Promised Land State Park Guide — Beach, Hiking, and More 

Promised Land State Park offers a plethora of activities for visitors, including hiking trails that cater to all skill levels, 2 gorgeous beaches for swimming and sunbathing, a museum showcasing the area’s rich history, and various recreational facilities. With nearly 700,000 annual visitors, the park is a popular destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.

How To Get to Promised Land State Park

Where Is Promised Land State Park?

This state park is on the Pocono Plateau in Greentown, Pennsylvania. The park is 35 miles from the New York and New Jersey state lines and about 100 miles from Philadelphia. It stretches over 3,000 acres and encompasses forests, lakes, and streams. The Delaware State Forest surrounds the park.

Promised Land State Park Opening Hours and Seasons

Promised Land State Park is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. The day-use areas close at dusk. Certain parts of the park, such as the overnight and beach areas, have specific seasons and hours. The operating hours of the facilities also vary. We recommend that you call ahead to ensure that you can visit the different areas of the park on the day of your visit.

Nearest Airport to Promised Land State Park

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) is the closest major airport to the park. This airport is 38 miles from the park, and it takes a little over a half hour to get there. The airport offers nonstop service to many destinations, including Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Miami.

Driving to Promised Land State Park

This state park is in Pike County, 10 miles north of Canadensis, along PA Route 390. The park can be easily accessed from Highways 80 and 84. It is approximately 100 miles north of Philadelphia and 35 miles from the state borders of New York and New Jersey.

Taking the Train to Promised Land State Park

There is no train service to Promised Land State Park. If you prefer to travel by train, your best option is to travel to one of the nearby cities in New York or New Jersey or take one to Philadelphia. There will be quite a bit of travel involved from the station to the park, and it will likely involve hours of driving.

Taking the Bus to Promised Land State Park

There is no bus service directly to Promised Land State Park. However, Greyhound offers bus service to Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, about 19 miles from the park. Once you arrive at the bus stop, you can arrange a rental car or ride-share service to get to the park. The park is only about a 30-minute drive from Mount Pocono.

Getting Around Promised Land State Park

There are designated parking areas throughout the park where you can leave your vehicle and walk to the various highlights you want to explore.

Hot Tip:

The park provides a printable map to help you plan your visit.

What To See and Do in Promised Land State Park

There is an endless list of things to see and do at Promised Land State Park. From spending the day on the beach during the summer months to skiing and snowshoeing during the winter and from visiting museums to hiking, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this state park.

Beach

There are 2 beaches at Promised Land State Park that are perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. These beaches are open daily from Memorial Day until the middle of September, from 8 a.m. to sunset. The main beach is in the Day Use Picnic Area, and the Pickerel Point Beach is at the end of Pickerel Point.

Please note that no lifeguards are on duty, so swimming is at your own risk. To fully experience the park’s beauty, you can enjoy sunbathing, building sandcastles, and swimming near the shore.

Hiking Trails

Promised Land State Park and the surrounding Delaware State Forest offer approximately 50 miles of hiking trails. These trails are perfect for hikers of all skill levels. Some hiking trails include the Village Trail, Little Falls Trail, Bald Eagle Trail, and Conservation Island Trail. Hiking these trails offers the opportunity to enjoy nature, relax, explore, and observe the wildlife that inhabits the park.

Masker Museum

The Masker Museum is one of the largest Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) museums in Pennsylvania. This facility features displays, interactive stories, and artifacts that tell the history of the CCC in the park. Several areas feature mountain areas, field guides, a bird observation area, children’s books, and interactive displays on the area’s natural features.

This facility is right off Pickerel Point near the campground and amphitheater. The museum is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and admission is free.

Hot Tip:

The hours may vary, so it is best to call in advance to confirm the hours during your intended visit.

Ranger-Led Programs

The park offers environmental education programming from April through October. Recreational programming is available on Fridays and Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. From late June through the beginning of September, weekly arts and crafts programs are held for children of all ages. Conservation volunteers organize these programs.

Another popular program is the family fishing program, which teaches and refines fishing skills and provides loaner equipment. These programs provide a great opportunity to engage with the park and learn about its cultural and natural history.

Wildlife Watching

The wildlife watching at Promised Land State Park is truly incredible. An observation station on Lower Lake near the Bear Wallow Boat Launch provides amazing opportunities to see waterfowl and other animals. During the early summer months, black bears and birds come to the park to feast on the blueberries that grow there.

Other animals spotted here include bald eagles, otters, raccoons, deer, swans, beavers, and timber rattlesnakes. Don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars for even better views of the wildlife.

Winter Activities

Promised Land State Park is transformed into a wonderland each year when winter rolls around. Many people bring their snow equipment to enjoy the trails open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Other winter activities that can be enjoyed here include snowmobiling and ice skating. There are 23 miles of groomed trails that open in late December to provide hours of snowy fun during the winter months.

Bottom Line:

When covered in a blanket of snow, the park has an enchanting atmosphere and offers a unique way to enjoy winter.

Best Times To Visit Promised Land State Park

This state park is open year-round and offers opportunities for adventure, no matter the season. Certain times of the year are better than others to visit, especially if there is a particular event or activity you wish to participate in.

Best Time To Visit Promised Land State Park for Ideal Weather

Weather can make a trip awesome or ruin it, so it’s wise to plan around typical weather trends. The best time to visit this park for ideal weather is in August. The temperature at this time of year ranges from the low 50s to the mid-70s, perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking and camping.

Best Time To Visit Promised Land State Park To Avoid the Crowds

Visiting this park when the crowds are sparse is a fantastic idea. The best time to visit this area is after Labor Day when summer crowds disappear. A visit in mid- to late September will allow you to explore the park at your own pace without long lines, crowded areas, or heavy traffic.

