Camping options near Jermyn, Pennsylvania range from wooded lakeside sites to full-hookup mountain RV parks. The area sits in the northeastern Pennsylvania highlands at elevations between 1,300-1,800 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Fall foliage typically peaks in mid-October, while spring campers should prepare for muddy conditions through May due to snowmelt and seasonal rain.
What to do
Lakeside activities: At Lackawanna State Park Campground, visitors enjoy water recreation on the 198-acre lake. "There is fishing and boating, and an amazing network of hiking and horse riding trails," notes one camper. Winter visitors find special attractions too: "We would love to come back in the winter when they have an ice rink with a warming house."
River adventures: The Delaware River provides recreational opportunities at Soaring Eagle Campground. "Nice campground right on the Delaware river great for fisherman, hikers also great for tubing down the Delaware or canoeing," writes Mike S. The campground offers equipment rentals for those without their own gear: "Canoe/kayak/tube rentals and designated drive in sites with fire ring and table."
Mountain sports: In the cooler months, visit the mountains for seasonal activities. "Camped here a few times, for a few days. Each time is always a blast. So beautiful, and clean," says one visitor to Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort, which transforms from winter ski resort to summer camping destination.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate campgrounds that offer room to spread out. At Soaring Eagle Campground, "The sites are larger than most campgrounds and well spaced out. I have been there on busy holiday weekends where it was full but still peaceful and private with a great community of campers."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses rank high on camper priorities. At Promised Land State Park, visitors note the consistent upkeep: "Bathrooms were clean and so was the site. Sites were a good size and not on top of each other." Another camper adds, "Despite the constant rain, it was quiet and peaceful. You could only ever hear the wildlife."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Campgrounds with organized activities get high marks from families. One camper at Keen Lake Resort appreciates that "They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day! The security is great and patrol to make sure quiet hours are quiet to be courteous to other campers."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The mountainous terrain creates variable conditions. Fall brings spectacular foliage but cooler nights, with temperatures typically dropping into the 30s by mid-October. Spring camping can be wet, with snowmelt persisting into May.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the area fill quickly during summer and fall weekends. At Keen Lake Resort Campground, a popular family destination, one visitor noted, "Making reservations online was simple. Everyone working there was very friendly and helped in any way if needed."
Connectivity challenges: Cell coverage varies dramatically throughout the region due to mountainous terrain. At Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South, "Cell service is awful for AT&T and our T-Mobile gateway. Had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity."
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close between mid-October and late April. Clayton Park RV Escape operates "May 1 - Oct 15," while Lackawanna State Park's camping season runs "2nd Fri April to 3rd Sun October."
Tips for camping with families
Choose activities-focused campgrounds: Look for places with organized programs for different age groups. At Keen Lake Resort, "This place is perfect for families, beginners, adventurers, and fisherman alike. They have an overabundance amount of activities scheduled for campers."
Consider rental options: For families new to camping, several parks offer alternatives to tent camping. "They offer rented cabins/houses and RVs," notes one Keen Lake visitor. This provides comfort while still enjoying the outdoor experience.
Plan for connectivity needs: While unplugging is ideal, today's families often need some connection. One Soaring Eagle camper observed, "I know this controversial, but having Wi-Fi would be great esp when camping w/ kids."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: For RV sites near Jermyn, Pennsylvania, choosing the right location matters. At Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South, "Sites are long but narrow. Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi."
Hookup considerations: Verify which utilities are available at your desired campground. At Timothy Lake South, "Simple Campground - nice lay out albeit as with many campgrounds, the spaces are quite close together."
Road navigation: Some campgrounds require careful driving. At Tri-State RV Park, visitors appreciate the "easy on, easy off on I 84. Great place to pull in for the night if you are traveling. Safe, clean, and right on the Delaware River. Groceries and Home Depot close buy if you need to restock."
