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Best Campgrounds near Wilkes-Barre, PA

862 Reviews

Northeastern Pennsylvania offers multiple camping options within a short drive of Wilkes-Barre, with both state parks and private facilities providing accommodations for various camping styles. Frances Slocum State Park Campground, located in Wyoming, PA, features electric hookups, shower facilities, and accommodates both tent and RV camping. Other nearby options include Ricketts Glen State Park Campground with year-round availability, Tobyhanna State Park about 30 miles east, and several smaller facilities like Moon Lake Recreation Area in the Pinchot State Forest, which provides more primitive camping experiences.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from mid-April through mid-October, with Ricketts Glen being a notable exception offering year-round access. Electric hookups are standard at most established sites, though water hookups vary by location. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends when facilities reach capacity. Several campgrounds feature lakefront access, making them popular destinations during warmer months. A camper noted, "Cleanest campground I have been to. Great in-between spot to Worlds End State Park and Ricketts Glen."

The camping experience around Wilkes-Barre balances natural settings with reasonable access to services. State park campgrounds typically offer well-maintained facilities with clean bathhouses, while more primitive options exist at locations like Moon Lake Recreation Area, which previously offered free camping but now charges a nominal fee. Many campgrounds feature water recreation opportunities, with several sites situated near lakes allowing for fishing, boating, and kayaking. As one visitor described Frances Slocum State Park, "The park has great hiking spots, a local pool, and a lake that you can rent boats or kayak on." Sites vary in size and privacy, with some campgrounds receiving feedback about being crowded during peak season while others offer more secluded options with adequate space between campsites.

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Best Camping Sites Near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania (186)

    1. Hickory Run State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Albrightsville, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (272) 808-6192

    $24 - $95 / night

    "Great location lots of hiking trails right in the park and many more close by"

    "So many beautiful trails and lots to do! We loved everything about this park except the actual campsites. The sites were very close together, and there wasn't a lot of privacy, which sucked for us."

    2. Frances Slocum State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Shavertown, PA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 696-3525

    $24 - $48 / night

    "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."

    3. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

    68 Reviews
    Sweet Valley, PA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 477-5675

    $24 - $150 / night

    "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)."

    4. Moon Lake Recreation Area Campground — Pinchot State Forest

    3 Reviews
    Hunlock Creek, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 945-7133

    $10 / night

    "There is no electric or water hookup but the trails are nice, it's quiet, and there's a lake to fish. There's also swimming down the Rd at a nearby creek."

    "Absolutely love Moon Lake. Place has some of the best mountain bike trails in northeast pa. Camping is primitive but has spots big enough for RVs. Also. It’s free!"

    5. Tobyhanna State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Tobyhanna, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 894-8336

    $24 - $43 / night

    "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!"

    "Scenic state park with a lake. You can swim in the lake in the summer or do a 5-mile hike around the lake along well-marked walk paths. There are at least two parking lots(no parking fees)."

    6. Lackawanna State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Fleetville, PA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 945-3239

    $24 - $79 / night

    "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."

    "Campground has cabins and yurts, pull in sites for RV’s and strictly walk in tent sites. There is a beautiful lake and a very large pool."

    7. Lehigh Gorge Campground

    3 Reviews
    White Haven, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 443-9191

    "Bathrooms were close by and as clean as you can expect when camping. I’d certainly go back."

    "We are in a transient site which doesn't have much shade and it is close to the main road (although separated by some trees and brush).  

    The campers and campground are very quiet. "

    8. Highland Campgrounds

    3 Reviews
    Factoryville, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 586-0145

    $0 - $17 / night

    "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"

    9. Moyers Grove Campground

    5 Reviews
    Conyngham, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 379-3375

    "The campsites were clean, adequately spaced and many positioned along side a creek.  The bathhouse (hooray) was great. Recently renovated, they were extremely, clean and dry."

    "There are 3 resident geese who wander around near the creek and lakes.  It was too cool to use the pool while we were visiting but it was clean and well cared-for. "

    10. Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground — Pinchot State Forest

    1 Review
    Thornhurst, PA
    14 miles
    +1 (570) 945-7133

    $10 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Wilkes-Barre, PA

571 Photos of 186 Wilkes-Barre Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Wilkes-Barre, PA

862 Reviews of 186 Wilkes-Barre Campgrounds

  • Kylie R.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Mountain Vista Campground

    A mix of being able to unplug but also have the ammenities avavilble if wanted/needed

    This campground is very clean, staff and campers are very friendly. It’s a great spot if you have kids because they have many different activities(pool/arcade games/movie nights/ and more.)

  • j
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Cranberry Run Campground

    Don’t Stay here!!

    It’s not a campground. It’s where people stash their rvs, some of whom seem to live here permanently. Caretaker was rude. Sites were all rocky and many on steep inclines. Complete waste of our time. Plus, the site looks nothing like the pictures they post, which is an area you can’t camp at. Don’t stay here.

  • Lynsey M.
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Salt Springs State Park Campground

    Adventures!

    3 couples all ventured to Salt Springs and split the largest cabin for a few days. We electricity from a few outlets in the cabin if needed. Let me tell you that we spent very little time inside. We enjoyed the trials, waterfalls, and firepit cooked meals outside! Hemlock Grove, Penny Rock, and the saltspring kept us entertained! We cooled off under a waterfall :) I'm looking forward to visiting again! Bring some hotdogs/burgers for a yummy meal after a good day in PA!

