Camp Lackawanna

For residents of Pennsylvania seeking a tranquil escape into the heart of the Endless Mountains, Camp Lackawanna stands as a premier destination for spiritual renewal, outdoor adventure, and traditional camping. Established in 1962 and owned by the Presbytery of Lackawanna, this 211-acre facility is situated on the scenic Vosburg Neck of the Susquehanna River. It is a place where the local community can disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the natural splendor of Wyoming County. Whether you are looking to send your children to an impactful summer camp or seeking a quiet riverfront spot for a personal retreat, Camp Lackawanna offers a rustic and welcoming environment that has served generations of Keystone State families.

The campground is uniquely characterized by its dual role as both a public-access recreational space and a dedicated ministry site. While it maintains its roots in faith-based programming, it warmly welcomes guests of all denominations and backgrounds to explore its sprawling forestland and riverbanks. The atmosphere is intentionally low-tech and high-engagement, focusing on the simple joys of a crackling fire circle, an outdoor amphitheater for gatherings, and miles of wooded hills. For local Pennsylvanians, the "Lackawanna Experience" is defined by the hard-working staff, the quality of communal meals in Merrill Lodge, and the peaceful sound of the Susquehanna winding past the camp’s edge. It is a quintessential mountain retreat that balances the rugged beauty of the region with a safe, family-oriented infrastructure.

Location and accessibility are key highlights for those planning a visit from nearby Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, or Towanda. Camp Lackawanna is located at 1219 Vosburg-Neck Rd, Tunkhannock, PA 18657, USA, making it just an hour’s drive from many major Northeast Pennsylvania hubs. The camp is situated right next to the Vosburg Neck State Park, providing guests with even more acreage to explore. To ensure the facility is welcoming to all members of the community, the management has prioritized accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot. On-site parking is ample, allowing for easy access to the main lodges and activity areas for day visitors and overnight campers alike.

The services offered at Camp Lackawanna are diverse, catering to individual families, large church groups, and school organizations. During the peak summer months, the camp transforms into a vibrant youth center with tiered pricing to ensure that every child has access to the outdoors regardless of financial background. For adult groups and families, the camp provides rental facilities for reunions, corporate picnics, and continuing education events. The rustic facilities are designed to provide a restful night's sleep without the distractions of modern life, though modern essentials like restrooms and running water are well-maintained for guest comfort.

• Traditional tent sites for a primitive, authentic camping experience.
• Open-air cabins for summer campers, supervised by trained adult counselors.
• Full meal services available in Merrill Lodge for groups and camp participants.
• Rental facilities for retreats, family reunions, and business meetings.
• Summer camp programs including Adventure Sleuths, Music, Art & Drama (MAD), and Hike, Bike & Paddle.
• Outdoor worship spaces including an amphitheater and a serene riverfront chapel.
• Educational nature discovery activities focused on the local Susquehanna ecosystem.
• Access to a 30' x 60' swimming pool and a picnic pavilion for recreation.

The features and highlights of Camp Lackawanna are centered around its incredible geographical setting. The Vosburg Neck is one of the most distinctive features of the Susquehanna River, and the camp maximizes this with tranquil riverfront access perfect for canoeing or simply reflecting by the water. For those who enjoy active recreation, the camp offers an array of physical challenges, including an initiatives course for team building and a variety of kid-friendly hikes that explore the local rock walls and ancient riverbeds. The lack of light pollution in this secluded mountain area also makes it an exceptional spot for stargazing, a feature frequently praised by visitors who spend the night.

• Scenic riverfront access along the Susquehanna River for tubing and canoeing.
• A robust network of hiking trails suitable for both young children and experienced trekkers.
• Wide-open fields designated for sports, team-building initiatives, and group games.
• Historical landmarks on-site including an old canal and historic train route to explore.
• Pet-friendly policies that allow visitors to bring their dogs along for the journey.
• Rich fossil-hunting opportunities along the riverbanks for curious young minds.
• A dedicated fire circle for evening songs, s'mores, and community bonding.
• An initiatives course designed to foster self-confidence and teamwork.

For individuals and organizations interested in making a reservation or learning more about the upcoming season, Camp Lackawanna can be reached through several local channels. The main office phone number is (570) 836-3444, and the mobile contact line is +1 570-836-3444. The physical address for navigation and mail is 1219 Vosburg-Neck Rd, Tunkhannock, PA 18657. Prospective visitors are encouraged to call ahead to discuss specific rental needs or to inquire about summer camp registration dates, which typically run from June through July.

What is worth choosing at Camp Lackawanna is the opportunity for a truly unplugged, "old-fashioned" camping experience that focuses on building resilience and community. It is worth choosing for families who want their children to gain independence in a supervised, nature-rich environment. The summer camp's "tiered pricing" model is also a noteworthy reason to choose this facility, as it reflects a community-first mission that values the growth of the child over profit. For those planning an adult retreat or family reunion, the combination of professional staff, delicious on-site meals, and the stunning backdrop of the Endless Mountains makes it a high-value choice compared to more commercialized venues.

Furthermore, the camp’s location adjacent to the Susquehanna River and Vosburg Neck State Park provides a level of peace and seclusion that is hard to match. If you are looking for a place where you can sleep under a truly dark night sky, hear the sounds of the river from your tent, and explore the rich history of Pennsylvania’s ancient waterways, Camp Lackawanna is the perfect local choice. The hardworking staff and the charming, rustic facilities ensure that every visitor leaves with a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Wyoming County.

Would you like me to help you find the current summer camp schedule or provide a packing list for your upcoming retreat at Camp Lackawanna?