190 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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 $20 - $92 / night
Check Availability"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 $20 - $48 / night
Check Availability"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 $20 - $72 / night
Check Availability"A one mile walk gets you to the lake. They have a covered pavilion with plenty of picnic tables. My site is large with plenty of trees providing shade. The outhouse is a bit of a walk."
"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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 $20 - $79 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"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 $20 - $43 / night
Check Availability"Campground is based around kids, there’s a lot for them to do!"
from $17 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"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. "
ScoutWas my first ever camping trip with a travel trailer. Site was very clean and well maintained and staff was friendly and great to deal with. Pull through sites (section K) was a little tight - maybe that’s the norm, don’t have anything to compare to but some awnings were near the neighboring camper. Overall, awesome experience.
LegendJust a few others here so it is quite peaceful. A one mile walk gets you to the lake. They have a covered pavilion with plenty of picnic tables. My site is large with plenty of trees providing shade. The outhouse is a bit of a walk. Garbage cans are inside it. I haven’t seen a water source but it might be around.
GuideI got there late in the afternoon and the place remained busy with people coming and going until well after dark. By 10, it finally settled down and no one bothered me the rest of the night.
RangerWe stayed here during a road trip from CT to WA and back. This was our first dispersed campsites of the trip and we really enjoyed it here. We camped in our van, and we were impressed that there were 2 bathrooms at the camp and more porta potties by the lake. Enjoyed hiking with our pups in this pretty area, and found some geocaches too!
RangerWe camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
RangerWe booked a cabin at the last minute and were pleasantly surprised that the cabin had heat and electricity! It was very close to the awesome heated bathroom also! We were also able to catch a beautiful sunset! Great camp all around!
TravelerAnother great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
RangerWe came here 4th of July weekend, and this is one of the things I love about these sites...they had availability! Our site was very big, and was perfect with sone shade and also lots of sun!
RangerOur travel trailer and our friends' pop up both fit on this site with no problem. The only issue we had is that there is a bit of a ditch that turns to mud after a rain. We were off the beaten path so very little traffic. There was a bathroom with pit toilets down the street. Plenty of places to hike and fish also. We loved it here!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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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