Rules & Regulations

Promised Land State Park follows Pennsylvania's state park rules, plus a few that come from its bears, eagles and quiet lakes. Alcohol is not allowed anywhere in the park. Dogs must stay on a 6-foot-or-shorter leash and are kept out of swimming areas and buildings. Fires go only in fire rings and grills. Boats may use electric power only, and no wake. Feeding wildlife is against the rules, and everyone must stay 330 feet from the bald eagle nest.

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Pennsylvania state parks, and that includes the campgrounds, cabins and glamping sites at Promised Land.

Pets

Pets are welcome on trails and in the day use areas leashed (6-foot leash maximum), and they must be under control and attended. They are not allowed in swimming areas, in park buildings, or in campsites and cabins that are not part of the pet program. Service and guide dogs are not counted as pets. Details by campground and cabin are on the Dogs page.

Fires and Firewood

Build fires only in the fire rings and grills provided, and never leave one unattended. Douse it before you leave the site. At the Bear Wallow cabins, firewood is not provided and cutting live trees or running chainsaws is prohibited.

On the Water

• Promised Land Lake and Lower Lake take electric power only, with no wake.
• Motorboats need a current registration. Paddle craft show a registration, a launch or mooring permit issued by state parks, or a Fish and Boat Commission launch permit. See Boating.
• Swimming is allowed only at the two beaches, at your own risk, with no lifeguards. Children 10 and under must be with someone at least 14. Glass containers are not allowed in swimming areas, and smoking is banned on the beaches.

Wildlife

Black bears are common here. Feeding them is illegal, and DCNR asks campers to store all food and scented items in a locked vehicle and never hang garbage from the lantern post. Feeding Canada geese and other waterfowl at the beaches is also against park rules. It is illegal to take natural items, even flowers, feathers or pine cones, from state park or state forest land.

The Bald Eagle Buffer

Federal and state laws bar camping, fishing, boating, hiking and any other activity within 330 feet of a bald eagle nest. On Lower Lake that means staying on your side of the buoy boundary, and on land it means leaving the nest area alone. Watch from the wildlife observation station with binoculars instead. See Wildlife.

Campgrounds and Cabins

• Quiet hours run from 9 at night until 8 the next morning, and generators that make excessive noise are not allowed.
• Guests may visit a campsite between 8 in the morning and 10 at night.
• Stays are capped at 14 nights in summer and 21 nights the rest of the year, and campers must leave the park for 48 hours before setting up again.
• One vehicle per campsite; extra car passes are sold at the office.
• Each campground's shower houses and restrooms are for that campground's campers only.

Trails, Bikes and Vehicles

Motor vehicles are not allowed on hiking trails. Snowmobiles may use only the designated snowmobile trails in season. Bikes and e-bikes may ride park roads and trails marked for bikes, and riders under 12 must wear a helmet. See Biking.

Hunting Season

About 1,300 acres of the park are open to hunting in season. Outside hunting areas, guns and bows stay cased in your car or a closed trailer, with exceptions for law enforcement and Pennsylvania License to Carry holders. Hikers should wear fluorescent orange. See Hunting.