Cabin camping near Luzerne, Pennsylvania offers rustic accommodations within the northeastern Pennsylvania mountain terrain. The area sits at approximately 700 feet elevation in the Wyoming Valley, with surrounding mountains reaching 1,500-2,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F while winter months often drop below freezing with significant snowfall, affecting seasonal campground operations and access.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: Two popular trails at Hickory Run State Park Campground include Hawk Falls and Shades of Death trails. "Many hiking trails (44 miles of trails). They are rated from easy to difficult. We found the 2 trails we hiked - Hawk Falls and Shades of Death trails - where were rated 'more difficult' were not bad to hike at all," notes one camper.
Visit Boulder Field: This natural phenomenon at Hickory Run provides a unique geological experience. "The Boulder Fields are one of the coolest places I've ever visited, partially because they were so unexpected. Don't twist an ankle, but you can play hide and seek to an extent as there are small depressions in the fields," shares a visitor.
Kayak on local lakes: Frances Slocum State Park Campground offers water recreation options. "A nice lake where you can rent boats or tie up your own right on the lake near the campground. Just the right size lake for kayaking," reports one camper who enjoyed the water activities.
Disc golf: Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort features a complete course for disc golf enthusiasts. "If your into Disc golf this place has that too," mentions a visitor who appreciated the recreational options available beyond hiking and water activities.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate secluded spots at Thousand Trails Scotrun where full hookups are available in a forested setting. "We came in at end of season, so pretty much everything seems closed. But, it's a beautiful campground and the part of PA is great too," notes one fall visitor.
Clean facilities: Clayton Park RV Escape receives consistent praise for maintenance. "A well run, well staffed, facilities are excellent. Will return," states one satisfied camper about this Lake Ariel camping option.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to spot local fauna. "We saw deer daily. There are 3 resident geese who wander around near the creek and lakes," reports a camper at Moyers Grove Campground, highlighting the natural setting.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds feature fishing ponds or lake access. "Nice lake for fishing. About an hour from a motorbike riding park," mentions a visitor at Robin Hill Campground, noting the recreational variety available.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds close during winter months. "Timothy Lake South operates from May 1 to October 31," though some properties like Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort remain open year-round. A camper notes, "We visited in fall so we had the entire place to ourselves."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly across the region. "Cell service for most providers is practically non-existent. I understand this is not the park's fault and some would say that this is 'real' camping-- try telling that to the two millennials that were staying with us," explains a Timothy Lake South visitor.
Terrain challenges: Mountain roads require careful driving. "Navigation requires careful planning due to mountain terrain," with some campgrounds situated on hills. "The campground is called Robin HILL for a reason. You will get you exercise walking to the pond, pool, capstone or basketball courts," warns one camper.
Site conditions: Ground saturation can occur after rainfall at some locations. "Sites are swampy if they've had rain! Took us over two hours to disconnect because of mushy, muddy site!" cautions a Robin Hill Campground visitor, highlighting the importance of site selection.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Robin Hill Campground offers designated play areas. "The playground was luckily right across from us up on the hill. They also have a Frisbee golf course on site," reports a family that appreciated the recreational options for children.
Swimming options: Several parks feature pools for summer enjoyment. "The pool was very nice and refreshing. I liked how the kid area wrapped around and connected to the deeper end," notes a family at Robin Hill Campground.
Organized activities: Some campgrounds schedule family-friendly events. "The activity director organized a nice continental breakfast, free chair massages, and raffled off manicure and pedicures. They had an art activity for the children, BINGO on Friday night, and a live band on Saturday night," shares a camper describing the programming at Robin Hill.
Wildlife education: Frances Slocum State Park offers nature learning opportunities. The park features hiking trails where families can observe local ecosystems, though one visitor cautions, "Mosquitoes and ticks can ruin a good trip, come prepared!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Stonybrook RV Resort offers premium back-in sites with amenities. "The concrete pad/patio with Breeo smokeless fire pit, Adirondack chairs, and metal patio table and chairs made a great setup," shares an RVer who appreciated the upgraded site features.
Entry challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access points. "The entrance made for a challenging entry up a steep grade, narrow roadway, and sharp turn in. I made it without problems, but it wasn't easy in a 45' motorhome towing a Jeep," warns an RVer at Stonybrook.
Water pressure: Timothy Lake South has unusually strong water flow. "Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi," notes one RVer, suggesting campers should use pressure regulators.
Electrical service: Most parks provide 50-amp service, but availability varies. "The sites in this loop were spacious and more in an open area, but we were along a wooded area which gave us some shade," reports a visitor at Hickory Run State Park, describing their full hookup experience.
