Lackawanna state park campground

Lackawanna State Park Campground serves as a cornerstone for outdoor recreation in Northeastern Pennsylvania, offering a sprawling 1,445-acre sanctuary just ten miles north of Scranton. For local residents and visitors alike, this park is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a comprehensive recreational hub centered around the stunning 198-acre Lackawanna Lake. The campground itself is meticulously organized into several distinct loops, each offering a different flavor of the Pennsylvania wilderness. Whether you are looking for a deep-woods tenting experience or a modern RV site with all the conveniences of home, this facility provides a professional and well-maintained environment for your next excursion.

The park’s atmosphere is one of serene activity, where the quiet of the mature forest meets the excitement of lakeside living. As a state-managed facility, it adheres to high standards of cleanliness and safety, making it a reliable choice for families, solo travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The park is a favorite among local Pennsylvanians for its year-round appeal, transitioning from a summer paradise of swimming and boating to a winter destination for ice fishing and sledding. With its commitment to accessibility and a variety of lodging styles—including yurts and cottages—Lackawanna State Park ensures that the beauty of the "Keystone State" is available to everyone.

Located at Lake View Drive in Dalton, PA 18414, the campground is exceptionally easy to reach from major regional thoroughfares. For those traveling via Interstate 81, a simple exit at Exit 199 followed by a three-mile drive west on PA 524 leads you directly to the park gates. If you are approaching from U.S. Routes 6 and 11, you will take PA 438 east for approximately three miles before turning onto PA 407. This central location makes it an ideal "base camp" for those who want to explore the surrounding Lackawanna County attractions or commute to nearby Scranton while still enjoying a forested retreat.

Accessibility is a major highlight of the facility, ensuring that all guests can enjoy the park's amenities. The campground features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, dedicated parking lots, and modified restrooms. Many of the newer sections, such as the Ledges area, have been designed with level ground and accessible features in mind. The park’s layout is intuitive, with clear signage directing campers to their specific loops, and many sites are within a comfortable walking distance of the central day-use areas, including the pool and the lakefront.

• 102 campsites in total, including 61 sites equipped with electric hookups (30-amp and 50-amp available).
• Full-hookup sites in the "Ledges" area, providing water, sewer, and electric connections for modern RVs.
• Three camping cottages in the Carpentertown Loop, featuring wooden floors, electric lights, and bunk beds.
• Two yurts available for a unique "glamping" experience, complete with heat, a microwave, and a refrigerator.
• Modern centralized washhouses providing warm, public showers and flush toilets.
• A sanitary dump station located conveniently near the campground entrance for RV waste management.
• Potable water collection points distributed throughout the various camping loops.
• Contactless cabin and cottage access for a streamlined, modern check-in process.
• Picnic tables and fire rings provided at every site to facilitate traditional outdoor dining.

Beyond the basic camping infrastructure, Lackawanna State Park is defined by its diverse range of activities and landscape features. The park's centerpiece, Lackawanna Lake, offers over seven miles of shoreline and serves as a focal point for much of the recreation. From organized playgrounds to quiet birdwatching spots, the park caters to both the high-energy adventurer and the visitor looking for a peaceful afternoon in nature.

• The 198-acre Lackawanna Lake, perfect for fishing (trout, bass, and muskellunge) and non-powered or electric-powered boating.
• A large, modern swimming pool complex with a splash pad and concession stand, open seasonally from Memorial Day.
• 18 miles of dedicated hiking trails and 15 miles of multi-use trails for mountain biking and horseback riding.
• Specialized kid-friendly hikes and a well-maintained playground located within the campground area.
• Dedicated pet-friendly loops (Fox Run and Maple Lane), ensuring your four-legged family members can join the trip.
• Designated picnic areas equipped with grills, perfect for large family gatherings or quiet afternoon lunches.
• Winter activities including ice fishing, ice skating near the pier, and sledding on the park's rolling hills.
• A diverse forest ecosystem home to bald eagles, herons, and deer, providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Planning your stay at Lackawanna State Park is straightforward, though reservations are highly recommended, especially for holiday weekends and the peak summer season. The campground typically opens in mid-April and runs through late October. It is important to note that a major rehabilitation project is scheduled to begin in September 2026, which may affect availability through early 2028.

Address: Lake View Dr, Dalton, PA 18414, USA

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

Reservations: 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757)

Choosing Lackawanna State Park Campground is worth it because of the unparalleled variety it offers within a single location. For many Pennsylvania campers, the "Ledges" area is a particular draw; its level, spacious sites with full hookups provide a luxury RV experience that is often hard to find in state-managed parks. The spacing between sites is generous, offering a level of privacy that allows you to feel truly immersed in the mature forest rather than crowded into a parking lot.

Furthermore, the convenience of the "contactless" check-in for cottages and the modern, clean bathhouses make the logistics of camping much simpler. Whether you are using the park as a base for riding the D&H Rail Trail or spending your entire weekend on the lake, the quality of the facilities remains consistent. The park’s dedication to accessibility—evidenced by protected fire pits and modified picnic tables—means that every member of the family, regardless of mobility, can participate in the camping experience. For a professional, clean, and engaging outdoor adventure in the Dalton area, Lackawanna State Park remains a premier choice for local users.