Grand Re-opening Scheduled for Pickerel Point, Deerfield Campgrounds at Promised Land State Park in the Poconos

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will host a grand re-opening event for the Pickerel Point and Deerfield campgrounds at Promised Land State Park in Pike County on Friday, June 29.

"Before being closed for renovations, Pickerel Point and Deerfield were some of the most popular camping destinations in the Pocono region, with many families returning year after year," DCNR Deputy Secretary for Parks and Forestry Ellen Ferretti said. "This project has modernized the area and will make it much more comfortable for the next generation to enjoy."

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at the entrance to the Pickerel Point campground in the park. After the remarks, Park Manager Alex Stout will provide a tour of the area.

The park's Masker Museum also will be open to visitors after 10 a.m. The museum was closed in 2011 related to the construction project.

Reservations for the campgrounds are now being accepted.

Pickerel Point Campground, stretching out around the 422-acre Promised Land Lake, is a favorite of campers who appreciate and enjoy shoreline camping.

"Larger campsites, privacy between sites and onsite amenities all provide for a first-class experience for the popular lake-side walk in campsites," Ferretti said. "The renovated campground is now a blend of modern comfort that still maintains the integrity of the original 1934 campground."

The $3.3 million renovation included new water and sanitary systems for a modern bathroom and two shower buildings to replace pit toilets at Pickerel Point. 

The campground now features three new camping cottages; 75 campsites (43 are pet-friendly); and 12 sites that have full water, electric and sewer hookups on the site, which is a first in the state park system.

Deerfield campground, across the street from Pickerel Point, also was updated.  While Deerfield's 34 campsites (all pet-friendly) will still remain primitive, the sites underwent improvements.  New stone parking pads and living areas were installed, hazardous trees were removed and new trees were planted. 

The Deerfield comfort station has a new roof; new siding; dark sky lighting; and new windows. Inside there is new tile floor; interior ceiling; plumbing and fixtures. 

The Masker Museum received water and sewer which provided long-awaited restroom facilities. The park auditorium now has a new ceiling, energy efficient lighting and insulation.

Reservations for the renovated campgrounds can be made online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at http://www.pa.reserveworld.com/Searchpark.aspx or by calling 1-888-PA PARKS.

Updated campsite maps are available on the DCNR website at www.dcnr.state.pa.us (choose "Find a Park"). Campsite numbers have changed significantly.

Promised Land State Park encompasses approximately 3,000 acres.  It was Pennsylvania's fourth state park, having been acquired in 1902.

You can follow Promised Land on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/promisedlandpa or get more information on the DCNR website at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/promisedland/index.htm.

Media contacts:
Christina Novak, 717-772-9101
Carissa Longo, Promised Land environmental education specialist, 570-676-0567

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources