The Pines Campground: Rustic Lakeside Camping at Promised Land State Park, PA

Introduction / Overview: Your Rustic Retreat at Pines Campground, Promised Land State Park

For Pennsylvania residents seeking a true escape to nature without sacrificing essential comforts, the Pines Campground, nestled within the picturesque Promised Land State Park in the Pocono Mountains, offers an ideal solution. This popular camping area is celebrated for providing a slightly more rustic experience compared to the park's other loops, focusing on the simple, restorative pleasures of traditional outdoor life. Located in Palmyra Township, the campground is strategically positioned to offer both tranquility and easy access to the park’s main recreational hub.

Pines Campground is specifically designed for campers who prefer to unplug. It exclusively features non-electric sites, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding 3,000 acres of Pennsylvania wilderness. With 60 distinct campsites, it balances a sense of community with the solitude of the woods. Importantly, while the camping is non-electric, the park ensures a high level of convenience. As many locals know, this campground holds the distinct advantage of being the closest camping area to the main day-use area and beach on Promised Land Lake, making a quick dip or a lakeside picnic effortless. This blend of primitive feel and prime location makes Pines Campground a highly sought-after destination for a classic Poconos camping trip, generally operating seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Location and Accessibility: The Heart of the Poconos

The Pines Campground is located within Promised Land State Park, a cherished destination on the Pocono Plateau in Pike County, Pennsylvania. The official address for the park is 100 Lower Lake Rd, Greentown, PA 18426, though the campground itself is in the broader Palmyra Township area.

Sitting approximately 1,800 feet above sea level, the park is encircled by 12,464 acres of the Delaware State Forest, guaranteeing a profoundly peaceful and scenic environment. For locals, accessibility is a major draw. The park is conveniently located within a comfortable one-to-three-hour drive from major Pennsylvania hubs like Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Allentown, Bethlehem, and even Philadelphia. It is easily accessed from Interstates 80 and 84, typically via PA Route 390.

Within the state park, the Pines Campground is situated at the northwestern end of Promised Land Lake. A significant benefit, frequently highlighted by local campers, is its exceptional proximity to the Day Use Area. A paved trail leads directly from the campground, ensuring that the main beach, picnic areas, and other essential facilities are just a short walk or bike ride away, enhancing the overall convenience of a rustic stay.

Services Offered

Pines Campground is classified as a "rustic" campground with modern amenities nearby. The services are tailored to provide a comfortable, yet traditional, camping experience.

Campsites: The campground offers 60 designated, non-electric campsites, suitable for both tent camping and smaller RVs (up to a maximum length of approximately 40 feet, though checking specific site details upon reservation is advised). Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring.
Restroom Facilities: Modern comfort stations are available, featuring flush toilets. There are two such facilities within the campground loop for camper convenience.
Water Access: Potable water is readily available through several water pumps distributed throughout the campground, ensuring campers have easy access to safe drinking water.
Showers: While the campground itself offers flush toilets, the warm showers are located a short, convenient distance away in the main Day Use Area, accessible via the paved trail. This setup ensures a better overall camping fee structure while maintaining the option for a warm wash.
Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available within the Promised Land State Park property for proper disposal of wastewater from RVs.
Reservations: Most sites are available for reservation, which is highly recommended, especially during the peak summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Features / Highlights

The main attractions of Pines Campground are its dedication to a pure outdoor experience and its access to the celebrated features of Promised Land State Park.

Proximity to the Beach: As the closest camping area to the main beach and swimming area on Promised Land Lake, this is arguably the campground's top feature, allowing campers to easily enjoy a full day of swimming and sunbathing.
Rustic Non-Electric Sites: A major highlight for purists, the absence of electric hookups ensures a quieter, more authentic immersion in the forest environment, free from the hum of generators and bright lights.
Promised Land Lake Access: Campers are perfectly situated to enjoy fishing, boating, and shoreline activities on the 422-acre Promised Land Lake. The park offers boat mooring and a public launch.
Extensive Trail System: The campground provides easy access to the park’s many miles of hiking trails, which weave through the surrounding Delaware State Forest, offering opportunities for wildlife watching and scenic exploration on the Pocono Plateau.
Family-Friendly Environment: The location is family-focused, offering a large playground within easy walking distance, making it simple for families with children to combine a nature-based vacation with recreational fun.

Contact Information

The Pines Campground is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as part of Promised Land State Park.

Address: Palmyra Township, PA 18426, USA (The official park address is 100 Lower Lake Rd, Greentown, PA 18426)

Phone Number (Promised Land State Park Office): (570) 676-3428

Reservations: Toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757) or through the official Pennsylvania State Parks online reservation system.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Pines Campground is an absolutely perfect getaway for Pennsylvania locals, especially those in the eastern and central regions, seeking an affordable, accessible, and authentic state park experience. Its location in the Pocono Mountains—a beloved local vacation spot—means less time driving and more time relaxing by the lake.

For the local camper, the value proposition is unmatched: a secluded, non-electric, traditional camping atmosphere paired with the high convenience of modern flush toilets and immediate, direct access to the Promised Land Lake beach and day-use facilities. Whether you are looking to spend your days hiking the expansive park trails, fishing the clear lake waters, or simply enjoying a peaceful evening around a campfire under the stars, Pines Campground provides a necessary break from the daily grind. It is a genuine, cherished piece of Pennsylvania’s preserved natural heritage, offering a reliable, high-quality outdoor experience just a short drive from your front door.