Keen on Keen Lake: Our Family's Camping Caper in the Poconos!
Okay, folks, the Miller family is back, slightly sleep-deprived, smelling faintly of campfire smoke, and ready to spill the beans on our recent weekend adventure! We decided to brave the great outdoors and try family camping at Keen Lake Campground in Waymart, Pennsylvania. The kids, bless their hearts, were envisioning a "Glamping" experience with room service and a personal concierge. Mark and I were just hoping we wouldn't end up divorced by Sunday night. So, armed with a tent, a cooler full of snacks (mostly s'mores ingredients), and a healthy dose of optimism (perhaps misplaced), we set off for the Poconos!
Finding the Campsite (and Did We Get Lost?)
Getting to Keen Lake Campground was surprisingly straightforward. Our GPS cooperated beautifully, which is a minor miracle in itself. The address popped right up, and the directions were accurate. Signage leading to the campground was also clear and easy to follow. Even better, the roads were well-maintained and perfectly suitable for our minivan – no off-roading adventures required!
The most memorable part of the journey? When Lily (our 6-year-old) declared from the backseat, "Are we there YET?" for the seventeenth time. We bribed her with promises of campfire songs and she was quite content. Let's just say, the snacks came in handy!
Setting Up Camp (Family-Style)
Setting up camp was...an experience. Let's just say Mark and I aren't exactly seasoned survivalists. Luckily, the campsites at Keen Lake are relatively level, which made pitching our ginormous family tent a little easier. We had PLENTY of space – enough room for the tent, the picnic table, and the kids to run around without tripping over guy lines every two seconds.
The picnic table, however, was a different story. It required some assembly, and the instructions were clearly written by someone who speaks fluent IKEA. After a brief (and slightly heated) debate involving a misplaced bolt and a multi-tool, we finally triumphed. Pro-tip: Pack a rubber mallet, it is a game changer! Overall, setting up was manageable, even for camping newbies like us.
Campground Rules (The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Confusing)
Keen Lake Campground has a pretty standard set of rules, all designed to keep things peaceful and safe for everyone. Quiet hours were from 11 PM to 8 AM, which was fantastic. Honestly, after a day of hiking and kid-wrangling, we were all sound asleep by 9:30 anyway. They did a good job of enforcing it too, which was much appreciated!
One slightly confusing rule was about firewood. You can't bring your own; you have to buy it from the campground store. We totally understand the reasoning behind this – it's to prevent the spread of invasive insects – but it would have been nice to know beforehand. The general store wasn't exactly open that late when we arrived. Thankfully, they do deliver to your campsite.
Otherwise, the rules were pretty straightforward: keep your campsite clean, don't feed the wildlife (tempting, but bad for everyone), and be respectful of your neighbors. All good stuff.
Bathroom and Shower Situation (The Honest Truth)
Okay, let's talk bathrooms. This is always a big concern when camping with kids. The bathrooms at Keen Lake were…adequate. They weren't sparkling clean, but they weren't horrific either. Think "well-used public restroom" rather than "five-star spa." They were cleaned regularly, but you know, camping happens.
Showers were coin-operated (quarters only!), and the water pressure was a little weak, but the hot water was plentiful and heated up quickly. The changing area was small, but manageable. Honestly, after a day of playing in the dirt, a lukewarm shower was a welcome luxury!
There were enough bathrooms for the number of campers, so we never had to wait in line, which was a huge plus. I would highly recommend bringing shower shoes.
Family-Friendly Activities (Beyond S'mores)
Keen Lake Campground truly shines when it comes to family-friendly activities. S'mores are a must, of course, but there's so much more to do!
Keen Lake (Swimming, Boating, Fishing): Obviously, Keen Lake itself is the main attraction. The lake is beautiful and clean, perfect for swimming, paddle boating, kayaking, and fishing. We rented a paddle boat for an hour ($15) and had a blast exploring the lake. The kids loved spotting the ducks and other wildlife. Life jackets are provided, and there's a lifeguard on duty during swimming hours.
Hiking Trails: There are several short, easy hiking trails around the lake, perfect for little legs. We took the "Lake Loop Trail," a mostly flat, 1.5-mile loop that offers stunning views of the water. It took us about an hour with the kids stopping to investigate every bug and interesting rock along the way.
- Playground and Game Room: Keen Lake also has a well-maintained playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures. There's also a game room with arcade games and pool tables, perfect for those rainy days (or when you just need a break from the sun). The playground is free, and the game room requires tokens.
Visual Storytelling
Imagine this: Lily, face smeared with marshmallow, belting out "The Wheels on the Bus" around the campfire, completely off-key but utterly adorable. Or maybe a view of the sun setting over Keen Lake, casting a golden glow on the water, with the kids silhouetted against the sky. These are the moments that make family camping so special.
We'll also remember the sheer joy on Ben's (our 8-year-old) face when he caught his first fish (which we promptly released back into the lake), and the countless hours spent building sandcastles on the beach. Those are the memories we'll cherish long after the campfire embers have faded.
Would We Go Back as a Family?
Absolutely! Despite the minor hiccups (misplaced bolts, questionable bathroom cleanliness, and Lily's relentless questioning), we had a fantastic time at Keen Lake Campground. The location is beautiful, the activities are plentiful, and the atmosphere is incredibly family-friendly.
Keen Lake Campground provides the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and family fun. It's close to Scranton PA and not too far from Philadelphia or New York. The kids are already begging us to go back next summer. So, if you're looking for a memorable family camping experience in the Poconos, we highly recommend giving Keen Lake Campground a try. Just remember to pack your patience, your sense of humor, and plenty of s'mores supplies! Happy camping! And don't forget, VistaLocation.com has tons of great tips on planning your next family adventure.