Group Camping Area

The Group Camping Area in Benton Township, Pennsylvania, serves as a specialized destination designed specifically for organized groups looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Lackawanna County. Situated within the sprawling 1,445-acre Lackawanna State Park, this designated camping zone offers a unique opportunity for large gatherings to enjoy the outdoors in a structured yet rustic environment. Unlike traditional family campsites, this area is tailored to accommodate the needs of youth organizations, church groups, and adult clubs, providing ample space for collective activities while maintaining the tranquility of the surrounding forest.

As part of the prestigious Pennsylvania State Park system, the Group Camping Area ensures a high standard of maintenance and a focus on conservation. It is an ideal hub for those who want to experience the "Upstate PA" landscape without the overcrowding often found in commercial campgrounds. The area is nestled in a mature forest setting, offering deep shade and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it a favorite for local Pennsylvanians who appreciate the quiet rustle of the trees and the proximity to the pristine waters of Lackawanna Lake. Whether your group is planning an educational nature retreat or a weekend of team-building adventures, this location provides the necessary infrastructure to support large-scale tent camping under the stars.

Located in the heart of Benton Township, near the community of Dalton, the Group Camping Area is exceptionally accessible for local users and those traveling from the Scranton metropolitan area. The park is easily reached via Interstate 81, taking Exit 199 and traveling approximately three miles west on PA 524. For those coming from U.S. Routes 6 and 11, a short drive on PA 438 east leads directly to the park’s main corridors. This strategic location makes it a convenient meeting point for groups coming from across Northeastern Pennsylvania, as it is only about ten miles north of Scranton.

The accessibility of the site is further enhanced by its well-defined layout. Upon entering Lackawanna State Park, groups follow clear signage toward the designated organized group tenting loops. While the camping sites themselves are "hike-in" to maintain the integrity of the forest floor, the walk from the on-site parking area is brief, typically less than 300 feet. This allows for easy transport of gear and supplies while keeping the immediate camping area free from vehicle noise and exhaust, ensuring a more authentic wilderness experience for all participants.

• Modern washhouse facilities equipped with flush toilets and heated showers, ensuring comfort even for primitive campers.
• Potable water access through multiple water hydrants distributed throughout the group camping loops.
• On-site parking specifically designated for group users, allowing for organized arrival and departure of multiple vehicles.
• Waste management services, including trash receptacles and a nearby sanitary dump station for the convenience of the broader park community.
• Professional park management and ranger oversight to ensure safety, security, and adherence to park regulations.
• Educational programming opportunities through the park's Environmental Learning Center, which often hosts wildlife and ecology sessions.
• Maintenance of open playfields within the group area, perfect for organized sports, games, or large group meetings.

The Group Camping Area is distinguished by several specific features that make it a standout choice for Pennsylvania residents. The facility consists of three distinct areas with a combined capacity of up to 160 people. This modularity allows for both smaller organizations and very large gatherings to find a space that fits their specific scale. The highlight of the location is its proximity to the 198-acre Lackawanna Lake, which is just a short walk away and offers a wealth of recreational possibilities.

• Large, level tent pads designed to accommodate multiple tents per site, facilitating a communal living arrangement.
• Sturdy picnic tables and heavy-duty fire rings at each site, essential for group meals and evening gatherings.
• Exclusive access to an amphitheater and various playfields located within or adjacent to the group camping loops.
• Direct access to over 18 miles of multi-use trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and even horseback riding in certain sections.
• Close proximity to the park's swimming pool and splash pad complex, which is a major draw during the summer months.
• A strict "no pets" and "no alcohol" policy within the group area to maintain a focused, family-friendly, and safe environment for youth groups.
• Beautiful forested scenery that provides natural privacy between group sites, allowing your organization to feel secluded even when the park is busy.

If you are planning an upcoming excursion for your organization, it is important to note that advance reservations are required for the Group Camping Area. The park office is the central point for information and permit applications. Please be aware that as of late 2026, the park is scheduled for significant facility renovations, so checking current availability is highly recommended.

Address: 1839 Abington Road, North Abington Twp (Benton Township), PA 18414, USA

Phone: (570) 945-3239 (Lackawanna State Park Office)

What makes the Group Camping Area in Benton Township worth choosing is the balance it strikes between primitive adventure and modern necessity. For many Pennsylvanians, group camping often means sacrificing basic hygiene or dealing with difficult terrain. Here, the inclusion of a modern shower house and flush toilets within the group loop removes those barriers, making it an accessible option for younger scouts or groups that may not be seasoned back-country campers. The facility provides the "bones" of a great camping trip—water, fire, and shelter—allowing leaders to focus on their group's specific goals rather than logistics.

Additionally, the value of staying within Lackawanna State Park cannot be overstated. Choosing this site means your group has immediate access to a premier lake for fishing and boating, a professional-grade swimming pool, and a massive trail system. The ability to transition from a morning hike on the Abington Trail to an afternoon of kayaking on the lake, and finally to a group campfire at night, all without leaving the park, provides an efficiency and variety that few other locations in the region can match. For anyone in the Pennsylvania region seeking a reliable, scenic, and well-managed site for an organized retreat, the Group Camping Area stands as a top-tier recommendation.