Quick Definition
Promised Land State Park is one of the Poconos' premier destination parks—3,000 acres of pristine forest perched on the Pocono Plateau in Pike County, built around two pristine lakes and crisscrossed by 30 miles of hiking trails. It's the kind of place where families and couples plan multi-night getaways, not a quick highway stop.
The park's in-park camping is exceptional and should be your first choice. DCNR operates 495 campsites with electric hookups and also offers rustic cabins—all bookable through ReserveAmerica. But demand is high, especially in summer and fall, so nearby RV parks serve both overflow and travelers who want more amenities or plan to make a longer loop through the Poconos.
If you're considering the region, start here and then explore the broader network of Poconos RV Parks for additional options.
TL;DR
- In-park camping is exceptional: 495 electric sites, cabins, quiet lakes, 30-mile trail network—book early via ReserveAmerica
- Two pristine lakes: Promised Land Lake (422 acres) and Lower Lake (173 acres); no gas motors, electric trolling motors only—loon habitat and genuinely quiet
- Best nearby RV parks: Tanglewood Camping Area (Lake Ariel, 8 miles), Wallenpaupack Family Campground (Hawley, 10 miles), Ledgedale Campground (Greentown, adjacent)
- Perfect for active visitors: Swimming beaches, boat rentals, old-growth forest hiking, PEEC nature center programs, Milford town day trips
- Budget smartly: In-park electric site ($36/night) beats regional inns by $150+ per night; save $450+ on a 3-night trip
- Plan ahead: Summer weekends book 6–8 weeks out; fall foliage (Sept–Oct) is peak season; cell service is marginal inside the park
Base Camp Options
In-Park Camping (Your First Choice)
Promised Land State Park's 495 electric campsites and cabins are the gold standard. Sites run $30–$38 per night and include 30 amp electric hookup. The park rarely has availability on summer weekends, so book 6–8 weeks ahead on ReserveAmerica. Cabins offer a middle ground if you want more comfort; they're typically available slightly longer than tent sites.
The in-park experience is unbeatable: direct lake access, trail trailheads, zero engine noise on the water, and a genuinely remote forest feel despite being heavily used.
Adjacent & 1–5 Miles
Tanglewood Camping Area (Lake Ariel, 8 miles southeast) and Ledgedale Campground (Greentown, immediately adjacent) offer electric sites, pet-friendly policies, and shorter wait times than the state park. Expect $35–$55 per night and limited Wi-Fi. These work best if Promised Land is fully booked or if you want a slightly more developed campground experience.
5–15 Miles: Hawley & Beach Lake
Wallenpaupack Family Campground sits on the eastern shore of Lake Wallenpaupack in Hawley, about 10 miles west. Full hookups, pull-through sites, Wi-Fi, and nightly rates of $50–$65 make it a solid backup. Indian Head Campground (Beach Lake, 12 miles northwest) is quieter and pet-friendly at $38–$50 per night.
15–25 Miles: Stroudsburg & Beyond
Delaware Water Gap KOA (East Stroudsburg, 22 miles south) offers the widest range of amenities—full hookups, pull-throughs, Wi-Fi, and a pool—but at $60–$80 per night. It's the fallback when everywhere closer is full, or if you want a night with more creature comforts. From here, you can still day-trip to Promised Land or explore the RV Parks Near Delaware Water Gap corridor.
Things to Do
Swimming & Beach Life
Both Promised Land Lake and Lower Lake have designated swimming beaches open in summer (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Water temperature peaks around 70°F in August. Beach facilities include bathhouses, changing areas, and a small concession stand. Families love the calm, protected swim areas.
Boating on Two Lakes
Promised Land Lake (422 acres) and Lower Lake (173 acres) allow electric trolling motors only—no gas engines. This rule preserves the quiet and protects the ecosystem; it also means loons nest here without jet ski harassment. Rental boats (jonboats, canoes, kayaks) are available at the boat launch. The lake is ideal for leisurely morning paddles and sunset floating.
