Five Mile Point Group Campground, Lake Ariel, PA

Introduction / Overview: A Dedicated Space for Youth and Nature

The Five Mile Point Group Campground is a specialized camping area in the Lake Ariel region of the Pocono Mountains, distinct from the typical family RV park or private resort. This unique site is managed by the nearby Ledgedale Recreation Area and is exclusively dedicated to primitive group tent camping, with a strong focus on youth organizations. It serves as an ideal, low-cost destination for groups such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, church youth groups, school environmental clubs, and other organized non-profit groups seeking an immersive outdoor experience.

Its mission is centered on promoting environmental education, youth camping preservation, and the conservation of the land and waters around Lake Wallenpaupack. Five Mile Point offers a truly rustic environment, encouraging visitors to disconnect and engage directly with nature. It’s a purposeful choice for group leaders who want their participants—up to 25 individuals per site—to learn, bond, and enjoy the tranquility of the Lake Wallenpaupack shoreline in an affordable and reserved setting.

Location and Accessibility: Secluded Shores of Lake Wallenpaupack

Five Mile Point Group Campground is located off Lacawac Rd in Lake Ariel, PA 18436, USA, placing it near the northern boundary of the Lacawac Sanctuary and along the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack. Its secluded setting means it is tucked away from the more developed marinas and main roads, lending itself to the primitive and natural experience it promotes.

The camp’s location on the lake's shoreline offers direct access to the water, perfect for kayaking, shoreline fishing, and observing aquatic life. While the address places it in the Lake Ariel area, its management and booking are centralized through the Ledgedale Recreation Area. Access to this specific location typically involves navigating local Poconos roads, including Lacawac Road. Given its primitive nature, access might be less developed than at a full-service campground, but it is intentionally situated for privacy and a quiet connection with the surrounding environment, which borders preserved lands like the Lacawac Sanctuary. Group leaders planning a trip should consult the Ledgedale management for the most accurate driving directions and any specific access information, as the approach may be challenging for very large vehicles.

Services Offered

The services at Five Mile Point Group Campground are designed to support a primitive, environmentally-focused group camping experience, prioritizing utility and affordability over luxury.

Dedicated Group Sites: The campground consists of two large, defined campsites, ensuring that organized groups have ample private space for their activities and tents.
High Capacity: Each of the two sites is sized to accommodate up to 25 individuals, making it highly effective for large youth organizations.
Affordable Nightly Rate: The campground is available at a very affordable nightly rate per site, a major benefit for non-profit and youth organizations managing limited budgets.
Basic Furnishings: Each site is equipped with essential outdoor amenities, including a large fire ring for communal campfires and cooking, and covered picnic tables for group meals and gathering, even in light rain.
Water Source: Potable water is available through a well pump located on the premises, providing a basic necessity for drinking and cooking water.
Restroom Facilities: Rustic outhouses are available throughout the campground, maintaining the primitive nature of the site while offering necessary toilet facilities.
Shoreline Access: Campers have direct access to the Lake Wallenpaupack shoreline for activities like fishing, kayaking, and nature study.

Features / Highlights

The standout features of Five Mile Point emphasize its commitment to a unique type of outdoor recreation and education.

Exclusive Youth Group Focus: The entire campground is reserved for organized youth groups (Scouts, church groups, etc.), ensuring a dedicated, safe, and purpose-driven atmosphere free from general public camping traffic.
Primitive & Educational Setting: It is purposefully designed as a rustic environment with limited services, which encourages groups to practice essential outdoor skills, environmental stewardship, and learn about the local ecosystem, including the lake and surrounding woodlands.
Direct Lake Wallenpaupack Access: Situated directly on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack, it provides easy access for activities like fishing off the shoreline, kayaking, and stargazing over the water, which are popular group activities.
High Group Capacity: With each of the two sites supporting up to 25 people, the campground is one of the premier options in the region for large organizations needing to house many participants together.
Affiliation with Ledgedale: While primitive, being managed by the Ledgedale Recreation Area provides group leaders with an established and reputable contact point for reservations and general inquiries, ensuring reliable service.

Contact Information

All reservations and inquiries for the Five Mile Point Group Campground are managed through the main office of the Ledgedale Recreation Area.

Address: Lacawac Rd, Lake Ariel, PA 18436, USA

General Information & Booking Phone: (570) 689-2181

Mobile Phone: +1 570-689-2181

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Five Mile Point Group Campground is an absolutely indispensable resource for the countless non-profit and youth organizations across Pennsylvania. For local youth group leaders, the site offers a combination of key benefits that are difficult to find elsewhere: exceptionally high capacity, a beautiful and safe location on Lake Wallenpaupack, a primitive environment conducive to outdoor skills and education, and an extremely affordable nightly rate. By dedicating itself solely to organized groups, the campground ensures a structured and focused experience free from the noise and distraction of commercial campgrounds.

It acts as a genuine gateway for young Pennsylvanians to learn about and appreciate their state's natural resources firsthand. From fishing off the shore to cooking over a large fire pit, the experience gained here fosters self-reliance, teamwork, and an enduring connection to the Pocono Mountains environment. For local leaders, it is the clear, budget-conscious choice for planning that essential, annual group camping trip that prioritizes learning and natural exploration.