Several campgrounds within 25 miles of Scranton provide distinct camping experiences in the Pocono foothills. This region has elevations ranging from 745 to 1,900 feet, creating varied terrain that affects camping conditions. Summer temperatures typically range from 55°F to 85°F, with higher humidity from June through August.
What to do
Boating access for all skill levels: Keen Lake Resort Campground offers multiple watercraft options. "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," reported one visitor who stayed for 5 nights.
Dedicated dog swimming area: Pet owners can enjoy swimming with their dogs at Keen Lake. "They have a beach for swimming with your dogs," noted a camper who appreciated the pet-friendly amenities despite initially being placed at "one of the worst" sites.
Mountain biking for adventure seekers: Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort offers unique mountain terrain activities. "If you choose adventure this is the place for you, ride the ski lifts up to the top of the mountain then you get to bike down it, they have rental bikes available or bring your own," shared a camper who discovered this winter ski resort that transforms into a camping ground in warmer months.
What campers like
Privacy in heavily wooded sites: Campers appreciate areas with natural separation. "We had a thick covered wooded area to our right and a huge grassy area to the left," noted a visitor at Frances Slocum State Park Campground, who specifically recommended site 44 in the Stony Point loop as "by far the largest campsite on the property."
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Several campgrounds receive praise for cleanliness. "The bathrooms were the cleanest we've ever experienced at a campground," reported a family at Keen Lake Resort, though they noted "*The showers are coin operated."
Proximity to Delaware River: Soaring Eagle Campground offers river-based camping with spacious sites. "Great river based location (Delaware River)... sites are huge, plenty of room for 2+ family campers," mentioned one visitor who also noted the very clean bathhouse despite the overall rustic setting.
What you should know
Seasonal timing is critical: Several campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Thousand Trails Scotrun operates year-round but one visitor noted, "We came in at end of season, so pretty much everything seems closed. But, it's a beautiful campground."
Cell service variations: Coverage can be limited in mountainous areas. At Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South, a visitor reported, "Cell service is awful for AT&T and our T-Mobile gateway. Had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity."
Site spacing concerns: Some rv sites near Scranton, Pennsylvania have tightly packed layouts. "Sites are long but narrow," mentioned a camper at Timothy Lake South, while another noted that at Keen Lake Resort "You won't have a ton of privacy but you'll have space for your stuff."
Tips for camping with families
Activity schedules: Many campgrounds offer organized events. "They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day!" shared a seasonal camper at Keen Lake Resort who has made it their regular camping destination for three years.
Playground and recreation options: Facilities for children vary widely. Clayton Park RV Escape received praise for its family-friendly atmosphere: "Excellent family quiet area. Pool boats, hike, relax," according to a recent visitor.
Swimming alternatives: Having both lake and pool options proves valuable for families. "My kids really loved having a pool to swim in, in addition to the lake," noted a Keen Lake visitor who appreciated the dual swimming options, especially when the lake was crowded.
Tips from RVers
Utility management: Water pressure can vary significantly between campgrounds. At Timothy Lake South, one RVer warned, "Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi," suggesting the need for pressure regulators.
Highway noise considerations: Tri-State RV Park provides convenient highway access but with tradeoffs. "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7. Sites are on a gravel lot," reported a recent visitor who still rated it positively as a convenient overnight stop.
Year-round availability: For winter camping near Scranton, options are limited. "Open during the winter. Easy on, easy off. Lots of pull through sites," noted a winter traveler at Tri-State RV Park who appreciated the "CLEAN bathrooms, showers, laundry" despite highway noise.
