Promised Land State Park encompasses 3,000 acres of forest with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 1,800 feet above sea level in the Pocono Mountains. The park contains multiple camping areas with varying degrees of privacy and amenities depending on which section you choose. Tobyhanna State Park's campsites sit near a 170-acre lake just 20 miles from Hawley, providing additional camping options in the region.
What to do
Lake activities year-round: Promised Land State Park's Lower Lake Campground Northwoods Area offers fishing and boating throughout different seasons. "On the weekends it can get pretty crowded, so it tends to be louder at night then, but the camp hosts and the rangers do a good job of enforcing quiet hours. Access points to several trails are very near the campground," notes Angel A. The park also offers winter activities, as one camper explains: "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 opportunities: The Pines Campground features multiple trail options within walking distance of campsites. "The trails are plentiful and scenic. The forest is thick and beautiful throughout the park. We loved the little falls trail for hiking and splashing around in the water," reports Greg S. The Conservation Island trail receives particular praise: "The Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked," according to a visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Tobyhanna State Park Campground offers opportunities to spot local wildlife including bears and eagles. "We even got to see an eagles' nest near our campsite," mentions Marlaina M. Another camper warns: "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. Do not leave any food out be sure to lock up everything in car."
What campers like
Private lakeside sites: Pickerel Point Campground offers direct water access at select sites. "I spent the night in the Promised Land State Park at Pickerel Point and it was so pretty and quiet. There was a bathroom with flush toilets nearby and the campsites were well spaced apart. Mine overlooked the water and had a gorgeous sunset," describes Carolyn M. Another camper adds: "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper. The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail."
Clean, modern facilities: Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area maintains excellent bathrooms and showers. "Bathrooms were clean and water was hot in the shower," notes Angie G. Another visitor shares: "I stayed at the Beechwood location at the Promised Land state park and despite the constant rain, it was quiet and peaceful. You could only ever hear the wildlife. The RV pads were spaced put perfectly and we all had our own picnic table and fire pit."
Affordability and accessibility: Keen Lake Resort Campground offers reasonable rates with amenities approximately 10 miles from Hawley. "This family run Campground is beautiful and clean. The RV sites are spaced out nicely. There are plenty of things to do; paddle boats, row boats, swimming pool, snack bar/campstore, activities, etc," notes Charlotte D. Another camper explains: "The store has a huge selection of necessities, so no need to worry about forgetting things."
What you should know
Rules and restrictions: Alcohol is prohibited at Pennsylvania State Park campgrounds including Promised Land State Park. "Certain sites allow pets. My favorite site does, plus I can launch my kayak right from there! The only drawback is no alcohol allowed, but most State Parks are like that I think," explains Nancy L. from Pickerel Point Campground.
Site characteristics: Keen Lake Resort Campground has some sites that offer less privacy than others. "We had a great time despite cold wet weather. Our site was probably one of the worst in the place but we were able to scope out others that we would prefer for our next visit. We didn't have a view of the lake, instead we were in someone's back yard. Most of the sites seem to be on the smaller size when compared to other campgrounds we've been too," reports Emily Z.
Reservation needs: The best places to camp near Hawley, Pennsylvania fill quickly, especially lakefront sites. "Pickerel point is the most action packed part of the park. LOTS of kids and people enjoying themselves. If you're looking for a more secluded experience, the park has sections for that as well," advises Debbie W. At Deerfield Campground, one camper notes: "The sites were not as spacious here, but it looked like Beechwood was better and had water hookups."
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: Lower Lake Campground Rhododendron Area offers nature programs for kids. "We were amazed. Not crowded this time of year, serene, and perfect weather. We collected our own firewood as there is none for sale in the state park," shares Angie G. Another visitor explains: "We got a bag full of stuff when we checked in. It was also a pleasant surprise that they offered environmental education programs."
Swimming options: Keen Lake provides both lake and pool swimming opportunities for families. "My kids really loved having a pool to swim in, in addition to the lake," states Emily Z. Another camper adds: "Each day we would paddle over to the swimming area on the lake. It was awesome. The kids had fun riding bikes on the road, which was off the main road."
Activities for different ages: Promised Land State Park's Deerfield Campground has options for varying age groups. "Loved camping on Pickerel Point. Kids had a great time! Bathrooms could be cleaned more often but relatively clean. The museum and crafts were closed due to Covid so that was a bummer but we found other things to do. Love that the road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc," says Paula R. from a nearby campground area.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Top camping destinations near Hawley, Pennsylvania offer various levels of hookups. "We had full hookups (20/30/50 amp, water & sewer). There's no cable but we were able to pickup about 6 channels with our digital antenna," shares Debbie W. At Tobyhanna, a camper notes: "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by."
Navigating campground roads: Wilsonville Rec Area provides water and electric sites with an RV dump station. "Water and electric. RV dump station on site. This is a family campground right in the middle of everything there is to do around the lake and in the area," explains G M. Another visitor notes: "Right on Lake Wallenpaupack. Boat slips available if you own a boat. Pretty quiet. Bathrooms old but well kept."
Site selection for larger rigs: Finding the best RV camping near Hawley requires advance planning. "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. The pull-through sites don't offer much in the way of privacy, but that's the trade off for convenience," advises Angel A. about Lower Lake Campground Northwoods Area.
