Lackawanna State Park
1 / 10

Lackawanna State Park

4.6
·2k reviews·, United States

A 1,445-acre park centered around a 198-acre lake, offering camping, hiking, boating, and stargazing.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful nature

CrowdLow
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Lackawanna State Park

Lackawanna State Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful nature

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 1,445-acre park centered around a 198-acre lake, offering camping, hiking, boating, and stargazing.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Wonderful park with many options from tent to full hookup, offering a great escape into nature."

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack for all weather

Weather can change quickly; bring layers for hiking and water activities. ☂️

Book campsites in advance

Popular loops fill up fast, especially on weekends. Reserve early! ⛺

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 1,820 reviews

Type

State Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lackawanna Lake

Lackawanna Lake

Park-wide

A 198-acre lake perfect for paddleboarding, fishing, and boating adventures.

Extensive Trail Network

Extensive Trail Network

Various trailheads

Explore over 18 miles of well-marked trails, from easy lakeside strolls to moderate woodland hikes.

The Dam

The Dam

Near Snowflake and Frost Hollow Trails

A scenic spot offering views of the lake and surrounding landscape, though litter can sometimes be an issue.

Star Party Events

Star Party Events

Amphitheater and lakeside

Experience the park's dark skies with special events like stargazing parties, offering views of celestial wonders.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Plan your trip to Lackawanna State Park to avoid peak crowds. Weekday mornings or late afternoons offer a more serene experience, especially during summer. Consider visiting in fall for stunning foliage, but be aware of potential hunting seasons on certain trails.

Camping & Amenities Check

While Lackawanna State Park offers various camping options, not all loops have showers. Check site amenities like picnic tables and fire pits, as some older sites may have them on the opposite side of your rig. Pet-friendly loops are available, but be mindful of potential noise from other campers' dogs.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful nature
Crowd
Low
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Stunning foliage views
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer evenings
Why
Cooler temperatures, camping
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Fun at #lackawannastatepark #camping 🏕
kanaga_krisheh
66 likes • 2.1K views

Pack for all weather

Weather can change quickly; bring layers for hiking and water activities. ☂️ Instagram

Book campsites in advance

Popular loops fill up fast, especially on weekends. Reserve early! ⛺ Instagram

Fall in Lackawanna County is unlike any other. 🧡🍁 Peep our leaves before it’s too late! #VisitLackawannaPA 1️⃣📍 Eales Preserve | Jessup, PA 2️⃣📍 Lackawanna State Park | North Abington Twp, PA 3️⃣📍 Lackawanna River Heritage Trail | Archbald, PA 4️⃣📍 Covington Park | Moscow, PA 5️⃣📍 Aylesworth Park | Jermyn, PA 6️⃣📍 Merli-Sarnoski Park | Greenfield Twp, PA #lackawanna #lackawannapa #lackawannacoun...
visitlackawannapa
465 likes • 9.4K views
📍Lackawanna State Park - North Abington Township, PA 🥾 18 miles worth of trails! Orchard Trail - 2 mile easy out and back trail that borders the lake Snowflake and Frost Hollow Trails - 2.6 mile loop with views of the dam North Woods Trail- 4.4 mile out and back moderate hike 🏕 The campground at Lackawanna State Park has over 95 sites! There are also camping cottages and yurts available f...
adventuringwithmaria
154 likes • 3.6K views

Check hunting advisories

Some trails allow hunting; be aware of seasons for safety. :hunting_horn: Reddit

Bring your own TP

Restrooms may not always be stocked, so carry your own supply. 🚽 Reddit

Water sounds! #nature #water #waterfall #lackawannastatepark
gregorypalaskas
33 likes • 184 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack for all weather

Weather can change quickly; bring layers for hiking and water activities. ☂️ Instagram

Book campsites in advance

Popular loops fill up fast, especially on weekends. Reserve early! ⛺ Instagram

Check hunting advisories

Some trails allow hunting; be aware of seasons for safety. :hunting_horn: Reddit

Bring your own TP

Restrooms may not always be stocked, so carry your own supply. 🚽 Reddit

Explore by water

Rent paddleboards or kayaks to fully enjoy the 198-acre lake. 🛶 Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Lackawanna State Park is praised for its beautiful lake, extensive trail system, and dark skies ideal for stargazing. Campers appreciate the variety of sites and family-friendly atmosphere, though some note aging facilities and inconsistent restroom stocking. Potential drawbacks include limited shower access, uneven older campsites, and the need to be aware of hunting seasons on certain trails.

"Wonderful park. Many options from tent to full hookup. Most sites have only electric with potable water stations around. Most loops have a restroom in or nearby which are very clean. Park employees were in every day cleaning the space. I believe only two loops have showers, which could be challenging when park is full. The majority of sites are older & thus not very level & some have amenities (picnic tables fire pits on the opposite side of rig when backed in. We were in one of the loops that allows pets. Overall not bad, but when owners & hosts have dogs that bark continuously for over 45 minutes, something needs to be addressed. A nice walk to lake with pool(in season) boat rentals, bike rentals & firewood are more perks. A nice walk to the dam & many more trails which are all well marked."

