Stephen R.
Guide
GuideRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Camping here for many years and still love it here got it all camping trails water fall trail and lake.
Camping near Union Dale, PA
13 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Camping options near Union Dale, Pennsylvania range from established campgrounds to rustic sites, with several facilities concentrated along lakes and waterways. Shady Rest Campground offers tent and RV sites with amenities including electric hookups, water, and shower facilities, operating from May through October. Other nearby options include Valley View Farm and Campground in Waymart, approximately 10 miles south, and Oh! Pear Orchards, which provides more primitive camping experiences with limited amenities. The Poconos region surrounding Union Dale features multiple campgrounds that accommodate various camping styles from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks.
Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly by season in this part of northeastern Pennsylvania. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically closing between late October and April due to winter weather conditions. "Another nice PA state park. Large, wooded sites, good bathhouse, nice trails close by. A little highway noise, but dark and quiet at night. Very peaceful place," noted one visitor about a state park campground in the region. Travelers should verify opening dates when planning trips, as the typical camping season runs from mid-spring through mid-fall. Cell phone coverage can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly in the valleys between the region's rolling hills, making advance planning important. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holiday periods.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the region. Keen Lake Resort Campground offers direct lake access with boat-in camping options and sites suitable for everything from tents to cabins. According to reviews from The Dyrt, "The lake is very clean for a lake. This is due to the fact that the lake was drained in 2015 and refilled and restocked." Campers frequently mention the appeal of fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the area's lakes and ponds. For those seeking more secluded experiences, the mixed-use campgrounds in the region typically feature wooded sites set back from main roads. Many campgrounds in the area maintain a family-friendly atmosphere with organized activities during peak season. Wildlife sightings, including deer and various bird species, add to the outdoor experience in the densely forested surroundings.
Best Campgrounds near Union Dale (168)
1. Keen Lake Resort Campground
"I stayed on a lakeside electric/water site for 5 nights in August 2020. It was SO BEAUTIFUL. We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch. "
"We didn’t have a view of the lake, instead we were in someone’s back yard lol. It wasn’t a big deal. The site was well maintained and flat which were the most important."
2. Lackawanna State Park Campground
"The sites were a little close to each other and where we were in the park was a mixed use area. So we had an RV next to us with the Genny running all day."
"The main reason we didn't do more was the distance. We have a motorhome so we didn't have additional vehicles to get to and from places."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $90 / night
3. Honesdale - Poconos KOA
"Enjoyed walking the trails and wooded area but sprained my right ankle. So I was laid up for a few hours before I left."
4. Valley View Farm and Campground
5. Oh! Pear Orchards
"Campsites next to a beautiful stream, the best fire pits, quiet and peaceful, just enough shade to stay cool, magical setting, firewood easily accessible, close to state parks and lots of wide, open undeveloped"
"This listing has peaceful tent sites located against the creek. After reading a few of their reviews on another platform, it seems they also have some of the best firepits around. "
Check AvailabilityAvailable this weekend
from $45 / night
6. Shady Rest Campground
"The beautiful setting around is nicely within the woods. There is also a playground and the rates are hard to beat."
7. Ponderosa Pines Campground
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $60 / night
8. Oneida Campground & Lodge
"The staff is low key and blend in while working behind the scenes to make your stay a safe and great time."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $140 / night
9. Cherry Ridge Campsites and Lodging
"Nice lake for fishing . Reasonably priced breakfast on weekends . Great staff . Good utilities and clean bathrooms ."
10. Hidden Brook Glamping
Check Availabilityfrom $125 / night
Drive Time
- 33 min from Scranton, PA
- 49 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 36 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 45 min from Ithaca, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Union Dale, PA
363 Photos of 168 Union Dale Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tentrr Signature Site - The Other Place
Honesdale - Poconos KOA
Keen Lake Resort Campground
Oh! Pear Orchards
Hillside Campgrounds
Tentrr Signature Site - Daydreamin on Dyberry Creek
Hidden Brook GlampingB
Lackawanna State Park Campground
Tentrr Signature Site - Adams River Run
Soaring Eagle Campground and the Inn at Kellam's BridgeA
Pine Crest CampgroundS
Tentrr Signature Site - Lakeview Glampsite "Lakeside Lounge" (G2)
Recent Reviews near Union Dale, PA
752 Reviews of 168 Union Dale Campgrounds
Nancy W.
