Shore Forest Campground

The Great Outdoors

When you park your rental motorhome at Shore Forest Campground, you'll find there are lots of fantastic state parks and natural sites well worth visiting in the surrounding area. Less than half an hour's drive away, Lackawanna State Park is a great place to get started. This 1,445-acre park is home to 198-acre Lackawanna Lake, a popular fishing and boating destination. Rent a canoe, kayak, or rowboat from the seasonal boat concession and enjoy an afternoon on the water. While swimming is prohibited in the lake, you can still cool off at the park down at the seasonal swimming pool. With its grills, modern restrooms, and lakeside views, the main picnic area is a great place to stop to eat. If you want to work up an appetite, try some of the park's 18 miles of trails. With 15 miles of multi-use trails open to mountain bikes, you'll get great views of the lake after traversing hills, forests, and meadows.Just 30 minutes' drive from the RV park brings you to Salt Springs State Park, situated just a few miles north of nearby Montrose. Famous for its old-growth hemlock trees thought to be more than 300 years old, and its steep gorge with three waterfalls, the park is a great place to reconnect with nature. Fall Brook and Silver Creek provide plenty of excellent fishing spots, both streams being stocked with trout in early spring. With almost 15 miles of hiking trails, there's a trail for almost all abilities ranging from the easy, short North Creek Trail with its scenic views, to more challenging hikes such as Fall Brook Trail, which climbs steeply alongside all three waterfalls. Enjoy a picnic at the dedicated area located between the two streams, complete with a restroom, tables, and grills. A huge variety of different animals live in the park; if you enjoy wildlife spotting, be sure to keep an eye out for flying squirrels, bobcats, and black bears.No visit to the area would be complete without taking the one-hour drive over to Tobyhanna State Park. The park extends over more than 5,400 acres and is home to the 170-acre Tobyhanna Lake. The majority of the park's ten miles of hiking trails are graded difficult, except for the five-mile Lakeside Trail that loops around the lake. If you are looking for a hiking challenge, check out the Frank Gantz Trail that connects the park to neighboring Gouldsboro State Park. Although it is only three miles long, it can be a little tricky, requiring some "rock hopping" to progress through certain sections. Note that you should stick to marked trails and avoid wandering off in remote areas as unexploded artillery shells have been discovered in undeveloped areas of the park. Other popular activities at Tobyhanna State Park include swimming and relaxing at the lake's sandy beach, where you will find a bathhouse with toilets, showers, and changing areas. There is also a seasonal boat rental concession for hiring rowboats, paddleboats, and electric motorboats. The lake is stocked with brook and brown trout, and you can also fish for perch, catfish, and bass.

Exploring the Area

There are lots of local attractions to visit when you rent a camper near Shore Forest Campground. Less than half an hour's drive away, the Old Mill Village museum is a popular destination for a family day out with a difference. Enjoy the great outdoors and stunning beauty of the Endless Mountains while learning about the area's history and the lives of some of its early inhabitants. The village showcases crafts and artifacts dating from the late 18th century onward. Local buildings of historical interest have been relocated to the site to help to preserve the area's rich past for future generations. Special events are organized throughout the year to demonstrate and celebrate different aspects of the area's local culture. Stop for some freshly baked local food at the "Village Canteen" or bring a meal to enjoy in the picnic area. There is also a "Village Mercantile" shop for souvenirs and handmade crafts, as well as a traditional old-fashioned candy counter.Another must-visit when you're camping at Shore Forest Campground is the Steamtown National Historic Site, just a little over 30 minutes' drive away in your rental motorhome. Not only can you learn all about the history of steam railroad transportation as well as about the people who built, rode, and repaired them, you can also enjoy seasonal passenger excursions to various out-of-park destinations. The site provides plenty of fun for old and young alike. The site extends over 40 acres covering the former yards of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad. Tour the history, roundhouse, and technology museums to gain valuable insight into the past and the workings of steam locomotion. Check out any upcoming events around your Hop Bottom camper rental vacation dates for special scheduled tours and steam train rides.For both young kids and big kids, the trampoline park near Wilkes-Barre is an excellent place to burn off extra energy and keep fit and active. Between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, the park is around 45 minutes' drive from the RV park. There's something for every family member to enjoy. It can also be a great way to tire the kids out before heading out to dinner.For meals out near the RV park, there's a small selection of eateries in neighboring Lenox or a good selection of fast-food restaurants on Highway 92, where you'll also find several gas stations within a 15-minute drive. For groceries or any last-minute necessities, you can head down to Scranton for all of your extra needs, with its big-name stores and malls.