Best Camping near Lake Ariel, PA

Are you in need of a campground near Lake Ariel, PA? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Lake Ariel. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Ariel, PA (218)

    Camper-submitted photo from Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park

    1. Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park

    33 Reviews
    130 Photos
    284 Saves
    Skytop, Pennsylvania

    Pickerel Point Campground

    On a peninsula on the southern side of Promised Land Lake, Pickerel Point has 75 campsites and three camping cottages. Limited sites and the camping cottages are open year round. An unguarded swimming area is at the end of the peninsula.

    The campground offers:

    Rustic walk-in sites
    Electric sites
    Full hook-up sites with sewer, water, and electric on site

    This activity or structure is ADA accessible. An ADA accessible campsite is available.

    The entire area has two shower houses with laundry facilities and one restroom.

    Designated sites are open to pets.

    Camping cottages have:

    Electric heat and outlets
    Bunk beds
    Table and benches
    Grill and a fire ring

    Linens are not provided. The cottages are next to a shower house in Pickerel Point Campground.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $28 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Keen Lake Resort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Keen Lake Resort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Keen Lake Resort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Keen Lake Resort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Keen Lake Resort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Keen Lake Resort Campground

    2. Keen Lake Resort Campground

    29 Reviews
    77 Photos
    156 Saves
    Prompton, Pennsylvania

    Keen Lake Camping and Cottage Resort is a privately owned 90-acre spring fed mountain lake, located in the scenic northern Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania just off Route 6. Our campgound offers a variety of accommodations available for you and your family ranging from Seasonal Camping, RV Camping, Popup Camping, Tent Camping, and Seasonal Cottage Rentals. Our serene natural setting provides fresh, clean country air, a variety of amenities to fit your needs while on your vacation, a complete activities program for the young and young at heart, excellent fishing (large mouth bass, perch, walleye, crappies and more) and the opportunity to relax with your family and friends - to read, to boat, to swim, to walk, to think, to play, and mostly to create precious memories with those you best love.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Run State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Run State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Run State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Run State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Run State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Run State Park Campground

    3. Hickory Run State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    190 Photos
    495 Saves
    Albrightsville, Pennsylvania

    Are you daring enough to hike the Shades of Death Trail? This is just one of the hiking trails available to visitors at Hickory Run State Park. Not to worry though, the trail is not nearly as ominous as its name. Hickory Run was established as a state park in 1945 following a long and storied history of devastation and restoration. The first settlements in the area occurred following the American Revolution, when landowners began building mills on the local creeks. By the mid-1800s, the area was clearcut, then experienced several incidents of fire and flooding. In 1935 the area was purchased by the National Park Service (NPS) for use as a recreation area, and many of the roads, campgrounds and trails were developed. Ten years later, the NPS transferred the land to the state of Pennsylvania for use as a state park. Just 30 miles south of Scranton, Hickory Run State Park is a 16,000-acre natural area in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains. The area features numerous trout streams, boulder fields, wetlands and restored forests. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, from birds to black bears. The park’s large campground features more than 300 tent, trailer and RV sites, as well as a few walk-in sites and camping cottages. Some campsites are ADA accessible. Park facilities include restrooms with showers, drinking water, two playgrounds, amphitheater, fishing pier, dog-walking area, and a camp store. There’s also recycling and dump stations. The Shades of Death and Beach trails are accessible right from the campground. Campsite rates range from $15–$40/night; cabins and cottages range from $38–$105/night. There is no shortage of outdoor play to be enjoyed on your visit to Hickory Run. On warm days, cool off with a dip in Sand Spring Lake, or go wading below Hawk Falls; cast a line for brook and brown trout in Hickory Run or Mud Run; or test your precision at the park’s disc golf course. There are also several geocaches hidden in the park if you’re up for a little treasure hunting. If you’re packing hiking boots, you have 44 miles of trails to wander. Choose from short, family-friendly nature and wildlife-watching trails, to the more strenuous Boulder Field Trail, which traverses a 16.5-acre field of sandstone boulders that predate several of North America’s ice ages. In winter, many of the park’s trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Tobyhanna State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tobyhanna State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tobyhanna State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tobyhanna State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tobyhanna State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tobyhanna State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    5. Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    37 Reviews
    172 Photos
    371 Saves
    Shawnee on Delaware, Pennsylvania

    The park has 78 tent and trailer sites along two miles of river frontage. Each site contains a picnic table and a fire ring. Showers, modern toilet facilities and drinking water are available. Sites 1-23 are available for tent camping only and sites 29 -82 are available for tents, travel trailers and motorhomes.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Lackawanna State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lackawanna State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lackawanna State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lackawanna State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lackawanna State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lackawanna State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

    7. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    242 Photos
    533 Saves
    Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania

    Boasting 22 named waterfalls amid old-growth forest and deeply-incised canyons, Rickett’s Glen State Park encompasses more than 13,000 acres around a high bluff known as the Allegheny Front. On top of the bluff, several lakes—Lake Jean being the largest—are the source of the many creeks that tumble down the canyons and create the spectacular falls. The area was mostly logged out in the early 1900s by the landowner, R. Bruce Ricketts, before he decided to preserve the woodlands in the falls’ three glens. Following efforts to turn the area into a national park in the 1930s failed, he began selling the land to the state of Pennsylvania, who turned the area into a state park in 1944. The park is now a year-round destination for camping, hiking, fishing, bird-watching, paddling, skiing and ice climbing. Just an hour’s drive west of Scranton, the campground at Rickett’s Glen offers 120 drive-in campsites in two areas near the shore of Lake Jean. Sites can accommodate trailers and RVs up to 40 feet; some sites are ADA accessible, and a few group camps are available. Hookups are not available, but there is a dump station outside the camping area. Facilities in the campgrounds include restrooms with showers, drinking water, an amphitheater, a trail to the lake’s beach, and a designated dog area. The Big Loop campground also has five deluxe cottages available to rent. In a separate area, there are 10 cabins available, as well as a boat ramp (rentals available) and snack bar. Campsite rates range from $15–$20/night; cabins and cottages range from $60–$115/night. The most popular activity at Rickett’s Glen is to hike through the three waterfall glens. This can be done via several looping trails ranging from 3.4 miles to 7.2 miles. Two trailheads are located above the falls, from the lakes area, and one is located below the falls, from PA Route 118. Other summer activities in the park include paddling and fishing on Lake Jean, or just soaking up the sun at the beach. An onsite naturalist offers guided walks, nature activities and interpretive programs. There are also limited hunting opportunities. If visiting during the winter season, many of the trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Ice fishing is popular, as is ice climbing on the waterfalls. Check the park’s website for off-season services, accessibility, and ice climbing requirements.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $150 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Kittatinny Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kittatinny Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kittatinny Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kittatinny Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kittatinny Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kittatinny Campground

    8. Kittatinny Campground

    19 Reviews
    27 Photos
    72 Saves
    Shohola, Pennsylvania

    Kittatinny Campground in NY offers on site whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking, tubing, dual racing ziplines and paintball, you can do it all here! This campground features more than 250 rugged acres with 350 campsites that allow you to choose to be nestled in the woods or camp along the river’s bank. This campground offers a primitive, secluded camping experience in the Catskill Mountains.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Stokes State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Stokes State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Stokes State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Stokes State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Stokes State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Stokes State Forest

    9. Stokes State Forest

    26 Reviews
    136 Photos
    449 Saves
    Layton, New Jersey

    Nestled in the Appalachian Wilderness of New Jersey, Stokes State Forest attracts campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts all over thanks to its many viewpoints and wild terrain. Spanning over 16,400 acres, visitors can expect exciting adventures crammed with tons of wilderness activities. Surprisingly, there’s a large range of amenities within the various campgrounds located throughout. In addition, there’s a host of unique geographic features to keep even the most dedicated busy for weeks.

    Speaking of geography, there’s no shortage of terrain diversity here. For example, Sunrise Mountain towers 1,653 feet over the undeveloped New Jersey farmland to the East, as well as virgin mountain ranges and forests to the West. Located along the legendary Appalachian Trail, this mountain peak is the most frequently visited site in Stokes State Forest. If you’re not one to hike up the side of a mountain for a view, Sunrise Mountain Rd. traverses all the way to the top for those traveling in a vehicle.

    Nestled below, the 500+ acre Tillman Ravine Natural Area is a green wonderland home to endangered species such as the Barred Owl. The ravine showcases world-class trails spanning throughout its terrain, complete with babbling brooks and overly-curious bears to dodge during your stay.

    Additionally, Stokes State Forest is home to the Lake Ashroe Recreation Area which has an area for Kayaking and Paddle Board rentals. Even though there is no boat ramp, nearby Lake Ocquittunk is perfect for small, electric motor boats. In contrast, those looking for swimming should head to Stony Lake, which features lifeguards on duty and a great recreation area for picnicking.

    Campgrounds are plentiful here, with four different areas to camp at depending on your needs. Shotwell to the East, and Steam Mills to the west both offer normal park amenities, and are perfect for tent campers, or people interested in camping in a lean-to. Just West of Shotwell, Haskin’s Group Camping Area consists of 9 group campsites perfect for groups of 10-65 depending on the campsite. Finally, Lake Ocquittunk has its own campground with reservable campsites, and cabins as well. Fees & permits vary here, so be sure to check the park website for more info.

    Regardless of your interests, if you love the outdoors in any form you’re going to enjoy your stay here. Stokes State Forest literally offers everything an enthusiast could ever dream of doing. From its babbling creeks and forested ravines, to the breathtaking mountain peaks, this is an Appalachian camping experience you don’t want to miss out on.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $7 - $55 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Deerfield Campground — Promised Land State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Deerfield Campground — Promised Land State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Deerfield Campground — Promised Land State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Deerfield Campground — Promised Land State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Deerfield Campground — Promised Land State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Deerfield Campground — Promised Land State Park

    10. Deerfield Campground — Promised Land State Park

    8 Reviews
    10 Photos
    4 Saves
    Skytop, Pennsylvania

    Tucked into the trees and rocks, Deerfield Campground is just south of Promised Land Lake and is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. This rustic area contains 34 campsites with flush toilets and no electricity. Use of Pickerel Point Campground showers is included in the campsite fee.

    This activity or structure is ADA accessible. An ADA accessible campsite is available.

    Pets are allowed on all sites.

    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
Showing results 1-10 of 218 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Lake Ariel

Recent Reviews in Lake Ariel

943 Reviews of 218 Lake Ariel Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dingmans Campground - Delaware Water Gap NRA
    Nov. 5, 2024

    Dingmans Campground - Delaware Water Gap NRA

    Beautiful sites

    I’m a family of 5 and my friends family of three all stayed in one site. We went in October at the peak of the leaves changing colors. It’s was beautiful. A 6 point buck walked right through our site literally. The kids enjoyed it a lot. Amenities were very clean. Even the portapot we used was very clean. Will visit again. No service/no electronics. A good way to just unplug and enjoy Gods creation

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
    Nov. 5, 2024

    Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

    Comfortable, family oriented, close proximity to lake

    The campground is on a peninsula surrounded by a lake. The larger loop (non electric) sites are more spacious, level and shady. The smaller loop with RV hook ups are more barren. Sites are neat, tidy, and well stocked. Flush toilets. The showers are free but pressure was way too high and water not warm enough. Many families and young campers but CG was quiet at night. There is access to major trails including Ricketts Glen Falls. I did not have cell service with T Mobile.

  • Aegon T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
    Nov. 3, 2024

    Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

    Incredible Experience

    I visited Ricketts Glen State Park last year, and it was an incredible experience! The natural beauty of the park is breathtaking, especially with the waterfalls along the Falls Trail– a must-do hike for anyone visiting. The trail is challenging but so worth it; the views are unmatched. I stayed in one of the campsites, which offered a nice level of privacy and had clean facilities, including showers and well-maintained restrooms. Lake Jean was also a highlight, with opportunities for kayaking and swimming, perfect for cooling off after a day of hiking. I'd recommend visiting during the week to avoid the crowds. Truly a perfect spot for anyone looking to escape into nature!

    Retro Bowl Pro

  • Dan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Panther Lake Camping Resort
    Oct. 30, 2024

    Panther Lake Camping Resort

    Too expensive! Water stinks!

    Nice staff but water smells horrible! The staff know about the water smell and told me there’s a lot of iron in the ground. I was charged $105/night for a basic back-in pad. When I consider that plus “trailer park” feel of all the permanent patrons with the clutter and crap everywhere- not worth it!!! The CG needs some work.

  • Oak T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stokes State Forest
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Stokes State Forest

    Always stoked for Stokes!

    Stokes is my go-to state park for unplugging and enjoying time with my family. We brought our son (23 months at time of visit) on his first camping trip this past September. He loved every minute of it.

    Site T07 in Lake Ocquittunk is gorgeous and one of the few relatively secluded sites in the campground. You need to carry your gear down a narrow, rocky path that's a little steep near the road, but it's manageable. There's also a graded path into the site adjacent to a neighboring site, but you should check with those campers if they are ok with you cutting through to use it. (We opted not to disturb our neighbors and take the slope.)

    I thought I would be able to launch my kayak from site 7 since it's waterfront, but there are a lot of huge rocks in the water that prevent you from getting out into the lake. We had to find a different launch spot. That was probably the biggest disappointment for us.

    Still, I love site 7 and it's absolutely worth the privacy and the views every morning.

  • Lucy P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tobyhanna State Park Campground
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Tobyhanna State Park Campground

    Pretty but cramped

    The lake is gorgeous and there are nice hiking trails, but sites are very small and close together. Let’s are allowed in less than half of the campground, which means all the dogs are in a smaller area and barking at each other more than other places. The no-pet area was practically empty when we were there midweek but the pets-allowed area was much more crowded than we would have liked.

    Also rules and signage are wildly confusing, lots of things contradict each other. Cell service exists but not great for remote work.

  • William T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Deerfield Health Retreat
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Deerfield Health Retreat

    Pregnancy

    I recommend reading the article at https://femia.health/health-library/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/things-to-avoid-after-losing-mucus-plug/. After losing your mucus plug, which usually happens closer to labor, it is important to take some precautions to minimize the risk of complications. First of all, avoid heavy physical activity and excessive stress, as this can cause premature contractions or other problems. Also, avoid any potentially infectious activities, such as unprotected sex or using unwashed objects in the intimate area, to prevent infection. It is also important to avoid long trips and temperature changes, as this can negatively affect your condition. Visit your doctor regularly for monitoring of the condition and follow the recommendations of medical professionals.

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pocono Vacation Park
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Pocono Vacation Park

    Mostly Full Time RV Park with tons of events

    This park is great for families, they had events scheduled throughout the summer, and a separate toddler pool. It’s very close to the Rail Gap Pocono Creek Nature Reserve, with some nice trails along Pocono Creek. We stayed here for a week and everyone we met was super friendly, and we would visit again.

  • Wailym C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kittatinny Canoes River Beach Campsites
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Kittatinny Canoes River Beach Campsites

    River Access made easy

    The perks of this campground is the easy river access.  Besides Dingmans camp nearby or others on the NJ side of River, this is the only riverside campground before reaching NY.  The river access alone makes it worth a visit if you plan on kayaking a long stretch and need a home base, like we did. Friendly and attentive staff, clean bathrooms, full camp store, swimming allowed at your own risk.  They offer kayak tours with shuttle service. Small campground stretches up river side with several site options. The sites are very very small and close together.  The lower river front sites offer the best views for tent campers.  The upper RV/camper sites near entrance have some water views but most are obstructed by trees and sit high above river.  You cannot access river from here but it’s an easy short walk down to river access area.  The rest of campground is very cozy with a few sites near a small creek.  It was very quiet during the week, hardly anyone there.  We enjoyed the river almost to ourselves.   The weekends get very busy as most come to swim and bbq. Overall still a very nice spot for a weekend. Our reason for 3 star rating is the size of camp sites and road noise 24/7 due to two busy nearby roads.  We could hear it from anywhere in the campground, and some tents sites sit right along the side of the road.  But, we would stay again for the convenience of river location and accommodating staff.  We stayed in site 130 with 34’ trailer.

  • Lori M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Neversink River Resort
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Neversink River Resort

    Clean bathrooms, good amenities

    Stay in one of the last weekends of August.  We were a party of 8 so we needed 2 sites, the first sites we booked were horrible - so so tiny (E11 & E12) and right on a swampy pond where the grass is growing into the water so it was hard to see where the water line was.  We had kids, so we needed to move our sites.  We ended up right across the way on E7 & E8 - much better.  This loop for tent campers is mixed.  Some of the sites are literally on the road - stay away from the sites on the same side of the road as the pond.  I saw a family who literally had to block the road a little bc they couldn't park their car *and* have a tent on the tiny site.  Anything on the side of E7 is bigger and a little deeper into the trees, but nothing seemed to be private in this campground.  It was a busy weekend, so of course there was loud music and partying - it just so happens that it was next door to our sites.  Bathrooms were far on this loop.  There are little foot bridges that you could take to get to the bathroom easier (and closer) but they are set on people's campsites, so if someone is on that site it's really walking through their site to get to it.  The campground has good amenities - wifi, pool, jumping ball, playground, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and a tether ball court :).  Great for the kids.  Pool is small but it works.  There's a cafe there so we were able to grab coffees and stuff.  They deliver wood and ice to your site which is super convenient.  We would return for sure.  Also - just to let everyone know the fire pit is really small.

