, then some that were adequately spaced and foliage offered some privacy."
Tips for Camping with Families
Easy biking routes: Paved areas provide safe cycling for children. A camper at Otter Lake Camp Resort shared, "Great biking even a trail around the lake," while another at Pickerel Point noted, "Love that the road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc."
Kid-friendly programs: Structured activities keep children engaged. "We have been going to this campground since I could walk and it's never gotten old. I just went there again this past summer, and the lake and near by hikes are perfect for everyone in the family," reports a visitor at Tobyhanna State Park.
Beach access: Swimming areas accommodate families with children. A camper at Otter Lake Camp Resort described, "This campground is huge, lots of sites to choose from. There is a big lake you can fish from, kayak, bring your own boat and even swim from when it's warm out."
Playground facilities: Play areas provide recreation options for younger campers. An Otter Lake visitor noted, "Great playgrounds" among the amenities, while another mentioned the campground has "organized activities like softball, archery and ceramics for kiddos."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds. "Big sites with 30 amp service available for RVs and trailers. Each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring with an adjustable grate," explains a camper at Lower Lake Campground Northwoods Area.
Water access: Water hookups are limited to certain areas. "No water hookups but 30 amp power and spigots close by. Big line at dump station when we were leaving," notes a visitor at The Pines Campground.
Loop selection: Different camping areas accommodate RVs differently. "If you are in a camper or RV, I think that the Beechwood loop looked best," recommends a camper who stayed at The Pines Campground.
Facility quality: Bathhouses receive regular maintenance. A camper at Lower Lake Campground Northwoods Area mentioned, "The bathhouse offers warm showers, 2 dishwashing sinks, and a coin-operated washer and dryer. The facilities are kept very clean."
Scout
