Camping spots near Avoca, Pennsylvania range from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV campgrounds. The region sits within the Pocono Mountains at elevations between 850 and 2,300 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F while spring and fall camping can see overnight lows in the 40s, necessitating appropriate gear regardless of camping style.
What to do
Lake activities at Tobyhanna State Park: The 170-acre lake offers swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating from April through October. "Scenic state park with a lake. You can swim in the lake in the summer or do a 5-mile hike around the lake along well-marked walk paths," notes a Tobyhanna State Park Campground visitor.
Boulder Field exploration: Located about 45 minutes from Avoca, Hickory Run's boulder field presents a unique geological feature. "The Boulder Fields are one of the coolest places I've ever visited, partially because they were so unexpected. Don't twist an ankle, but you can play hide and seek to an extent as there are small depressions in the fields," shares a camper at Hickory Run State Park Campground.
Waterfall hikes: Many campgrounds provide access to waterfall trails with varying difficulty levels. A visitor at Ricketts Glen notes, "The hike is definitely not for the easily winded people, or anyone with bad knees, the hike down was pretty steep at some points but very well maintained! And the hike back up was again steep but maintained!"
What campers like
Tent-friendly sites with water access: Many campers appreciate the proximity to water. At Pickerel Point Campground, a reviewer found their site ideal: "My favorite site does [allow pets], plus I can launch my kayak right from there!" Tent campers can find waterfront sites at several campgrounds.
Clean facilities: State parks in the region maintain clean bathrooms and shower facilities. One camper at Keen Lake Resort Campground reported, "The bathrooms were the cleanest we've ever experienced at a campground. The showers are coin operated."
Seasonal camping options: Several campgrounds offer year-round access, unlike the majority that close after mid-October. A winter visitor to Pickerel Point Campground shared, "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers. The park is large with many hiking trails and ice fishing."
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Campground layout and vegetation affect privacy between sites. A camper at Tobyhanna noted, "We were hoping to be more rustic and further from other people," while another mentioned, "Some sites are close together." Research site maps and reviews before booking.
Wildlife considerations: The region has active wildlife, including bears. At Cozy Creek Family Campground, campers should be aware that "there is presently no gate as well so the public can just drive in. We didn't love that, especially when two different people drove in and stopped at our site to ask us questions."
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds feature rocky sites requiring proper equipment. A camper at Pickerel Point described "chunky bluestone gravel on the sites, so bring a sleeping pad!" Sites near water may become muddy during rain.
Seasonal water quality: Some campgrounds experience seasonal water issues. One visitor reported, "The water had been tested earlier in the season and unsafe levels of manganese were detected. All water spigots were shut off and covered but we were told it was safe to wash our dishes and brush our teeth."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Multiple campgrounds offer family-friendly facilities. A reviewer from Highland Campgrounds noted, "Playground is also older but also gives off the vintage look with some of the older, older swings and sit spin."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds provide environmental programs for children. "There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network if hiking and horse riding trails," explains a visitor to Lackawanna State Park.
Swimming options: Both lakes and pools are available at various campgrounds. A Keen Lake visitor shared, "My kids really loved having a pool to swim in, in addition to the lake." Families should check if lifeguards are present, as many swimming areas are unguarded.
Noise considerations: Quiet hours vary between campgrounds and enforcement can be inconsistent. One camper at Tobyhanna mentioned, "They don't seem to enforce quiet time after 9, which would be fine if each campsite wasn't right up on the neighbor."
Tips from RVers
Hookup reliability: Electrical systems at older campgrounds may struggle with modern RV power demands. One camper reported, "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds present challenges. A visitor to Cozy Creek noted, "The road in (Vacation lane) is dirt, rough and narrow," while another mentioned potholes throughout the campground roads, particularly troublesome after rain.
New RV loops: Some campgrounds have added dedicated RV sections with upgraded amenities. A Lackawanna visitor shared, "Stayed in the fairly new ledges loop that are all full hookup sites. Nice large sites, beautiful area, friendly rangers."
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