Camp Lackawanna

Are you a Pennsylvania resident seeking a peaceful escape, a spiritual retreat, or a vibrant summer camp experience for your children, all nestled in the quiet beauty of the mountains? Look no further than Camp Lackawanna in Tunkhannock, PA. This captivating site offers a unique blend of rustic charm and dedicated service, making it an ideal destination for those looking to unplug and reconnect with nature, community, or faith.

Camp Lackawanna is more than just a campground; it’s a ministry of the Presbytery of Lackawanna of the Presbyterian Church (USA), deeply committed to providing a setting where Christian faith can be joyfully experienced and nurtured. However, its stunning natural beauty, excellent facilities, and hard-working staff make it a highly recommended spot for various groups and individuals, regardless of their affiliation. Visitors consistently praise the tranquil riverfront, the inviting camp facilities, and the welcoming atmosphere created by the diligent staff, often noting the delicious meals served on-site.

Founded in 1962, Camp Lackawanna is set in the scenic Endless Mountains region of Northeastern Pennsylvania, gracefully situated along the Vosburg Neck of the Susquehanna River and adjacent to the newly established Vosburg Neck State Park. This location provides a breathtaking backdrop of wide-open fields, lush forestland, and the meandering river, all waiting to be explored. The camp is deeply rooted in its mission to offer transformative experiences, whether through annual summer camping programs designed for spiritual growth and recreation, or by serving as an ideal location for a variety of retreats, reunions, and events from September through June.

The essence of Camp Lackawanna lies in its dedication to community, faith formation, and fun. It provides a rustic yet comfortable environment where guests can build resilience, foster independence, and simply enjoy the great outdoors. It’s a place where you can find serenity along the tranquil Susquehanna or embark on an adventure exploring the surrounding natural landscape.

Camp Lackawanna is conveniently located at 1219 Vosburg-Neck Rd, Tunkhannock, PA 18657, USA. Its position within the Endless Mountains, along the Susquehanna River, makes it easily accessible for many residents across Pennsylvania, as well as parts of neighboring New York. The camp is approximately 10 miles west of Tunkhannock, off Route 6, and is just an hour's drive from major regional cities like Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and Towanda, PA, as well as Binghamton and Endicott, NY.

The secluded nature of the camp, nestled in the quiet of the mountains, offers a true escape from everyday noise and distractions. Despite its tranquil setting, its accessibility ensures that groups and families can reach it with relative ease, making it a practical choice for retreats, summer camps, or even just a peaceful overnight stay. The beautiful Vosburg Neck State Park immediately adjacent to the camp further enhances its appeal, providing additional opportunities for outdoor activities.

Camp Lackawanna provides a range of services designed to support both its summer camping programs and its retreat/rental offerings:

• Lodging Options: The camp can accommodate groups ranging from 2 to over 200 overnight guests. For summer campers, this typically includes open-air cabins that sleep 6 campers per cabin, supervised by young adult counselors. For retreats and rentals, options may include rustic camp facilities, private cabins, or dorm-style rooms in lodges (e.g., Smyrl Lodge with shared bathrooms, common living space, and kitchen). Tent sites are also available, often near the river.
• Dining Services: Guests often praise the quality of the meals served at the camp. Dining typically takes place in Merrill Lodge, providing a central gathering spot for meals.
• Program Staff: Dedicated staff members work hard to ensure a great experience for all guests, offering guidance and support for activities and general needs.
• Facility Rentals: From September through June, Camp Lackawanna is available for rentals by church, school, social groups, and even families for retreats, reunions, corporate picnics, and team-building adventures. Booking is handled via their registrar.
• Meeting Spaces: The camp offers various spaces suitable for group gatherings, Bible study, worship, and fellowship, including a dining hall, an amphitheater, and an outdoor chapel.
• Christian Faith Formation: Summer camping programs are specifically designed with Bible study, prayer, worship, and fellowship at their core, nurturing Christian faith in a joyful setting.

