Camping sites near Peckville, Pennsylvania range from small family-operated properties to larger state parks within a 20-mile radius. The area sits at approximately 850 feet elevation in the western Poconos foothills, creating varied terrain with both open and heavily wooded camping environments. Weather patterns typically include warm, humid summers with temperatures reaching the mid-80s, while spring and fall camping seasons experience average temperatures between 45-65°F with occasional rain.
What to Do
Kayaking and boating: Keen Lake Resort Campground offers waterfront access with multiple boating options. "We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch. Each day we would paddle over to the swimming area on the lake. It was awesome," shares Shannon C., who visited in August.
Lake swimming: Tobyhanna State Park Campground features a beach area for swimming during summer months. A visitor notes, "The lake is very nice a little copper kind of like iced tea color but was very nice," though swimming is at your own risk as there are no lifeguards.
Hiking trails: Multiple established paths wind through the region's forests. At Lackawanna State Park Campground, you'll find "great hiking trails" according to Janet R., who adds there's "an amazing network of hiking and horse riding trails" with "tremendous variety for every camping style."
Fishing opportunities: The region's lakes support various fish species. At Frances Slocum State Park, campers can fish in the main lake, though one reviewer warns, "DO NOT take your pups to the water. There is a weird bacteria or algae currently growing in the lake, it's completely visible."
What Campers Like
Spacious wooded sites: Pickerel Point Campground at Promised Land State Park receives high marks for site quality. Kelly F. reports, "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper. The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail."
Clean facilities: Highland Campgrounds maintains well-kept bathrooms and amenities. As Jennifer R. notes, "Office is clean and a combined country store with fresh produce in the outdoor fridge and bug spray and essentials in the office area."
Family activities: Keen Lake Resort Campground organizes regular events for all ages. Mike H. shares, "They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day! The security is great and patrol to make sure quiet hours are quiet to be courteous to other campers."
Waterfront camping: Several properties offer direct water access. At Cozy Creek Family Campground, "The tent sites are right on the creek. The grounds, the little store/coffee shop and the facilities were pristine," according to Louis P., who visited in 2024.
What You Should Know
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters require preparation in this region. At Hickory Run State Park Campground, "all campers are required to keep food items in their vehicles or trailers when not at the site," as bears are regularly sighted in the area.
Site conditions vary: Frances Slocum State Park has issues at certain sites. One camper warns, "The site we stayed on was a swamp! It was terrible, I called the park office and they assured me the site was fine for tents it was NOT."
Coin-operated showers: Budget for shower usage at some campgrounds. Emily Z. notes about Keen Lake: "The bathrooms were the cleanest we've ever experienced at a campground. The showers are coin operated."
Seasonal water issues: Some lakes develop algae in summer months. Jackie F. warns about Frances Slocum: "There is a weird bacteria or algae currently growing in the lake, it's completely visible. There are advisories around about it too."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Cherry Ridge Campsites, families can enjoy "multi-site facility with many activities. Campfires permitted, fishing, row boat rental, bath house, dance hall."
Swimming options: Most state parks offer designated swimming areas. At Hickory Run State Park, there's "a lake for swimming," though families might prefer campgrounds with additional water features like Highland Campgrounds where you can "have a dip in the pool and lay in the sun."
Family-friendly loops: Request specific camping areas when booking. At Tobyhanna State Park, a camper advises, "Pet sites looked to have more space," which can be beneficial for families with animals.
Emergency preparedness: Pack for variable weather conditions. As one camper at Cozy Creek shared, "I ended up arriving 25 minutes late. I drove through 45 minutes of heavy thunderstorms," highlighting the need for rain gear and weather planning.
Tips from RVers
Electric reliability: Check amperage needs before booking. One Lackawanna State Park visitor reported, "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained."
Site selection: Choose based on your needs rather than availability. For Keen Lake, Emily Z. recommends, "Get a site on the lake. If you don't want to drive during your stay, camp on the side with the beach and pool."
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging at certain campgrounds. April L. notes about Cozy Creek, "The road in (Vacation lane) is dirt, rough and narrow," which could present difficulties for larger rigs.
Full hookup availability: Clayton Park RV Escape provides complete services for RVs. Though information is limited in reviews, one camper mentions they were "very nice and forgiving" when he had "an issue with my black water tank."
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