Hiking the Trail Network
Thirty miles of trails thread through old-growth hardwood forest. Popular routes include:
- Promised Land Lake Loop (7 miles): Flat, scenic, lakeside
- Bruce Lake Trail (5 miles): Passes a smaller glacial lake
- Forest Road Network (multiple routes): Mountain biking-friendly dirt roads
Fall foliage peaks in late September and early October. Spring (May) brings wildflowers and migrating birds.
Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC)
Just outside the park, PEEC runs naturalist programs, guided walks, and educational events. It's adjacent to the state park and offers drop-in programs on weekends. If you're traveling with kids, check their schedule for hands-on nature activities.
Milford Town Day Trip
Milford (10 miles east via US-6) is a charming river town on the Delaware River. Browse the historic downtown, grab coffee at a local café, or eat lunch on the water. It's a gentle 15-minute drive and breaks up a multiday park stay nicely. See RV Parks in Milford if you decide to base a night there instead.
Practical Tips
Book In-Park Camping Early & Strategically
Promised Land's 495 sites fill 6–8 weeks ahead for summer weekends and 8–10 weeks ahead for fall foliage season (late Sept–early Oct). Use ReserveAmerica's site map to identify waterfront loops (101–110) for lake views. Weekday visits (Mon–Thurs) often have openings even in July; consider a 4-day getaway if summer weekends are booked.
Respect the Electric-Motor-Only Rule
Gas engines are prohibited on both lakes. This isn't a limitation—it's the reason the park is so peaceful. Trolling motors are fine, and they're nearly silent. Canoes and kayaks are equally welcome. The quiet water has helped restore a breeding population of common loons, making for magical dawn and dusk listening.
Expect Marginal Cell Service
Inside the park, cell service is spotty. Verizon usually works better than AT&T, but don't plan on streaming or video calls. Download maps, podcasts, or ebooks before you arrive. If you need reliable internet, Milford (10 miles east) and Hawley (15 miles west) have better coverage and café wi-fi. Most RV parks 10+ miles away have wi-fi.
Plan for Weather & Bugs
The Pocono Plateau sits at ~2,000 feet elevation. June–July brings mosquitoes and black flies; long sleeves at dusk help. July–August is hot (75–80°F days); the lake keeps nights cool. Fall (Sept–Oct) is perfect: dry, clear, 55–70°F, and loon season. Spring (May) can be wet; check recent weather before booking.
Check ReserveAmerica's Cancellation Patterns
In-park sites often open up 1–2 days before arrival as people cancel. Set an alarm or check daily if your preferred dates are "full." Private RV parks like Tanglewood have lower cancellation risk but fewer total sites. For a critical trip, reserve both a state park site and a backup private park, then cancel one.
Learn more about the broader region at Pennsylvania RV Parks.
Cost Math: RV Park vs. Hotel
Let's compare a realistic 3-night stay for two people near Promised Land:
In-Park RV Camping:
- Electric site: $36/night (mid-range rate)
- 3 nights: $36 × 3 = $108
- Utilities, Wi-Fi: included in site
- Total: $108
Alternative: Mid-Range Hotel/Inn in Milford (10 miles away):
- Typical nightly rate: $189–$220
- 3 nights: $189 × 3 = $567
- Parking: included
- Breakfast, activities: extra
- Total: ~$567
Your Savings: $459 over three nights
That's enough for a nice dinner, a full tank of gas, or a kayak rental. For families or multi-week stays, the gap widens further. Even if you split a cabin or upgrade to a private RV park like Wallenpaupack ($55/night), you're at $165 for three nights—still $400+ ahead of a hotel.
