Best Campgrounds near Nanticoke, PA

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Nanticoke, PA has a lot to offer. Nanticoke is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Nanticoke, PA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Nanticoke, Pennsylvania (156)

    1. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    242 Photos
    547 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

    2. Hickory Run State Park Campground

    61 Reviews
    190 Photos
    506 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

    3. Locust Lake State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    84 Photos
    164 Saves
    Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    4. Frances Slocum State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    23 Photos
    90 Saves
    Shavertown, Pennsylvania
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    5. Tobyhanna State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    89 Photos
    202 Saves
    Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    6. Worlds End State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    110 Photos
    247 Saves
    Forksville, Pennsylvania

    Warm showers and flush toilets

    This activity or structure is ADA accessible.

    A 70-site tent and trailer campground is located along PA 154, one mile east of the park office. Half of the campsites have electric hookups.

    Water and shower houses are within a short distance of all sites.

    A sanitary dumping station is available for emptying travel trailer holding tanks.

    Pets are permitted at designated sites.

    The campground is closed in the winter.

    The 19 rustic cabins are available for rent year round. Rentals are for one week periods during the summer, and two-night minimum stays in the off-season.

    Organized Group Tenting

    Qualified, non-profit, organized groups can camp in the rustic group tenting area year-round.

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

    7. Knoebels Campground

    24 Reviews
    59 Photos
    88 Saves
    Marion Heights, Pennsylvania

    Turn your Knoebels visit into a family vacation by staying at the Knoebels Park Campground! After a long day of riding, playing, swimming and eating at Knoebel’s, you’ll be just steps away from the crackling campfire and your pillow. Our family campground is tucked away in a quiet forest setting, so you can get away from it all and awake refreshed and ready for more fun! Pitch your tent, park your RV or camper, or stay in one of our rustic log cabins.

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

    $59 - $160 / night

    8. Lackawanna State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    37 Photos
    87 Saves
    Fleetville, Pennsylvania
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    9. Jim Thorpe Camping Resort

    15 Reviews
    17 Photos
    116 Saves
    Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    10. Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park

    33 Reviews
    130 Photos
    291 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

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Recent Reviews near Nanticoke, PA

827 Reviews of 156 Nanticoke Campgrounds



Guide to Nanticoke

Camping near Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds, you can enjoy nature while making lasting memories with family and friends.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The trails are very well maintained. If you want to do the Falls Trail (21 beautiful waterfalls), it is quite challenging."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim at Lake Jean, which is accessible from the campground. A visitor shared, "The lake felt clean and wasn't too cold in July."
  • Fishing and Kayaking: Hickory Run State Park Campground offers great opportunities for fishing and kayaking. One reviewer noted, "Kayak rentals, fishing are some of the great water things you can enjoy."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Pickerel Point Campground said, "The bathrooms are clean and overall a wonderful experience."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Locust Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "We lucked out and got one of the waterfront tent sites. The views are pretty!"
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Keen Lake Resort Campground is known for its family-oriented environment. One long-time visitor shared, "Keen Lake is the cleanest friendliest family environment campsite you will ever find."

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Worlds End State Park Campground, have little to no cell service. A camper noted, "Awesome quiet campground with no cell phone service allowing you to really be in peace with nature."
  • Busy Weekends: Popular spots can get crowded, especially on weekends. A visitor at Worthington State Forest Campground mentioned, "If you’re looking for a place to be a recluse, this is not the campsite to go."
  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Blue Rocks Family Campground said, "The sites are spaced pretty well but are not level at all."

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. One family at Camp Taylor Campground enjoyed, "The kids immediately took to exploring the creek and woods behind our campsite."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check if the campground has a store. A camper at Knoebels Campground mentioned, "The staff is friendly, with the exception of the security... but the food is awesome."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A visitor at Hickory Run State Park Campground appreciated, "Quiet hours were strictly enforced, which we appreciated."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground noted, "There are some pull-through sites for big rigs but those don't have trees and are not private."
  • Use Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a lifesaver. A visitor at Keen Lake Resort Campground said, "The campground has a nice pool, a well-stocked store with ice cream, toys, camping supplies, and basic groceries."
  • Be Prepared for Hills: Some campgrounds have steep access roads. A camper at Camp Taylor Campground advised, "Make sure if you’re towing, you have a good tow vehicle because the hills on the way there are epic but also beautiful."

Camping near Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Nanticoke, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Nanticoke, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 156 campgrounds and RV parks near Nanticoke, PA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Nanticoke, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nanticoke, PA is Ricketts Glen State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 67 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Nanticoke, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Nanticoke, PA.

  • What parks are near Nanticoke, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Nanticoke, PA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.