Scranton, Pennsylvania is a vibrant and welcoming city with attractions for everyone. Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, it has a population of just over 77,000 and is the sixth-largest city in the state. Famous for its role in the development of the coal and rail industries, Scranton offers many historical sites to explore. From the Steamtown National Historic Site to the Everhart Museum, there’s plenty to see within the city itself. Just outside the city limits, major attractions for RVers include the Pocono Mountains and the Delaware Water Gap.
The best time to visit Scranton is during the summer when the city comes alive with outdoor activities and festivals. From the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail to the Lackawanna County Coal Mine Tour, there are plenty of ways to explore the city and its rich history. There are enough restaurants, bars and shops to explore to keep anyone occupied for weeks. Whether you're looking for an outdoor adventure or an educational experience, Scranton is the perfect destination.
One of the most popular attractions in Scranton is the Steamtown National Historic Site, which consists of a collection of steam locomotives, railroad cars and historic buildings. Visitors can take a ride on the Steamtown Express or explore the museum and watch an interactive video about the rise and fall of the region's railroads. Meanwhile, Nay Aug Park is a large public park located in the center of town. It offers a variety of activities, including swimming, hiking and picnicking.
Scranton was once the center of the anthracite coal industry, and the Anthracite Heritage Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's past. It features educational exhibits, interactive displays and even a mini-theatre. For those interested in the art of illusion, the nearby Houdini Museum is a great option. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts related to the legendary stage magician, including photographs, letters and one of Houdini's famous handcuffs.
Campgrounds Near Scranton, Pennsylvania
Cozy Creek Family Campground is located about 40 minutes north of Scranton, near Tunkhannock Creek. The campground is equipped with a variety of amenities, including full RV hookups, a pool, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. It also offers a full-service grocery store and a playground. With its proximity to Scranton, Cozy Creek is the perfect destination for a weekend trip or a longer stay.
Clayton Park Campground is located near the banks of Lake Henry. This seasonal campground offers a variety of activities, such as fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, and skiing, as well as exploring the nearby Varden Conservation Area. Visitors can take advantage of the many amenities, including full RV hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, and dining.
Highland Campground is located 30 minutes northwest of Scranton, near Susquehannock State Forest. Spanning 35 acres and situated near the Susquehanna River, Highland Campground offers outdoor adventures and relaxation aplenty. During your stay, you can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, basketball, and volleyball. The campground offers a variety of campsites from rustic tent sites to full-hookup RV sites.
State Parks Near Scranton, Pennsylvania
Lackawanna State Park is a 1,445-acre park located near Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. It’s home to the beautiful Lackawanna Lake, which is perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming. There are also plenty of trails for hiking and biking, and picnic areas and pavilions for group gatherings are available. The park offers a variety of educational programs that teach visitors about the local flora and fauna as well as the history of the area. With its proximity to Scranton and other nearby towns, Lackawanna State Park is a convenient place to explore while on an RV tour of Pennsylvania.
Tobyhanna State Park comprises 5,440 acres of lush green landscape in northeastern Pennsylvania. The park is home to Tobyhanna Lake, which is situated at the foothills of the Pocono Mountains. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and canoeing. The park offers several recreational areas, including a disc golf course, picnic areas, and a playground.
Hickory Run State Park is a beautiful stretch of land located near the Pocono Mountains. This 15,990-acre Pennsylvania park is home to a variety of ecosystems and landscapes from lush forests to sprawling meadows. The park boasts an impressive array of natural features, including a spectacular boulder field, cascading waterfalls, and even a glacial lake. It’s home to an extensive network of over 40 miles of singletrack trails, which are perfect for hikers, runners, and cyclists.
National Sites Near Scranton, Pennsylvania
The Steamtown National Historic Site is a must-visit destination for train enthusiasts. The site, which is part of the National Park Service, preserves the rich history of steam locomotives in Pennsylvania. It features many historical exhibits and artifacts from original steam engines and railway cars to photos and documents that tell the story of the region's railway history. Visitors can take a ride on a vintage steam train and enjoy the scenic views of the Lackawanna Valley. The museum itself offers a range of educational programs and activities, including guided and walking tours. There are also interactive exhibits that give visitors some insight into how steam locomotives were used in earlier eras.
The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River offers a family-friendly jaunt for nature lovers. Spanning 73 miles of the Delaware River Valley, the area features a wealth of activities and attractions. Take a self-guided tour of the museum to learn about the region's history or try your hand at fishing and hiking. For those looking for a more thrilling adventure, the rivers are open to boating and kayaking, offering some of the best whitewater experiences in the Northeast. The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is also a great spot for bird-watching as many species are native to the area, including the black-capped chickadee, dark-eyed junco, and tufted titmouse.
Directly to the south, the Middle Delaware National Scenic River offers even more adventures for intrepid RVers. Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, the river stretches from Hancock, New York to the Delaware Water Gap on the New Jersey border. Along the way, visitors will be treated to stunning landscapes and views of wildlife. The river is the perfect place for boating, fishing, and hiking. You can also take in incredible views of the surrounding countryside while canoeing or kayaking down the river.
National Forests Near Scranton, Pennsylvania
Located in the Finger Lakes region of central New York, Finger Lakes National Forest is the smallest national forest in the United States. The forest covers about 16,000 acres of land and is home to a wide range of wildlife and ecosystems. It’s known for its spectacular waterfalls and gorges, making it a perfect destination for hikers and nature lovers. The forest offers plenty of activities to enjoy, from swimming and fishing to camping and picnicking. Educational features such as the Finger Lakes Trail offer visitors a great way to explore the area and learn about its history and culture.
Green Mountain National Forest is a mountainous landscape located in the heart of Vermont. Spanning over 1,600 square miles, it's the perfect place to experience the beauty of the Northeast. Visitors can take advantage of a variety of outdoor activities and sports, such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, and ice fishing. The forest is particularly known for its breathtaking foliage in the autumn months. With its vast network of trails and wide array of wildlife, Green Mountain National Forest is a popular spot in every season.
Allegheny National Forest is a 517,000-acre national forest located in northwestern Pennsylvania. It makes up part of the larger Appalachian Plateau and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and over 150 species of birds. Allegheny National Forest boasts over 600 miles of trails and roads, making it an ideal destination for hikers, campers, boaters, and mountain bikers. There are also plenty of places to fish, swim and paddle.