  • b
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    Gravel lot

    It’s a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me.

  • Adeline M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Nice campground loud campers

    Great open spot with some shade, depending on when you go we have noticed there tends to be a lot of loud disrespectful people who are there to party not camp. It’s nice to be on the Delaware and not many campgrounds have water access or a boat ramp so that’s a plus. Showers, sinks, and toilets are available.

  • MacKenzi G.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Pioneer Campground

    Beautiful Campground

    Me and my husband stayed here it was beautiful and has a very nice pool. Seems family friendly and very clean. Staff were friendly as well.

  • Dani T.
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Bake Oven Knob

    Bake Oven lot & Appalachian Trail

    I've overnighted in my van here a bunch, no problems. This spot is both part of the Appalachian Trail and a day hiking area for the Bake Oven Knob, which is a high point on the Blue Mountain ridge of the Appalachian Mountains near Germansville, Pennsylvania. There are two large lots. You can park and sleep, or hike in and find a place for a tent. There's also a trail shelter about a .5 mile in, but I haven't been to that. The hike to the overlook is really lovely; short and rocky.

  • Jennifer G.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Lakewood Park Campground

    Beautiful and Fun

    Beautiful and fun. Kind staff. Hoping for a dog park in the future.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    Chill

    Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh.

Guide to Wilkes-Barre

Camping near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "The trails are very well maintained. If you want to do the Falls Trail (21 beautiful waterfalls), it is quite challenging."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip at Lake Jean, which is accessible from the campground. A visitor mentioned, "The lake felt clean and wasn't too cold in July."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park, you can fish or rent kayaks. One camper noted, "The bathrooms are clean and overall a wonderful experience."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Hickory Run State Park Campground stated, "The bathroom facilities were clean, the hiking in the area was gorgeous."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Frances Slocum State Park Campground said, "Sites are spaced out nice and ample size."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Keen Lake Resort Campground have activities for kids. One parent shared, "Activities all day long for the children."

What you should know

  • Cell Service: Be prepared for limited cell service in some areas. A visitor at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground mentioned, "There is absolutely no cell service."
  • Busy Weekends: Popular campgrounds can get crowded on weekends. A reviewer noted, "It does get very busy on weekends so if you can stay during the week it's much nicer."
  • Site Conditions: Some sites may not be level. A camper at Locust Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "206 Campsite unleveled, but plenty of room."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A review for Jim Thorpe Camping Resort said, "There are extremely nice bathrooms and a ton of things to do if you have children."
  • Plan for Crowds: If you're camping in the summer, expect busy sites. One family shared, "The park was 99% empty and the tree frogs were amazing!" during their off-peak visit.
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring comfortable shoes for hiking. A visitor at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground advised, "If you are going to visit all the falls, bring shoes that you can walk in."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Keen Lake Resort Campground noted, "The sites are average in size."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need them, check for sites with full hookups. A reviewer mentioned, "We had full hookups at our site."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort said, "There was loud music and people yelling till 1 am."

Camping around Wilkes-Barre, PA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Wilkes-Barre, PA?

Several excellent campgrounds are located within an hour of Wilkes-Barre. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground offers well-maintained sites and access to 22 spectacular waterfalls along well-marked trails. It's ideal for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Worlds End State Park Campground provides beautiful campsites with access to hiking trails featuring amazing views, a beach area, and Loyalsock Creek, though some sites are close to the main road. Other notable options include Hickory Run State Park, Salt Springs State Park, and Lackawanna State Park. Most state park campgrounds in the area offer basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and bathroom facilities, with varying levels of privacy between sites.

Are there any lakeside camping options near Wilkes-Barre?

Yes, several lakeside camping options exist near Wilkes-Barre. Tobyhanna State Park Campground offers campsites near a 170-acre lake perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. Lackawanna State Park Campground features sites near a 198-acre lake with a swimming pool and boat rentals available. Both parks provide opportunities for water recreation while camping. Moon Lake Recreation Area in Pinchot State Forest is another option with lakeside camping. These destinations typically offer both tent and RV sites, though amenities vary by location. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer months when lakeside sites fill quickly.

Where can I find good fishing spots with camping near Wilkes-Barre?

The Wilkes-Barre area offers several excellent fishing and camping combinations. Worthington State Forest Campground provides camping along the Delaware River with excellent fishing access—some sites even have direct paths to the water. Tom's Creek Boat In Campsites in the Delaware Water Gap offers unique boat-in only camping with good fishing opportunities, managed by the National Park Service. Many nearby state parks also offer fishing and camping, including Ricketts Glen (trout and warmwater species) and Promised Land State Park. The best fishing seasons are typically spring and fall, though summer offers good early morning and evening fishing. Most locations require a Pennsylvania fishing license.

Are there campgrounds near Wilkes-Barre that offer permanent camping sites?

Several private campgrounds near Wilkes-Barre offer seasonal or long-term camping options. Mount Pocono Campground provides seasonal options with numerous amenities including swimming pools and an on-site store, making it suitable for extended stays. Blue Rocks Family Campground also offers seasonal camping opportunities in a wooded setting near the Appalachian Trail. Unlike state parks which typically limit stays to 14 consecutive days, these private campgrounds can accommodate campers looking for longer-term arrangements. Seasonal sites generally require contracts and may have additional fees for utilities and amenities. Many permanent sites accommodate RVs rather than tents and often have more developed facilities like electric, water, and sewer hookups.

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