Promised Land State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Located near the town of Greentown, Promised Land State Park contains nearly 3,000 acres of lush forests within the Poconos Mountains of eastern Pennsylvania. Two lakes offer ample opportunities for water-based recreation, including boating, fishing, and swimming, and there are hundreds of camping sites and rustic cabins to choose from. The park sits about 100 miles north of the city of Philadelphia, making it a popular choice for many people looking to relax in the serene surroundings of nature.
Spring 36 - 58 F
Summer 59 - 81 F
Fall 40 - 61 F
Winter 22 - 38 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Promised Land State Park
The park has six different campgrounds, along with rustic cabins that can be rented for a fee. The Pines Campground and the Deerfield Campground have restrooms but no showers. However, if you book a site at either of these campgrounds, you can stroll over to the picnic area to use the showers there. Both Pickerel Point Campground and the Lower Lake Campground have flush toilets with showers and hot water, and Pickerel Point has full hook-up sites. Six sites are available at the Hemlock Hill Equestrian Campground. Some of the amenities at the park include laundry facilities, fire rings, and a dump station. Pets are welcome at all of the campgrounds except the Rhododendron Campground.
What to Do at
Promised Land State Park
Even if you're not staying overnight in one of the park's six campgrounds, there's plenty to do during the day at Promised Land State Park. Along with boating on the lake or swimming along the sandy beach, there's a volleyball court and plenty of trails to choose from. Stop by the Masker's Museum to view the exhibits about the park's ecosystem and to see some of the native plants and animals. After working up an appetite, stop by the concession stand for a snack.
Fishing
You can test your luck at catching several kinds of fish in the lakes at Promised Land State Park, including catfish, crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, pickerel, muskellunge, yellow perch, sunfish, and pickerel. In addition, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission keeps Lower Lake stocked with three different species of trout. Kids can learn to fish through the park's family fishing program, which also has equipment to loan out, including poles, bait, and tackle.
Nature Watching
Be sure to head to the Wildlife Observation Station to view the eagle's nest. At dawn, you may come into contact with some wild turkeys. You may also want to stop by the Masker Museum's bird observation area to see all the birds visiting the outdoor feeding stations.
Flora and Fauna
Much of the park is covered with second-growth forests. Astute plant spotters will find an abundance of oak, beech, maple, and hemlock trees. To learn more about the local flora, stop by the park's Masker Museum to view the native plant garden. The park is home to a healthy population of American black bears, so you'll want to keep your food safely contained, especially when staying overnight. Birdwatchers can spot American redstart, Louisiana waterthrush, and red-eyed vireo.
Hiking
You'll find more than 50 miles of trails to choose from at the park, and many of these trails connect into the surrounding forest and mountain areas, including Delaware State Forest, for an even longer outing. Try the Conservation Island loop trail, which circles around the lakes for a flat and easy hike. For a climb, try the Little Falls Trail, which leads to a few enticing waterfalls. Bruce Lake Road leads to a natural glacial lake, making it another popular trail with hikers.
Swimming
Head to one of the park's sandy beaches to enjoy fantastic swimming spots with a gorgeous tree-lined view and lots of space to spread out on the sand. These swimming areas are at the day-use picnic area and Pickerel Point Beach.
Boating
Although gas-powered boats are not allowed on either of the parks' lakes, you can launch a kayak or a canoe to enjoy spending time on the water. There's also a lakeside concession offering rentals of kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, and other equipment. Use one of the park's five boat launches if you have a larger watercraft.
Biking
Cyclists will find a few options to choose from at the park, including the 6.5-mile paved road that circles Promised Land Lake. The Rhododendron Trail is another popular choice for cyclists, and you'll find even more excellent mountain biking options in the adjacent Delaware State Forest.
How to Get to
Promised Land State Park
Head to Interstate 84 in Pennsylvania and take exit 26 for PA-390 toward Promised Land/State Pk/Tafton. You'll soon turn left onto PA-390 S. From there, continue for about two and a half miles. The park is on both sides of PA-390 S.
Entering Promised Land State Park
When heading south on PA-390 S, the park office will be on your right. Keep an eye out for Lower Lake Road and turn right if you'd like to stop there first. If you're heading to Promised Land Lake, you'll want to park in the day-use area, but most of the trails are better accessed by parking at the Lower Lake Campground or the Beechwood area.
Promised Land State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Promised Land State Park
The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, though some areas have different closing times, and some are closed seasonally. In the wintertime, many people enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. You can even ice skate on the frozen lakes when it's safe.
Wild turkeys and white-tailed deer are commonly found in the park, particularly in the early morning. While exploring, you will also spot common mammals such as raccoons, groundhogs, squirrels, and chipmunks.
Almost all of the camping spots can accommodate RVs. The Pickerel Point campgrounds are rustic and do not have electricity.
Reservations can be made in advance online or by telephone. Overnight camping fees vary, depending on what type of site you choose. Rates start at $31 per night and go up to $48 per night.
Your pets are welcome in most places at Promised Land State Park. Dogs are even allowed in the rental boats to join you on the water. Note that pets are not permitted at the Rhododendron Campground.