Camp & Hike
Bike
Lake Wallenpaupack, a 5,700-acre lake in the Pocono Mountains, is well-known for its boating and fishing options.
Hiking routes in wooded natural regions or along the lake's shoreline provide opportunities to see animals such as black bears, red or gray foxes, raccoons, turkeys, and white-tailed deer.
The lake includes a few seasonal lakeside campgrounds that can accommodate tents and RVs. So what are you waiting for? Start planning big with your whole family and try making reservations for the Wallenpaupack Lake estates so you can have really good time with them.
Best Lake Wallenpaupack Campgrounds
What a lovely area Lake Wallenpaupack provides to both visitors and residents! Given the gorgeous lake, mouthwatering dining options, and many activities available, it makes sense that people come from far and wide to see the area.
Camping is one of the best things to do in the area. There are many campgrounds to select from, so you're sure to find the ideal location for your camp.
1. Shohola Falls
At the trailhead, close to the parking lot, is a little picnic area. Picnicking and a quick stroll to a lesser-known waterfall are popular combos for tourists. The parking lot is off Route 6 close to Greeley, in State Game Lands 180.
Two stone-walled observation spots are reached after a short stroll along a wooded track. Since the creek drains from Shohola Lake, the amount of water that cascades over the falls is typically constant throughout the year.
The water falls over rock ledges at a height of around fifty feet, making for a stunning sight due to the falls' width. There is a well-traveled trail that leads to the falls and back in less than a mile.
2. Lacawac Sanctuary
Lacawac Sanctuary is a great place and local gem, combining elements of a historic landmark and a natural beauty.
Pack a picnic basket lunch for the journey and take your time exploring this 510-acre property, which is recognized as a National Natural
Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are eight routes that range in length from short to long and in difficulty from easy to hard. The property's 52-acre, immaculate glacial lake is its crown treasure.
In addition, the sanctuary has more than a mile of pristine shoreline along Lake Wallenpaupack, two ponds, numerous marshes, and a mature second growth forest.
The original lodge, an icehouse converted to a caretaker's cottage, a carriage house, a picnic table, a camp store, fire ring, fire pit, and a visitors center are additional places to explore. Access to Lacawac Sanctuary in Ledgedale is via Route 590.
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3. Shuman Point Hiking Trail
It is imperative that you hike this trek when you are at Lake Wallenpaupack. One of the last undeveloped sites remaining along the lake is the 250-acre property located in the northeast corner.
The three-mile loop path travels along the lakeshore for the most of it. Enjoy a picnic and a respite at a rocky beach outcrop. Follow the wooded route to witness stone walls, which are a reminder of the area's agricultural past.
4. Central Park
The Central Park in Honesdale is suitably titled given its downtown position. The beautiful green area is surrounded by buildings that date back hundreds of years and is situated in front of the historic Wayne County Courthouse.
Central Park was created in 1834 and has since become a hub for community activities. The focal point of the space is an exquisite fountain. In 1876, it was built to commemorate the United States' centennial.
There's also a Civil War statue here. The names of 353 Wayne County soldiers who died in the war are commemorated on the monument, which was built in 1869. The park has picnic tables, electric hookups, benches, and a large lawn for guests to use during their picnics.
Bring chairs or a blanket so you can relax and take in the scenery. Large shade trees, golf cart, RV sites, outdoor pool, walkways, and a sophisticated kid's playground may all be found there.
5. The Islands
Burns Island, Cairns Island, Epply Island, and Kipp Island are the four islands that make up Lake Wallenpaupack. Each has picnic tables and a special location for taking in views of the lake.
Island hopping is a fun way to spend a day in Lake Wallenpaupack, whether you launch your own boat or rent one from a nearby port. The public can visit the islands during the day; however, overnight camping is not permitted.
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6. Promised Land State Park
Promised Land State Park is a friendly place to be. It is a short drive away and offers a wide variety of outdoor activities. Use the picnic tables that are dotted across the park as a place to relax after a long day of exploring.
There are two lakes for fishing and boating, 3,000 acres of hiking trails, two sandy beaches for swimming, 6.5 miles of shared road biking, and dedicated mountain bike routes for visitors to enjoy. In Greentown, the park is situated along Route 390.
7. Prompton State Park
Among the most well-liked activities in this area are boating and fishing. The 290 acres that make up Prompton Lake are the focal point of action.
Near the boat launch is a lovely area with picnic tables where you may eat while taking in the lake view. Above the dam is also a picnic pavilion.
