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 Waverly, PA
25 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Northeastern Pennsylvania's landscape around Waverly provides diverse camping experiences within a short drive, from state parks to private resorts. Lackawanna State Park Campground, just minutes from Waverly, offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts around a 198-acre lake. Within a 30-minute radius, campers can access Keen Lake Resort Campground in Waymart with lakeside sites and full amenities, or Frances Slocum State Park Campground near Wyoming with more rustic accommodations. The region's camping options extend into the Pocono Mountains to the southeast, where Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park feature additional lakeside camping with varying levels of development and privacy.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from mid-April through mid-October, with limited year-round options like Cozy Creek Family Campground in Tunkhannock. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many state parks having minimal coverage. As one camper at Worlds End State Park noted, "We had zero cell service, but firewood was available on the honor system with trail maps conveniently located nearby." Pennsylvania state parks enforce strict quiet hours (typically 9pm-8am) and many prohibit alcohol consumption. Ticks and mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months, particularly near lakes and streams. Campers should prepare for variable weather conditions, as the region experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, especially in spring and fall.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with lakeside sites at Keen Lake Resort being particularly popular. "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," reported one satisfied camper. Site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds and even within different loops of the same park. Frances Slocum State Park features "large, wooded sites, good bathhouse, nice trails close by," according to one reviewer, while others mention that Tobyhanna State Park has sites that are "too close together" despite beautiful scenery. Fall foliage season draws significant crowds, with one camper describing the experience as "breathtaking views from nearby trails" with "being able to wake up lakeside up in the mountain" as a treasured experience.
Best Campgrounds near Waverly (188)
1. 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
2. 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."
3. Frances Slocum State Park Campground
"Was also an easy back in site as there’s an adjacent road (to parking and the amphitheater) right in front of it. All sites only have electric and only certain allow pets."
"Large, wooded sites, good bathhouse, nice trails close by. A little highway noise, but dark and quiet at night. Very peaceful place."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $48 / night
4. Cozy Creek Family Campground
"Campground is based around kids, there’s a lot for them to do!"
Check Availabilityfrom $17 / night
5. Highland Campgrounds
"This campground was very nice and had so much hiking in and around it. They were very helpful with getting us a site since it was so last minute on a holiday weekend Will be visiting again"
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $100 / night
6. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
"The biggest draw to this state park (which no one in Pennsylvania I spoke with seemed to know about) is the 22 waterfalls!"
"Many of the sites looked close to the road and not very private but we were in site 63 which was pretty private(though we were lucky neighboring site 62 was empty)."
10 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $15 - $92 / night
7. Clayton Park RV Escape
8. Hickory Run State Park Campground
"Great location lots of hiking trails right in the park and many more close by"
"Hickory Run is in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. We had a full hook-up site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground. "
61 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $72 / night
9. Tobyhanna State Park Campground
"We were looking for a lakeside campground with a spacious campsite that could comfortably fit two large tents and two vehicles."
"Breathtaking views from nearby trails and nearby Big Pocono State Park. The park staff were very helpful and knowledgeable about nearby trails and best places to get the most out of the views!"
4 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $43 / night
10. Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park
"Pros: beautiful new bathrooms -private lakeside walk-in sites -beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless -the Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked."
"Some sites are right on the lake, just put the kayak on the shore, and you're ready for an early morning paddle."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $44 / night
Drive Time
- 16 min from Scranton, PA
- 50 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 24 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 38 min from Elmira, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Waverly, PA
410 Photos of 188 Waverly Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
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Recent Reviews near Waverly, PA
808 Reviews of 188 Waverly Campgrounds
- RRussell A.
Scout100 Mile View Camping
What a great place. So unique! Love the view, and a great experience! There are no hook ups, so be prepared but if you are looking for the dispersed camping experience you have found it. What a gem!
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.
Tony F.Guide100 Mile View Camping
The best views
This is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
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.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Council Cup Campground
Better than nothing
Small campground with rude owner. Everything I asked about was putting her out. It was cheap though at $36 for water and electric with a military discount.
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.
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!
Guide to Waverly
Campgrounds surrounding Waverly, Pennsylvania provide a mix of recreational facilities in wooded settings. Lackawanna State Park Campground, located 10 miles north of Scranton, offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, yurts, and glamping options within a forested environment alongside a lake. Other nearby options include Highland Campgrounds in Dalton and Cozy Creek Family Campground in Tunkhannock, both offering cabin camping alongside traditional tent and RV sites. The Pennsylvania state parks in the region, including Ricketts Glen and Frances Slocum, maintain developed campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and natural settings.
The camping season in northeastern Pennsylvania typically runs from April through October, with most state parks opening the second Friday in April and closing the third Sunday in October. Private campgrounds like Highland and Cozy Creek offer longer seasons, with some remaining open year-round. "This is a really nice state park. Stayed just one night, but the campsites were in the woods and well separated," noted one visitor about Lackawanna State Park. Site selection varies by park, with some offering spacious, shaded sites while others place campsites closer together. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. Cell service is generally available throughout the region, though coverage may vary in more remote areas.
Campers consistently highlight the wooded settings and lake access available at several parks. Lackawanna State Park features hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and boat rentals, making it popular for families. One camper reported, "The tent sites are right on the creek" at Cozy Creek Family Campground, emphasizing the appeal of waterfront camping. Many campgrounds provide a mix of full hookup sites for RVs alongside more primitive options for tent campers. Several reviews mention clean facilities and well-maintained grounds as standout features. The proximity to lakes and creeks remains a significant draw, with fishing and swimming available at many locations. While some sites offer significant privacy in wooded settings, others may have less separation between camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Waverly campgrounds?
What amenities are available at Waverly campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Waverly offer diverse amenities to suit different camping styles. Mount Pocono Campground features extensive facilities including a huge swimming pool, toddler pool, and on-site store. Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground is a gated property with water and electric hookups even at some tent sites. Many state park campgrounds provide basic amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings. Boat-in sites such as Tom's Creek offer more primitive camping experiences with fewer facilities. Private campgrounds typically provide more amenities like showers, laundry facilities, and recreational activities, while public campgrounds focus on natural features and basic necessities.
Where are the best campgrounds in Waverly?
Where are the best campgrounds in Waverly?
The Waverly area offers excellent camping options within driving distance. Worlds End State Park Campground stands out with beautiful trails, amazing views, and access to Loyalsock Creek. For a unique experience, Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers island camping maintained by the National Park Service. Other notable options include Salt Springs State Park Campground, Ricketts Glen State Park with its 22 waterfalls, and Lackawanna State Park Campground for those seeking a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.
When is the best time of year to camp in Waverly?
When is the best time of year to camp in Waverly?
The prime camping season in the Waverly area runs from late spring through early fall. Worthington State Forest Campground offers beautiful riverside camping that's particularly enjoyable in mid-October when fall colors transform the landscape. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground is excellent for early fall camping when the waterfalls are framed by colorful foliage. Summer months provide warm temperatures ideal for water activities, while spring offers wildflowers and fewer crowds. Many campgrounds in the region are seasonal, typically operating from April through October, with some facilities closing earlier in fall depending on weather conditions.
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