The Thompson region sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation in northeastern Pennsylvania's forest country, experiencing moderate summers and cold winters with significant snowfall. This area offers abundant woodland camping opportunities with several campgrounds remaining operational from May through October, closing during harsh winter months. Sites typically range from 30-50 feet in depth, accommodating various camping setups.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Keen Lake Resort Campground provides excellent fishing access with multiple species available. "My kids caught multiple sunnies and even a small perch," notes one camper who enjoyed paddling to the swimming area daily during their stay.
Hiking trails: Lackawanna State Park Campground features an extensive trail network. A visitor mentioned, "There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network of hiking and horse riding trails." The park maintains both easy lakeside paths and more challenging forest routes.
Water recreation: Pine Crest Campground sits directly on the Susquehanna River with boat launch access. "Very clean and right next to the river. Pool is nice... Easy accessible boat ramp," writes a reviewer who appreciated the riverside location and swimming options.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Montrose Campground receives consistent praise for its cleanliness. "The bath house... was the cleanest and nicest one I had ever seen at a campground," reports a visitor who appreciated the well-maintained facilities during their stay.
Spacious sites: Valley View Farm and Campground offers generous camping spots. "Great spots to setup your own tent as well as cabins and trailers," notes a camper who added that the "peace and tranquility" of the forest setting made it "one of the best places I've stayed all year."
Pet-specific amenities: Honesdale-Poconos KOA provides dedicated dog walking trails. A visitor reported, "We had a fantastic first camping experience for the kids (and dogs)," highlighting how the campground accommodates families with pets through thoughtful design and pet-friendly activities.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds near Thompson operate from May through October. Shady Rest Campground specifically runs "May 1 to Oct 31" according to their listing information, with limited winter availability at select locations.
Site variations: Oneida Campground & Lodge features varied terrain that can present challenges. "It is not very RV friendly as it can be challenging parking and setting up an RV," notes one reviewer who recommends careful consideration when choosing sites.
Weather considerations: The Thompson area experiences seasonal rainfall that can affect camping conditions. One camper at Keen Lake noted, "when i did go and camp out for a week near the small pond part it rained and our campsite turned into a complete mud pit," suggesting campers should prepare for potential wet conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Lakeside Campground offers a "private lake" setting perfect for families. "Really cute and affordable campground," mentions a recent visitor who appreciated the combination of wooded sites and lake access for children.
Safety features: Keen Lake Resort Campground maintains good security measures. "The security is great and patrol to make sure quiet hours are quiet to be courteous to other campers," writes a family who appreciated the structured environment for their children.
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. A visitor to Montrose Campground noted they have "a pool, fishing pond, hiking trails, mini golf, playground, large grassy areas for kids to play," making it "great for families" with multiple activity options.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some locations. A visitor to Shady Rest Campground noted, "Very hilly campground. Sites aren't level," suggesting RVers should bring adequate leveling equipment.
Electrical considerations: Check amperage availability before booking. A camper at Lackawanna State Park reported, "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained," indicating potential power limitations.
Winter accessibility: For off-season camping with pets near Thompson, limited options exist. One RVer at Pine Crest Campground shared, "We camped in late November. A few campers. Quiet and we were able to camp on the river... We were self contained. Which was best since the bath house was closed for the winter."
Ranger
