Escape to Nature: Discover Fox Run Camping Area in PA

Welcome to the great Pennsylvania outdoors! For residents across the state, and especially those in the northeastern region, a true escape to nature is often just a short drive away. We’re shining a spotlight on a fantastic local resource for your next weekend adventure or extended family vacation: the Fox Run Camping Area. Located within the scenic expanse of Lackawanna State Park, the Fox Run loop offers a prime opportunity to reconnect with the natural beauty that defines Pennsylvania.

The Fox Run Camping Area is one of the distinct loops that make up the expansive and modern campground at Lackawanna State Park. While the campground offers a variety of site types and loops, Fox Run is specifically known for providing a more rustic camping experience while still maintaining access to essential comforts. It’s an ideal setting for those who appreciate the simple joys of a campfire under the stars and the quiet peace of a forested setting, all while knowing convenient facilities are nearby. This section of the park is particularly popular for its welcoming policy towards four-legged family members, as it is a designated pet-friendly loop.

The location of Fox Run Camping Area places it squarely in the beautiful countryside of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The official address is situated in Benton Township, PA 18414, USA. This places the campground approximately ten miles north of the city of Scranton, making it an incredibly convenient destination for residents of Lackawanna and surrounding counties, as well as an accessible getaway for people traveling from further afield in Pennsylvania.

Accessibility is one of the key benefits of this location. Lackawanna State Park is easily reached via major roadways, primarily I-81. Visitors should take Exit 199 and travel just three miles west on PA Route 524 to reach the park entrance. This straightforward route means less time navigating backroads and more time enjoying your vacation. Its proximity to Scranton ensures that while you are deep in the woods, the necessary conveniences like gas stations, grocery stores, and emergency services are never far from the park boundary.

As a loop within a well-maintained Pennsylvania State Park campground, the Fox Run Camping Area provides a range of essential services and access to the wider park amenities designed to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. It is important to note that while the Fox Run loop itself is described as having a more traditional, 'section-only' camping experience, all guests benefit from the centralized, modern facilities of the larger campground.

Services offered to guests staying in the Fox Run Camping Area include:

Electric Hookups: Many sites within the Lackawanna State Park campground feature 30 or 50-amp electric hookups, which are available to campers in various loops, ensuring comfort for both RV and tent campers seeking power.
Modern Centralized Washhouses: Conveniently located throughout the main campground area, these facilities provide hot showers and flush toilets, a significant upgrade from more primitive camping locations.
Sanitary Dump Station: A necessary facility for RV and trailer owners, the sanitary dump station is available near the campground entrance for easy use upon arrival or departure.
Potable Water Access: Drinking water hydrants are available at various points in the campground area.
Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite, including those in the Fox Run loop, is generally equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill top for outdoor cooking and family gatherings.
Seasonal Operation: The camping season for the park's modern campground, including Fox Run, typically runs from the second Friday in April until the third Sunday in October.

The Fox Run loop and its location within Lackawanna State Park offer several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts throughout Pennsylvania. These features focus heavily on nature access and the convenience of a modern state park setting.

Key features and highlights include:

Pet-Friendly Designation: A major highlight, the Fox Run loop (along with Maple Lane loop) is a designated area where pets are permitted at specific sites, allowing Pennsylvanians to enjoy their outdoor time without leaving their dogs behind (pets must be kept on a leash).
Proximity to Lackawanna Lake: The campground is within walking distance of the 198-acre Lackawanna Lake, which serves as the park's focal point for water recreation. The lake features over 7.5 miles of shoreline, boat launches, and opportunities for fishing and boating.
Access to Multi-Use Trails: The park boasts an impressive 18 miles of trails, including 15 miles of multi-use trails shared by hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers, plus additional hiking-only trails. These trails loop through diverse landscapes, offering fantastic opportunities for exercise and nature viewing.
Swimming Pool Access: Guests of the campground have access to the park's swimming pool during the summer season (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day), which is a short walk from the campground area. A shower house and snack bar are adjacent to the pool.
Year-Round Recreation: Beyond camping season, the park is a hub for year-round activities, including ice fishing, ice skating, sledding, and hunting in designated areas, ensuring local residents can use the area in all seasons.
Forest Environment: The Fox Run sites are nestled in a beautiful forested area, providing natural shade, a quiet atmosphere, and a genuine Pennsylvania woodland camping experience.

For booking, inquiries, and general information regarding the Fox Run Camping Area, all communications are handled through the main office and reservation system for Lackawanna State Park, as Fox Run is an integrated loop within the park's primary campground.

Address: Benton Township, PA 18414, USA (This general park address will lead you to the area. Specific site location is within the Fox Run loop of the campground.)

Phone: Reservations for all Pennsylvania State Park campsites, including Fox Run, can be made by calling 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757). This centralized line operates Monday through Saturday, from 7:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M., except on major holidays.

Please use the official Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) website or the dedicated state park reservation line for the most current pricing, availability, and to book your campsite.

For Pennsylvanians, the Fox Run Camping Area at Lackawanna State Park is an exceptional choice for a local outdoor retreat. It combines the rugged charm of traditional camping—surrounded by forest and allowing your beloved dog to join—with the modern convenience and safety of a well-maintained State Park. The accessibility from major hubs like Scranton makes it perfect for a quick Friday-to-Sunday trip where you can maximize your time outdoors without a long, taxing drive.

Whether you are a seasoned camper looking for a convenient, pet-friendly spot to park your RV or pitch your tent, or a family seeking an accessible way to introduce children to the joys of hiking, boating, and fishing, Fox Run offers an ideal setting. You gain instant access to Lackawanna Lake, miles of trails, and modern bathroom and shower facilities. It truly is a quintessential Pennsylvania outdoor experience, offering both relaxation and recreation in a beautiful, natural environment that’s right in your backyard.

We encourage all Pennsylvania residents to utilize this outstanding state park resource. Book your pet-friendly site in the Fox Run Camping Area today and start creating lasting memories under the clear skies of Benton Township.