K
Kayla R.
Scout
ScoutMontrose Campground
Great location, wonderful owners
Love this campground along with the owners. They have taken good care of the property and do a wonderful job with making sure you are enjoying your time.
Camping near Luzerne, PA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The northeastern Pennsylvania landscape surrounding Luzerne features a diverse range of camping experiences within the Pocono Mountains and adjacent valleys. State parks dominate the camping scene, with Ricketts Glen State Park standing out for its 22 named waterfalls and lakeside camping options. Within a 30-mile radius, campers find Frances Slocum State Park, Hickory Run State Park, and Tobyhanna State Park, each offering electric hookups and varying levels of amenities. Private campgrounds like Cozy Creek Family Campground and Highland Campgrounds supplement the state facilities with year-round options. Most locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, while several also feature cabins, yurts, and glamping alternatives for those seeking more comfort.
Pennsylvania state parks enforce consistent regulations across campgrounds, with most operating from April through October. Cell service becomes increasingly limited in more remote areas, particularly at Ricketts Glen and Worlds End State Parks. As one camper noted, "It really does feel like you drive to the end of the world to get to this beautiful park/campground." Advance reservations are essential during summer weekends and holiday periods. Many campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption, with rangers actively enforcing quiet hours that typically run from 9 PM to 8 AM. Weather conditions can significantly impact the camping experience, with several reviewers mentioning flooding issues after heavy rainfall, particularly at creek-side sites.
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently positive feedback from visitors, with Lake Jean at Ricketts Glen and the lakes at Frances Slocum and Tobyhanna offering popular fishing and paddling opportunities. Campers frequently mention the quality of bathhouses at Pennsylvania state parks, with one visitor noting they "get an A+ for the bathhouses." Site sizes vary considerably both within and between campgrounds. A visitor to Worlds End State Park observed that "the sites are spaced a decent amount apart and are generous in size." Fall foliage draws many campers to the region, with spectacular colors typically peaking in mid-October. Wildlife sightings, including bears, are occasionally reported, with proper food storage strongly recommended at all locations.
Best Campgrounds near Luzerne (190)
1. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
"The biggest draw to this state park (which no one in Pennsylvania I spoke with seemed to know about) is the 22 waterfalls!"
"Many of the sites looked close to the road and not very private but we were in site 63 which was pretty private(though we were lucky neighboring site 62 was empty)."
from $24 - $164 / night
Check Availability2. Frances Slocum State Park Campground
"Was also an easy back in site as there’s an adjacent road (to parking and the amphitheater) right in front of it. All sites only have electric and only certain allow pets."
"Large, wooded sites, good bathhouse, nice trails close by. A little highway noise, but dark and quiet at night. Very peaceful place."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability3. Hickory Run State Park Campground
"Great location lots of hiking trails right in the park and many more close by"
"Hickory Run is in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. We had a full hook-up site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground. "
from $24 - $108 / night
Check Availability4. Moon Lake Recreation Area Campground — Pinchot State Forest
"There is no electric or water hookup but the trails are nice, it's quiet, and there's a lake to fish. There's also swimming down the Rd at a nearby creek."
"Absolutely love Moon Lake. Place has some of the best mountain bike trails in northeast pa. Camping is primitive but has spots big enough for RVs. Also. It’s free!"
from $10 / night
Check Availability5. Lackawanna State Park Campground
"The sites were a little close to each other and where we were in the park was a mixed use area. So we had an RV next to us with the Genny running all day."
"The main reason we didn't do more was the distance. We have a motorhome so we didn't have additional vehicles to get to and from places."
from $24 - $80 / night
Check Availability6. Highland Campgrounds
"This campground was very nice and had so much hiking in and around it. They were very helpful with getting us a site since it was so last minute on a holiday weekend Will be visiting again"
from $0 - $17 / night
Check Availability7. Tobyhanna State Park Campground
"We were looking for a lakeside campground with a spacious campsite that could comfortably fit two large tents and two vehicles."
"Breathtaking views from nearby trails and nearby Big Pocono State Park. The park staff were very helpful and knowledgeable about nearby trails and best places to get the most out of the views!"
from $24 - $43 / night
Check Availability8. Cozy Creek Family Campground
"Campground is based around kids, there’s a lot for them to do!"
from $17 / night
Check Availability9. Moyers Grove Campground
"The campsites were clean, adequately spaced and many positioned along side a creek. The bathhouse (hooray) was great. Recently renovated, they were extremely, clean and dry."