• Stunning Riverfront Access: The camp boasts a beautiful and tranquil riverfront along the Susquehanna River, perfect for quiet reflection, fishing, or activities like tubing and canoeing.
• Rustic Charm and Natural Beauty: The camp facilities maintain a rustic charm that blends seamlessly with the natural environment of the Endless Mountains. There are wide-open fields, dense forestland, and scenic views to explore.
• Dedicated and Hardworking Staff: Reviewers consistently commend the staff for their effort and commitment to making guests' experiences enjoyable and memorable.
• Delicious Meals: The food served at the camp receives positive feedback, with guests noting they've "never had a bad meal."
• Outdoor Recreation Areas: The camp features open fields for sports and recreation, wooded hills for hiking and exploring, and a fire circle for classic campfire gatherings and s'mores.
• Swimming Pool: A 30' x 60' swimming pool provides a refreshing option for recreation, especially during the summer months.
• Amphitheater and Outdoor Chapel: These unique features enhance worship and gathering opportunities in a natural setting.
• Summer Camp Programs: Offering specific programs like "Vosburg Ventures," "Adventure Sleuths," "Music, Art & Drama (MAD) Camp," and "Hike, Bike & Paddle" for various age groups, focusing on exploration, challenge, and skill development in nature.
• Proximity to Vosburg Neck State Park: Being right next to the new state park means campers have even more trails and natural areas to discover.
• Dark Night Sky: Away from city lights, the night sky at Camp Lackawanna is truly dark, offering amazing stargazing opportunities, especially noted during summer camp experiences.

Camp Lackawanna, as a ministry, often focuses on accessibility rather than commercial promotions. For its summer camp programs, it utilizes a tiered pricing structure to make attendance possible for various family budgets. This means families can choose the tier that aligns with their financial capacity, ensuring that every child receives the same quality camp experience regardless of the chosen tier. Additionally, need-based financial assistance (camperships) is available on a first-come, first-served basis, funded by individual and congregational donations. For retreat rentals, specific pricing would be discussed directly with their registrar, as rates likely vary based on group size, duration of stay, and facilities utilized.

To learn more about Camp Lackawanna, inquire about summer camp programs, or book a retreat, you can use the following contact information:

Address: 1219 Vosburg-Neck Rd, Tunkhannock, PA 18657, USA

Phone: (570) 836-3444

Mobile Phone: +1 570-836-3444

For specific inquiries regarding summer camp registrations or retreat rentals, it is recommended to visit their official website or contact their registrar directly, as booking procedures may involve creating a profile and checking availability through their system (e.g., Camp Brain). The Registrar can be contacted at (570)-550-2391 or via email at camplackawanna.registrar@gmail.com for retreat and rental inquiries.

For Pennsylvania residents, Camp Lackawanna in Tunkhannock offers a compelling and multifaceted option for various needs. Its prime location in the Endless Mountains, along the Susquehanna River, provides an accessible yet wonderfully secluded natural environment. This makes it an ideal spot for locals seeking a quiet retreat to unwind and reconnect with nature, whether for a weekend or a longer stay. The breathtaking scenery, with its riverfront access and ample opportunities for hiking and exploration, caters to outdoor enthusiasts.

Beyond its natural beauty, Camp Lackawanna shines as a family-friendly destination. Its long-standing summer camp programs offer invaluable experiences for children and youth, fostering independence, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for the outdoors, all within a nurturing, faith-based framework. The availability of various lodging options, from rustic cabins to tent sites, ensures that different preferences and budgets can be accommodated. Furthermore, for local churches, schools, and organizations, the camp serves as an excellent venue for retreats, team-building events, and reunions from September through June, providing a supportive and scenic setting with delicious food and dedicated staff. Camp Lackawanna truly offers a rich, memorable experience that resonates deeply with the spirit of Pennsylvania's natural heritage and community values.

Camp Lackawanna

1219 Vosburg-Neck Rd, Tunkhannock, PA 18657, USA