Promised Land State Park's campground areas provide diverse options for pet friendly camping near Paupack, Pennsylvania. The region sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation, creating notably cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowland areas. Fall camping offers spectacular foliage viewing from mid-September through late October, with nighttime temperatures often dropping into the 40s.
What to do
Water activities beyond swimming: At Pickerel Point Campground, visitors can enjoy crystal clear water for kayaking and boating. "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," notes Debbie W. about Pickerel Point.
Winter camping options: Several campgrounds remain open during colder months. "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," reports Mara S. at Pickerel Point Campground.
Conservation education: Educational programs run regularly during summer months. Greg S. from Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area shares: "We took the boys to learn about fish and then took them later to an amazing bear presentation given by an old timer who knows everything there is to know about bears. Learned a lot!"
What campers like
Private lakeside sites: Walk-in tent sites offer privacy and direct lake access. "We had site 157. Accessible via a path from the designated parking space to the site about 2 minute walk. Lakeside, but visibility not great due to vegetation. All sites have little trails down to the water," explains Alaina Z. from Tobyhanna State Park Campground.
Clean facilities year-round: Even during peak season, bathhouses remain well-maintained. A visitor to Lower Lake Campground Rhododendron Area notes: "Bathrooms were in good reach, and disposal areas too. Toilets were clean with nice hot showers."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area hosts diverse wildlife including bears and eagles. "We had a loop and bathhouse to ourselves once the weekend was over! The camp hosts were friendly. Lots of trails to go on. Swimming at the beach. Kayak rentals. Eagle watching," shares Heather from Lower Lake Campground Rhododendron Area.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Not all sites offer equal privacy or level ground. One camper at Deerfield Campground advises: "Sites are close together. There's really no one enforcing any rules... neighboring sites can get pretty rowdy and not much you can do about it. No playground for kids."
Seasonal limitations: Water services vary by season, with some campsites offering only electric in winter. "Open year round. Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by," notes one winter camper.
Rustic camping challenges: Some campgrounds have more rustic conditions than others. "Chunky bluestone gravel on the sites, so bring a sleeping pad! Sites have nice sizable fire pits, but they are very tall. It's difficult to cook over them," warns a visitor to Pickerel Point.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: For families with children, campgrounds with structured activities provide additional entertainment. Julie at Secluded Acres Campground explains: "This is honestly the best campground we have ever been to!! We loved it so much we went back again the next week even though it's two hours away. Such wonderful rustic sites that are absolutely secluded!!"
Biking options: Several campgrounds feature paved roads suitable for young cyclists. According to Paula R. at Pickerel Point: "Love that the road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc... We will definitely be back."
Off-season opportunities: Visiting during shoulder seasons means fewer crowds but still plenty to do. John R. notes: "We stay at Pickerel Point and Deerfield depending on season. No complaints and was pleasantly surprised they have programs for kids."
Tips from RVers
Lakefront RV sites: Some campgrounds offer premium lakefront RV sites with full hookups. "I loved being lakefront with full hook up. Such a beautiful and peaceful place," shares Stephanie C. about Otter Lake Camp Resort.
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary significantly in size and privacy. Angel A. from Lower Lake Campground Northwoods Area explains: "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."
Utility details: Varying hookup options exist across different campgrounds. Robert J. from The Pines Campground appreciates the electrical options: "I stayed for three nights in a pull through trailer site with 50 AMP and 30 AMP electric. Easy to get in and out of, nice and shady, big spaces so you were not on top of one another."
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