You will not find Lackawanna State Park on the list of must-see attractions in Pennsylvania. It does not offer any outstanding crowd-drawing features, but what it gives instead is pleasant views, fresh air, and a relaxing atmosphere. Come for a day or spend a week camping among nature. Put your boat on the lake or rent one to catch a fish or simply enjoy a reflection of clouds and trees. You can also discover miles of easy hiking without the need of breaking a sweat. With no mountains to climbs, no waterfalls to hike to, you will not need an elaborate itinerary to catch up to. Read on to learn why a peaceful retreat in Lackawanna State Park may be just what the doctor ordered.
Located within15-minute drive from my house, Lackawanna State Park feels more like a city park to me but for many, it is a desirable camping vacation destination. It mostly provides an escape to nature for big-city folks, but even some of my local friends camp there to unwind.
Of course, it also serves nearby communities as a place to have a picnic or just take a stroll. I usually visit for a couple of hours to clear my mind and soak in calming views. It works every time!
LACKAWANNA STATE PARK – A PEACEFUL RETREAT
Description
Lackawanna State Park is a 1,445-acre Pennsylvania state park in Benton and North Abington Townships in Lackawanna County, just 10 miles north of Scranton. Lake Lackawanna, a 198-acre man-made lake, is the central focus of recreation at the park. (No swimming is allowed in the lake.)
Contact
Lackawanna State Park
1839 Abington Road
North Abington Twp PA 18414
Phone Number:
Park Office: (570)945-3239
Views from a picnic area at Lackawanna State Park.
Directions
The park is easily reached from I-81. Visitors should take Exit 199 and travel three miles west on PA 524. Visitors coming via U.S. routes 6 and 11 should take PA 107 east about three miles to PA 407, then south. This convenient location allows for a relaxing weekend escape from York City and Philadelphia.
GPS DD: Lat. 41.55887 Long. -75.70555
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
41.55887, -75.70555
41°33’32″N, 75°42’20″W
Lackawanna State Park Map
Maps of the park are available in an outside box by the entrance of the park’s office. You can also print Lackawanna State Park Map before your arrival. It is a detailed map that includes all major areas and hiking trails.
Activities in that park
Picnicking
Picnicking is the primary activity in the park, especially popular on weekends among locals. Most picnic areas can be found past the main entrance to the park, but look for smaller spots at the Bullhead Bay Boat Launch to the north, and States Creek Mooring Area on the southern end of the lake.
Even though the park never gets crowded, if you want to grab a table close to the lake, arrive by 9 AM on summer weekends. Also, the area near the playground tends to be more popular as parents can relax under the trees while watching their children play.
Grills and modern restrooms are available throughout the area. Additionally, three picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. If not reserved, the pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walking
Locals use the park for their daily exercise. Most of them prefer a paved path along the lake. Many benches are provided to take a break and enjoy the scenery. Many people visit the park to walk their dogs. All dogs must the leashed. Make sure to clean after your dog. Bags are provided if you forget to bring them with you.
Fall in Lackawanna State Park
I strongly recommend visiting during the fall when the park dressed up with incredible foliage reflecting in the lake. You will feel like you step into a painting and with no one around, the solitude is guaranteed!
Healing beauty awaits at Lackawanna State Park.
Fishing
Fishing is very popular in the park all year round. The 198-acre Lackawanna Lake has cold water and warm water fish. The 2.5 mile-long lake has more than 7.5 miles of shoreline. Common fish include trout, muskellunge, walleye, channel catfish, bullhead, pickerel, and largemouth bass.
Boating
Lackawanna Lake is popular for canoeing, kayaking, and rowing. You can find three boat launches around the lake. A limited number of boat mooring spaces are available on a seasonal basis. A boat concession near the swimming pool area rents various types of boats.
Swimming
Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed in Lackawanna Lake, and that probably contributes to the park’s lower popularity in comparison to most popular Pennsylvania state parks.
Swimming pool
If you wish to cool off, an inviting swimming pool delivers modern facilities, changing rooms, concession stand, and views of the lake. The pool is open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, starting Memorial Day weekend.
Lackawanna State Park pool admission rates
| Admission | Time Frame | Resident Price | Non-Resident Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swimmer | Per Day | $6.00 | $6.00 |
| Senior Citizen | Per Day | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Late Arrival (after 4:00 PM) | Per Day | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Children Under 38 Inches | Per Day | free | free |
| Book of 20 Tickets | Per Book | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Park Camper or Cabin Occupant Rate with Receipt | Per Day | $4.00 | $4.00 |
| Season Pass Adult | Per Season | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Season Pass Under 12 Years Old | Per Season | $42.00 | $42.00 |
| Season Pass Senior Citizen | Per Season | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Season Pass Family | Per Season | $180.00 | $180.00 |
| Season Pass Additional Child | Per Season | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Group of 15 or More People Per Swimmer | Per Day | $4.00 | $4.00 |
Children love the pool at Lackawanna State Park.
Hiking at Lackawanna State Park
The park offers excellent hiking trails along the lake and in the woods. Most of the trails are almost flat and easy to navigate. While most visitors congregate at the main picking area, hiking trails remain uncrowded even on beautiful summer days. 18 miles of looping trails feature forest, fields, lakeshore areas, and woodland streams.
Map of hiking trails at Lackawanna State Park
My favorite trail – a combination of Ranger Trail and Lakeshore Trail
When going north on PA 407, you will pass the South Shore exit and park office exit, both on your left. Keep driving until you are almost at the bridge. Find a place to park on the right before the bridge. Look for an entrance to a trail there, which is a part of Ranger Trail (yellow blaze) popular with mountain bikers. Start hiking there. Keep your eyes open to the left.
A short detour will take you to a charming peninsula offering beautiful views of the lake. After that stop, keep to the left, and you will eventually reach the scening Lakeshore Trail (green blaze). Walk as far as you want and then retrace your steps or take one of the other trails in the woods.
Camping at Lackawanna State Park
Tent Camping
If you are looking for specious forested campsites, Lackawanna State Park delivers. None on the sites are on the lake and do not offer water views, but are located within an easy walk to the lake and the pool. The campground shower house provides warm showers and flush toilets.
Fox Run and Maple Lane loops allow pets at designated sites. A sanitary dump station is near the campground entrance. My favorite is electric site #19 in Carpentertown Loop for its interesting trees and close proximity to the lake.
Rates -rates range from $19 to $30 per night.
Camping Cottages
Located in the Carpentertown Loop of the campground, three camping cottages feature wooden walls and floors, windows, porch, electric lights, and outlets. Each cottage sleeps five people in bunk beds. T
Rates: $48.30 per night, $256.20 per week
Yurts
Also located in the Carpentertown Loop of the campground are two yurts, which are round canvas and wood walled tents with a wooden deck. They sleep up to five people in bunk beds and feature a cooking stove, microwave oven, refrigerator, table, chairs, electric heat, and outlets.
Rates: $59.85 per night, $266.70 per week
Lackawanna State Park Campground map
Make a reservation for Lackawanna State Park
Mountains Biking
Lackawanna State Park Trail Crew and other volunteers have created 24 miles of trails within Lackawanna State Park and neighboring lands owned by Countryside Conservancy. These trails are mainly designed with mountain bikers in mind but are also great for hiking.
Mountain biking maps and stats, and description
Nearby Attractions to Lackawanna State Park
For a change of pace, you will find many interesting things to do in and around Scranton, PA.
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