Frances Slocum State Park Campground

Are you a Pennsylvanian seeking an immersive outdoor experience with the convenience and beauty that only a state park can offer? Look no further than Frances Slocum State Park Campground in Wyoming, PA. Nestled around the unique horseshoe-shaped Frances Slocum Lake in Luzerne County, this state park campground provides a serene and well-maintained setting for campers of all kinds. It's a fantastic destination for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking to reconnect with nature, enjoy a variety of recreational activities, and experience the natural splendor of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Frances Slocum State Park itself spans over 1,000 acres, with its 165-acre lake serving as the central hub for many activities. The campground within the park offers a classic state park camping experience, emphasizing cleanliness, natural beauty, and a range of facilities. It provides a perfect balance of tranquility and activity, allowing visitors to customize their getaway whether they prefer a quiet evening by the campfire or an active day exploring trails and waterways.

State parks in Pennsylvania are renowned for their commitment to conservation and providing accessible outdoor recreation for all residents. Frances Slocum State Park Campground upholds this tradition, offering a managed environment where visitors can enjoy the beauty of Pennsylvania's diverse ecosystems while benefiting from essential amenities and helpful park staff.

Frances Slocum State Park Campground is located on an Unnamed Road, Wyoming, PA 18644, USA. This places it within Luzerne County, a central part of Northeastern Pennsylvania. While the address might seem generic, the park is a well-known landmark and is easily accessible for locals from various parts of the state.

Its proximity to major regional centers like Wilkes-Barre and Scranton (both typically within a 30-minute drive) makes it highly convenient for urban and suburban Pennsylvanians looking for a quick escape into nature. The park can be accessed via well-maintained state and local roads, including routes like PA-309 and PA-29, which connect to larger highways such as I-81. This ensures a relatively straightforward and stress-free drive for most visitors, regardless of whether they're coming from the Lehigh Valley, Central Pennsylvania, or even the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

The setting in Wyoming, PA, offers a peaceful rural atmosphere, yet it's close enough to towns and cities to provide access to grocery stores, restaurants, and other essential services should campers need anything during their stay. The surrounding region of Luzerne County is characterized by its rolling hills, forested areas, and historic charm, making the drive to the park part of the scenic experience.

Frances Slocum State Park Campground is equipped with a range of services designed to make your camping experience comfortable and enjoyable, adhering to the high standards of Pennsylvania State Parks:

• Variety of Campsites: The campground features approximately 100 campsites, including 85 tent or trailer sites (some with electric hookups) and 15 walk-in tent sites that offer additional privacy. Each campsite is typically equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring.
• Potable Water Fill Station: A convenient potable water fill station is available for RVs, ensuring campers can easily replenish their water supply.
• Sanitary Dump Station: For RV and trailer campers, a sanitary dump station is provided, making waste disposal hassle-free before departure.
• Modern Bathhouses: The campground provides flush toilets and hot showers, offering a level of comfort and cleanliness often appreciated by campers.
• Designated Pet Sites: Pets are permitted on designated sites within the campground, allowing furry family members to join the adventure, though a limit of two non-caged pets per site and adherence to specific pet rules apply.
• Park Office and Camp Hosts: The presence of a park office and "amazing" and "very helpful" camp hosts ensures that assistance is readily available, rules are observed, and the campground runs smoothly.
• Recreational Facilities Access: Campers have access to various park facilities, including a swimming pool (seasonal, with a separate fee), boat launches, fishing pier, and miles of hiking trails.
• Environmental Programs: Natural, cultural, and historical programs are often conducted by a park environmental educator, providing educational and engaging activities, especially during the summer months at the campground amphitheater.

Frances Slocum State Park Campground offers a variety of features and highlights that contribute to a memorable camping experience, balancing natural beauty with practical amenities:

