Slumber Valley Campground

The Great Outdoors

One of the most beautiful parks in Pennsylvania, Ricketts Glen State Park, is located close to Meshoppen. This 13,000-acre state park is popular due to the park's 22 named waterfalls, which run through the center of the park, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls, the largest waterfall. Hikers will love exploring the park's 26 miles of trails, which lead past these stunning waterfalls. Some of the trails are steep and slippery, so make sure to bring appropriate footwear. The park also features the 240-acre Lake Jean, which is ideal for watersports, including boating and fishing. There's even a 600-foot sandy beach, which is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.If you'd prefer to stay close to your campsite at Slumber Valley Campground, then consider visiting Lackawanna State Park. This 1,400-acre park consists of sprawling woodlands surrounding the 200-acre Lackawanna Lake. Lackawanna Lake is perfect for watersports, including fishing and boating. Anglers can expect to catch pickerel, bass, and trout in these waters. Swimming is not allowed; however, there is a swimming pool. If you want to explore around the lake, there are 18 miles of gentle trails that lead by the lake and through the park's woods. During the winter, the lake and surrounding area are ideal for winter sports, including ice skating, sledding, and skiing.Another park that shows the beauty of Pennsylvania's wilderness is Salt Springs State Park. This state park is located within the Endless Mountains region and contains hemlock trees and a deep gorge with Fall Brook running through it. This stream features three waterfalls, and the park is great for hiking with nearly 15 miles of trails, which lead past the park's best natural features. During your hike, watch out for local wildlife, including magnolia warblers, red squirrels, and black bears. Fall Brook is also a popular fishing destination, and the stream is stocked with trout.

Exploring the City

Meshoppen campers will want to branch out and explore the nearby city of Scranton. The city is well known for being the setting of the hit TV show The Office and features tons of fun activities for the whole family. The Lackawanna Coal Mine was a successful coal mine until its closure in the mid-1960s. The mine reopened some decades later as a museum and is dedicated to the impact coal mining had on the U.S. economy and way of life. Visitors can explore up to 300 feet below the surface and experience what conditions were like for coal miners in the early 1900s.Scranton also has some wonderful museums, including the Everhart Museum. This museum covers a range of topics, from natural science to art, with some fantastic displays on locally found fossils and minerals. There are also some impressive exhibits aimed at displaying local ecosystems, with an array of plants and animals to see. There are also some exquisite pieces of art and history at the museum ranging from Roman relics to contemporary American folk art.Alternatively, you might want to get out of Pennsylvania and head north to Binghamton, New York. This historic city has some fun attractions, and a great one for families is the Binghamton Zoo. This zoo is the fifth oldest zoo in the country and features over 150 different animals from across the globe. Some of the most interesting animals you'll see include Amur leopards, red pandas, and golden-headed lion tamarins. The zoo also offers animal encounters where you can get to know your favorite critters.