Hemlock Grove Campground Lackawanna State Park

For residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania looking for a scenic escape close to home, Hemlock Grove Campground within Lackawanna State Park serves as a premier outdoor destination. Situated in Dalton, just ten miles north of Scranton, this campground offers a lush, forested environment that feels worlds away from the urban bustle of the Wyoming Valley. Hemlock Grove is part of the larger 1,445-acre state park system, which is centered around the stunning 198-acre Lackawanna Lake. For local Pennsylvanians, this campground is a beloved spot for weekend getaways, offering a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern park amenities.

The campground is characterized by its deep canopy of hemlocks and hardwoods, providing a cool and shaded environment even during the peak of a Pennsylvania summer. It is a place where local families come to reconnect with nature, whether they are seasoned RVers or first-time tent campers. The atmosphere is quiet and community-oriented, designed to respect the natural tranquility of the Lackawanna County landscape while providing the infrastructure necessary for a comfortable and safe stay in the great outdoors.

Location and Accessibility

Hemlock Grove Campground is located on Little Fern Loop within Lackawanna State Park, specifically addressed as Little Fern Loop, Dalton, PA 18414, USA. For local travelers, the park is incredibly easy to reach via Interstate 81. Visitors typically take Exit 199 and travel just three miles west on PA 524 to reach the park entrance. Its proximity to U.S. Routes 6 and 11 also makes it accessible for those coming from the Abingtons or the Endless Mountains region.

Accessibility is a key feature of this state-run facility. The campground includes a wheelchair-accessible parking lot and offers several Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant campsites to ensure that all Pennsylvanians can enjoy the park's natural beauty. The roads within the Little Fern Loop are well-maintained and wide enough to accommodate various types of camping rigs. On-site parking is available for guests, and the layout of the campground is designed with clearly marked paths that lead to the central bathhouses and the park’s extensive trail system.

Services Offered

• Electric hookups available at a majority of the 61 forested campsites, supporting both 30-amp and 50-amp requirements for RVs and trailers.
• Centrally located washhouses providing hot showers and flush toilets to all campers.
• A sanitary dump station located near the campground entrance for convenient waste management.
• Fresh water hydrants distributed throughout the camping loops for cooking and cleaning needs.
• On-site parking for primary camping units and additional guest vehicles.
• Access to a public boat launch and boat rentals (kayaks, canoes, and rowboats) at the nearby Lackawanna Lake.
• Environmental education programs and guided nature walks led by park specialists during the summer season.
• Seasonal swimming pool access (usually open from Memorial Day through Labor Day) within the park grounds.

Features and Highlights

• Stunning Forested Sites: The sites in the Hemlock Grove and Little Fern areas are known for being spacious and well-shaded by mature evergreen trees.
• Lackawanna Lake: The 198-acre lake is the centerpiece of the park, offering world-class fishing for cold-water and warm-water species, as well as serene paddling opportunities.
• Multi-Use Trail System: Over 18 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding wind through the woods and fields surrounding the campground.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The campground is rated as "Good for kids," featuring nearby playgrounds and plenty of open space for recreation.
• Picnic Facilities: Numerous picnic tables and fire rings are provided at each site, along with large public picnic pavilions available for group gatherings.
• Winter Recreation: The park remains open for day-use activities in the winter, including ice fishing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing.
• Abundant Wildlife: A prime location for birdwatching and spotting local Pennsylvania wildlife like white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.

Contact Information

For Pennsylvania residents planning a stay, it is highly recommended to make reservations through the official state park system. You can reach the park office for specific site questions or local conditions using the following details:

• Address: Little Fern Loop (Lackawanna State Park), Dalton, PA 18414, USA
• Park Office Phone: (570) 945-3239
• Reservations: 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757)

Please note that the camping season typically runs from the second Friday in April through the third Sunday in October. It is also important for local users to be aware that a major campground rehabilitation project is scheduled to begin in late 2026, so checking current availability is always advised.

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Hemlock Grove Campground at Lackawanna State Park is a choice for the true Pennsylvania state park experience. What makes this specific location worth choosing is the remarkable diversity of the landscape. Within a single day, you can hike through a deep hemlock forest, sunbathe by a modern swimming pool, and watch the sunset from a kayak in the middle of a crystal-clear lake. For local families, it offers a "vacation" feel without the long-distance travel expenses, making it an economically smart and environmentally beautiful choice.

Furthermore, the focus on environmental education makes it a top choice for parents. The park’s nature center and summer programs provide children with a hands-on way to learn about the local ecosystem. For mountain bikers, Lackawanna State Park is often cited as having some of the best-maintained single-track trails in the region, with the campground providing a perfect "ride-in, ride-out" base. Whether you are looking for a quiet spot to fish the morning mist or a secure, well-managed environment for a family reunion, Hemlock Grove offers the reliability and natural splendor that Pennsylvania state parks are famous for. It is a local gem that continues to define the outdoor lifestyle for residents of Lackawanna County and beyond.