BENTON, PA — Frequent visitors to two of Northeast Pennsylvania’s most popular state parks should begin planning for alternative overnight stays. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has announced that the campgrounds at both Lackawanna State Park and Ricketts Glen State Park will close on September 8, 2026, to undergo a comprehensive $8 million rehabilitation project.
The massive investment, funded through the Shapiro Administration, aims to replace infrastructure that is nearing 50 years old. The project involves the total demolition and reconstruction of shower houses and restroom facilities to bring them up to modern standards for accessibility and family-assist features. In addition to new buildings, the project will include updated paving, improved ADA-accessible paths from campsites to restrooms, and general infrastructure upgrades—such as water and sewer valve replacements—that are difficult to complete while the parks are occupied by campers.
At Lackawanna State Park, the closure will impact the Carpenter Town, Fox Run, and Maple Lane loops. At Ricketts Glen, both the Big Loop and Small Loop will be off-limits. While the campgrounds are closed, the DCNR confirms that all day-use areas—including hiking trails, lakes, and picnic groves—will remain open to the public. Additionally, the modern cabins at Ricketts Glen and organized group tenting sites at both parks will remain available for reservation.
Construction is expected to last through 2027, with both campgrounds slated to reopen in the spring of 2028. During this multi-year hiatus, park officials are encouraging campers to explore other nearby state facilities, such as Frances Slocum, Tobyhanna, Promised Land, or Worlds End State Parks, all of which offer similar outdoor experiences and remain open for overnight stays.
