The lake was created by the construction of a 130-foot-high earth-fill dam.
The park land was originally part of the ancestral hunting grounds of the Susquehannock and Munsee Lenape nations.
Lackawanna State Park serves as a major migration stopover for waterfowl along the Atlantic Flyway.
The park maintains a dedicated sensory garden designed to be accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Parts of the park are designated as high-quality cold-water fisheries due to the creek's oxygen levels.
The park features a unique series of stone wall remnants from early 19th-century farming operations that predate the state park designation.
Lackawanna State Park centers on the 198-acre Lackawanna Lake, a man-made reservoir created by a dam on the South Branch of Tunkhannock Creek. The park spans 1,445 acres in North Abington Township, providing significant habitat for diverse wildlife including wild turkeys and white-tailed deer. Visitors have access to 18 miles of multi-use trails, some of which are groomed for cross-country skiing during winter months. The park features an Olympic-sized swimming pool complex with a slide and a splash pad, operating seasonally. Boating is a primary activity, with multiple launch areas and boat mooring facilities available for private watercraft. Camping options include over 135 sites, ranging from tent sites to full-hookup RV pads and camping cottages. The park is integrated into the state's DCNR trail network, supporting year-round recreation including hunting and fishing. It serves as a regional hub for environmental education and outdoor group gatherings.
The observation bridge overlooking the dam spillway during sunset.
Check the official DCNR website for real-time water quality and harmful algal bloom updates before swimming.
Utilize the boat rental concession located near the main marina to avoid hauling your own watercraft.
Download the trail map offline, as cellular service is inconsistent in the deeper valley sections of the park.
Attempting to swim in the main lake; swimming is strictly confined to the park's managed swimming pool complex.
The swimming pool complex and modern camping facilities operate only during the summer and early autumn seasons.
Leashed pets are allowed in designated areas, but not in the swimming pool complex or beach; pack out all trash to adhere to Leave No Trace principles.
