FAMILY PASSION DEDICATION
"The road to success is always under construction."—Arnold Palmer
We are a private, gated community of diverse campers. Our family's tradition is based upon a passion for the outdoors, love of music, dedication to hospitality, and plain ol' true grit.
We labor in love, focused on delivering a distinctive vacation destination,
and to provide a restful and regenerative experience for those who visit us.
May our work bloom into pleasant memories you can carry with you in your travels near or far, or in a jar...
Escape from the hubbub of an amusement park atmosphere to a peaceful respite off the beaten path.
Kayak picture
Lakefront Camping
Kayaking
Young Fisherman
Bass Fishing
Pony Rides by True Venture Farms
A Humble Brag
Over a Century of Tradition.
The area of Clayton Park has functioned as a humble boat livery since the 1800's, and Lake Henry was home to commercial operations that included a large ice house operation, and a furniture factory. Trains from the town of Scranton regularly brought socialites to visit the paradise in the country.
Today, Clayton Park is a labor of love carrying forward the heritage that has stayed in the family for 160 years. Currently a 70 acre vacation destination at the heart of which are the fundamentals of camping, fishing, boating and live music. Our hearts call us back to Lake Henry and our backyard community, where family and friends join us to rest, and regenerate their mind, body and spirit.
We provide 90 seasonal and overnight full hook-up RV sites. For the "glampers" out there, we provide park model RV rentals with full kitchen, bath and bedrooms. We also provide coin-operated laundry facilities, a camp store, a new ADA shower room, a public boat launch, and boat rentals to our campers. In 2024, you might even be able to give your dog a bath!
We Know Us
We are what we are because we know who we are. It all began with Garret Van Sickle, the current owner's 3rd great grand uncle.
We are a quiet respite off the beaten path. We are on a beautiful lake. We are devoted to our natural environment and hold a strong sense of duty for its preservation.
We know what we're not.
We're not an amusement park. You won't find jumping pillows or ziplines or golf cart rentals here. We're not new to this, and have been family owned and operated since the 1800's. We're not perfect, but we're always working toward perfection.
Our community was created with thoughtful exploration of ourselves and our environment.
We are a private gated RV resort less than 7 miles from the beaten path of Interstate 84.
We are not heavily crowded.
If you are lucky enough to have found us, then that means you looked a little further to find one of the best kept secrets in the Pocono Mountains.
The Swoyer Family
Originally owned by Garret Van Sickle and John Van Sickle Black, who were simple farmers. the property has been passed down through generations to include the Swoyer and Hallock families. The property now known as Clayton Park has stayed in our family for 160 years; and is still owned and operated by Sonya Swoyer Zacker, a descendant of Garret Van Sickle, John Van Sickle Black, William Swoyer, and Clayton Swoyer. Though little was published about the Van Sickle's part in Lake Henry's formation and history, we stand as testament to a formidable family legacy. The original dam was created by the farmers that surrounded the lake, prior to Henry Silkman acquiring the large tract of land and expanding its boundaries. As Sonya's parents, David and Florence Speshock Swoyer, attained ownership and developed the property beyond its boat livery to include a boat launch, each of their three children have contributed unique efforts to the development of the park at different points in their lives. Clayton Park RV Escape is currently managed by Sonya and her husband, Maurice Gilmore, who appreciate and are proud to carry on the rich history and traditions of providing memorable outdoor experiences at Clayton Park.
Lake Henry is Calling
Tucked away in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Clayton Park rests on the northwestern shore of 310 acre Lake Henry in Maplewood. Lake Henry, formerly known as Cobb Pond and also known as Blueberry Lake, is located in Wayne County, which is home to more lakes than any other county in Pennsylvania. During the 1800's, Henry Silkman, a man of education and wealth for whom Lake Henry is named, created a dam and expanded the former Cobb Pond, flooding a portion of Garret Van Sickle's farm land to do so. Silkman carried on and profited from commercial enterprises on the lake, including an ice house, a chair factory, and a picnic grove entertaining Scranton socialites, until modern refrigeration took over and the trains from Scranton stopped running to Lake Henry.
Garret Van Sickle did not object to the flooding of his land, given his love of fishing. However, Silkman used his elite wealth and power to seek control of Garret Van Sickle's land and all of Lake Henry to exclude Garret and his heirs from using the lake. Two gunfights were initiated by Silkman against the Van Sickles. In the first gunfight, Silkman confronted Garret on the lake and shot a hole in Garret's boat. As his boat sank, Garret jumped into Silkman's boat and a scuffle ensued capsizing Silkman's boat and throwing both men in the water, leaving both men to swim to shore and go their separate ways.
Silkman initiated a second gunfight when he confronted Garret's son John, a Methodist deacon, out fishing with his friend. Silkman shouted after John and his friend to exit the lake, and when they refused to do so, Silkman shot and wounded both of them with buckshot. Charges were pressed on both sides, and Van Sickle was collecting witnesses for his day in court, when associates of both parties suggested they get together and settle their dispute. It is reported the men agreed to settle their differences and charges were dropped by both parties; a regular "love feast."
Location, Location, Location
We are conveniently located only 6.5 miles from Interstate 84, yet provide a most quiet and secluded setting which is close to many of the areas most popular attractions, including Steamtown National Historic Site, Pocono Raceway, and Claws N Paws Animal Park. Explore our Activities page to find out what's going on here at the park and the surrounding area. The video below is very old, but give you an idea of the history of our park in contrast to where it is today.
MORE TESTIMONIALS
“We stayed here almost a week in our RV, and it was perfect! Owners are helpful, park is well-maintainted, and LOTS of things to do for everyone, even if you don't 'do' the lake. I highly recommend this park.” B.H.
“Sonya and Maurice couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. The resort is beautiful and very well maintained. We loved waking up and looking at Lake Henry as we enjoyed our morning coffee. We can't recommend this campground more highly.” Ron S.
"Thank you
We loved your park and gave it 3 "Y"s, our rating system:
One Y for gorgeous
One Y for Accommodating
One Y for "yes we would return"
Stay well" E.L.
Come see why we have enjoyed sharing our backyard for so many years.