"There are 3 resident geese who wander around near the creek and lakes. It was too cool to use the pool while we were visiting but it was clean and well cared-for. "
10. Lehigh Gorge Campground
"Bathrooms were close by and as clean as you can expect when camping. I’d certainly go back."
"We are in a transient site which doesn't have much shade and it is close to the main road (although separated by some trees and brush). The campers and campground are very quiet. "
Drive Time
- 17 min from Scranton, PA
- 1 hr 6 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 11 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 15 min from Williamsport, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Luzerne, PA
374 Photos of 190 Luzerne Campgrounds
Jackie F.
Frances Slocum State Park Campground
Jessica B.
Moon Lake Recreation Area Campground — Pinchot State Forest
Guy M.
Lehigh Gorge Campground
katheryn H.
Cozy Creek Family Campground
Jen R.
Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
Casey L.
Red Rock Mountain Campground
Bridget D.
Hickory Run State Park Campground
Michael
Lackawanna State Park Campground
Katie S.
Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Teresa W.
Whispering Pines Camping Estates
Benjamin S.
Wanna Ruf It Campground
David B.
Tobyhanna State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Luzerne, PA
838 Reviews of 190 Luzerne Campgrounds
Stefanie K.
TravelerLackawanna State Park Campground
Quiet getaway
The state park is beautiful. The site was very nice. The park itself is very big with many activities available such as boat rentals and a swimming pool. There's also an amphitheatre which hosts specials. During our stay the only activity we made it to was the pool. The main reason we didn't do more was the distance. We have a motorhome so we didn't have additional vehicles to get to and from places. We walked to the park which according to my Fitbit was 1.5 miles away. That doesn't seem too bad until you realize it's mostly hills in both directions! We are a fairly active young family who has no problem with a bit of a walk but after that experience we decided to just spend the remainder of our trip hanging out at our site. It's a good thing we only stayed 2 nights because our 10 year old might've lost his mind with boredom if we stayed longer. Overall, the site we had was great and I'd recommend it. My husband and I may come back for a couples date weekend.
Sue B.
RangerCamp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Great lodging options and trails!
I've visited the MOC a bunch of times, and have taken training classes here also. There are campsites for tent camping, cabin stays where you can rent a whole cabin or rent a bunk in a cabin with others. There is a store as well as food options. It's a great place to visit whether you grab a meal, a bunk, or just take a hike. The Appalachian Trail crosses through here also.
- DDaniel O.Scout
Deerfield Campground — Promised Land State Park
Nice for a quick stopover
Stayed for a quick weekday overnight at a primitive site—fine spot overall. Pros: Restrooms and showers clean and in working order. Pet-friendly. Nice surroundings (though nothing extraordinary). Easy access with a sedan. Cons: most sites are very close to one another with little privacy. Fair amount of road noise. Quiet hours didn’t seem to be enforced—some folks playing music until midnight.
- AAnastasia M.Traveler
Tobyhanna State Park Campground
Awesome lakeside camping 🤩
We were looking for a lakeside campground with a spacious campsite that could comfortably fit two large tents and two vehicles. We chose Tobyhanna State Park, and it turned out to be absolutely wonderful.
We stayed at Site 113, which had plenty of space on the right side of the campsite for two large tents, with enough room to park two vehicles as well. While the campsites are fairly close to one another, most visitors come here to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet, and everyone seemed very respectful of each other’s privacy.
Just a one-minute walk from our campsite, there was a very clean restroom, hot showers, and a laundry facility. Right next to it, there was a volleyball court, as well as easy access to the lake with a boat launch and great spots for fishing.
On our very first day, the park rangers warned us that bears sometimes visit the campground, so they recommended storing all food in the car overnight. We followed their advice and had no issues.
Overall, I would give Tobyhanna State Park a perfect 10 out of 10. We had an amazing experience and will definitely be coming back!
MsTrailBlazer 🏔.RangerLocust Lake State Park Campground
Probably won't be back
Check in was a Doozy. I have never treated like that....and my friend that checked in an hour earlier got the same attitude. I have also never been to a state Park that wanted me to check in every time I drive past the station. And to top it off, anyone could park at the visitors parking lot and come through at any time. Second night, I swear drone or someone was on our site in the middle of the night. Flashed Twice. Scared at that point. Only one car at a site. Never actually saw a ranger drive through
- MMaybe I.
GuideThe Pines Campground — Promised Land State Park
Good place
We had a great campsite 038, mainly because we booked the site right next to the restroom and hoped no one would reserve the one closest to it, which ended up being the case. The neighboring campsite on the other side also became vacant, so we had plenty of privacy. Otherwise, the sites would have felt a bit cramped. The beach is about a 5-minute walk through the woods. I highly recommend taking a walk there after dark to look at the stars. It’s absolutely worth it. Shower location only near the beach and be ready to pay for it with quarters The restroom is very close from our site and clean, but it’s surrounded by trees, so it’s well hidden and never felt like a disturbance. Our site was much more secluded than most of the others. I would also recommend site 032, as it seemed even more private. Verizon barely had any service, except early in the morning and late in the evening. T-Mobile worked much better. Overall, it’s a nice campground with a beautiful lake. We really enjoyed spending time kayaking, and if you don’t have your own kayak, you can rent one there
Nicole H.TravelerTobyhanna State Park Campground
Great fishing
The foliage and trees helps it feel private although there’s someone on both sides and across from you, luckily we were alone for the weekend bc it wasn’t fully booked. Bathrooms and showers were very clean and had potable. Each campground has lake access but it’s very critter heavy so I recommend the main fishing dock area. Caught a bullhead catfish around 11 pm 8 in. Recommend small rods under 6 ft. Staff was very friendly and super easy to extend our stay another day. $50 2 nights out of state res.
- DDave H.Traveler
Hemlock Campground & Cottages
Hemlock Campground
Exceptional, clean bathrooms. Best I’ve seen. WiFi good, campsite reasonably level. Nestled in the trees, relaxing.
Guide to Luzerne
Camping near Luzerne, Pennsylvania centers around the Susquehanna River valley where elevations range from 500 to 2,000 feet throughout the region. Heavy rainfall can create challenging conditions, particularly in late spring when water levels rise. Most tent sites in the area's campgrounds require proper staking and drainage trenches due to the clay-rich soil.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: At Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, the Falls Trail offers various difficulty levels accessible from camping areas. "There are various trails for all skill levels, and pets are welcome!" says Lexi. The park features 22 named waterfalls connected by well-maintained paths.
Mountain biking opportunities: Moon Lake Recreation Area Campground offers some of the best mountain biking routes in northeastern Pennsylvania. "Place has some of the best mountain bike trails in northeast pa. Camping is primitive but has spots big enough for RVs," notes Daniel F. The trails connect directly to camping areas for easy access.
Lake activities beyond swimming: Multiple state parks offer fishing and boating alternatives to swimming. At Ricketts Glen, Lake Jean provides diverse recreation options: "Lake Jean is also right there for boating and recreation," says Meag F. Many lakes prohibit motorized boats, allowing for quieter paddling experiences.
What campers like
Renovated bathhouse facilities: Clean bathrooms and updated shower areas frequently receive positive mentions. At Lackawanna State Park Campground, the recently updated facilities stand out: "The bathhouse was clean but not adequate for 73 sites," notes one reviewer, while another found "the showers looked reasonable." Some campgrounds have limited facilities relative to capacity.
Large, private tent sites: Tent campers appreciate the spacious accommodations at certain parks. Frances Slocum State Park offers notably large sites: "We had site 44 in the Stony Point loop and it was by far the largest campsite on the property. We had a thick covered wooded area to our right and a huge grassy area to the left," says Jackie F. Site sizes vary significantly between and within campgrounds.
Year-round access options: Unlike most state parks that close in October, Cozy Creek Family Campground offers camping throughout winter months. "Campground is based around kids, there's a lot for them to do!" says Michael B. The year-round facilities provide options when state parks have closed for the season.
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Several lakes and water sources have reported issues. At Frances Slocum, one camper warned: "DO NOT take your pups to the water. There is a weird bacteria or algae currently growing in the lake, it's completely visible. There are advisories around about it too."
Bear activity regulations: Bears are active throughout the camping season, with multiple sightings reported. At Tobyhanna State Park Campground, visitors are explicitly warned: "Do not leave any food out be sure to lock up everything in car. Camp sites were nice most had plenty of trees for privacy but were still kind of close," says Erik M. Rangers actively enforce food storage rules.
Unpredictable weather patterns: The region experiences rapid weather changes, particularly in spring and fall. "We stayed one night when it happened to rain all evening. So, we stayed inside our camper," notes a visitor to Lackawanna State Park. Many tent sites require additional drainage preparation during rainy periods.
Tips for camping with families
Pool alternatives: When lake swimming isn't possible, several parks offer pool facilities. "Nice hiking trails! There is a beautiful lake and a very large pool," says Annette M. about Lackawanna State Park. Most pools operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day with lifeguards present.
Animal encounters: Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region. "We saw deer daily. There are 3 resident geese who wander around near the creek and lakes," reports a visitor to Moyers Grove Campground. Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing.
Playground facilities: Most campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "This was a terrific place if you're bringing kids. There was a nice pool and pond and I felt safe letting them roam," notes Guy M. about Lehigh Gorge Campground. Playground equipment varies in age and quality between parks.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Many of the best places to camp near Luzerne have restricted utility options. "There are no hookups at all in the park. The water had been tested earlier in the season and unsafe levels of manganese were detected," reports Lee D. about Ricketts Glen. Always confirm hookup status before arrival.
Campsite leveling requirements: RV campers frequently mention leveling challenges at area campgrounds. "Our full hookup site was large with table and fire ring, and required some leveling," notes James S. about Ricketts Glen. Bringing additional leveling blocks is recommended at most locations.
Road condition considerations: Access roads to several campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. "The road in (Vacation lane) is dirt, rough and narrow," warns April L. about Cozy Creek Family Campground. Many campgrounds have limited turn-around space, so research site access before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there secluded or private camping options in Luzerne?
Are there secluded or private camping options in Luzerne?
For campers seeking seclusion near Luzerne, Tom's Creek Boat In Campsites in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers truly remote experiences. These sites are only accessible by canoe or kayak, ensuring privacy away from crowds and road noise. Another option is Big Hollow Road Campsites in Loyalsock State Forest, which provides more isolated camping with fewer amenities but greater solitude. Both locations offer peaceful natural settings where you can enjoy camping without the distractions of crowded campgrounds, though you'll need to be prepared for more primitive conditions.
Can I find long-term or permanent campgrounds in Luzerne?
Can I find long-term or permanent campgrounds in Luzerne?
The Luzerne area has several options for extended stays. Mount Pocono Campground accommodates longer visits with full amenities including a swimming pool, on-site store, and friendly staff that make extended stays comfortable. Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground is another excellent choice for long-term camping, offering gated security and sites with water and electric hookups. For permanent or seasonal arrangements, inquire directly with these campgrounds about their specific policies, seasonal rates, and availability. Most private campgrounds in the region offer monthly rates and some have seasonal options, though state parks typically limit consecutive stays to 14 days.
What are the best camping sites near Luzerne?
What are the best camping sites near Luzerne?
The Luzerne area offers several outstanding camping options. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground stands out with its incredible hiking trails featuring 22 stunning waterfalls. The campground provides well-maintained facilities and is perfect for nature enthusiasts. Another excellent choice is Salt Springs State Park Campground, which offers a unique camping experience maintained by the Friends of Salt Springs. The park features beautiful natural surroundings with hiking opportunities. Both parks provide fire pits and picnic tables at campsites, though it's advisable to make reservations, especially during peak seasons.
What lakeside or water-access camping is available in Luzerne?
What lakeside or water-access camping is available in Luzerne?
The Luzerne region offers several water-adjacent camping options. Worlds End State Park Campground features campsites near the scenic Loyalsock Creek with a beach area for swimming and water activities. Worthington State Forest Campground in the Delaware Water Gap provides riverside camping with direct access to the Delaware River. Other options include Lackawanna State Park Campground with boat-in access sites and Promised Land State Park's Pickerel Point Campground with lakefront locations. These water-access campgrounds fill quickly during summer months, so advance reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend stays.
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