Promised Land State Park serves as the centerpiece for camping spots near Paupack, Pennsylvania. The park encompasses more than 3,000 acres of forested land at approximately 1,800 feet elevation in the Pocono Mountains, creating cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Campgrounds throughout the region typically operate from April through October, with many sites requiring advance reservations during peak summer months.
What to do
Lake activities: kayaking and fishing: At Pickerel Point Campground, visitors can launch kayaks directly from lakefront sites. "Certain sites allow pets. My favorite site does, plus I can launch my kayak right from there!" notes Nancy L. The clear water makes for excellent fishing conditions.
Hiking trails: varied difficulty levels: Multiple trails wind through the Promised Land State Park area. The Conservation Island trail receives particular praise for its accessibility. According to Carolyn M., "There was a beach nearby that was an excellent place to gaze at the stars." Little Falls Trail is recommended for families with children.
Winter recreation: ice fishing: Some camping areas near Paupack remain open during winter months. A visitor to Pickerel Point noted, "This was my second visit in the cold months. Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers. The park is large with many hiking trails and ice fishing."
What campers like
Privacy at select sites: Secluded Acres Campground delivers on its name promise with well-spaced camping spots. Julie reports, "Such wonderful rustic sites that are absolutely secluded!! Love it and just wish it was open all year round!"
Clean facilities: Bathhouses at many campgrounds near Paupack receive consistent praise for cleanliness. At Lower Lake Campground Rhododendron Area, Mohamed A. observed, "Toilets were in good reach, and disposal areas too. There's a small trail called Little Falls Trail, that helped us get close to nature. Well maintained area."
Wildlife viewing: The Paupack region supports diverse wildlife populations. Bear sightings are common enough that campers should take precautions. One visitor noted, "Because of the info from the presentation, she wasn't afraid and stood still, waiting for him to go on his way." Deer frequently visit campgrounds, especially at dawn and dusk.
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: Several campgrounds actively manage bear interactions. At The Pines Campground, a camper reported, "During the July stay, there were reports of young orphaned bear cubs in the campsite area and we were asked to stow our food safely in a vehicle."
Seasonal water access: Water spigots may be limited at certain times. A Pickerel Point visitor advised, "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by." This is especially important for off-season campers when some facilities may be winterized.
Site conditions vary widely: Campsite quality differs significantly between areas. At Deerfield Campground, Imke R. observed, "The sites are on top of each other and it was very full on a Saturday night. But neighbors were nice and the bathrooms were very clean. The site itself was pretty small."
Tips for camping with families
Paved roads for kids' activities: Keen Lake Resort Campground offers infrastructure that supports family activities. Paula R. shared, "Love that the road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc... We will definitely be back."
Educational programs: Environmental education represents a significant benefit for families camping in the Paupack area. Ranger-led programs about local wildlife and ecology occur regularly during summer months.
Swimming options: Multiple swimming areas exist throughout the region. According to Debbie W., "This place is absolutely stunning. The lake is crystal clear and the beach is spotless. You absolutely have to bring a kayak/inflatable boat, but if you don't own one, don't worry, you can rent one."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Deerfield Campground offers different utility connections across its camping areas. A reviewer noted, "There are several different camping areas within the park. Some areas are pet friendly while others are not. Some sites have hookups while others are primitive."
Dump station timing: Plan for potentially busy dump stations, especially during checkout times. "Big line at dump station when we were leaving," reported one camper. Midday weekday departures generally encounter shorter lines.
Site selection for larger rigs: For RVs and trailers, campers recommend specific areas. Angel A. explained, "Big sites with 30 amp service available for RVs and trailers. Each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring with an adjustable grate. The pull-through sites don't offer much in the way of privacy, but that's the trade off for convenience."
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