Promised Land State Park offers multiple pet-friendly campground sections with distinct characteristics catering to different camping styles. The Pines, Deerfield, and Pickerel Point campgrounds each feature tent platforms, varying levels of seclusion, and specific amenities. Sites throughout these areas remain reserved quickly during summer months, with the best lakeside locations often booking 6-9 months in advance. All campgrounds require proper food storage due to active black bear populations, with regular ranger patrols enforcing quiet hours and wildlife regulations.
What to do
Kayak fishing access points: Pickerel Point Campground provides direct water access for launching small watercraft. "Almost every campsite is close to the water. Our site had kayak access and that was a real bonus. It is a spotless facility. Evan in August it was not crowded," notes Aida K. from Pickerel Point Campground.
Little Falls Trail hikes: This moderate 1.2-mile trail features small waterfalls and rocky outcroppings suitable for families with children. "The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail. The bathrooms were clean with nice hot showers," reports Kelly F. about her experience at Deerfield Campground.
Offseason ice fishing: When temperatures drop, Promised Land State Park's lakes remain open for ice fishing. "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.
Delaware River tubing: Kittatinny Campground offers river recreation packages as add-ons to camping stays. "My college friends go here each year to meet up and we have so much fun. The group sites are great and perfect for our 30-50 people. Definitely go for the rafting/tubing package, it was the best part of the trip!" recommends Maggie K.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Some Promised Land State Park sites feature elevated wooden platforms. "We spent the night in the Promised Land State Park at Pickerel Point and it was so pretty and quiet. There was a bathroom with flush toilets nearby and the campsites were well spaced apart. Mine overlooked the water and had a gorgeous sunset," shares Carolyn M.
Lakefront walk-in sites: Slumberland at the River's Edge offers secluded waterfront camping with minimal neighbor noise. "Not near any other campers and every site is right on the water. Tons of amenities," describes Hall S. in their review of this campground.
Wildlife encounters: The region supports diverse wildlife including beaver colonies. "Pros: -beautiful new bathrooms -private lakeside walk-in sites -beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless -the Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked," notes Alaina Z. about her stay at Pickerel Point.
Winter cabin options: Several area campgrounds maintain year-round operations. "Rented a cabin in November (#009) and again in December (#008) of 2021. I favored Cabin 8, the kitchen and bathroom were separated from the main room. The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic," explains W L. from Stokes State Forest.
What you should know
Variable site terrain: Many campsites feature rocky surfaces that affect tent setup. "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," advises Alaina Z. from her experience at Pickerel Point.
Quiet hours enforcement: State park rangers regularly patrol campgrounds. "The security is great and patrol to make sure quiet hours are quiet to be courtiers to other campers that want quiet time. The bath houses are constantly being cleaned and restocked," notes Mike H. about Keen Lake Resort Campground.
Riverside campground noise levels: Some private campgrounds allow late-night activities. "A great place if you're a college kid looking to blast music and party into the late hours. Loud music blasting until 1-2am (ie: reggaeton being blasted by loud car speakers) and it picks back up by 9-10am," warns Ryan G. about Kittatinny Campground.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly across the region. "The only negative is that I had almost no cell reception with Verizon," reports Mara S. about winter camping at Pickerel Point Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: High Point State Park Campground offers structured activities for children. "I spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. The site was maybe a 50-yard walk-in and we barely heard anyone around us and had a real wilderness feel. We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake," explains Justin P.
Kid-friendly fishing spots: Multiple lakes offer shoreline fishing access. "The kids caught multiple sunnies and even a small perch. All in all, we had a great time and plan to go back next year," shares Shannon C. about Keen Lake.
Bike-friendly campground roads: Paved camping loops provide safe cycling for children. "Loved camping on Pickerel Point. Kids had a great time! Bathrooms could be cleaned more often but relatively clean. The museum and crafts were closed due to Covid so that was a bummer but we found other things to do. Love that the road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc," mentions Paula R.
Age-specific activities: Some campgrounds provide structured recreation options. "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 courtiers to other campers that want quiet time," explains Mike H.
Tips from RVers
Electric availability changes: Owego Roadside Campsites in Delaware State Forest offers free camping with some hookups. "Lots of road noise at this location. Only two spots across from each other, really nice if no ones in the other one but annoying if someone is. Great Verizon service and nearby walking trail," advises Lucy P.
Water fill station locations: Consider campground water access points when selecting sites. "Stayed in a spot without water hook up. All spigots to fill camper with water were situated just off main driving lanes resulting in a lot of congestion of cars behind us when attempting to fill tanks," warns Stan W. about The Pines Campground.
RV site privacy variations: Some loops offer better spacing than others. "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, and nice and quiet," reports Robert J. from The Pines Campground.
Dump station timing: Plan departure schedule around peak checkout times. "We stayed in the pines and it was fantastic. It rained almost the whole weekend but we still got to walk a bit. We were very close to the beach and bathrooms. Lots of wildlife to see as well!" shares Jess H.
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