Lackawanna State Park

The 1,445-acre Lackawanna State Park is in northeastern Pennsylvania, ten miles north of Scranton.

The centerpiece of the park, the 198-acre Lackawanna Lake, is surrounded by picnic areas and multi-use trails winding through forest. Boating, camping, fishing, mountain biking, and swimming are popular recreation activities.

Hiking at Lackawanna State Park

18 miles of trails

A series of looping trails limited to foot traffic wander through the campground and day use areas of the park.

Additional multi-use trails explore forests, fields, lakeshore areas, and woodland streams.

Picnicking at Lackawanna State Park

Most of the main picnic area overlooks the lake. Grills and modern restrooms are throughout the area.

Small picnic areas can be found at the Bullhead Bay Boat Launch to the north, and States Creek Mooring Area on the southern end of the lake.

Three picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. If not reserved, the pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Stay the Night at Lackawanna State Park

Camping

Flush toilets, warm showers, some electric hook-ups

The campground is within walking distance of the lake and swimming pool, and features forested sites with electric hook-ups and walk-in tent sites.

Campground shower houses provide warm showers and flush toilets.

Fox Run and Maple Lane loops allow pets at designated sites.

A sanitary dump station is near the campground entrance.

The campground opens the second Friday in April and closes October 14.

The maximum camping period is 14 consecutive days in the summer season and 21 consecutive days in the off-season.

Swimming at Lackawanna State Park

This activity or structure is ADA accessible.
The pool -- with a spray ground/splash zone and zero-entry points for people with disabilities -- is open seasonally.

The Lackawanna State Park Swimming pool is open from 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., starting Memorial Day weekend.

It is usually open weekends until mid-June, then open every day through mid-August, and then open weekends until Labor Day. For exact dates, please contact the park office at 570-945-3239.

Boating at Lackawanna State Park

electric motors only

The 198-acre Lackawanna Lake is popular for canoeing, kayaking, and rowing. There are three boat launches around the lake. A limited number of boat mooring spaces are available on a seasonal basis.

Fishing at Lackawanna State Park

The 198-acre Lackawanna Lake has cold water and warm water fish. The 2.5-mile-long lake has more than 7.5 miles of shoreline.

Common species are:

Trout
Muskellunge
Walleye
Channel catfish
Bullhead
Pickerel
Largemouth bass
This activity or structure is ADA accessible. The fishing pier by the main boat launch is ADA accessible.
The three-acre Trostle Pond, in the northern end of the park, is open to youth fishing only (ages 12 and under) and hosts a variety of warm water species.

Ice Fishing
Most of the 198-acre Lackawanna Lake is open for ice fishing on the natural ice, except for the ice skating area, under the PA 407 bridge and near the dam.

Hunting at Lackawanna State Park

During established seasons, more than 900 acres are open to:

Hunting
Trapping
Training of dogs
Additional areas in and around the campground are open for specific hunting seasons only. Contact the park office for details.

Common game species are:

Deer
Turkey
Rabbit
Pheasant
Grouse
Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas.

Mountain Biking at Lackawanna State Park

15 miles of trails

About 15 miles of multi-use trails wind through the park, traversing hills, lakeshore, forests, and fields.

Trailheads are at the States Creek Mooring Area and on Rowlands, Wallsville, and Austin roads.

Horseback Riding at Lackawanna State Park

The multi-use trails can be used by horseback riders. Abington Trail is recommended.

Trailer parking is available in the northeastern section of the park along Wallsville Road (PA 438).

Sledding at Lackawanna State Park

The gentle slopes by Hilltop Pavilion are recommended for sledding.

Cross-Country Skiing at Lackawanna State Park

All trails can be cross-country skied and snowshoed, although Lakeshore, Snowflake, and most trails in the campground and picnicking areas are recommended.

Ice Skating at Lackawanna State Park

When conditions permit, park staff clear an area of ice near the fishing pier for skating. Always check the ice thickness before traveling on the ice.

Ice thickness is not monitored.