Promised Land State Park
🏔️ Pocono Mountain Escape — Over 3,000 acres of pristine lakes, forests, and hiking trails on Pennsylvania’s beautiful Pocono Plateau.
Promised Land State Park is where the Poconos meet wilderness. Perched at 1,800 feet on the Pocono Plateau and surrounded by 12,500 acres of Delaware State Forest, this park offers the perfect escape from east coast city life. Two pristine lakes provide excellent fishing and boating, while 50+ miles of trails wind through dense forests to hidden waterfalls. With 235 rustic cabins and 6 campgrounds, Promised Land is the ultimate Pennsylvania camping destination—just 30 minutes from Scranton and 2 hours from Philadelphia.
Quick Facts
- 📍 Location: Pike County, Pennsylvania (Pocono Plateau)
- 📐 Size: 3,000 acres (plus 12,500 acres adjacent forest)
- ⛰️ Highlight: 422-acre Promised Land Lake + 173-acre Lower Lake
- 🚗 From Philadelphia: 2 hours via I-476 N
- 🎫 Admission: FREE (no entrance fee)
Best Season to Visit
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug) | 70-85°F, pleasant | Very High | Swimming, boating, camping |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep-Oct) | 45-65°F, crisp | High | Fall foliage, hiking, photography |
| 🌸 Spring (Apr-May) | 40-60°F, rainy | Medium | Fishing (trout season), wildflowers |
| ❄️ Winter (Nov-Mar) | 20-35°F, snow | Low | Cross-country skiing, cabin retreats |
Entrance Fees & Passes
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Park Entrance | FREE | No entrance fee |
| Beach Access | FREE | Two sand beaches, no lifeguards |
| Boat Launch Permit | $10-$20 | Required for non-powered boats |
| Mooring (Apr-Oct) | $50-$100/season | 170 spaces available |
Top Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥾 Bear Wallow Trail | 0.9 mi | Easy | Family-friendly, wetlands |
| 🥾 Conservation Island Trail | 0.5 mi | Easy | Lake views, nature study |
| 🥾 Little Falls Trail | 1.5 mi | Moderate | Waterfall, rock formations |
| 🥾 Rock Oak Ridge Trail | 4.5 mi | Moderate | Ridge views, forest exploration |
| 🐴 Bruce Lake Trail (Equestrian) | 3.0 mi | Easy | Horseback riding, lake access |
Camping & Cabins
| Type | Sites/Units | Price/Night | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Rustic Cabins | 235 | $55-$85 | Sleeps 4-7, wood stove, no plumbing |
| 🏕️ Tent Sites | 450+ | $19-$25 | 6 campgrounds, fire ring, table |
| 🔌 Electric Sites | Varies | $25-$35 | Electric hookup available |
| 👨👩👧👦 Group Camps | 4 | $75-$150 | Scouts, organized groups |
Promised Land has one of the largest cabin complexes in Pennsylvania’s state park system! Reserve at Reserve America up to 11 months in advance. Summer weekends book fast!
Trip Budget Calculator
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodging (2 nights) | $40 (tent) | $130 (rustic cabin) | $250 (cabin+weekend) |
| Boat Rental | $0 | $40 (kayak) | $80 (full day) |
| Food (2 days) | $40 (camp cook) | $80 (mix) | $140 (restaurants) |
| Gas (from Philly) | $30 | $30 | $30 |
| Total | $110 | $280 | $500 |
Wildlife Viewing Calendar
| Season | Wildlife | Best Viewing |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring | Migrating warblers, wild turkey, deer | Lake edges, morning |
| ☀️ Summer | Bald eagles, great blue heron, beaver | Lower Lake, early/late |
| 🍂 Fall | Black bear, rut deer, migrating birds | Forest trails, October |
| ❄️ Winter | Pileated woodpecker, owls, winter birds | Cabin areas, feeders |
Safety Information
| Hazard | Risk Level | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| 🌊 Open Water | Moderate | No lifeguards; PFD required on boats |
| 🐻 Black Bears | Moderate | Store food in car/bear box; clean camp |
| 🦟 Ticks/Mosquitoes | High (summer) | Repellent, check for ticks daily |
| 🪵 Cabin Wood Stoves | Low | Follow all posted instructions |
🎒 What to Pack
Day Trip Essentials
- ✅ Swimsuit and towel
- ✅ Sunscreen and bug spray
- ✅ Picnic lunch
- ✅ Comfortable hiking shoes
- ✅ Camera for wildlife
Cabin Stay
- ✅ Linens/sleeping bags (not provided)
- ✅ Cooler with food
- ✅ Cookware and utensils
- ✅ Flashlight/lantern
- ✅ Firewood kindling starter
Getting There
Address: 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown, PA 18426
- From Philadelphia (2 hours): I-476 N to I-84 E to Exit 26, then PA-390 N
- From Scranton (30 min): I-84 E to Exit 26
- From NYC (2.5 hours): I-80 W to PA-402 N to PA-390 N
GPS Coordinates: 41.3071° N, 75.1848° W
Nearby Attractions
- Bushkill Falls (30 min) — “Niagara of Pennsylvania”
- Delaware Water Gap NRA (45 min) — River recreation, more trails
- Lake Wallenpaupack (20 min) — Largest lake in Poconos
- Ski Areas (winter) — Camelback, Jack Frost nearby
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Promised Land cabins special?
Promised Land has 235 rustic cabins—one of the largest cabin complexes in any Pennsylvania state park. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, these charming wooden cabins feature wood stoves and sleep 4-7 people. Note: No running water or electricity in cabins.
Can you swim at Promised Land?
Yes! Two sand beaches at Pickerel Point and the Day Use Area are open Memorial Day through mid-September. No lifeguards—swim at your own risk.
Is fishing good at Promised Land?
Excellent! Both lakes offer bass, pickerel, perch, and catfish. Lower Lake is stocked with trout. Valid PA fishing license required.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to Explore Promised Land?
The Poconos’ best-kept secret awaits! Book a rustic cabin for the ultimate mountain escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big are the lakes at Promised Land?
Promised Land has two main lakes: the 422-acre Promised Land Lake and the 173-acre Lower Lake. Both offer swimming, fishing, and boating with electric motors only for a peaceful experience.
Are there cabins at Promised Land State Park?
Yes! The park offers rustic cabins originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression. These historic cabins provide a unique overnight experience. There are also six camping areas with options from rustic to full hookups.
What is the Bruce Lake Natural Area?
The Bruce Lake Natural Area is a pristine 12,464-acre wilderness directly accessible from Promised Land. It features Bruce Lake, a glacial lake formed during the last Ice Age, surrounded by dense woodlands and wetlands. Excellent for hiking, wildlife spotting, and cross-country skiing!
Can I swim at Promised Land State Park?
Yes! The park has two sandy swimming beaches open from Memorial Day to mid-September. Both lakes offer designated swim areas with beautiful Pocono Mountain settings.
What fish can I catch at Promised Land?
The lakes offer year-round fishing including largemouth and smallmouth bass, pickerel, muskellunge, yellow perch, sunfish, and catfish. Lower Lake is stocked with trout! Ice fishing is popular in winter.
Is there cross-country skiing at Promised Land?
Yes! The park’s 50+ miles of trails are suitable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. The Bruce Lake Natural Area and Conservation Island are especially popular for XC skiing. Snowmobiling on designated trails is also available.
