Frances Slocum State Park Campground

- Unnamed Road, Wyoming, PA 18644

Introduction / Overview

For residents of Pennsylvania seeking a well-equipped, scenic, and conveniently located state park experience, the Frances Slocum State Park Campground is a premier choice in the Northeastern region. Spanning 1,035 acres in Luzerne County, the park’s focal point is the stunning 165-acre, horseshoe-shaped Frances Slocum Lake, which serves as a hub for year-round recreation. The park is named after a young girl who was taken captive by the Delaware Indians in the Wyoming Valley during the American Revolution, adding a layer of compelling local history to the serene natural setting.

The campground itself is a modern, 100-site facility designed to accommodate a variety of camping preferences, from large RVs requiring electric hookups to traditional tent campers seeking a secluded experience. It operates seasonally, typically from the second Friday in April through the third Sunday in October, making it the ideal home base for exploring all that Northeastern PA has to offer during the warmer months. Visitors consistently praise the campground for its spacious, wooded sites, which provide a welcome sense of privacy, and the generally quiet and peaceful atmosphere, even on busy summer weekends.

This destination is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an immersive outdoor experience. Campers enjoy immediate access to boating, fishing, extensive hiking and mountain biking trails, and a variety of family-friendly recreational amenities. The park's commitment to providing clean facilities and a diverse array of activities solidifies its reputation as a beloved Pennsylvania state park and an invaluable local resource for outdoor enjoyment.

Location and Accessibility

Frances Slocum State Park Campground is situated at an easily accessible location within Luzerne County.

Address: Unnamed Road, Wyoming, PA 18644, USA

While the address is general for the park, the campground is nestled on the perimeter of the horseshoe lake, offering a quiet, forested environment. Its geographical positioning is highly advantageous for Pennsylvania residents, as it strikes an excellent balance between rustic seclusion and regional convenience. The park is located a mere ten-mile drive from Wilkes-Barre and is only five miles from Dallas, placing it well within an easy day-trip or weekend-trip distance for people living in the greater Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and surrounding Wyoming Valley areas.

Major roads, including PA Route 309, offer direct access, minimizing the travel time and maximizing the relaxation time for local campers. This accessibility allows Pennsylvanians to quickly transition from their busy weekly routines to a tranquil, lakefront state park environment, making it a sustainable choice for regular, local outdoor recreation.

Services Offered

The 100-site campground at Frances Slocum State Park is divided into three distinct sections to cater to different camping needs and provides modern, essential services for a comfortable stay.

• Campsite Varieties: The campground includes 85 sites that can accommodate either tents or trailers, and 15 walk-in tent sites located in the Rocky Knoll section, which are ideal for extra privacy.
• Electric Hookups: Many of the tent/trailer sites offer electric hookups, with some sites providing 30-amp and 50-amp service to accommodate modern RVs and trailers.
• Water Access: While sites do not typically have individual water hookups, potable water pumps are conveniently located throughout the campground, with water spigots accessible nearby.
• Sanitary Facilities: All camping sections share access to modern, well-maintained bathhouses featuring flush toilets and hot showers.
• Campground Sections: The area is organized into three sections—Stoney Point, which is often considered the most feature-rich with a playground and amphitheater; Hunting Hill, offering spacious sites for larger trailers and RVs; and Rocky Knoll, reserved for tents and walk-in campers.
• Sanitary Dump Station: An accessible sanitary dump station is available for RV and trailer use.
• Group Camping: A large, modern group tenting area is available for rent, capable of accommodating organized groups of up to 40 people.
• Pet Sites: Pets are permitted on designated campsites, ensuring that families can bring their dogs (leashed and under control) to enjoy the Pennsylvania State Park experience.
• Site Furnishings: Every campsite, regardless of its type, is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for cooking and campfires.

Features / Highlights

The recreational features of Frances Slocum State Park extend far beyond the campground boundaries, offering extensive outdoor opportunities for every type of visitor.

• Frances Slocum Lake: The 165-acre, horseshoe-shaped lake is the park's centerpiece, popular for boating (electric motors only) and year-round fishing, which includes species such as crappie, bass, perch, walleye, and stocked trout. An ADA-accessible fishing pier is also available.
• Boating and Rentals: The park features two boat launches and a boat concession that rents rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes, allowing all visitors to easily get out on the water.
• Swimming Pool: A large, modern swimming pool is open daily during the summer season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), providing a popular place to cool off (note: a small daily fee may apply for campers).
• Extensive Trail System: Over nine miles of trails wind throughout the park, catering to hikers and mountain bikers of all skill levels, from the easy Lake Shore Trail to the more difficult Deer Trail.
• Family Fun and Recreation: A dedicated playground is located within the campground area, and the park’s day-use area offers additional picnic spots, charcoal grills, and reservable pavilions.
• Environmental Education: The Patrick J. Solano Environmental Education Center offers programs on local history, ecology, and wildlife from spring through fall, enhancing the educational aspect of a park visit.
• Seasonal Winter Activities: In addition to the warm-weather activities, the park is a destination for winter fun, including ice fishing, ice skating on the frozen lake, sledding, and cross-country skiing on various trails.
• Amphitheater Programs: Natural and cultural history programs are frequently held at the campground's amphitheater during the summer months.

Contact Information

For reservations, current seasonal information, and inquiries, Pennsylvania residents can contact the park directly.

Park Office Address: 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming, PA 18644-9333 (for park administration, not the campground entrance)

Campground Address: Unnamed Road, Wyoming, PA 18644, USA

Phone: 570-696-3525

Reservations: Online reservations can be made through the official Pennsylvania State Parks system or by calling toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757).

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

Frances Slocum State Park Campground is ideally suited for local Pennsylvania residents, particularly those in the densely populated Northeastern part of the state. As a well-managed state park, it provides a superior, reliable, and accessible outdoor experience. For local users, the proximity to cities like Wilkes-Barre and Scranton means less time spent traveling and more time enjoying the wealth of activities—from tranquil mornings fishing on the 165-acre lake to active afternoons exploring the miles of scenic trails on foot or bike.

The park's diverse offerings guarantee satisfaction for every family member. The clearly delineated camping sections ensure that a quiet, walk-in tent experience is preserved, while RV and trailer users have access to essential electric hookups. The robust facilities, including clean bathhouses and the summer swimming pool, coupled with the affordability of state park pricing, represent an excellent value for a local vacation or repeated weekend use. Whether you are a solo angler, a couple looking for a peaceful wooded retreat, or a family seeking an adventure-filled week of swimming, boating, and hiking, Frances Slocum State Park Campground is a proven, high-quality, and indispensable local asset for escaping into the natural beauty of Pennsylvania.

Frances Slocum State Park Campground

Unnamed Road, Wyoming, PA 18644, USA