  • Cynthia K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Divide Campground
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Great Divide Campground

    Rock'in

     Our 4rth state in our 5 state trip is New Jersey! We wanted to see Delaware Water Gap NRA & I found a campground by Newton called The Great Divide. This is a private campground. Very scenic with a small lake, a pond & surrounded by woods. This is also the most expensive campground on our trip at $96.11 a night.

         Lots to do for families- they have kayaks for camper use. Horseshoes, tether ball, volleyball, a pool, a playground, a dog park. There's a swimming beach.

     One strange thing is there's a lot of tent sites & they seemed popular. For the amount of tent/popup sites they only have 1 shower per loop. They are very clean & checked often, but they're used heavily during the weekend. I had better luck Sunday evening. A bench outside the bathroom would have been nice to sit & wait. 

     The rv sites were all full hookup on our loop.

       We came in on a Friday & found out this campground ROCKS!!! They have live bands every Friday & Saturday night during the warm months. This might explain the higher rates. Party on!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Small, don't blink you'll miss it.

    There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area. Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Port Jervis Elks Brox Hiker/Biker Campground
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Port Jervis Elks Brox Hiker/Biker Campground

    Small but cool

    I read a previous review that stated small cars stay away. I nave a Nissan rogue and made it in no problem. It's .8 miles in on the right. There was another closer in but seemed full. I'm right across from the lake in amongst a copse of trees. Drawback solar is pretty much out. I would not drive an rv in here except maybe a small type trailer.

  • Damia F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stokes State Forest
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Stokes State Forest

    Campsites too close together and camping areas are greatly spaced out

    Stokes State Forest is a beautiful park with a lot of different trails to check out, though some of them are difficult to access due to parking. The camping areas are split between two different entrances. If you’re in Lake Ocquitunk, like I was, you don’t enter at the main entrance, you have to go past the main entrance about another mile on rt. 15 N. and enter by the YMCA. All the other camping areas are near the main entrance by the forest office. The campsites themselves are a little too close together in some spots with little coverage or privacy. There is a day parking area which is only accessible going through the main entrance by the forest office— if you visit during the week park entrance is free, but on the weekend fees can be a bit steep. I wasn’t super happy with my campsite as I wasn’t able to physically have my car on the site like I thought. I had to park in a small lot above my campsite and carry my belongings down a short slope to the site. I like to car-camp so this was a bit of a let down having my car separate from my actual campsite.

    The bathrooms were nice and had flush toilets, but the showers were out of service during my time. Bathrooms are extremely spaced out so you will have to walk a far distance unless you strategically choose a site next to one. I drove through the other campsite and only saw 1 set of bathrooms that had toilets and showers per campground, not including the outhouses I saw for those in the small cabins.

  • Damia F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Spotty/unreliable WiFi and rather busy

    If you’re looking for a place to be a recluse, this is not the campsite to go. Being it’s along the Delaware water gap it attracts a lot of people, especially in summer. During the day you can hear music, smell fires, see people tubing on the water, or pass by people doing day picnics near the forest office. I went in the middle of the week and all the campsite in my area were filled up. I’m normally used to having campgrounds to myself when I go since I do during off times so this was a bit of a surprise. WiFi is very spotty— I was essentially out of range the entirety of my stay. Trails are nice and well marked, and there is no fee to enter if you drive all the way down to the day area parking at the end of Old Mine Rd. Bathrooms were decently clean and had flush toilets. Showers had hot water and nice ventilation. Overall it was a nice campsite, but too busy for my liking.

  • Michael G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mongaup Pond
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Mongaup Pond

    Great Catskill Campgroud

    Really enjoyed our 2nd stay at Mongaup and will return. Good, private sites and a great pond. Facilities were clean and staff was very helpful and friendly.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rest Area I-84
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Rest Area I-84

    Safe and clean

    I stayed overnight and into the next day here and was never messed with. I felt safe as a solo woman car camper. Plenty of other people staying overnight and truckers parked so I didn’t feel isolated and afraid. The bathrooms are extremely clean and there are vending machines in the visitor center.

