Camping options near Albrightsville, Pennsylvania include both state-managed and private campgrounds scattered throughout the Pocono Mountains region. This area lies at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 1,600 feet, creating a cooler microclimate than surrounding lowlands. Winter temperatures often drop 10-15 degrees lower than nearby cities, while summer camping typically requires layers for cool evenings even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s.
What to do
Boulder field exploration: Hickory Run State Park offers a unique geological feature worth visiting. As one camper noted, "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown." The boulder field spans 16 acres and features rocks dating back to the last ice age.
Waterfront activities: Mauch Chunk Lake Park provides excellent water recreation opportunities. "Easy drive from Philly area, courteous staff, very wooded and quiet at night. Has many sites right along the lake edge, some very large," reports one visitor. The park maintains a designated swimming beach with seasonal lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Trail hiking: The region offers extensive trail systems accessible from campsites. At Tobyhanna State Park Campground, campers can explore the surroundings on foot. "You can swim in the lake in the summer or do a 5-mile hike around the lake along well-marked walk paths," shares one visitor. Many trails interconnect, allowing day hikes ranging from 2-15 miles.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The region's campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. At Mount Pocono Campground, visitors appreciate the well-kept amenities. "Cleanest campground bathouse I've ever used! Great hiking trail right from the site. Be prepared for walking up and downhill - quite the unexpected workout," remarks one camper. Most campgrounds feature updated facilities with hot showers available.
Family activities: Structured recreation options keep younger campers engaged. "The campground has great playgrounds, several well-marked trails, and functional (if dirty and rustic) restrooms and showers. The visitors center boasts the most modern updates and a truly lovely interactive museum displaying the history and current wildlife of the park," notes a visitor to Hickory Run State Park.
Natural surroundings: The forested environment creates a sense of seclusion despite relative proximity to amenities. At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, "our first time tent camping was here and it set a great tone. We set up the tent, kayaked on the lake, cooked up some dinner, watched a strawberry super moon rise over the lake, went to bed, woke up to make some breakfast and then we were off to go rafting on the Lehigh river 10 minutes away."
What you should know
Bear activity: The Poconos region has an active black bear population requiring precautions. A Tobyhanna State Park visitor explains, "Just stayed 2 nights with my 7 yrs. old daughter we had a blast. Everyone was very nice camp host and DCNR were very helpful. We were warned at check in that there have been a lot of bears in the area but never really thought that we would see one. As soon as we got to our site one came right up as we were setting up our tent. Do not leave any food out be sure to lock up everything in car."
Campsite privacy: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. At Worthington State Forest Campground, "The spots are huge, and mostly private. When we go camping we don't want to be right up against our neighbors and at worthington we pretty much had our own little island." However, other campgrounds place sites closer together.
Limited cell service: Communications can be unreliable, particularly in state parks and remote areas. Bring paper maps and download directions in advance. Most campgrounds have emergency phones available at office locations for urgent situations.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Several campgrounds offer structured activities for children. At Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, "The Only downside is the sites are small, close together, and the site #'s can be a little confusing. But we have stayed here at least 6 times over the last 3 years. All of our neighbors were always really nice and the staff is outstanding. Theres a creek where you can go fishing. There is a playground, pool, arcade, and office store."
Water activities: Swimming areas provide family recreation during summer months. "The lake was beautiful. Very clean and picturesque and perfect for swimming. The campsites were adequate size. The campground is very close to lots of outdoor attractions and fun in the Jim Thorpe and Blue Mountain area," notes one visitor to Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain nature centers with programming. "The visitors center boasts the most modern updates and a truly lovely interactive museum displaying the history and current wildlife of the park. Cell service is respectable in most parts of the campground," explains a Hickory Run State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Several campgrounds require preparation for unlevel sites. At Peaceful Woodlands Campground, one camper observed, "The pool and bath house were nice and they had organized activities for the family but the sites could be a little larger. The one we had was cramped between the picnic table, fire ring, 6 person tent and the car." Bring leveling blocks even if reservation staff don't specifically mention them.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. "Careful on the roads to the campsite, they're a bit on the bumpy side. Definitely smaller roads than your usual ones. We have a minivan so we had to take our time on all the pot holes," notes a visitor to Worthington State Forest.
Utility access: Hookup availability varies widely between campgrounds. Most state parks offer limited electric sites while private campgrounds typically provide full hookups. Water and electric sites typically cost $5-15 more than primitive sites in the same campground.
