Cabin camping near Scranton, Pennsylvania offers both rustic and modern options throughout the Pocono Mountains region, with elevations ranging from 800 to 2,300 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping months. Winter cabin rentals at certain locations remain available when temperatures drop to 20-30°F between December and February.
What to do
Hiking trails: Hickory Run State Park Campground provides 44 miles of trails rated from easy to difficult. "We found the 2 trails we hiked - Hawk Falls and Shades of Death trails - where were rated 'more difficult' were not bad to hike at all. We hiked both with your 2 large dogs. Both of these trails had a creek and waterfalls," reports a visitor.
Lake activities: Promised Land State Park offers multiple water recreation options for cabin guests. "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 a camper who stayed at Pickerel Point Campground.
Boulder Field exploration: Take a scenic drive through wooded areas to see this unique geological formation. "The Boulder Fields are one of the coolest places I've ever visited, partially because they were so unexpected. Don't twist an ankle, but you can play hide and seek to an extent as there are small depressions in the fields," advises one visitor to Hickory Run.
What campers like
Lakeside access: Keen Lake Resort Campground provides sites directly adjacent to water. "I stayed on a lakeside electric/water site for 5 nights in August 2020. It was SO BEAUTIFUL. 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," shares one reviewer.
Clean facilities: Mount Pocono Campground maintains well-kept bathroom facilities for cabin guests. "Cleanest campground bathouse I've ever used! Great hiking trail right from the site. Be prepared for walking up and downhill - quite the unexpected workout," notes a visitor.
Winter accessibility: Some cabins remain open year-round. "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," mentions a winter visitor to Promised Land State Park.
What you should know
Bear awareness: Take proper food storage precautions as bears are active in the region. "We were warned to be cautious about leaving food out as there have been some bear sightings," notes a camper from Hickory Run, while another reports: "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."
Seasonal availability: Ricketts Glen State Park Campground and other state parks have varying reservation windows. "The campground was about ¾ full and there was often a wait in the bathroom. Showers looked reasonable but I did not use them," reports a mid-season visitor.
Water quality: Water systems at certain campgrounds undergo testing that may affect availability. "The water had been tested earlier in the season and unsafe levels of manganese were detected. All water spigots were shut off and covered but we were told it was safe to wash our dishes and brush our teeth," reports a camper from Ricketts Glen.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational options: Lackawanna State Park Campground provides numerous child-friendly amenities. "There is plenty of space to bring lunch and have a picnic. One suggestion would be to bring a fishing rod and enjoy casting while the kids run around and play," advises a visitor.
Pool access: Several campgrounds maintain swimming pools separate from natural water features. "My kids really loved having a pool to swim in, in addition to the lake," notes a family who stayed at Keen Lake Resort Campground.
Scheduled activities: "They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day!" reports a parent from Mount Pocono Campground, which organizes regular children's programs during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Lower Lake Campground at Promised Land State Park offers varied site layouts. "We stayed in lower lake beechwood site 323. Was decent site only downside was fire pit area was very un-level for camping chairs, otherwise it's a nice wooded site with privacy," notes an RV camper.
Hookup options: Campgrounds offer varying levels of service connections. "We stayed one night when it happened to rain all evening. So, we stayed inside our camper. We did take a short walk around both camping loops in lighter rain," reports a visitor to Lackawanna State Park who appreciated the electrical hookups during inclement weather.
Seasonal rental options: Some campers establish longer-term arrangements. "People are great very well taken care of. Stay the whole season last year and will be camping there again," mentions a seasonal camper at Keen Lake Resort Campground, where many visitors establish summer-long cabin rentals.
