Fort Necessity National Battlefield | Pittsburgh

Lackawanna State Park is a 1,445-acre park located in northeastern Pennsylvania, near the city of Scranton. It serves as a popular destination for outdoor recreation, providing visitors with a peaceful natural setting centered around a large 198-acre lake known as Lackawanna Lake. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, offering a wide variety of activities that appeal to families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.

The park’s landscape features a mix of hardwood and pine forests, meadows, and wetlands, creating a diverse habitat for wildlife and plant species. Visitors can explore more than 18 miles of multi-use trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The trails wind through forested hills, along the lake shore, and across open fields, offering scenic views and ample opportunities to spot birds, deer, and other wildlife. In winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, extending recreational options throughout the year.

Lackawanna Lake is the centerpiece of the park and supports a variety of water-based activities. Boating is allowed but limited to electric motors only to maintain a quiet and clean environment. Canoeing, kayaking, rowing, and fishing are popular pastimes on the lake. Anglers can fish for species such as trout, largemouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish, making the lake a year-round fishing destination. The park provides three boat launches around the lake for easy water access.

Camping facilities at Lackawanna State Park accommodate a broad range of visitors. The campground includes wooded sites with electric hookups for RVs and tents, as well as walk-in tent sites for those seeking a more rustic experience. Modern amenities such as warm showers, flush toilets, and a sanitary dump station are available. For visitors wanting a more comfortable stay, the park offers three camping cottages and two yurts equipped with electricity and basic furnishings. These provide a cozy alternative to traditional camping. There are also group tenting areas that can host up to 160 people, making the park ideal for family reunions, scout groups, or other gatherings.

The park has several picnic areas scattered throughout, many of which provide scenic views of the lake. The main picnic area features grills, tables, and restrooms, while smaller sites are available near boat launches and other spots around the park. For larger groups, three reservable pavilions offer covered space for events or celebrations. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy a seasonal swimming pool that includes a spray ground for children and zero-entry access points, making it accessible to people with disabilities. The pool is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

In the winter, Lackawanna State Park transforms into a destination for cold-weather recreation. Visitors can go ice fishing on the lake when conditions permit, ice skating, and even sleigh riding. The trails offer opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, providing peaceful winter experiences surrounded by snow-covered trees and quiet nature.

The park also includes a visitor center where guests can find information about the park’s natural features, wildlife, and available activities. Educational programs and interpretive displays help deepen visitors’ understanding of the region’s ecology and history.

Lackawanna State Park is well-equipped to accommodate visitors with varied interests and skill levels. Its combination of lake activities, extensive trail systems, camping options, and year-round recreational opportunities make it a cherished destination in northeastern Pennsylvania. Whether someone is seeking a quiet walk in the woods, a family-friendly camping trip, or a day of boating and fishing, the park provides a well-rounded outdoor experience in a serene natural setting.