The 26 miles of trails in the park, the majority of which are classified as challenging, draw enthusiastic hikers and mountain bikers.
On the other hand, the 1.2-mile East Shore Trail is a charming and brief walk along paved roads that is ideal for a pre- or post-picnic stroll.
In addition, the park has an 18-hole disc golf course for optimal family enjoyment. Prompton State Park may be found at Prompton, off Route 6.
8. Palmyra Township Public Beach
Picnics and lakeside days go hand in hand. Grab a spot at Lake Wallenpaupack's lone public beach and spend the day there. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, a lifeguard is on duty.
The shoreline is surrounded by a sandy beach, and picnic tables are tucked behind trees that provide shade. In addition, there will be restrooms, a food stand, a volleyball area, and charcoal barbecues for visitors.
If the weather permits, the beach is open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. There is a nominal admission fee. In Hawley, the parking lot is off Route 6.
9. Caffrey Camping Area
There are 29 tent and tent-trailer sites in both agricultural and forested settings at this tiny camping facility. Boat fuel and slip docks are provided. For registered campers, restroom, shower, and laundry facilities are available.
Nearby are the hiking trails of Shuman Point Natural Area. With favorable prevailing winds for sailboats, the region is a favorite destination for boaters.
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10. Bingham Park
Bingham Park is the perfect location for a picnic, and it's only a short stroll from The Settlers Inn's front door. Since its founding in 1929, the park, which is situated on Main Avenue at the entrance to downtown, has served as a focal point for the community.
Bring a picnic basket and settle in at the WPA-built historic bandstand, built in 1932. Unfold a blanket in the grass and observe the goings-on within the park.
In addition to a basketball court, playground, tennis courts, and walking trail with educational signage, this location has three baseball fields.
11. Ledgedale Recreation Area
Take a day trip out on the sea. At the southernmost, and usually quietest, end of Lake Wallenpaupack, visitors can launch their boats here.
You can rent single or double kayaks for a leisurely paddle on Wallenpaupack Creek or an excursion onto the lake. Pack a picnic to eat at the lakeside picnic spot or on the boat.
With a view of the river, a wooded setting has tables and charcoal grills. Greentown's Ledgedale Road leads to the Ledgedale Recreation Area.
12. Wilsonville Recreation and Camping Area
Just off Route 6 in Hawley is another possibility for lack of access. Every launched boat or other watercraft is subject to a modest fee. There's a great picnic space on the property if you want to have your meal outside.
Picnic tables are available for public use from 8 a.m. until dusk, with a $2 fee. Wilsonville Recreation and Camping Area does not allow pets or alcohol, nor does it allow swimming.
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13. Ironwood Point Camping Area
There are 49 tent and trailer spots available here, in addition to 13 beautiful walk-in lakeside campsites.
Perched on a forested hill with a lake view, the location is near the Ledgedale Natural Area, which offers hiking and nature study opportunities, as well as Burns and Kipp islands.
For registered campers, there is a free dumping station as well as restroom, shower, and laundry facilities. There is also a picnic pavilion and a kids' play area here. Boat slips can be hired when available, and gas is supplied for boats.
14. Dorflinger Sudyam Sanctuary
It would be difficult to locate a more serene location in Wayne County. The park protects over 600 acres of unspoiled forests and open meadows.
The safe haven is a haven for wildlife. Explore the splendor by going on one of the well-kept pathways. Seven trails are available.
The largest distance is 1.4 miles, while the lowest is little over half a mile. Unfold a blanket and enjoy the peace. In White Mills, Dorflinger Sudyam Sanctuary is situated off Route 6.
15. D & H Canal Park
Take a historical stroll while enjoying your picnic. This 16-acre historical park in nearby White Mills was the result of a grassroots movement.
Apart from the ruins of an early nineteenth-century canal lock, the Daniels Farmhouse is conserved in the park. Known by another name, Lock 31 House, it was constructed in 1820.
The path of the former D & H Canal tow path is now a walking track. The trail enters town via Bingham Park, passes The Settlers Inn, connects with the Hawley Trail, and ends at the Riverside Trail. In Hawley, D & H Canal Park is situated on Route 6.
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16. Five Mile Point Group Camping Area
Five Mile Point is another leisure area that is exclusively available to supervised youth organizations for group camping. Fits two sizable groups of six to twenty-six persons.
Lakefront sites can be reached by boat or by walking several hundred yards. There are covered picnic tables, drinking water pumps, food cabinets, fireplaces, and restrooms. Reservations are required.
17. Wilsonville Camping Area
There are 160 tent and trailer sites in this region, which is the biggest lakefront campground. The campsite is located close to Route 6. Gas for boats is accessible, and slip docks can be rented.
There are flush toilets, showers, laundry rooms, and free dumping stations for campers who have registered. Shuman Point has adjoining hiking paths and a kids' play area.
The Wallenpaupack Lake Trail was finished in 2010 and travels beside the campground on the shore. Palmyra Township manages a public swimming beach nearby; admission is by donation.
18. Ledgedale Camping Area
Situated in a serene area at the southernmost point of the lake, this campground offers 70 woodland campsites suitable for tents and trailers. Docks for slips can be hired. For boats, gasoline is accessible.
In addition to a children's playground, game room, and free dump station for registered campers with self-contained trailers, the site has restroom, shower, and laundry facilities. There are two kilometers of hiking trails in the 80-acre natural area that borders the campground.
19. Ironwood Point Recreation Area
The Ironwood Point Recreation Area offers campsites on a wooded slope overlooking the lake's southern shoreline.
It is the closest camping location to Cairns, Burns, and Kipp islands, three of the lake's four islands with grills and picnic tables that are accessible by boat.
Ironwood Point has 49 tent and trailer sites, as well as 13 lakefront walk-in sites reserved exclusively for tents.
The campground includes restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities, as well as an RV dump station, a children's play area, a boat launch, and docks.
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20. Ledgedale Recreation Area
Ledgedale Recreation Area, on Wallenpaupak's northwest tip, has 70 woodland sites close to the 80-acre Ledgedale Natural Area, which includes 2 miles of hiking trails.
In addition to the normal amenities, Ledgedale features an RV dump station, playground, and game room.
Also nearby is Five Mile Point, a group camping location with walk-in tent sites along the lake directly across a cove from Ledgedale.
Five Mile Point is exclusively for supervised youth organizations and can accommodate around 50 campers.
Are You Wondering What You'd Do at Lake Wallenpaupack?
There are enough good things you want to do when visiting Lake Wallenpaupack in the Pocono mountain region where you will for sure meet the nicest people.
1. Playgrounds: Always a wonderful spot to take a break from #lakelife and allow your little ones to expand their wings, burn off some of that much-needed energy, and give parents a tiny window of breathing room to rest.
Bingham Park features baseball, basketball, tennis, and even a skate park. There's also a very cool playground. Caleb Joseph Regenski Memorial Playground is located within the park.
2. Let's Have A Drink: Do you enjoy wine and craft beer? Lake Wallenpaupack offers a few excellent choices! Three Hammers Winery, located in Hawley, provides a relaxing environment for even the most discerning palates to taste a diverse selection of quality wines.
Not far from the charcuterie is Wallenpaupack Brewing Company, which produces some truly wonderful artisan beers.
Inside and outside seats, a wide selection of beers, and an excellent food. We highly recommend stopping here.
3. Entertainment: Want to be entertained? Join us at the Ritz Company Playhouse for live theater productions. Past shows include "Pinkalicious," "The Little Mermaid, Jr.", and "The Drowsy Chaperone."
Is theater not your thing? Don't worry. The Wildflower Music Festival features live musical performances on summer weekends in July and August. Each performance takes place at the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary in White Mills, Pennsylvania.
4. Train Rides: All aboard! Grab a ticket and ride the Stourbridge Line. Train rides in the summer, as well as special events throughout the year, provide a really unique experience.
5. Food: Like other tourist attractions, there are plenty of eateries. The lake offers a wide range of dining options, from casual to upscale dining, to suit every budget.
The Woodloch Springs Grille is part of a magnificent resort complex near Lake Wallenpaupack. The Settlers Inn is another great location to eat; the foyer is really stunning.
From there, you'll enjoy The Boat House, which provides dock access for those arriving by boat. Otherwise, choose The Dock at Silver Birches, another historic Lake Wallenpaupack resort.
Glass - Wine.bar.kitchen is another excellent option for small dishes and beverages with views of the river gorge falls.
6. Festivals & Seasonal Fun: Have you ever watched a fireworks display while lounging on a lake? The July 4th fireworks display at Lake Wallenpaupack is incredible. You must see them in person to properly understand what it's like.
Wally Lake Fest is a massive festival on land and in the water. Come visit us in late August, and you could just come upon the celebration, which is regarded as the largest event in the Northern Pocono Mountains.
Another great event is the Hawley Winter Fest, which takes place in early December. This event allows guests to witness a true community effort. The food, cookies, and activities make this a family-friendly winter event.
Want fresh local baked goodies and a variety of activities? Visit Ritters Farm Market. Our favorite time to visit is in the fall; the hard ciders and wine are fantastic, but the pumpkin cannon is a must-see!
7. Nature, Sightseeing, and Hiking: Whether I haven't been looking in the correct spots or I've simply been unfortunate, I've rarely spotted Eagles in the wild. That is, until I began visiting Lake Wallenpaupack.
I've since seen Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Osprey, and a variety of hawks. These amazing birds of prey thrive around the lake, and it never ceases to amaze me.
If you want to hike a few paths and see the scenery and wildlife around the lake, consider Shuman Point Natural Area. Lacawac Santuary is focused on education, preservation, and research.
Promised Land State Park sits on the Pocono Plateau, 1,800 feet above sea level, and is surrounded by 12,464 acres of Delaware State Forest, which includes natural areas.
Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, rustic cabins, camping, miles of hiking trails, and stunning views of the forest.
8. Lions, tigers, and bears...Oh My: Nearly three decades ago, my parents took me to Claws "N" Paws, and I was astounded by how many animals they help.
We've subsequently taken our children several times, and it's well worth the admission money simply to see the expression of surprise on their faces. I highly recommend paying the visit.
9. Ice Cream: Every youngster deserves an ice cream cone, and there's nothing better than a soft serve cone on a hot summer day.
Coutt's Ice Cream opens in late April and serves excellent handcrafted ice cream. Gresham's Ice Cream Shoppe is a popular destination for hard and soft serve ice cream, as well as some delicious sundaes.
Believe it or not, you may arrive at Gresham's on your boat! The Dairy Twist is another popular spot throughout the summer.
10. Beach Time: It is not uncommon for state parks and lakes in Pennsylvania to include a swimming / beach area, and Lake Wallenpaupack is no exception.
Palmyra Township Public Beach might get crowded on long hot summer days, but it does offer lake access and swimming for guests.
A lakeside beach is a lovely alternative to ocean beaches, and you don't have to worry about sharks!
11. Boating and kayaking: Lake Wallenpaupack is massive! The 5,700-acre lake is 13 miles long with 52 miles of shoreline.
The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission notes that there are no horsepower limitations on the lake, although boaters are limited to 45 mph on weekends and holidays.
From sunset to daybreak, a 25-mph speed limit is imposed. The state owns a boat launch in Mangan Cove, which is available for free. Brookfield's access points can be used for a fee.
Remember, you can kayak and utilize personal watercraft on the lake, but you must respect the laws. If you do not launch from Mangan Cove, you do not need a state sticker for your kayak. When out on the lake, make sure to follow all of the rules and regulations.
12. Water Sports & Towables: Lake Wallenpaupack offers a variety of water-based activities. All boats used for water skiing and tubing must have an observer alongside the driver.
Boats may only tow one skier or towable at a time, and neither is permitted between sunset and daybreak. For additional information, please go here.
In the winter, we've seen people ice fishing, skating, surfing, sailing, and even snowmobiling all around the lake.
13. Fishing: There are rules for everything in Pennsylvania, including fishing. Fishing is no exception, albeit youngsters (under the age of 16) have the advantage of avoiding the mandatory fishing license.
If you're going to help your youngster fish at the lake, be sure you have a license! Lake Wallenpaupack is home to an abundance of fish species.
14. Shopping: The fundamentals, like going to the grocery store and picking up food for the week or weekend, can be difficult if you're unfamiliar with the area.
The two most popular and convenient stores are IGA in Hawley and Dutch's Market in Greentown. Want to spend your money on something other than food
Hawley, Honesdale, and the neighboring communities have numerous antique stores, boutiques, art galleries, and specialized shops.
Rules and Reservations
Campgrounds at Lake Waullenpaupack are normally open from late April until mid-October. Campers must remain for at least two nights, and three nights on holidays.
Reservations are not necessary, however they can be obtained by contacting the operator of any campground.
Each campsite has a maximum capacity of eight people, with one camping unit and one automobile per site. Hunting, dogs, and alcohol are not permitted in any of the lake's recreational or natural sections.