• Cleanliness and Maintenance: Multiple reviews emphasize that the "Park is very clean and well maintained.👍" This dedication to upkeep ensures a pleasant environment for all visitors.
• Exceptional Camp Hosts: A standout feature is the "amazing - friendly and very helpful" camp hosts. Their presence significantly enhances the camper experience by providing assistance and ensuring rules, like the 9 PM quiet hour, are generally observed.
• Extensive Hiking Opportunities: The park boasts "Plenty of other hiking trails," with the campground trail described as "moderate with a decent step climb." The park officially has 9 miles of hiking trails, including the Frances Slocum Trail, Deer Trail, and Lakeshore Trail, catering to various skill levels and offering diverse scenery.
• Horseshoe-Shaped Lake: The 165-acre Frances Slocum Lake is a central attraction, popular for boating (electric motors only) and fishing. The unique shape allows for diverse shoreline access and scenic views.
• Convenient RV Facilities: The availability of a "potable water fill for RVs and a dump station" is a significant convenience for RV campers, streamlining the setup and departure processes.
• Swimming Pool: During the summer season (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day), a swimming pool is open, providing a refreshing option for cooling off, though it's important to note there's a separate fee for its use.
• Wildlife Viewing: The park's diverse habitats around the lake, vernal pools, wetlands, and forests are home to an abundance of wildlife, including various bird species, making it an excellent spot for wildlife watching.
• Dedicated Quiet Hours: The observed "9pm quiet hour" contributes to a peaceful atmosphere, allowing campers to relax and enjoy the sounds of nature after a day of activities.

As a Pennsylvania State Park campground, Frances Slocum State Park Campground operates under a standardized pricing structure set by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Therefore, individualized "promotions" in the traditional commercial sense are not typically offered. However, state parks do provide consistent pricing, and there are sometimes discounts available for specific groups:

• Resident vs. Non-Resident Rates: Pennsylvania residents often receive a slightly lower rate for campsites compared to non-residents.
• Weekly Discounts: A weekly discount (per 7 days) is often applied, making longer stays more economical. For example, a weekly discount of $15.00 for residents and $17.00 for non-residents is listed on the DCNR website.
• Senior and Disability Discounts: Individuals aged 62 and over, and people with disabilities, may receive a nightly discount on their campsite fees. For example, a $4.50 per night discount is often available for residents and non-residents alike.
• No Transaction Fee for Dump Station Use: While there's a non-refundable transaction fee for campsite reservations, this fee typically does not apply to dump station use charges for non-campers.

For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, including any specific discounts, it is always best to consult the official Pennsylvania DCNR website for Frances Slocum State Park or use the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system. Reservations can often be made up to 11 months in advance, which is highly recommended, especially for popular weekends and during peak season (mid-April to mid-October).

For reservations, inquiries about site availability, park conditions, or general information regarding Frances Slocum State Park Campground, please use the following contact information:

Address: Unnamed Road, Wyoming, PA 18644, USA (It is generally best to search for "Frances Slocum State Park" in your GPS rather than "Unnamed Road" for more accurate navigation, or use the main park office address: 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming, PA 18644-9333.)

Park Office Phone: (570) 696-3525

For reservations, you can also call the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center toll-free at 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), available Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Online reservations can be made through the official Pennsylvania State Parks website, typically via ReserveAmerica. It's advisable to check the park's official website for any specific alerts or current conditions, such as the reported cyanoalgae bloom in the lake that affects pet access to the water.

For residents of Pennsylvania, Frances Slocum State Park Campground offers an excellent and highly suitable option for a state park camping experience. Its unique blend of accessibility, natural beauty, and well-maintained facilities makes it a prime choice for a local getaway.

Firstly, its strategic location in Luzerne County, within easy driving distance of major Northeastern Pennsylvania cities like Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, means that a refreshing escape into nature is never far away. This convenience reduces travel time, allowing locals to maximize their enjoyment of the park, whether for a quick weekend trip or a longer vacation.

Secondly, the park's commitment to cleanliness and the presence of "amazing" and "helpful" camp hosts contribute significantly to a pleasant and hassle-free stay. While some sites may be close together, the availability of electric hookups, potable water fill stations, and a dump station caters to various camping preferences, especially for RVers. The generally observed quiet hours also ensure a peaceful environment for relaxation after a day of activities.

Finally, the sheer breadth of recreational opportunities available within the park ensures there's something for everyone. From extensive hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels to boating and fishing on the picturesque Frances Slocum Lake, the park encourages active engagement with the outdoors. Even with challenges like the lake's algae bloom affecting pet access to the water or the occasional electrical issue at some sites, the overall positive aspects, particularly the natural beauty and the dedicated staff, make it a highly desirable destination. It's a place where Pennsylvanians can truly embrace the natural wonders of their state, create lasting memories, and recharge amidst a beautiful and well-managed setting.

Frances Slocum State Park Campground

Unnamed Road, Wyoming, PA 18644, USA