RV Parks Near Promised Land: At a Glance
| Park Name | Location | Full Hookups | Pull-Thru | Nightly Rate | Pets | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Promised Land State Park | Greentown | Yes (electric) | No | $30–$38 | Yes | No |
| Tanglewood Camping Area | Lake Ariel | Yes | No | $40–$55 | Yes | Limited |
| Wallenpaupack Family Campground | Hawley | Yes | Yes | $50–$65 | Yes | Yes |
| Indian Head Campground | Beach Lake | Yes | No | $38–$50 | Yes | Limited |
| Delaware Water Gap KOA East Stroudsburg | Yes | Yes | $60–$80 | Yes | Yes | |
| Ledgedale Campground | Greentown | Yes | No | $35–$48 | Yes | Limited |
| White Beauty View Campground | Honesdale area | Yes | No | $38–$52 | Yes | Limited |
| Hickory Run State Park | White Haven | Yes (electric) | No | $28–$36 | Yes | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you reserve the same site at Promised Land State Park for multiple years?
No, but you can rebook immediately after your checkout. Sites open for reservation 8–10 months in advance on ReserveAmerica. The park rotates popular lakefront loops, so try different areas.
What's the cell service situation inside Promised Land State Park?
Verizon has marginal coverage; AT&T and T-Mobile are spotty. Download offline maps on Google Maps or Gaia GPS before arrival. Consider a satellite messenger (Garmin InReach) if you need emergency backup.
Are there restaurants or grocery stores near the park?
The park has a small seasonal concession. Hawley (15 miles west) has grocery stores, pizzerias, and casual dining. Milford (10 miles east) has restaurants and coffee shops. Plan to do most meal prep at your campsite.
Can I fish on Promised Land Lake?
Yes. Both lakes are stocked with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish. A Pennsylvania fishing license is required. Peak fishing is spring and early fall. Check state regulations for seasonal closures.
How long should I plan to stay at Promised Land State Park?
Most visitors stay 3–5 nights. Three nights lets you do a lake day, a hiking day, and a rest day. A week is perfect if you want to bike the forest roads and take a Milford day trip. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
Is Promised Land State Park a good base for exploring the wider Poconos?
Yes, but it's more of a destination unto itself. You can day-trip to Milford (15 min), Hawley (20 min), or Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (45 min). For a loop through multiple attractions, consider RV Parks in Honesdale as an alternative base.
What's the best time to visit for loon activity?
Loons arrive in May and stay through October. Dawn and dusk are peak calling times. Bring binoculars and a loon guidebook. Their tremolo calls (the "loon laugh") are iconic and one of the best reasons to camp there.
Are there cabins available if I don't want to RV?
Yes. DCNR operates rustic cabins with heat and electricity but no plumbing. They cost $40–$60/night and book on the same ReserveAmerica system. Walls are thin; expect sounds from neighbors. They're not a substitute for hotels but work as a lightweight camping option.
Can I bring my dog to Promised Land State Park?
Yes. Dogs are allowed on-leash at campsites and most trails (except lakeside swim beaches). The park has no dedicated dog parks, so you'll be exploring the forest on-leash. Nearby private campgrounds like Tanglewood and Wallenpaupack often have more dog amenities.
When does the park get crowded, and when is it quietest?
July–August and late Sept–early Oct are peak. Weekends are busier than weekdays year-round. Quietest times: May–early June and late Oct–early Nov (shoulder seasons, fewer bugs in early June). Weather is pleasant and sites are available with less than 4 weeks' notice.
Thinking About Selling Your RV Park Near Promised Land?
If you own a campground or RV park in Pike County, Pocono region, or northeastern Pennsylvania, you're sitting on an asset in one of the most sought-after outdoor hospitality markets in the country. Promised Land draws thousands of visitors annually, and demand for quality camping options far exceeds supply.
We buy RV parks. Our team evaluates parks based on location, operational efficiency, seasonal strength, and asset value. We move quickly and pay in cash.
Interested in exploring your options? Reach out to Jenna Reed, Director of Acquisitions, at jenna@rv-parks.org. Include a quick overview of your park (size, sites, age, occupancy), and we'll schedule a no-pressure conversation.
Learn more about the acquisition process: /sell