Scranton's camping areas sit between 1,100 and 2,200 feet elevation across the Pocono Plateau, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the season. Spring campers often encounter morning temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than Scranton proper due to mountain elevation. Fall camping typically extends through mid-October with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 40s by late September.
What to do
Explore boulder fields and waterfalls: Hickory Run State Park Campground features unusual natural attractions within short driving distance of campgrounds. "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," reports Amber A. The boulder field access road is unpaved but passable for standard vehicles.
Kayak on serene lakes: Keen Lake Resort Campground offers direct water access from many sites. "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," writes Shannon C. For those without equipment, several campgrounds offer affordable rentals starting around $10/hour.
Winter ice activities: Some campgrounds maintain limited winter operations. "We would love to come back in the winter when they have an ice rink with a warming house," notes Michael in his review of Lackawanna State Park. Winter camping options include heated cabins at select parks, with advance reservations required during ice fishing season.
What campers like
Year-round camping options: Pickerel Point Campground at Promised Land State Park remains open through 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," explains Mara S. Off-season camping offers significantly lower occupancy rates and better site selection.
Family-friendly amenities: Clayton Park RV Escape receives consistent praise for its maintenance standards. "A well run, well staffed, facilities are excellent," states Robert H. Most family-oriented campgrounds in the region offer weekend activity schedules from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Site privacy variations: Campsites range from densely packed to relatively secluded depending on the campground and loop. "The sites in this loop were spacious and more in an open area, but we were along a wooded area which gave us some shade. It was a very quiet weekend for us as our loop was not crowded," shares Shirley M. about her experience at Hickory Run State Park Campground.
What you should know
Black bear precautions required: Multiple campgrounds report active bear populations, particularly at Tobyhanna State Park Campground. "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," reports Erik M. Campers must secure all food in vehicles rather than tents.
Shower facilities vary significantly: Many state parks operate coin-operated showers, while private campgrounds typically offer free hot water. "Bathrooms were clean enough, and they have coin op laundry which could be nice for families. They only had one utility sink to clean dishes, and the faucet was a poorly working motion sensor," notes Emilie D. about facilities at one park.
Seasonal water quality issues: Water restrictions occasionally affect campgrounds during summer months. "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," writes Lee D. about conditions at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Creek-side camping for kids: Cozy Creek Family Campground offers prime waterfront sites for families. "The tent sites are right on the creek. The grounds, the little store/coffee shop and the facilities were pristine," notes Louis P. Creek access provides natural entertainment for children with supervision required at all water sites.
Environmental education opportunities: Several campgrounds run structured learning programs. "This is an amazing state park that has something for everyone. There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating," explains Janet R. about Lackawanna State Park. Most educational programs operate weekend mornings during summer months.
Playground facilities: Equipment quality varies widely across campgrounds. "There was a large open field in the loop we camped in with a swing set on it. This was nice for families with children," observes one reviewer at Hickory Run. Highland Campgrounds features "an older but vintage playground with some of the older, older swings and sit spin," according to Jennifer R.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the mountainous terrain require leveling equipment. "Our full hookup site was large with table and fire ring, and required some leveling. Not much shade in the full hookup loop," explains James S. about his stay at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground.
Electrical capacity limitations: Some older campgrounds have limited electrical capacity. "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 Campground. RVers running multiple appliances should check with campground offices about circuit limitations.
RV-specific loops: State parks typically designate specific loops for larger rigs. "Campground has cabins and yurts, pull in sites for RV's and strictly walk in tent sites," notes David G. in his review of Lackawanna. Most campgrounds post maximum vehicle length restrictions online, with full-hookup sites limited at many state parks.
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