Promised Land State Park is located in Pike County Pennsylvania and is considered part of the Pocono Mountains. The elevation here is around 1,800 feet. The park also comes in at approximately 3,000 acres and is surrounded by the Delaware State Forest.
You will find plenty of outdoor activities to do at this amazing state park. Everything from camping and hiking to fishing and hunting. This park is an outdoor lover’s dream. It is even close to some major east coast cities.
New York City is approximately two hours east. Philadelphia is approximately two hours to the south. Harrisburg, PA is approximately two and a half hours to the west. The closest “city”, Scranton, PA, is approximately 30 minutes to the west.
A visit to Promised Land State Parks gets you away from the hustle and bustle of the city life but not too far into the sticks that you have no cell service. It’s a great location to just get away but not too far away. Within a short 30 minute drive south or west, you can get anything that you might want.
Things to Do
Promised Land State Park is open year round with many things to do. You can go for a hike on one of the many trails found throughout the park. Approximately 50 miles of trails can be found. Most of the hikes within Promised Land State Park are on the easier side. The trails are very beginner friendly with few obstacles and are generally flat with little to no change in elevation.
Many of the hiking trails throughout the State Park have multiple uses. Besides strapping on some hiking boots and going for a walk. You can strap on skis or snowshoes in the winter. Or grab the mountain bike and ride along many of the trials in the summer months. Many of the hiking trails at Promised Land also connect to trails found within the Delaware State Forest.
Fishing and boating is another popular activity at Promised Land State Park. Gas boats are prohibited on the lakes but non powered and electric boats are welcomed. You can also rent paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks in the summer months.
There are many areas around the two lakes to cast a line. Some of the common fish found within the lakes are catfish, yellow perch, large and smallmouth bass, pickerel, muskellunge, and crappie. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission even stock lower lake with rainbow, brown, and brook trout.
Two beaches can be found at Promised Land State Park along Promised Land Lake. One is located at the end of Pickerel Point campground. The other is located off route 390 in the main day use area of the park. Both areas do not have lifeguards on duty and are at your own risk.
Wildlife watching within the park is also very popular. With a good eye you can even spot a Bald Eagle nest along Lower Lake. Just remember Federal and State laws prohibit any human activity within 330 feet of a nest. That means no hiking, boating, camping, fishing, or anything else near a Bald Eagle nest.
Another species that can be found in the park are black bears. Remember to observe from a distance and never get close. Sure they look cute and cuddly. However, they can be very dangerous animals.
In fact any animal you encounter out in the woods can be dangerous. Always observe from a distance and never feed them.
One interesting place you should check out when visiting Promised Land State Park is the Masker Museum. This free museum features exhibits of the Civilian Conservation Corps and what they did in the park. They have artifacts, displays, and interactive stories on display. There is also an area that shows the different animals found in the park and have activities for kids and a small bird observation area.
Camping
Spending the night in a cabin or tent in Promised Land State Park is an amazing experience. If you live in the city or suburbs you will witness some amazing night skies. Nothing like you will see back home. Of course, it’s nothing like Cherry Springs State Park but it’s still something special.
There are four different campgrounds located within the state park. Many of the campgrounds have flushing toilets and hot showers. Many of the sites also have electric hook ups. Pickerel Point campground is also the first site in all of PA state parks to have sewer hookups.
Some of the sites will fit RVs. Most of the sites fit small pop up campers and tents. There are over 300 different sites to pick from.
Promised Land State Park is just one of the many state parks in Pennsylvania. You spend the day fishing or hiking. Or spend the night by the campfire watching the stars overhead. Either way it is a great way to relax and get in touch with a simpler life. When will your next visit be?
