Camping near Pittston, Pennsylvania offers diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 600-1,500 feet throughout northeastern Pennsylvania's forests and valleys. The region's summer temperatures typically range between 70-85°F, with evening lows in the 50-60°F range. Most campgrounds are nestled around lake systems with predominantly oak and maple woodlands creating natural buffers between sites.
What to do
Kayaking on placid lakes: Frances Slocum State Park Campground features a small lake perfect for beginning paddlers. "Nice lake for kayaking but not for swimming although there is a big pool. Nice trails for hiking," notes Annette M. The park offers boat rentals for visitors without their own equipment.
Explore unique geological features: Hickory Run State Park Campground is home to Boulder Field, an unusual natural landmark. "We took a drive on 2 afternoons on a stone road through the woods to see the Boulder Field. It was a beautiful drive. We were on the lookout for bear, but only saw 3 deer," reports one camper. The boulder field spans 16 acres with rocks ranging from basketball to car-sized.
Fishing opportunities: Keen Lake Resort Campground provides accessible fishing opportunities. "The kids caught multiple sunnies and even a small perch," mentions Shannon C. The lake has designated fishing areas away from swimming zones and doesn't require a Pennsylvania fishing license since it's on private property.
Hiking waterfall trails: Ricketts Glen State Park Campground features a premier waterfall system. "This state park is just beautiful with a nice lake and beautiful trails. The campground is a bit crowded during peak season without much privacy. But this is the spot to be if you wanna hit up some trails and see some gorgeous views," explains Vika Z. The Falls Trail system features 22 named waterfalls ranging from 9-94 feet in height along a 7.2-mile loop.
What campers like
Well-maintained bathhouse facilities: Multiple campgrounds in the Pittston area receive positive feedback for their cleanliness standards. "Great for a quick one night camping stop. Clean bathroom and shower with hot water. Very clear camp site," notes Colin R. about Frances Slocum State Park.
Spacious campsites: Lackawanna State Park Campground offers notably large sites in certain areas. "The site has one potential drawback for some, no electric hookup, however most of the loop we were in and the other pet friendly loop was also electric capable. One of the biggest spots we have ever had," reports Michael.
Recreational diversity: Several parks offer multiple activity options beyond hiking. "Good camping area. The park has great hiking spots, a local pool, and a lake that you can rent boats or kayak on!!" writes Lexi about Frances Slocum State Park.
Pet-friendly options: Most state parks near Pittston offer pet-friendly camping loops. "Clean, great camp store, dog friendly loop, great hikes accessible from campground!!" notes Christa I. about Hickory Run State Park Campground.
What you should know
Bear awareness required: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage in the Pittston area. "We were warned to be cautious about leaving food out as there have been some bear sightings," shares Jennifer D. at Hickory Run. Most campgrounds require all food to be stored in vehicles when not in use.
Waterfront sites need advance booking: Tobyhanna State Park Campground has limited waterfront sites that fill quickly. "There are sites right on the lake. The bathrooms aren't the greatest but overall it's a beautiful place," notes Stephan H. Reservations for premium waterfront sites should be made 9-12 months in advance for summer weekends.
Site topography varies significantly: Frances Slocum's terrain presents challenges for tent campers in certain areas. "This campground is beautiful and has great cell service (Verizon). Bath houses are okay, showers are button showers and are freezing come prepared. The site we stayed on was a swamp! It was terrible," warns Erin M.
Seasonal water conditions: Lake water quality can change throughout the season. "DO NOT take your pups to the water. There is a weird bacteria or algae currently growing in the lake, it's completely visible. There are advisories around about it too," cautions Jackie F. about Frances Slocum during a late summer visit.
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly options: Moon Lake Recreation Area Campground in Pinchot State Forest offers affordable camping. "Camping here used to be free but now they charge $10/night. There is no electric or water hookup but the trails are nice, it's quiet, and there's a lake to fish," mentions Shannon R.
Activity planning: Highland Campgrounds balances natural and developed recreation options. "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. Office is clean and a combined country store with fresh produce in the outdoor fridge and bug spray and essentials in the office area," reports Jennifer R.
Insect preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes can be problematic, especially near waterways. "Mosquitoes and ticks can ruin a good trip, come prepared!" advises a Frances Slocum camper. Permethrin-treated clothing and enclosed tents with proper mesh are recommended for summer camping.
Campground variety: Some families prefer the more developed private campgrounds for amenities. "This family run Campground is beautiful and clean. The RV sites are spaced out nicely. There are plenty of things to do; paddle boats, row boats, swimming pool, snack bar/campstore, activities, etc," shares Charlotte D. about Keen Lake Resort Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Campgrounds differ significantly in site proximity. "The camping sites were really packed in together tightly, though," notes Natalie B. about Frances Slocum. Sites on outer loops often provide more separation between units.
Electrical systems maintenance: Some older campgrounds have infrastructure limitations. "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained," reports David about Lackawanna State Park.
Site leveling needs: Prepare for uneven terrain at some parks. "Nice level sites easy to back in rv and set up," reports John T. about Frances Slocum, but experiences vary across different loops and sites.
Road access limitations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "The road in (Vacation lane) is dirt, rough and narrow," warns April L. about Cozy Creek Family Campground. Larger RVs may want to call ahead for specific route recommendations.
