Promised Land: 3,000 Acres of Camping, Not Climbing

Share:
Promised Land: 3,000 Acres of Camping, Not Climbing

Quick Facts

  • Location: Pike County (High Poconos)
  • Size: 3,000 acres
  • Key Feature: Two lakes (Promised Land Lake, Lower Lake) and massive campgrounds
  • Best For: Camping, fishing, ice fishing, lake activities
  • Warnings: Pickerel Point books months ahead, electric motors only, cell service spotty.

Promised Land State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s largest campgrounds. It’s 3,000 acres of lakes, campsites, and flat trails in the High Poconos. This isn’t a park where you climb mountains or chase waterfalls. You’re here to fish, swim, and sit by a campfire. Pickerel Point Campground juts into Promised Land Lake on a peninsula. Sites 136-142 have water views. Site 141 is a five-star spot for tent campers. The lakes allow electric motors only. Ice fishing is massive in winter. If you want a Pocono park where the hardest decision is which campsite has the best lake view, this is it.

With 390 campsites across six campgrounds, Promised Land is one of PA’s premier camping destinations. Visit the PA DCNR site for reservations and check AllTrails for current trail conditions.

The Campgrounds (The Main Draw)

Pickerel Point (The Crown Jewel)

Pickerel Point Campground sits on a peninsula jutting into Promised Land Lake. It’s the most popular campground in the park.

  • Best Sites: 136-142 (water views and close to swimming/boat rentals). Site 141 is a five-star tent site with direct lake views.
  • RV Warning: Sites 133 and 134 have bad slopes. Avoid them for RVs.
  • Amenities: Green technology bathhouses, unguarded swim beach at the tip of the peninsula.
  • Booking: Reserve months in advance. This fills up fast.

Other Campgrounds

The park has four campgrounds total. Pickerel Point is the star, but the others offer more availability and privacy if you’re flexible.

The Lakes (Electric Motors Only)

Promised Land Lake

422 acres. Electric motors only (no gas). Boat rentals available ($45/hour for electric boats).

Lower Lake

173 acres. Stocked with trout (brook, brown, rainbow). Also has bass, pickerel, and panfish.

Fishing

Both lakes are popular for bass, pickerel, and panfish. Lower Lake gets trout stockings. You’ll need a PA fishing license (and trout stamp if fishing for trout).

Ice Fishing (The Winter Draw)

Promised Land is one of the best ice fishing destinations in the Poconos. Both lakes freeze solid in winter.

Rules:

  • 5 devices max (rods, tip-ups, jaw jackers).
  • No overnight shanties (remove them daily).
  • Ice thickness is not monitored by the park. Bring an auger and test it yourself. Minimum 4 inches for one person, 7 inches for a group.

Species: Bass, pickerel, panfish, trout (Lower Lake).

Hiking (It’s Here, But It’s Not the Point)

Little Falls Trail

A 1.2-mile loop along the East Branch of Wallenpaupack Creek. Small cascades, rocky terrain, roots, and muddy sections. DCNR rates it “More Difficult” due to the rocks, but it’s short and doable for families.

Conservation Island Trail

A flat, 1-mile loop around Conservation Island on Promised Land Lake. Stroller-friendly and popular for wildlife viewing. Great for families.

Bruce Lake Natural Area

Adjacent to the park. Hike-in only (no roads). The Bruce Lake Trail is 2.5 miles one-way from Route 390 to a glacial lake. Egypt Meadow Lake is also accessible. This is where you go for total isolation.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Book Pickerel Point Early

Sites 136-142 book up months in advance. If you want a water view, plan ahead.

Electric Motors Only

No gas motors on the lakes. Bring an electric trolling motor or rent a boat.

Cell Service Is Spotty

Coverage is inconsistent, especially in the campgrounds.

Bears Are Real

This is the Poconos. Secure your food. Use bear-proof containers or hang it.

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring: Fishing is good. Campgrounds are quieter.
  • Summer: Peak season. Swimming, boating, camping. Pickerel Point is packed.
  • Fall: Foliage is beautiful. Fewer crowds.
  • Winter: Ice fishing is the main draw.

FAQ

Can you swim? Yes. Two sand beaches (Day Use Area and Pickerel Point). Both are unguarded.

Are gas motors allowed? No. Electric motors only.

Is it good for RVs? Yes, many sites have hookups. But check the site slope (avoid Pickerel Point sites 133/134).

Is there cell service? It’s hit or miss. Don’t rely on it.

Explore More

Trails in Promised Land: 3,000 Acres of Camping, Not Climbing

No trails found for this park yet.