LegendHickory Run State Park Campground
Peaceful State Park Camping in the Fall
This is a large campground with a wide array of campsites so be careful attention when you book online, especially if you have a pet because some sites are not pet-friendly. Some are 50-amp full hook-up and some are primitive with no hook-ups.
There is a nice nature center with interesting interpretive exhibits and lots of informational brochures including ones about the hiking trails, bears, scat and tracks of local animals, and fishing. Our site was at the edge of the campground and backed up to Route 534 which resulted in a bit of road noise at our site. Other than the road noise the campground was pretty quiet and was not very crowded when we camped there in October.
Not all sites are level and we happened to book one that was not and we had to live with a slant for our stay. The roads in the park are gravel/dirt and since it rained the day we arrived the roads were a muddy mess which made the roads slippery and there were lots of potholes. Unfortunately, some campers were disrespectful and left bags of trash in the fire pit and scattered around their site which was totally unnecessary because there were dumpsters plenty of dumpsters in the campground. Since we camped at Hickory Run late in the season, there were no camp hosts and the trash never got picked up.
The campground is open from mid-April to mid-December; however, the shower facilities and dump station are not available after the third week of October so plan accordingly. We really like the hiking trails which are of varying degrees of difficulty and lengths. The Hawk Falls is a nice easy walk (1.4 miles round-trip) to a waterfall but is extremely popular so don’t think you will be admiring the falls alone. The parking lot at this trail head fills up fast so you better get there early if you want to get a spot.
You can enter the park from two different directions. If you have a big-rig, it is best to approach from the east side. We made the mistake of coming in from the west side as we dropped down from I-80 and came down 534 and the road was really windy with no shoulder. Luckily, there was very little traffic so we could go 10 mph and safely navigate the roads.
Be aware alcohol is not allowed in PA state parks. This park does allow hunting in certain sections of the park. The no-hunting areas are clearly marked with white no hunting signs on trees and you can also pick up a brochure from the office that designates hunting and no-hunting sections.
- fferrall D.
ScoutAlder lake
October leaves starting to fall makes for a very quiet, peaceful midweek evening in one of the two dispersed car camping sites. Exactly what I was hoping for - private and empty and lovely. Easy to find - two dispersed car sites are to the left at the fork in the road before the trailhead.
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.LegendRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Beautiful Falls!
What a great campground! We stayed here on a recommendation from a friend after the Overland Expo. Great hiking trails and the falls were absolutely breathtaking. Truly enjoyed our stay and plan to return!
- WWill W.Guide
Lackawanna State Park Campground
Car camping
Stayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
Daniel C.ScoutHillside Campgrounds
Stay away... Unless you like 70 y/o men acting like high schoolers
This clothing-optional campground has a highly toxic, intrusive, and vindictive environment. During my stay, the seasonal permanent residents('perms') subjected me to intense harassment, inappropriate sexual advances, and severe social retaliation/rumor-spreading when those advances were rejected. The situation escalated to the point where an employee had to intervene for my safety. Furthermore, despite management allowing my photo to be taken in costume at a party, I was intentionally blocked from the community group where the photos were posted, leaving me unable to monitor how my image was being used. Avoid this place if you value your privacy, personal boundaries, and safety.
Thomas B.
RangerNeversink River Resort
Cool Riverside Campground
I'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
Kathy L.RangerHickory Run State Park Campground
Beautiful forest
Gorgeous forested area in the Poconos. We stayed on the Rattlesnake Loop which was lovely. Sites not super private but most nestled in trees. The only bummer was that that Campground Loop didn’t have any direct links to the trail network and was far from it. The other Campground Loop was closer to trails and office. Would return!
- KKelly B.Guide
Little Pond Campground
Nice quiet lil campground
We went the 2nd week of October and seems like we had just missed the foliage peak but it was still beautiful.
Everyone minded their business and most sites were 2-4 people, showers were clean and warm but the kind where you gotta push the button every 30 seconds. Toilets were clean and running smoothly (we were in the southernmost loop, closest to the camp office)
No cellphone reception but we could get satellite signal to text our loved ones that we were alive and well!
We loved the hiking and especially kayaking on the pond
Guide to Union Dale
Camping sites near Union Dale, Pennsylvania offer visitors a mix of woodland and lakeside options spanning across the northeastern Pocono region. The area sits at approximately 1,700 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures averaging in the 70s during peak camping season from June through August. Most campgrounds in this region remain open from late April through mid-October, with limited winter accessibility due to snow accumulation that can reach 50+ inches annually.
