Caffrey Recreation Area

- 431 Lakeshore Dr, Lakeville, PA 18438

Introduction / Overview: A Boater’s Haven and Cozy Campground on the Big Lake

For Pennsylvania residents seeking direct, easy access to the renowned Lake Wallenpaupack, the Caffrey Recreation Area in Lakeville, PA, is a must-consider destination. While it offers a campground, Caffrey is widely recognized as a primary hub for lake access and boating services, effectively operating as both a small-scale, seasonal campground and a vital lakefront facility. Situated on the western shore of the lake, it is the smallest of the five recreation areas on Lake Wallenpaupack, offering a more intimate setting with just 29 sites for RVs, trailers, and tents.

Caffrey is cherished by its visitors, especially boat owners, for its well-maintained dock and marina services. The review praise for the "beautiful dock" that is "very well taken care of and clean" highlights its core strength as a secure and functional watercraft storage and launch point. The overall atmosphere on the lake is celebrated as an "amazing family place," where people are "helpful of each other and cautious of every boat around," fostering a sense of community and confidence on the water. While the area can be busy, especially during peak season, its focus on essential amenities and direct lake engagement makes it a high-value spot for those prioritizing time spent on Pennsylvania’s second-largest lake.

Open seasonally, the Caffrey Recreation Area provides the perfect blend of necessary camping comforts—like water, electric, and picnic tables—with critical marine facilities, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable experience for any Poconos lake adventurer.

Location and Accessibility: Lakefront Convenience in Lakeville, PA

Caffrey Recreation Area is conveniently located at 431 Lakeshore Dr, Lakeville, PA 18438, USA. This places the facility directly on the western shoreline of Lake Wallenpaupack, making it a highly accessible destination for families and boaters traveling from across Pennsylvania, particularly those in the Northeast and Lehigh Valley regions. The site is situated off Route 590 in Wayne County, offering a straightforward route to the lake.

Accessibility to Lake Wallenpaupack is the paramount feature. Caffrey is one of only a handful of public access points on the lake, offering a dedicated boat launch and ample facilities for watercraft. Campers staying at the recreation area have the launch fee waived, providing excellent value for a boating vacation. Additionally, the location is advantageous for hiking enthusiasts, as it is just to the west of the Shuman Point Natural Area and the Beech House Creek Wildlife Refuge, offering nearby trails and natural exploration opportunities. The campground is also notably close to local services, being only about five miles from the nearest grocery store and other necessities in the Lake Region.

The strategic placement ensures that a trip to Caffrey Recreation Area minimizes travel time and maximizes time spent enjoying the water and the surrounding Pocono natural beauty.

Services Offered: Catering to Campers and Boaters Alike

Caffrey Recreation Area is designed to service the essential needs of both overnight campers and day-use boaters with a focused set of high-utility services:

• Campsite Hookups: Offering 29 sites for RVs, trailers, and tents, with each site typically including 30-amp electric hookups, fresh water access, a picnic table, and a fire ring.
• Boating Services: A public boat launch is available for easy entry and exit from Lake Wallenpaupack, along with an essential on-site gas dock for refueling watercraft.
• Watercraft Storage: Slip docks are available to rent, which boaters appreciate for the convenient and secure storage of their vessels during their stay.
• Waste Management: An RV/Trailer dump station is available for current campers, and a separate pump-out station is located at the dock for boat sewage holding tanks (available for a fee).
• Support Facilities: Clean facilities including restrooms and hot showers (coin-operated), along with a coin-operated laundry facility.
• Camp Store: A convenient on-site camp store stocks basic camping supplies, fishing provisions, and a selection of treats like ice cream.
• Recreation Areas: A dedicated waterfront picnic area is provided, ideal for relaxing and enjoying sunset cookouts right on the shore of the lake.

Features / Highlights: Unrivaled Lake Access

The Caffrey Recreation Area stands out among Poconos campgrounds due to several key features that enhance the lakeside experience for Pennsylvania visitors:

• Dedicated Boating Focus: Unlike some larger campgrounds, Caffrey’s smaller scale and focused amenities make it a premier facility for boaters. The secure, clean, and well-maintained dock area is consistently lauded by visitors.
• On-Site Fuel Service: The availability of a gas dock is a massive convenience for motorized boaters on Lake Wallenpaupack, saving valuable time and effort.
• The Smallest of the Five: Being the smallest of Lake Wallenpaupack's public camping areas (with only 29 sites) can translate into a quieter and more manageable experience than the larger, busier recreation hubs.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Despite being focused on boating, the lake itself and the general area are repeatedly described as an "amazing family place" where users look out for one another.
• Proximity to Natural Areas: The campground is positioned near the Shuman Point Natural Area and Beech House Creek Wildlife Refuge, offering additional opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing just outside the main camping area.
• Value for Boaters: The fee for launching a boat is waived for registered campers, adding significant value for those bringing their own watercraft.

Contact Information

For Pennsylvania locals planning a trip, checking seasonal hours, or confirming boat slip and campsite reservations, please use the following contact details:

Address: 431 Lakeshore Dr, Lakeville, PA 18438, USA

Phone: (570) 226-4608 or Mobile Phone: +1 570-226-4608

Email for Reservations: Reservations@caffreyrecreation.com (as often recommended by the facility)

Conclusion: Why Caffrey is Suitable for Pennsylvania Locals

Caffrey Recreation Area is an excellent choice for Pennsylvania locals—especially those who own watercraft—due to its singular focus on providing efficient, full-service access to Lake Wallenpaupack. While some reviews mention that the shore can appear "dirty" and the area can be "very busy," the vast majority of positive feedback centers on the excellent boating amenities and the safe, friendly atmosphere on the lake itself. This makes Caffrey perfect for local boat owners who need a reliable and well-equipped place to launch, dock, and fuel their vessel while also having a convenient, comfortable campsite for the family.

Its small size, combined with the comprehensive services like electric/water hookups, dump stations, and laundry, makes it a practical choice for a seasonal getaway without the overwhelming scale of larger parks. Caffrey offers Poconos residents a balanced recreational experience: all the necessary comforts of a modern campground coupled with what many consider the best lake access features for a truly confident and secure boating adventure on one of the Commonwealth's most treasured bodies of water.

Caffrey Recreation Area

431 Lakeshore Dr, Lakeville, PA 18438, USA