The Lackawanna Valley region near Peckville sits at approximately 750 feet above sea level in northeastern Pennsylvania's Appalachian Mountains. Summer temperatures typically range between 60-85°F with higher humidity levels, while winter camping means preparing for temperatures that can drop below freezing. Fall camping is particularly popular due to the vibrant foliage displays throughout the heavily wooded campgrounds in the region.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Tobyhanna State Park Campground has a substantial reservoir with easy access points. "I spent the night in the Promised Land State Park at Pickerel Point and it was so pretty and quiet... My site overlooked the water and had a gorgeous sunset. There was a beach nearby that was an excellent place to gaze at the stars," shares Carolyn M.
Hiking trails: The Frances Slocum State Park trail network offers options for all skill levels through mature forests. "The park has great hiking spots, a local pool, and a lake that you can rent boats or kayak on," explains Lexi from her visit to Frances Slocum State Park Campground.
Water activities: Keen Lake Resort provides multiple water-based recreation options beyond just swimming. "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," writes Shannon C. about her stay at Keen Lake Resort Campground.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Highland Campgrounds offers well-separated sites in a natural setting. "Whether it's nature and back roads, or wanting to have a dip in the pool and lay in the sun, this campground is the best of both worlds," notes Jennifer R. who visited Highland Campgrounds.
Clean facilities: Pickerel Point Campground at Promised Land State Park maintains high standards for their bathhouses. "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper. The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail. The bathrooms were clean with nice hot showers," reports Kelly F. about her experience at Pickerel Point Campground.
Year-round access: Some campgrounds in the area remain open during winter 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," explains Mara S. about winter camping at Pickerel Point.
What you should know
Bear activity: The Peckville area has significant black bear populations requiring proper food storage. "We were warned at check in that there have been a lot of bears in the area but never really thought that we would see one. As soon as we got to our site one came right up as we were setting up our tent. Do not leave any food out be sure to lock up everything in car," advises Erik M. from his stay at Tobyhanna State Park Campground.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Peckville: Some sites have restrictions on pet locations. "The pet-friendly loops are located within the wooded areas and the sites appear closer together," notes Shirley M. about Hickory Run State Park, adding that campers should "follow the bear rules!"
Site variations: Campsite quality can vary significantly within the same campground. "We had site 44 in the Stony Point loop and it was by far the largest campsite on the property. We had a thick covered wooded area to our right and a huge grassy area to the left," shares Jackie F. about Frances Slocum State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Cherry Ridge Campsites offers family-centered programming. "Multi site facility with many activities. Campfires permitted, fishing, row boat rental, bath house, dance hall. Country kitchen has breakfast and lunch on Saturday, breakfast only on Sunday," Beverly J. mentions about Cherry Ridge Campsites.
Swimming options: Consider campgrounds with multiple water recreation choices. "My kids really loved having a pool to swim in, in addition to the lake," says Emily Z. about Keen Lake Resort, also mentioning they have "a beach for swimming with your dogs."
Playground access: Some campsites include play equipment for children. "There is a large open field in the loop we camped in with a swing set on it. This was nice for families with children," observes Shirley M. about Hickory Run State Park.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Lackawanna State Park offers comprehensive services. "Stayed in the fairly new ledges loop that are all full hookup sites. Nice large sites, beautiful area, friendly rangers," writes Cheryl M. about her RV experience at Lackawanna State Park Campground.
Site selection considerations: At Cozy Creek Family Campground, certain sites offer better amenities. "The pull through sites worked well for us, however next time we'd ask for one with a concrete patio," advises April L., also warning about "The road in (Vacation lane) is dirt, rough and narrow."
Arrival timing: Some campgrounds have strict check-in policies. At Clayton Park RV Escape, an RVer notes, "Even though I had a boo boo, they were very forgiving, after I explained that I had a brand new RV and it had an issue with my black water tank. They called to let me know, and I was able to get it fixed under warranty from my dealer."
