Promised Land State Park wilderness guide
State Park · PA

Promised Land State Park

Promised Land State Park in Pennsylvania is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering picturesque landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a range of recreational activities.

State Park3,0004+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

3,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Promised Land State Park

Promised Land State Park in Pennsylvania is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering picturesque landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a range of recreational activities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Promised Land State Park spans over 3,000 acres in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania and is surrounded by the Delaware State Forest. Established in 1905, the park is known for its dense woodlands and two prominent lakes: the 422-acre Promised Land Lake and the 173-acre Lower Lake. The park is home to a mix of hardwood forests and wetlands, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife including deer, black bear, and numerous bird species. Recreational opportunities abound, with over 50 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. The park's history includes its role in the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s, which contributed greatly to the facilities seen today. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, boating, and watching the seasonal changes in this serene park. Notable landmarks include the Bear Wallow Natural Area, which showcases old-growth forest with towering trees and unique plant life.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Promised Land State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Bear Wallow Natural Area✦ Two glacial lakes✦ Historic Civilian Conservation Corps structures✦ Diverse wildlife and bird watching opportunities
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Promised Land State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Promised Land State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Promised Land State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Promised Land State Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Promised Land State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Promised Land State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Promised Land State Park
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Promised Land State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Promised Land State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Promised Land State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee; camping and boat rental fees apply.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Promised Land State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Promised Land State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Greentown, Pennsylvania
⌖ 5.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Greentown, Pennsylvania

Greentown is a tranquil spot for outdoor lovers seeking hiking, fishing, and paddling in Northeastern Pennsylvania. With access to Lake Wallenpaupack and nearby state parks, it’s perfect for seasonal nature escapes.

Late Spring through Fall for water and hiking activities; Winter for snowshoeing and quiet nature experiences
Explore Town
Buck Hill Falls, Pennsylvania
⌖ 9.00 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Buck Hill Falls, Pennsylvania

Buck Hill Falls offers a quiet mountain escape with gentle hikes, fishing, bird watching, and peaceful winter cross-country skiing, all set in Pennsylvania’s scenic Poconos.

Spring through Fall for hiking and fishing; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Lakeville, Pennsylvania
⌖ 9.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lakeville, Pennsylvania

Lakeville, Pennsylvania offers a peaceful outdoor escape with lake paddling, forest hiking, fishing, and winter snow sports. Its location by Lake Wallenpaupack makes it an inviting base for nature lovers seeking quiet adventure year-round.

Spring through Fall; Winter for snow activities
Explore Town
Hawley, Pennsylvania
⌖ 11.33 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hawley, Pennsylvania

Hawley, PA, is a peaceful Pocono town known for easy river paddling, fishing, and forest trails. It’s a quiet spot for visitors seeking nature, with accessible parks and friendly small-town charm year-round.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania
⌖ 13.50 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania

Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania, offers quiet lakeside adventures with kayaking, hiking, fishing, and winter sports—ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful escape surrounded by nature.

Spring through Fall for water and hiking; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania
⌖ 14.52 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania

Tobyhanna is a quiet Pocono Mountain town ideal for outdoor lovers seeking hiking, fishing, paddling, and winter sports amidst forested lakes and protected parks.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Promised Land State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

A 35‑Minute Skyward Sweep Over Lake Wallenpaupack
ADVEXPEDITION
Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania
Air ActivitiesADV Bookable

A 35‑Minute Skyward Sweep Over Lake Wallenpaupack

Board a Cessna 172 in Tobyhanna for a roughly 35‑minute aerial tour that delivers direct, unrivaled views of Pennsylvania’s third‑largest man‑made lake.

Air ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Pontoon Calm: A 6‑Passenger Sunchaser on Lake Wallenpaupack
ADVEXPEDITION
Hawley, Pennsylvania
Boat RentalADV Bookable

Pontoon Calm: A 6‑Passenger Sunchaser on Lake Wallenpaupack

Rent an 18' 6‑passenger Sunchaser (50 HP) from Wallenpaupack Boat Tours & Rentals for two-, four- or eight-hour outings on Lake Wallenpaupack—this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and the rules that matter.

Boat RentalPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip