The Northeastern Pennsylvania region surrounding Shavertown sits within the Endless Mountains at elevations ranging from 850 to 1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach highs in the mid-80s while winter brings snow and freezing temperatures. The area features both densely wooded forests and open lakes, with terrain that varies from flat lakeshores to moderate hills along hiking trails.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 22 falls accessible in one trail. At Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, hikers can experience an exceptional concentration of cascades. "The biggest draw to this state park is the 22 waterfalls! We saw 18 of them on a four-mile moderate hike, but if you want to see the additional four, you could make it a seven-mile hike. The trails are very well marked," notes Lee D.
Kayaking and canoeing: Separate shore access. Tobyhanna State Park Campground provides designated water entry points for paddle craft. "The lake is nearby and doesn't get crowded. There's a separate shore for kayaks and canoes to enter the lake," explains Marlaina M. The park centers around its lake with multiple access points for non-motorized watercraft.
Mountain biking: Trails available for all skill levels. Moon Lake Recreation Area in Pinchot State Forest maintains an extensive trail network. "Place has some of the best mountain bike trails in northeast pa. Camping is primitive but has spots big enough for RVs," writes Daniel F. The trail system offers routes ranging from beginner-friendly paths to more technical sections with root systems and moderate climbs.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Recently renovated bathhouses. Moyers Grove Campground receives consistent praise for its maintenance. "The bathhouse was great. Recently renovated, they were extremely clean and dry," reports Jim B. The facilities include hot water showers and are regularly maintained throughout the day.
Spacious waterfront sites: Creek-side camping. Campsites at Moyers Grove offer creekside locations with natural sound barriers. "There were plenty of sites with full hookup, some tent sites with electric, and a beautiful creek that ran along the lower sites," notes Debbie H. These water-adjacent sites typically measure 30-40 feet in length with level gravel pads.
Wildlife viewing: Natural habitats preserved. Lackawanna State Park Campground maintains natural areas where animals frequently appear. "We camp here several times a year and have never had a bad experience. Camp host is always most helpful and the park is always clean and well maintained. Great pool, lake, hiking etc.," comments William R. Morning and evening hours provide optimal wildlife spotting opportunities.
What you should know
Variable site privacy: Consider location carefully. Sites can range from open to secluded depending on the campground loop. "Site was pretty nice, but there is very little privacy as the sites are so close to each other. Also no service (Verizon)," reports T K. about Ricketts Glen. At other parks, the older loops typically provide more tree coverage and separation.
Bear activity: Proper food storage mandatory. This region has significant black bear populations requiring vigilance. "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," warns Erik M. about his Tobyhanna experience. Campers must store all food items in vehicles or hard-sided containers.
Limited cell service: Plan for offline activities. Many campgrounds have spotty or nonexistent coverage. "Be advised that there was no cell service or internet for AT&T users. (Verizon did have some service.) Also, there is no cable and our antennae was unable to pick up any TV channels," explains Becca U. about Moyers Grove Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Boulder field exploration: Natural geological feature. Hickory Run State Park Campground offers a unique attraction for kids. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," describes Mike M. The boulder field spans approximately 16 acres and requires about a 30-minute drive from the campground area.
Kid-friendly programming: Organized activities available. Frances Slocum State Park offers environmental education. "This is an amazing state park that has something for everyone. There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network if hiking and horse riding trails," says Janet R. about Lackawanna, which offers similar programming to Frances Slocum.
Multiple swimming options: Pools and natural water. Campgrounds in the area provide various water recreation choices. "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," shares Vika Z.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup distances: Bring extra-long hoses. Some sites have unusual configurations requiring additional equipment. "Make sure you have a LONG water hose. We actually had to buy a 50 foot hose in the camp store to accommodate the distance to the spigot," advises Becca U. Standard 25-foot hoses prove insufficient at certain campsites.
Limited full-hookup availability: Book early. Frances Slocum State Park Campground and other parks have restricted numbers of premium sites. "Nice level sites easy to back in rv and set up," notes John T. Reservation windows open 11 months in advance, and summer weekends typically fill 4-6 months ahead for full-hookup locations.
Pet-friendly camping areas: Designated loops available. For those seeking pet friendly camping near Shavertown, Pennsylvania, specific sections accommodate dogs. "All sites only have electric and only certain allow pets. Dump station had easy access and bathrooms weren't great but wasn't the worst I've seen either," explains Jackie F. Campgrounds typically designate certain loops or sections as pet-friendly rather than intermixing throughout the park.
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