Kaleb Michael Bakker

"The park itself is nice, but a bit run down. Some roads need work..
The campground is nice, but also a bit run down: Fox run is quiet and very dark and 63-65 are very secluded. But the bathroom is very dirty and didn’t have toilet paper. Whoever came to “clean” it Saturday literally ran a mop once along the floor in a straight line and left, did not refill the empty toilet paper roll or mop the dirt on the floor. The handicap toilet is very high, and the building smells like mold. I did hear very loud music and partying both nights well after midnight, I told a ranger but it was still not addressed.
The dam waterfall is very pretty but fenced in and lots of litter around it. the road to get there is not paved and very narrow. I tried to do the trail and there was a sign that said hunting is allowed, so I turned around, I didn’t want my dog or myself shot. I heard at least 5 shots, it was scary. Also, there’s zero birds on the water, not one duck or goose.
There’s a nice walking trail and the lake is nice ce for boating. The pool looked very crowded and there’s no swimming area in the lake. They sell firewood: $7 for 5 pieces of not quite weathered wood so there was lots of smoke and steam and not much fire.
The Star Party event was great, after a great presentation at the amphitheater, we walked down by the lake and saw Saturn and a few other exciting things in the telescopes."

Ania Banania

"Lots of wide open spaces for hiking, biking, swimming, boating, etc. Very quiet, well shaded camp sites. It's more rustic than some places, of course. Lots of nature. Small bath house (2 showers, 2 toilets, 3 sinks in Fox Chase loop, but never crowded)"

L Sneddon

What People Like

Beautiful lake and scenery
Extensive hiking trails
Dark skies for stargazing

What People Dislike

Limited shower facilities
Aging campsite infrastructure
Inconsistent restroom stocking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lackawanna State Park is located in North Abington Township, PA, about 2.5 hours from New Jersey.Instagram It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available throughout the park. GPS coordinates can guide you directly to the main entrance or specific trailheads and campgrounds.

Public transportation options directly to the park are limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car. If coming from Scranton, local bus routes might get you close, but a taxi or rideshare would likely be needed for the final leg.

The park has a network of well-marked trails for hiking and biking.Instagram For driving, follow the park's internal road system to access different areas like the lake, campgrounds, and picnic spots. Maps are usually available at the park entrance or visitor center.

The closest major airport is Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP), which is a short drive from the park. From the airport, you would typically rent a car or take a taxi/rideshare to reach Lackawanna State Park.

Yes, Lackawanna State Park is open year-round. While some activities like swimming and paddleboarding are seasonal, winter offers opportunities for snowmobiling and enjoying the serene, snow-covered landscape.Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, there is no entrance fee to access Lackawanna State Park for day use. However, fees apply for camping, boat rentals, and the swimming pool (when in season).

The park is typically open from dawn to dusk for day-use visitors. Campground hours and specific facility operating times may vary, so it's best to check the official park website or contact them directly for the most current information.

Campsites can be booked in advance, which is highly recommended, especially during peak season. Reservations are usually made through the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system online or by phone. Some sites offer full hookups, while others have electric and water. InstagramReddit

Lackawanna State Park hosts various events throughout the year, including nature programs, educational talks, and popular Star Party events for stargazing.Reddit Check the park's schedule for upcoming activities.

Yes, pets are generally allowed in Lackawanna State Park and in designated pet-friendly camping loops. However, they must be leashed at all times and cannot be left unattended. Always clean up after your pet. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy a wide range of activities including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, paddleboarding, camping, and picnicking. In season, there's also a swimming pool. Winter activities can include snowmobiling. Instagram+1

Yes, the Orchard Trail is a 2-mile easy out-and-back trail that borders the lake, making it ideal for beginners. The Snowflake and Frost Hollow Trails offer a 2.6-mile loop with dam views. Instagram

There is no designated swimming area in Lackawanna Lake itself. However, the park features a swimming pool that is open seasonally for visitors. Reddit

The campground offers over 95 sites with varying amenities, from tent sites to those with electric and water hookups. Some newer sites in the Ledge loop have full hookups. Restrooms are available, but shower facilities are limited to only a couple of loops. InstagramReddit

While many trails are natural, some areas and facilities aim for accessibility. The park's terrain can be uneven in places. Specific accessible features should be confirmed with park management.

📸 📸 Photography

The lake offers beautiful reflections, especially during sunrise and sunset.Instagram The dam provides a scenic backdrop, and the diverse trails capture the essence of Pennsylvania's natural beauty. Fall foliage is particularly photogenic. Instagram

There is a waterfall near the dam, but it can be fenced off and may have litter around it. The sound of water is a common feature along some of the trails. InstagramReddit

While some reviewers noted a lack of birds on the water, the park's woodlands and lake areas are home to various wildlife. Keep an eye out for deer, squirrels, and a variety of bird species. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary by park. It's essential to check the specific rules for Lackawanna State Park with the DCNR (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) before flying a drone to ensure compliance.

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing details on trails. Instagram

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