Prompton State Park wilderness guide
State Park · PA

Prompton State Park

Prompton State Park in northeastern Pennsylvania features a large reservoir and forested hills, offering diverse outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and camping in a tranquil natural setting.

State Park1,5004+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

1,500

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Prompton State Park

Prompton State Park in northeastern Pennsylvania features a large reservoir and forested hills, offering diverse outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and camping in a tranquil natural setting.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Prompton State Park covers over 1,500 acres in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, centered around the 280-acre Prompton Lake, a man-made reservoir created by a dam on the Lackawaxen River. The park’s landscape includes rolling hills, mixed hardwood forests, wetlands, and open water, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife and native plants. Established initially in the mid-20th century to provide flood control, Prompton has since become a popular recreation destination. Visitors enjoy hiking on an extensive network of trails that range from easy lakeside strolls to more rugged forest routes. The park’s lake supports year-round fishing with species such as bass, trout, and panfish, while also featuring seasonal boating and kayaking opportunities. Campers can choose from several developed campgrounds offering tent and RV sites. In winter, the park opens for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Birdwatchers benefit from the combination of forest and aquatic habitats, attracting species like bald eagles, wood ducks, and great blue herons. Historical influences in the area trace back to early settlement and infrastructure development related to the dam and reservoir. Overall, Prompton State Park appeals to outdoor enthusiasts seeking water-based activities, forest adventures, and family-friendly camping amidst scenic Pennsylvania landscapes.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Prompton State Park

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

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Prompton Lake Reservoir with opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation✦ Extensive trail system crossing forested hills and lake shoreline✦ Developed campgrounds with over 140 sites suitable for tents and RVs✦ Snowmobiling trails and cross-country ski routes open in winter months
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Prompton State Park

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Prompton State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Prompton State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Prompton State Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Prompton State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Prompton State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Prompton State Park
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Prompton State Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Prompton State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Prompton 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 Prompton State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free entry; parking fees may apply for day use areas

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 Prompton State Park

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

Prompton State Park Campground

Offers over 140 sites with electric hookups, shower facilities, and easy access to lake and trails.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Prompton State Park

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

Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania
⌖ 3.56 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
Lakeville, Pennsylvania
⌖ 3.93 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
Honesdale, Pennsylvania
⌖ 7.30 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Honesdale, Pennsylvania

Honesdale, Pennsylvania offers outdoor enthusiasts easy access to hiking, biking, and paddling adventures surrounded by the Pocono Mountains. With quiet trails, scenic waterways, and charming town vibes, it’s a perfect year-round basecamp for exploring nature and history.

Spring through Fall for hiking, paddling, and biking; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Hawley, Pennsylvania
⌖ 7.37 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
Waymart, Pennsylvania
⌖ 8.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Waymart, Pennsylvania

Waymart, Pennsylvania offers peaceful outdoor adventures with hiking, fishing, paddling, and cross-country skiing nearby. Its forested state parks and quiet rural setting provide a perfect nature escape for all seasons.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Mount Cobb, Pennsylvania
⌖ 9.91 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mount Cobb, Pennsylvania

Mount Cobb, Pennsylvania offers a peaceful outdoor getaway with scenic hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and cross-country skiing amid rolling hills and state parks. Ideal for quiet nature trips throughout the year.

Spring through Fall for hiking and biking; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Prompton State Park

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

Eight-Passenger Pontoon Days on Lake Wallenpaupack
ADVEXPEDITION
Hawley, Pennsylvania
Boat RentalADV Bookable

Eight-Passenger Pontoon Days on Lake Wallenpaupack

Rent a 20' Bennington with a 90HP motor in Hawley for two-, four- or eight-hour outings; lifejackets, safety gear and a full tank of gas are provided for a day of cruising, fishing or swimming.

Boat RentalPT2HCertified 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