Moon Lake Recreation Area
Pinchot State Forest
Write a Review Deerwood Dr. Hunlock Creek, PA 18621 570-945-7133 Reservations: 888-727-2757 Official WebsiteGPS: 41.252, -76.0562
Overview of Moon Lake Recreation Area
Camping is only allowed at designated campsites in Pinchot State Forest. Reservations and permits are required and can be made online or over the phone. Campfires are prohibited from March 1 - May 25 without authorization from the state forest.
Black bears frequent the area. When not in immediate use, all food, beverages, coolers, cooking utensils, pet food, or other attractants must be kept in a closed, hard-sided vehicle or secured in a bear-proof storage container.
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: Boondocking 101.
Last Price Paid: $22
Reported by camper-872417 on 10/28/2023
Longest RV Reported: 33 feet (Travel Trailer)
Reported by JYoung on 7/22/2021
Number of Sites 12
Pad Type gravel
Reservations yes
Open Seasonally April - mid-Nov.
Elevation 1,213 ft / 369 m
Max Stay 7
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Moon Lake Recreation Area
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 570-945-7133
camper-761214 asked on 10/29/2022
Does anyone know if Moon Lake Recreation Area is open in December?
Reviews of Moon Lake Recreation Area 16 people have reviewed this location.
“Amazing and peaceful”
Reviewed 7/22/2021
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | 1 |
RV Length: | 33' (Travel Trailer) |
This was a gem of a site! Very large rock/gravel site that also has a tent pad. Includes a fire pit and a picnic table. Our rig is a 33 foot travel trailer with a Ford 250. We fit with plenty of room to spare. We found the easiest way to get in is to continue up the hill, turn around, come back down and back into the site. A smaller ri... more
This was a gem of a site! Very large rock/gravel site that also has a tent pad. Includes a fire pit and a picnic table. Our rig is a 33 foot travel trailer with a Ford 250. We fit with plenty of room to spare. We found the easiest way to get in is to continue up the hill, turn around, come back down and back into the site. A smaller rig would probably be able to turn around in the actual site.
There is an access road that leads from the site to the lake, less than 1/4 mile walk. There are plenty of hiking/mountain biking trails. The lake is stocked with trout. We enjoyed paddle boarding on the lake. It was very peaceful!
Note: While free, you do need to register and obtain a permit. If camping on the weekend, get your request in before Thursday. When registering, they will send a link that shows availability, as well as a link to fill out the form.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Moon Lake Site 7”
Reviewed 5/16/2021
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 7 |
RV Length: | 30' (Travel Trailer) |
We were pleasantly surprised by the large sites and distance between them. Our RV is 30’ , we had plenty of space. There is a picnic table, fire ring , tent pad, and plenty of trees to hang our hammock. We were close to the small lake, but the trees blocked any view of it. There are no hookups, but we were able to run our generator. Q... more
We were pleasantly surprised by the large sites and distance between them. Our RV is 30’ , we had plenty of space. There is a picnic table, fire ring , tent pad, and plenty of trees to hang our hammock. We were close to the small lake, but the trees blocked any view of it. There are no hookups, but we were able to run our generator. Quiet time is 10pm to 8 am , and all campers were respectful of that. Camp rangers were present and made several rounds through the campsites. There were many mountain bike trails, which we hiked . The lake is perfect for kayaking and fishing. It was pet friendly. There were Port-o-potties scattered throughout as well.
P.J. and Melissa would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Primitive Campground ”
Reviewed 4/20/2021
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | 6 |
Stayed here in April right after they opened. Great technical mountain biking trails.
Dan would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful scenery and well maintained sites.”
Reviewed 3/11/2021
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 5 |
I stayed here at the tail end of the NEPA camping season, mid October 2020. I stayed in site #5. Moon Lake is ideal for vehicle or RV camping, as well as traditional tent camping. You may have difficulty with a hammock. This site is perfect for those in the Scranton/Wilkes Barre area looking to camp for free. The process for getting... more
I stayed here at the tail end of the NEPA camping season, mid October 2020. I stayed in site #5. Moon Lake is ideal for vehicle or RV camping, as well as traditional tent camping. You may have difficulty with a hammock.
This site is perfect for those in the Scranton/Wilkes Barre area looking to camp for free. The process for getting a permit is a bit convoluted, but the directions on the DCNR website were easy to follow and the person I emailed with was kind and helpful.
The sites are well maintained with a picnic table and fire ring. There's also a large dirt tent pad which made sleeping on the ground fairly comfortable. The roads into and out of the sites were gravel, but fairly smooth with few potholes. The larger sites could easily fit a decent size group of campers.
The scenery was lovely, even on the drive in. Very pretty area. Very little to no road noise. The Lake is a short walk from the campsites and was beautiful in the fall colors. There are portapotties near the lake if duty calls. There must be a cell tower close by, as I had much better service through Verizon than expected.
Overall I had a great experience here and would definitely recommend it. I registered for my spot about a week in advance just to be safe, and would suggest you do the same, especially during the summer when it is busier.
NEPA Camper would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Newly renovated, cell tower within 1/4 mile”
Reviewed 8/29/2020
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 4 |
Site Number: | 12 |
RV Length: | 24' (Class C) |
It was not easy to get reservations--call the number, get a website, download and fill in form, email back and wait. We got a response back within 2 hours. There are 12 sites, widely spaced, and only a few are big enough for RV's over 35 ft. Strictly dry camping. Mountain biking trails abound.
donradcliffe would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Perfect ”
Reviewed 6/18/2020
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 4 |
Large, level sites with dirt tent pads, fire rings and tables. Well kept road system. Reservations required (email or phone). Only things outnumbering the chipmunks, were the black flies.
bc would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
Recreation
- boat ramp
- recreation trail
Site Amenities
- fire ring
- picnic table
Facilities
- restrooms: vault
Pets
- pets
Nearby
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