Lackawanna state park campground, Dalton, PA

Introduction / Overview

Nestled in the serene, rolling hills of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Lackawanna State Park Campground offers locals an easily accessible and amenity-rich outdoor experience centered around the beautiful 198-acre Lackawanna Lake. Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), this campground provides a well-rounded escape for every type of outdoor enthusiast, from seasoned RV travelers to first-time tent campers and those seeking the comfort of a rustic cabin or yurt. The park itself spans 1,445 acres and serves as a vibrant hub for year-round recreation, ensuring that whether you visit in the peak of summer or the quiet beauty of the off-season, there is always an adventure waiting. Its commitment to maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere, coupled with recent modernizations like the popular 'Ledges' area, solidify its status as a premier state park destination for residents across Pennsylvania.

The focus of the campground is on a comfortable and accommodating stay. Campers often highlight the peaceful, wooded setting and the spaciousness of the sites, which provide a sense of privacy even during busy periods like holiday weekends. With a strong network of trails for hiking and mountain biking, a large lake for water activities, and dedicated spaces for groups and pets, Lackawanna State Park is truly a comprehensive outdoor retreat designed with the Pennsylvania visitor in mind.

Location and Accessibility

Lackawanna State Park Campground boasts a highly convenient location in Lackawanna County, making it an excellent weekend getaway for residents in the Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and the broader Lehigh Valley areas.

The physical address for the main park area is:

Lake View Dr, Dalton, PA 18414, USA

Key accessibility details for Pennsylvania travelers include:

Highway Access: The park is conveniently located just ten miles north of Scranton and is easily reached via Interstate 81. Visitors typically take Exit 199 and travel a short distance west on PA Route 524, minimizing time spent navigating backroads.
Proximity to Urban Amenities: Its closeness to the city of Scranton means campers have quick access to any forgotten supplies, dining options, or emergency services, offering a blend of seclusion and convenience.
Gateway to Rail-Trail Adventures: The campground is noted as a perfect base camp for riding the famed D&H Rail-Trail, a celebrated route for cycling, running, and hiking in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Year-Round Operation: The park itself is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset, with the camping season typically running from the second Friday in April until the third Sunday in October, allowing locals to plan a long season of trips.
Multi-Directional Access: For those traveling from the west via U.S. Routes 6 and 11, easy-to-follow routes like PA Route 107 and PA Route 407 also lead directly to the park entrance.

Services Offered

The Lackawanna State Park Campground provides a wide range of services and facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all guests.

Diverse Campsites: The park offers approximately 102 total campsites, including standard tent sites, walk-in tent sites, and numerous sites specifically for RVs.
Full Hook-up RV Sites: The newer 'Ledges' area features modern, level sites with full hook-ups (water, electric, and sewer), which are highly sought after by RV and trailer users.
Lodging Rentals: For non-RV or non-tent campers, the park offers rentable camping cottages and yurts, particularly in the Carpentertown Loop, which provide a fixed structure with beds and sometimes electric amenities.
Modern Washhouses: Campers have access to modern centralized bathhouses, which include flush toilets and hot showers. Note that while facilities are maintained, shower water temperature can sometimes be slow to warm up.
Pet-Friendly Loops: Dedicated loops, such as Fox Run and Maple Lane, allow pets at designated sites for an additional fee, making it easy for local pet owners to bring their companions.
Sanitary Facilities: A sanitary dump station is available near the campground entrance for RV users.
Accessibility Features: The park features ADA-accessible campsites, protected fire pits, and modified picnic tables in the new areas, catering to guests with handicap or disability needs.
Group Tenting Areas: Three large areas are available for organized youth and adult groups, complete with picnic tables, fire rings, and water hydrants.
Essential On-Site Amenities: Every campsite includes a picnic table and a fire ring for cooking and campfires.

Features / Highlights

Lackawanna State Park Campground's appeal extends beyond the campsites themselves, incorporating exceptional recreational features found within the state park.

Lake Lackawanna: The 198-acre man-made lake is the centerpiece, offering year-round fishing (stocked with bass, trout, and catfish), boating (electric motors only), canoeing, and kayaking. Boat rentals are often available seasonally.
Extensive Trail System: The park features 18 miles of trails, including 3 miles of hiking-only paths and 15 miles of multi-use trails shared by hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, exploring forests, fields, and the lakeshore.
The 'Ledges' Area Modernization: A standout feature is the newer RV loop praised for its level, well-spaced sites, full hook-ups, and thoughtful design, including handicap-friendly modifications.
Swimming Pool and Splash Pad: During the summer season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), the park operates a swimming pool complex, complete with a splash pad, offering a great way to cool off for families and children.
D&H Rail-Trail Basecamp: Campers can easily use the park as a perfect, quiet base for riding or hiking a section of the nationally recognized D&H Rail-Trail.
Educational and Winter Activities: The park hosts an Environmental Education Center with programs and offers seasonal activities like ice fishing, ice skating (weather permitting), and sledding/cross-country skiing in the winter months.
Contacless Check-in: For guests renting cabins, the convenience of contactless check-in is a notable highlight, allowing direct access to the rented facility without needing to stop at the park office.

Contact Information

For booking reservations, seasonal hours, and further inquiries about Lackawanna State Park Campground, Pennsylvania residents can use the following information for the State Park Office.

Address: Lake View Dr, Dalton, PA 18414, USA (Park Office address is often listed as 1839 Abington Rd, North Abington Township, PA 18414)

Phone: 570-945-3239

Reservations: Reservations for all campsites, cabins, and yurts must be made through the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system.

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Locals

Lackawanna State Park Campground is exceptionally suitable for Pennsylvania locals due to its perfect blend of accessibility, variety, and modern comfort. For residents living in Northeastern PA, this state park is a backyard gem—an easy, short drive from urban centers like Scranton, eliminating the need for long-distance travel to experience quality outdoor recreation. It offers a spectrum of camping options, from the deluxe, full hook-up RV experience in the new ‘Ledges’ section to the rustic charm of a clean cabin or tent site, ensuring a suitable option for every family and budget.

The wide array of activities—from tranquil fishing and boating on Lackawanna Lake to rigorous hiking and mountain biking on 18 miles of trails—means that no two weekend trips need to be the same. The clean, family-friendly environment, complete with a pool and educational programming, provides a reliable and high-quality recreational outlet that promotes a deep connection with Pennsylvania's natural resources. Lackawanna State Park Campground is not just a place to stay; it’s a convenient, local institution for creating lasting outdoor memories.