Camp Shehaqua

Camp Shehaqua is a historic and rustic group campground nestled within the expansive 15,990-acre Hickory Run State Park. Located in the beautiful Lake Harmony region of Pennsylvania, this camp offers a unique "away-from-it-all" experience that many locals liken to the classic summer camps of their youth. Unlike modern RV parks with concrete pads and high-speed internet, Camp Shehaqua prioritizes a deep connection with the natural world. It is a place where the morning air is crisp, the nights are dark enough to see the Milky Way, and the only soundtrack is the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of native wildlife. This facility is particularly popular for organized groups, family reunions, and specialized retreats, providing a secluded environment where participants can focus on community and personal growth without digital distractions.

The campground is part of the state’s legacy of organized group cabin camps, featuring historic structures that give it a timeless character. Many Pennsylvania residents visit Camp Shehaqua to participate in multi-generational family camps, youth forestry programs, or martial arts retreats. The atmosphere is intentionally low-tech, encouraging guests to swap their smartphones for hiking boots and fishing rods. For those who enjoy a "no-frills" outdoor adventure, the park offers a safe yet immersive way to experience the Pocono Mountains. Whether you are painting rocks by the stream or sleeping in a cabin that has hosted decades of campers, the sense of history and serenity at Camp Shehaqua makes it a standout destination for the local community.

Location and accessibility are among the top reasons why Camp Shehaqua is a favorite for regional travelers. It is situated at 3 Family Camp Road, White Haven, PA 18661, within the Lake Harmony and Albrightsville area. This location is strategically positioned in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains, making it approximately a two-hour drive from Philadelphia and New York City, and only about an hour from Allentown and Scranton. While the camp feels like it is in the "middle of nowhere," it is actually conveniently close to Interstate 80 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476), allowing groups to reach the gates easily before transitioning into the rugged, slow-speed environment of the park.

Once inside, accessibility is managed through on-site parking areas designed to accommodate groups. While the camp roads are small, rough, and narrow—consistent with its rustic nature—there are designated areas where cars can be parked after unloading gear at the cabins. The park maintains a 5 mph speed limit to ensure the safety of pedestrians and children playing in the units. The camp is divided into five "units," each organized around its own lodge and set of cabins, which helps maintain a sense of accessibility and order even when the camp is at full capacity. For those with specific mobility needs, it is always recommended to contact the park office in advance to discuss the terrain and proximity of facilities to the lodging units.

• Rustic cabin rentals organized into five distinct units, with each cabin typically accommodating 2 to 4 beds.
• Access to a large, central Dining Hall that serves as the social and culinary hub for campers.
• On-site public restrooms and communal shower facilities with running water (centrally located between units).
• Dedicated recreational buildings including a Recreation Hall, Nature Lodge, and Crafts Cabin.
• Group activity programming support for organizations such as 4-H, family missions, and scouting troops.
• On-site parking for residents and visitors, with specific zones for unloading personal belongings.
• Access to shared outdoor play fields and a swimming pool (typically open from June to Labor Day).

• Direct access to over 40 miles of hiking trails within Hickory Run State Park, including the famous Boulder Field and Hawk Falls.
• A historic "camp-like" atmosphere with cabins that feature mosquito screens and wooden bolts for an authentic experience.
• Proximity to Sand Spring Lake, which offers a sandy beach and additional swimming opportunities.
• Frequent wildlife sightings, including deer, turkeys, and the occasional black bear (requiring careful food storage).
• Central lodges in each unit equipped with common areas for meetings, storytelling, or shelter during rainy weather.
• Close proximity to the Lehigh River for those interested in off-site fishing and whitewater rafting.
• Kid-friendly environment with plenty of open space for games, "civilization" competitions, and evening campfires.

For those looking to book a group retreat or learn more about the seasonal availability of the cabins, you can reach the park administration through the following contact information. Please note that since this is a state-managed facility, reservations often follow a specific schedule.

Address: 3 Family Camp Road, White Haven (Lake Harmony), PA 18661, USA

Phone: (272) 808-6192

Additional Contact: (570) 443-0400 (Hickory Run State Park Main Office)

What makes Camp Shehaqua truly worth choosing is the opportunity for a genuine "digital detox" in one of Pennsylvania’s most iconic state parks. In an age where most vacations are documented in real-time on social media, Shehaqua offers the rare luxury of being present. It is the ideal choice for group leaders who want to foster real connections among their members; without the distractions of television or reliable cell service, people tend to talk more, play more, and observe the beauty of the Poconos with more intention. The layout of the camp, with its unit-based organization, allows large groups to feel like they have their own private village in the woods, which is perfect for building team spirit or family bonds.

The value of the location is also unbeatable. When you choose Camp Shehaqua, you aren't just getting a cabin; you are getting a 16,000-acre backyard. You can spend your morning exploring the prehistoric landscape of the Boulder Field—a National Natural Landmark—and your afternoon cooling off in the park’s swimming pool or lake. For families, it is a safe environment where children can experience a level of independence that is often hard to find at home, such as walking to the Dining Hall or the Nature Lodge on their own. If you are looking for a place where you can get a little dirty, sweat hard during a hike, and then sleep "like a baby" to the sounds of the forest, Camp Shehaqua is the premier outdoor destination in Pennsylvania for your next group adventure.

Would you like me to find the specific reservation opening dates for the upcoming 2026 season or help you locate a map of the five cabin units?