What to do
Kayaking and paddleboarding on Keen Lake: Keen Lake Resort Campground offers direct lake access with rental equipment available. "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," shares Shannon C., who enjoyed a 5-night stay at Keen Lake Resort Campground.
Hiking forest trails: Lackawanna State Park offers a network of hiking trails through mature forests. "We camp here several times a year and have never had a bad experience. Great pool, lake, hiking etc.," notes William R. about Lackawanna State Park Campground, which provides well-marked trails for day hikes.
Fishing opportunities: Local waterways support various fish species, with stocked lakes offering reliable catches. "The kids caught multiple sunnies and even a small perch," reports one camper who enjoyed shoreline fishing at Keen Lake. Seasonal fishing regulations apply, with Pennsylvania fishing licenses required for anglers 16 and older.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention clean facilities at campgrounds near Union Dale. "The bathrooms were the cleanest we've ever experienced at a campground," reports Emily Z. about her stay at Honesdale - Poconos KOA, located about 15 miles from Union Dale.
Family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer organized programs and recreation options. "Very beautiful area. There are plenty of things to do; paddle boats, row boats, swimming pool, snack bar/campstore, activities, etc.," notes Charlotte D. about Keen Lake Resort Campground, highlighting the range of options available for families.
Peaceful camping environment: The wooded settings create quiet camping experiences. "One of the best places I've stayed all year. Great spots to setup your own tent as well as cabins and trailers. My daughter and I highly recommend this campground to anyone who loves the forest and the peace and tranquility that comes along with it," shares Steve about his experience at Valley View Farm and Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most Union Dale area campgrounds close for winter. "We stayed one night when it happened to rain all evening. So, we stayed inside our camper. The swimming beach looked nice. They do have boat rental," notes Amy V. about Lackawanna State Park, which operates from the second Friday in April to the third Sunday in October.
Campsite privacy varies widely: Site spacing and privacy differ significantly between campgrounds. "The sites are spaced out nicely," mentions Charlotte D. about Keen Lake, while others note more crowded conditions at certain locations. Shady Rest Campground in Union Dale offers "a beautiful setting around is nicely within the woods" according to Kasey M., though reviews mention "sites aren't level" due to the hilly terrain.
Reservations essential: Campgrounds fill quickly during peak summer months. "We were Motorcycle camping and came in on a Holiday weekend without a reservation. But we were given a terrific tent site," shares Guy M. about Lackawanna State Park, though this experience is uncommon during busy periods when advance booking is recommended.
Tips for camping with families
Check activity schedules: Many campgrounds offer supervised programs. "They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day!" explains Mike H. about Keen Lake Resort Campground, making it worth reviewing event calendars when planning your stay.
Consider creek-side camping: Water features provide natural entertainment for children. "Campsites next to a beautiful stream, the best fire pits, quiet and peaceful, just enough shade to stay cool, magical setting," shares Heather T. about her family's experience at Oh! Pear Orchards, noting it was "one of our favorite spots" after camping across the entire country.
Look for playgrounds and pool options: Recreation facilities enhance family camping experiences. "There is also a playground and the rates are hard to beat," mentions Kasey M. about Shady Rest Campground, while other nearby campgrounds offer swimming pools and organized recreation areas.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV campers should research site specifications before booking. "Stayed in the fairly new ledges loop that are all full hookup sites. Nice large sites, beautiful area, friendly rangers," shares Cheryl M. about Lackawanna State Park Campground, highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate locations.
Terrain challenges: The hilly terrain affects campsite leveling. "Very hilly campground. Sites aren't level," warns James P. about Shady Rest Campground, suggesting RVers bring additional leveling blocks when camping in the Union Dale area.
Utility reliability varies: Electric service quality differs between campgrounds. "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained," cautions David about his experience at Lackawanna State Park, suggesting campers bring surge protectors and be prepared for potential electrical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Union Dale, PA?
What camping is available near Union Dale, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Union Dale, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 168 campgrounds and RV parks near Union Dale, PA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Union Dale, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Union Dale, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Union Dale, PA is Keen Lake Resort Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Union Dale, PA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Union Dale, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Union Dale, PA.
What parks are near Union Dale, PA?
What parks are near Union Dale, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Union Dale, PA that allow camping, notably Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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