Pines Campground

Nestled deep within the beautiful Promised Land State Park on the Pocono Plateau, The Pines Campground provides a classic, rustic Pennsylvania camping experience. The campground is located near Palmyra Township, PA (18426), an area celebrated for its expansive state forests, pristine lakes, and tranquil atmosphere. The Pines is specifically situated at the northwest end of Promised Land Lake, offering campers unparalleled proximity to the water's edge and the main day-use beach area.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), The Pines Campground is known for its commitment to a traditional, low-impact camping style. It features 60 non-electric campsites, catering to tent campers and smaller RVs that do not require hookups. This dedication to rustic simplicity ensures a quiet, nature-focused stay, perfect for Pennsylvania residents seeking a true escape from the noise and technology of modern life. The campground is open seasonally, typically operating from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, making it a beloved summer destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts in the region.

The Pines Campground is located at 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown, PA 18426, near the boundary of Palmyra Township and within Promised Land State Park in Pike County. Its location in the eastern Poconos makes it easily accessible for users traveling from Eastern and Central Pennsylvania, as well as those coming from the greater Philadelphia and Allentown/Bethlehem areas.

Accessibility to the park is generally straightforward, with major interstate highways, I-80 and I-84, providing convenient routes into the region. From these interstates, visitors will navigate along scenic, well-maintained state roads like PA Route 390 to reach the park entrance. Although the campground itself feels secluded within the vast park and surrounding Delaware State Forest, it is centrally located within the park's facilities, connected by paved trails to the main day-use area. This balance of remote tranquility and manageable travel time is highly valued by local Pennsylvania campers. However, users should note that cell service is often unpredictable in this area of the Poconos, reinforcing the sense of getting away from it all.

As a state park campground with a focus on a rustic experience, the services at The Pines Campground prioritize cleanliness and fundamental comfort, while maintaining a commitment to the natural environment. The limited amenities are part of the charm, encouraging campers to embrace the outdoors.

The services offered at The Pines Campground include:

• 60 Non-Electric Campsites: All sites are rustic and without electrical hookups, each including a picnic table and a fire ring for cooking and campfires.
• Modern Restrooms: Two centrally located, modern bathhouses equipped with flush toilets for convenience.
• Pay Showers: Hot showers are available, located in the nearby Day Use Area, accessible by trail from the campground.
• Water Access: Potable water is available via several water pumps distributed throughout the campground loops. Handwashing and dishwashing are prohibited at these spigots/pumps.
• Sanitation Dumping Station: A centrally located dumping station is available within the park for RV waste disposal.
• ADA Accessibility: Some campsites and the paved trail leading to the picnic area/beach are ADA accessible, providing access for people with disabilities.
• Prohibited Items: Note that pets and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited at all campsites in this particular campground loop, and firewood must be purchased locally to prevent the spread of invasive species.

The Pines Campground’s primary highlights are tied to its superior location within Promised Land State Park and the myriad of nature-based activities available right outside the tent flap. The proximity to the lake is a major draw for Pennsylvania families and water sports enthusiasts.

Key features and highlights of The Pines Campground experience include:

• Closest to the Beach & Day Use Area: The campground's location offers the shortest and most convenient access via a paved trail to the main swimming beach, picnic area, and boat mooring areas on Promised Land Lake.
• Lake Activities: Direct access to Promised Land Lake allows for excellent fishing, boating (electric motors only), swimming at the designated beach, and kayaking/paddleboarding rentals available nearby.
• Environmental Education Programs: The State Park offers robust environmental education programming from April through October, including nature arts and crafts and family fishing programs, making it highly valuable for families.
• Extensive Hiking Trails: Miles of scenic, varied hiking trails surround the park and extend into the adjacent Delaware State Forest, perfect for quiet nature walks or challenging day hikes.
• Natural Beauty and Wildlife: Surrounded by a beautiful forest of beech, oak, maple, and hemlock trees, the area is known for birdwatching and the chance to view native Pennsylvania wildlife.
• Rustic Focus: The non-electric nature of the sites guarantees a truly quiet and peaceful atmosphere, free from the noise of generators and electrical hookups, fostering a deeper connection with the natural environment.

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer season, as The Pines Campground's rustic charm and excellent location make it very popular.

Contact Information (The Pines Campground - Promised Land State Park)
Address: 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown, PA 18426, USA
Park Office Phone: (570) 676-3428
Email: PromisedLandSP@pa.gov
Reservations: Most campsites can be reserved up to 11 months in advance via the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center (or online). Unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Pines Campground is worth choosing for the Pennsylvania user because it offers the best combination of classic Poconos rustic camping and direct lake access within a premier state park setting. For local residents who truly want to unplug, the non-electric sites are a highly desirable feature, ensuring a quiet, traditional camping atmosphere that respects the park's natural acoustics.

Its unparalleled proximity to the lake and day-use facilities means that swimming, sunbathing, and launching a canoe are just a short walk away, maximizing time spent on recreational activities. The campground's structure—with modern flush toilets and accessible pay showers—provides essential comforts while maintaining a wilderness feel. Ultimately, The Pines Campground provides a high-value, nature-centric retreat in the Poconos, perfect for families and groups seeking to make lasting summer memories in one of Pennsylvania's most beautiful state parks.

Pines Campground

Palmyra Township, PA 18426, USA