Best Time To Visit Promised Land State Park for Wildlife

The wildlife at Promised Land State Park is truly mesmerizing. The best time to visit and see the wildlife in the park is in July. During this time of year, you have a higher chance of seeing black bears and eaglets leaving their nest after the nesting season.

Cheapest Time To Visit Promised Land State Park

Saving money while traveling may seem impossible, but with a bit of research and planning, it can be a reality. The cheapest time to visit Promised Land State Park is September, when the summer travel season has ended. This is when flights and accommodations in the surrounding areas are at their lowest throughout the year. A September visit can potentially save you hundreds in travel expenses.

Annual Events in Promised Land State Park

Promised Land State Park hosts a variety of events each year, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. These events include wildlife programs, guided hikes, and survival skill workshops. Additionally, there are annual events that both visitors and locals look forward to each year.

CCC and Local History Day

Every August, the park hosts the CCC and Local History Day. This event honors the Civilian Conservation Corps Boys and celebrates their contributions to the state park system. The event features live music, coffee and cake, guest speakers, and demonstrations of artifacts and skills from the past.

Where To Stay in Promised Land State Park

One of the first things to consider when planning any vacation is where to stay. Fortunately, there is an endless list of places to stay both in and near Promised Land State Park.

Inside the Park

Several accommodations are available for visitors who want to stay in the park during their visit. You can easily find something that will work for your vacation needs.

Cabins

The CCC built 12 rustic cabins at Promised Land State Park in the 1930s, and they are available for rent. These cabins are adjacent to Lower Lake, nestled within the evergreens. Each cabin features fireplace inserts, a refrigerator, stove, electricity, outdoor fire rings, and adjacent private bathrooms. The park has 224 privately owned cabins, each with different amenities.

Some campgrounds also offer cottages, including electricity, bunk beds, tables, benches, a grill, and a fire ring. These cabins and cottages provide a natural retreat with the conveniences of home.

Hot Tip:

The park offers a printable cabin map to help visitors choose their preferred accommodation.

Camping

There are 6 different camping areas throughout the park. Most campgrounds feature smaller areas with modern amenities like warm showers, flush toilets, and electricity. The campgrounds at Lower Lake have over 200 campsites, including rustic walk-in sites, electric sites, and full hookup sites.

The different campgrounds include Lower Lake Campground, Pickerel Point Campground, Deerfield Campground, and Pines Campground. Camping at Promised Land State Park is the best way to immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty fully.

Towns Near Promised Land State Park

Visitors who want to stay near the park have plenty of options just a short drive from the park.

Greentown, Pennsylvania

Promised Land State Park is in Greentown, which offers plenty of lodging, dining, and recreation options. For accommodations, a fantastic resort, several campgrounds, and cabins are available for rent.

The town has several locally owned restaurants serving a variety of specialties, from elegant dining rooms to mom-and-pop diners and everything in between. For recreation, this is the perfect town for outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, wildlife watching, and exploring local shops.

Lakeville, Pennsylvania

Lakeville is 16 miles from Promised Land State Park, making it an excellent home base for visitors. The town offers a variety of accommodations, including charming inns, bed and breakfasts, modern hotels, and resorts. Numerous dining options are also available, ranging from cafes to fine steakhouses. Visitors can explore museums, golf, visit a winery, hike, or cycle for recreation.

Where To Eat in Promised Land State Park

When hunger strikes during your park adventures, you don’t have to worry. There are plenty of places to eat both in and near the park.

Butter

Butter is one of the top-rated restaurants in Canadensis. It is in The Frogtown Inn Bed and Breakfast, just under 10 miles from the park. The restaurant is open for dinner from Thursday to Sunday. The menu features flatbread specialties, pasta creations, freshly tossed salads, gourmet burgers, fresh seafood, and daily specials.

Concession Stand

The only food available at Promised Land State Park is the concession stand, open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It offers food and drinks from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The stand is in the Day Use Picnic area, near the main beach.

Overboard’s

Overboard’s is about 9 miles from the park and is open for dinner, drinks, and desserts from Thursday through Monday. Its menu features a lovely mix of fresh seafood creations, steaks, soups, salads, and appetizers. Make sure to stop here when visiting the park to refuel after a long day of adventure.

Promised Land State Park Facts

1. A New State Park Established

The land that makes up Promised Land State Park was purchased by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from 1902 to 1904. It was established in 1905 as the fourth park in the Pennsylvania State Park System.

2. Original People of the Park

The original inhabitants of the parking area were the Minsi Tribe of the Wolf Clan of the Lenni Lenape.

3. Many Owners

The land had many different owners before it became a state park. In the 1850s, it belonged to John Atkinson and his brother Asher. By the late 1860s, a doctor named Joseph Jones acquired the land. In 1876, the Shakers owned the land, and then early European settlers moved in.

4. Original Use of the Land

The land here was mostly used for timbering. Sawmills were built to process the large stands of hardwood and conifer trees. By 1903, the land was nearly bare of trees, which led to wildlife fleeing the area, forest fires, and erosion.

5. Important Bird Area

The National Audubon Society designated this park as an Important Bird Area. There is a great chance of seeing the majestic bald eagle here, as this park is a place where they nest time and time again. There are also a variety of other birds here, including red-eyed vireos, Blackburnian warblers, and American redstarts.

Final Thoughts

This state park is a must-visit destination just waiting for you to explore where pristine beaches, captivating museums, and countless other attractions await. Plan your trip today to immerse yourself in all the natural and cultural treasures this park offers.