Situated in Pennsylvania's scenic Endless Mountains region, camping cabins near Tunkhannock provide access to diverse landscapes including mature forests, creek valleys, and rolling hills at elevations between 500-1,200 feet. The area receives approximately 45 inches of annual precipitation with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Winter cabin camping remains available at select locations when most tent camping options close for the season.
What to do
Waterfalls exploration: 22 distinct falls at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground provide varied hiking options. "The biggest draw to this state park (which no one in Pennsylvania I spoke with seemed to know about) 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," notes a visitor.
Creek fishing: Multiple species available along the Meshoppen Creek at Slumber Valley Campground. The campsites back up directly to fishing spots. "The campsites are huge- Plenty of room for activities. The campground is family owned and operated- the employees are fantastic. We stayed right along the water! Be sure to hike to the stunning waterfalls," reports one camper.
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution in more remote camping areas. "Night time is especially beautiful, you can see tons of stars on a clear night," explains a visitor to Pioneer Campground. Areas farther from town centers offer better astronomical viewing during clear conditions, particularly during new moon phases.
What campers like
Spacious wooded campsites: Pioneer Campground offers larger-than-average sites with natural screening. "We try to get the same campsite each year because it is wooded and spacious," states one repeat visitor. Another mentions, "The sites themselves are well kept and have a big fire pit and picnic table."
Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation and forest cover maintain more comfortable conditions during summer heat waves. "When it is brutally hot, this Campground is always cool. Large shaded sites that you don't feel like your right on top of the next camper," notes a visitor to Pioneer Campground.
Proximity to hiking trails: Direct trail access from many campgrounds eliminates additional driving. "We camp here several times a year and have never had a bad experience. Great pool, lake, hiking etc.," shares a visitor to Lackawanna State Park Campground. The extensive trail networks connect to diverse natural features including waterfalls, creek valleys, and mountain vistas.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions apply at most locations. "Slumber Valley Campground operates from April 15 to October 15," while other facilities maintain different operational calendars. Winter camping options require advance planning.
Varying levels of campsite privacy exist between locations. "The sites are spaced a decent amount apart and are generous in size," notes a camper at Worlds End State Park Campground. However, others report more mixed experiences: "Nice hiking trails! The campground is a bit crowded during peak season without much privacy."
Cell service limitations affect communication in more remote areas. "No cell service, which is refreshing. The sound of the creek nearby is really soothing," mentions a visitor to Worlds End State Park. Travelers requiring connectivity should research coverage before arrival or plan to disconnect during their stay.
Rustic bathroom facilities at some locations lack modern amenities. "Bathrooms are clean, but only one shower (at least in Loop B)," reports a camper at Worlds End State Park. Another notes, "Not very clean bathrooms but still very nice for a real camper" at Pioneer Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation fields: Highland Campgrounds provides multiple play areas for children. "Whether it's nature and back roads, or wanting to have a dip in the pool and lay in the sun, this campground is the best of both worlds... Playground is also older but also gives off the vintage look with some of the older, older swings and sit spin," explains a visitor.
Activities programming: Scheduled events keep children engaged throughout their stay. "Pioneer Campground has camper sites as well as tent sites... They have a pool, soccer/baseball field and many family friendly activities. They also have a few trails for hiking," explains a reviewer who appreciated the structured recreation options.
Camping proximity to water features: Creekside or lakeside sites provide natural entertainment for children. "My kids really loved having a pool to swim in, in addition to the lake," shares a visitor to Keen Lake Resort Campground. Water access offers swimming, wading, and exploration opportunities during warmer months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Cozy Creek Family Campground offers varied site types with different amenities. "The pull through sites worked well for us, however next time we'd ask for one with a concrete patio," notes an RV camper. Site-specific attributes significantly impact setup convenience and overall comfort.
Narrow access roads at some locations present navigation challenges. "The road in (Vacation lane) is dirt, rough and narrow," cautions an RVer at Cozy Creek Family Campground. Larger rigs may require careful planning or alternative campground selection.
Limited dump station availability creates potential bottlenecks during peak departure times. "I don't believe most sites have a sewer connection, and there is only one dump station, but the owner John was going around pumping people out Sunday morning when the line to the dump station was long," reports a Pioneer Campground visitor. Morning departure planning should account for potential waiting periods.