  • Jessica D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kymers Camping Resort
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Kymers Camping Resort

    Fun, friendly & nestled in the woods

    We stayed at Kymer's on a whim for a weekend, so we could be close to Mountain Creek for a Spartan Race. It truly exceeded our expectations in all aspects. This is a family friendly, camper-friendly place. Lots of seasonals- everyone waves, everyone stops to chat. This is what a campground should feel like. The sound of laughter and play sitting around the huge, clean pool was refreshing. Our site was Oak 10. It was level, good placement of electric water & sewer connects. Camp store has all the basics you might need. There is a brook that flows adjacent to the property. It's peaceful & magical. Pet friendly, although we didn't have our pup with us. We will be back again. I almost feel like I'm revealing a hidden gem with this post. 💎

  • Jodi B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Keen Lake Resort Campground
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Keen Lake Resort Campground

    Best camp ground ever

    Keen lake is the most cleanest friendliest family environment campsite you will ever find. Beautiful lake great fishing. Activities all day long for the children. Great general store that has everything in it that is open from sun up to sundown. The nachos and ice cream are the best. Super friendly staff. It's big they have tent sites right along the lake the lake is huge there's so much I could say but I would run out of room. I started coming here when I was four and I am now 46 years old and it is just the best place ever. It will always have a special place in our heart. Look forward every year to coming here no matter what age my kids are they all have a blast. From tent sites to RVs to cottages to glamping you name it they have it highly recommend it. Recently went camping to somewhere a little bit closer to home and it's nothing compared to here. It's like comparing Macy's to Walmart. You will never regret coming here. So pack your family up and have a great time.

  • Rui T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Triple Brook Camping Resort
    Aug. 1, 2024

    Triple Brook Camping Resort

    Not a bad place to sit and relax

    This might be my 3rd or 4th trip there. They advertise WiFi but the WiFi never works. No cable hookups. And cell service is at a minimum. Every time we go there, it’s a new excuse about the WiFi. Funny thing is, they take the time to show you your password lol.



Guide to Lake Ariel

Camping near Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania, offers a fantastic escape into nature with plenty of options for outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed adventure, this area has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "The hiking in the area was gorgeous and pet friendly," highlighting the scenic routes available for all skill levels.
  • Fishing and Boating: Enjoy the lake with fishing and boating activities. A visitor at Tobyhanna State Park Campground said, "Lots of lake front campsites, although most don't have views of the lake," indicating that while views may vary, the access to water activities is great.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A reviewer at Lackawanna State Park Campground noted, "The park is beautiful in the spring," making it a perfect time for spotting animals.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One visitor at Pickerel Point Campground mentioned, "The bathroom facilities were clean," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers enjoy the generous spacing between sites. A review from Hickory Run State Park Campground stated, "The sites were not too close together," allowing for a more private experience.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Keen Lake Resort Campground offer activities for kids. A long-time visitor shared, "Activities all day long for the children," making it a great spot for families.

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get busy and noisy. A camper at Worthington State Forest Campground expressed frustration, saying, "If you are looking for a nice peaceful getaway...this is not it."
  • Cell Service: Expect limited cell service in many areas. A visitor at Camp Taylor Campground noted, "The WiFi is a bit shotty," so plan to disconnect and enjoy nature.
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Mountain Vista Campground is open from May to October, so check availability before planning your trip.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A family at Camp Taylor Campground shared, "The kids are kids!!! They play in the creek, get dirty, build fires and hike on the premises."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A camper at Keen Lake Resort Campground appreciated the "quiet and respectful" neighbors, which can enhance the family experience.
  • Pack for Activities: Bring gear for fishing, hiking, or swimming. A visitor at Tobyhanna State Park Campground mentioned, "We might do that this summer," referring to renting boats, which is a fun family activity.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A reviewer at Mountain Vista Campground noted, "The sites are a bit small," which is something to consider when booking.
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, choose campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Pickerel Point Campground mentioned, "We tent camped in November so it was very cold," indicating that having the right setup is crucial for comfort.
  • Be Prepared for Terrain: Some campgrounds have hilly or uneven terrain. A visitor at Stokes State Forest said, "The campsites themselves are a little too close together," which can affect maneuverability for larger RVs.

Camping near Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions