Frances Slocum State Park

Frances Slocum State Park is a 1,035-acre Pennsylvania state park in Kingston Township, Luzerne County. It’s great for camping, fishing, hiking, and boating. It’s not actually in the Pocono Mountains, but has lakes and trees and is quite beautiful. It’s roughly 28 miles north of Jack Frost Ski Resort, and 12 miles from Wilkes-Barre’s Mohegan Sun Casino.

Frances Slocum Lake is the focal point of the park. It’s a 165-acre man-made, horseshoe-shaped lake that is popular for fishing, camping, and boating. Boating is for electric motors only.

With ample park benches scattered throughout the park, Frances Slocum is a tranquil spot for an unhurried day of wildlife and birdwatching. And while it’s a wonderful place to take a day trip, the park is a favored destination for those who love to camp. The campgrounds are within close proximity to the lake and boat launch, but are tucked away in the forest on the far side of the lake.

At only 0.5 miles, the out-and-back Bluebird Trail is an easy hike that passes through fields and mixed forests in the northern portion of the park. Or explore the infamous rock shelter where Frances Slocum took refuge on the first night of her captivity along the Frances Slocum Trail. The 0.7-mile trek begins and ends at the boat rental parking lot.

For more of a challenging hike with a view, the Deer Trail has three loops of varying lengths – 1.3 miles, 2.5 miles, or 3.9 miles. The trail starts at the Environmental Education Center. It passes through diverse habitats including lakeshore, thicket, mixed forest, hardwood forest and across concrete stepping stones in the marsh. The stepping stones are an Instagrammable moment for sure. And you’ll find plenty of peace and solitude during the quitter times of day.

Frances Slocum Lake has two boat launches, two mooring areas, and courtesy docks. A boat concession rents rowboats, paddle boats, and canoes.

You can camp at the lovely Frances Slocum Campground.

For the nature lover, the lake, vernal pools, wetlands, and forests make it home to many species of birds, fish, and wildlife. From animals like white-talked deer and painted turtles to birds like great blue herons, Baltimore orioles, and yellow warblers (and the occasional bald eagle), plus a lake stocked with catfish, bass, and trout, there is plenty here to capture your attention.

Admission to the park is free. There is a charge for kayak and paddle boat rentals. there is also a fee to go swimming and for overnight camping.

“Camping sites are really nice, they have a great playground, pool, hiking trails, a lake. So much to do at this park. Highly recommend for any outdoors person.”