Lower Lake Campground

For Pennsylvania residents seeking a quintessential mountain getaway, Lower Lake Campground stands as one of the premier outdoor destinations in the Pocono Plateau. Situated within the sprawling 3,000-acre Promised Land State Park in Greentown, PA, this campground offers a diverse range of environments, from sun-drenched lakeside loops to secluded, pet-friendly woodland retreats. Surrounded by an additional 12,400 acres of the Delaware State Forest, Lower Lake Campground provides local families with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a second-growth forest of beech, maple, oak, and hemlock trees while enjoying modern amenities that make long-term stays comfortable and convenient.

The campground is divided into several distinct areas, each catering to different preferences. The Beechwood area is the largest and most social, positioned closest to the shore of Lower Lake, making it an ideal choice for families who want to be near the water. For those traveling with four-legged companions, the Northwoods area provides designated pet-friendly sites nestled further back in the woods. Meanwhile, the Rhododendron area offers a mix of electric and non-electric sites, often staying slightly cooler during the humid Pennsylvania summers thanks to its dense canopy of mountain laurels and rhododendrons. This variety ensures that whether you are a local scout troop, a couple in a modern RV, or a family with a traditional tent, there is a specific pocket of the park that feels like home.

Location and accessibility are major reasons why Lower Lake Campground is a staple for travelers from all corners of the Keystone State. Located at 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown, PA 18426, the park is easily accessible from major interstates. For those in the Lehigh Valley or Scranton areas, the drive is approximately one hour or less via I-84 or I-80. Residents from Philadelphia or the suburbs of Harrisburg can typically arrive in under three hours, making it a manageable destination for both weekend escapes and extended summer vacations. The campground is also just 35 miles from the New Jersey and New York borders, often serving as the first true mountain retreat for those entering the Poconos from the east.

Once you enter the park, navigating to your site is straightforward, thanks to paved roads and clearly marked loops. The park is situated at an elevation of 1,800 feet, which provides crisp morning air and a refreshing break from the heat of the lower valleys. On-site parking is provided at each campsite, and a centrally located sanitary dump station is available at the campground entrance for those with RVs. The facility is designed to be inclusive, offering several ADA-accessible campsites that provide level surfaces and easy proximity to restroom facilities, ensuring that every Pennsylvania resident can enjoy the beauty of the Pocono Mountains.

The services offered at Lower Lake Campground are comprehensive, elevating it to "modern" status within the Pennsylvania State Park system. Unlike more primitive sites, Lower Lake provides the infrastructure needed for a modern camping experience. During the peak season, which runs from mid-April through mid-December, the park office is staffed to assist with check-ins and information, while camp hosts are often present within the loops to ensure rules are followed and guests are supported.

• Modern restroom facilities equipped with flush toilets and warm-water showers (no coins required).
• Full hookup sites available in select loops, offering sewer, water, and 30/50 amp electrical connections.
• Coin-operated laundry facilities located within the campground for long-term visitors.
• Potable water stations and manual pumps strategically placed throughout the camping loops.
• A centrally located sanitary dump station at the entrance for RV and trailer maintenance.
• Environmental education programming offered from April through October at the nearby Masker Museum.
• On-site garbage collection and recycling centers to maintain the park’s pristine condition.
• Official state park reservation system allowing for bookings up to 11 months in advance.

Features and highlights of the Lower Lake area center on the incredible biodiversity and recreational opportunities of the Poconos. One of the most significant highlights is the wildlife observation deck on Lower Lake, where visitors can often spot a nesting pair of bald eagles that return to the area each year. The campground also serves as a trailhead for several of the park's 50 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Little Falls Trail, which features cascading streams and scenic vistas that are especially vibrant during the spring thaw and autumn foliage seasons.

• Direct access to Lower Lake (173 acres) and Promised Land Lake (422 acres) for fishing and boating.
• The Little Falls Trail and Conservation Nature Loop, offering easy to moderate hiking directly from the camp.
• The Masker Museum, one of the largest CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) museums in the state.
• Designated swimming beaches with sandy shorelines and nearby picnic pavilions.
• The "WIZ" (Waterfront Interactive Zone) and boat rentals offering kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
• Seasonal activities including blueberry picking (typically in late July) and guided nature walks.
• Family-friendly amenities such as a sand volleyball court, basketball hoop, and children's playground.
• Winter recreation opportunities including ice fishing, ice skating, and snowshoeing when conditions permit.

To plan your stay at Lower Lake Campground, it is recommended to visit the official Pennsylvania DCNR website or use the ReserveAmerica portal. Because this is one of the most popular state parks in the region, sites tend to fill up quickly, especially for holiday weekends like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.

• Physical Address: 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown, PA 18426, USA
• Park Office Phone: (570) 676-3428
• State Park Reservations: (888) 727-2757
• Email: promisedlandsp@pa.gov

What makes Lower Lake Campground worth choosing is its ability to offer a "total package" vacation. For a local family, it is far more than just a place to park a camper; it is a historical and educational hub where you can learn about the Great Depression-era work of the CCC, observe rare wildlife in their natural habitat, and enjoy the cooling waters of a glacial lake all within the same day. The fact that the park is 100% non-smoking in its facilities and maintains strict quiet hours from 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM ensures that your retreat remains peaceful and restorative.

Furthermore, the value of the surrounding Delaware State Forest means you are essentially camping in the middle of 15,000 acres of protected wilderness. Whether you are an avid angler chasing muskellunge and trout, or a parent introducing your children to the joys of the outdoors, Lower Lake Campground provides a safe, clean, and professionally managed environment. It is a factual and reliable choice that has served Pennsylvania families for decades, continuing to stand as a testament to the beauty and accessibility of the Commonwealth’s park system. Choosing this campground is an investment in a tradition of Pennsylvania adventure that stays with you long after the campfire has faded.