The Bangor area sits at the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, where elevations range from 400 to 1,600 feet across the region. Campgrounds near Bangor typically experience cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with summer highs averaging 5-10 degrees lower than nearby urban areas. The dense forest cover provides natural shade at most campsites during summer months.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access trailheads directly from Hickory Run State Park Campground, where hiking paths lead to multiple scenic spots. "Many hiking trails (44 miles of trails). They are rated from easy to difficult. We found the 2 trails we hiked - Hawk Falls and Shades of Death trails - where were rated 'more difficult' were not bad to hike at all," notes one visitor.
Wolf preserve tours: Experience wildlife observation at the Lakota Wolf Preserve near Camp Taylor Campground. "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private. You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," according to one camper.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear mountain skies offer excellent night sky viewing, particularly at more remote sites. A visitor to Uncle Willie's reported, "Beautiful Family owned farm at the foot of Kittatinny mountain along the AT. Very easy drive to hiking in Delaware Water Gap. Incredible star gazing! He also has a TENTRR Signature on site for people who like more luxury!"
What campers like
Forested campsites: Many campers appreciate the wooded settings available at Mountainview Campground, where "Campsites are either in thick, wooded areas, or in open fields." One visitor noted, "This place was actually fantastic, I don't really have anything negative to say about it. The whole scene was exactly what I love about camping, a nice little remote campground in the mountains."
Lake and reservoir access: Water activities remain a major draw for campers. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, "You can bring your own kayaks to make it even more special. We had tons of privacy and a view of the Delaware river right from my hammock," according to a camper. Another mentioned, "I love the water views. The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. A camper at Jenny Jump State Forest said, "The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves. The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the region have spotty connectivity. One camper noted, "They advertise WiFi but the WiFi never works. No cable hookups. And cell service is at a minimum." Bring offline entertainment and download maps in advance.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate from April through October. Jenny Jump State Forest runs from "April 1 to October 31," while Camp Taylor Campground operates from "Apr 15 - Oct 31."
Reservation requirements: Book sites well in advance, especially for summer weekends and holidays. Yurt camping near Bangor, Pennsylvania requires early reservations as these specialty accommodations fill quickly.
Noise considerations: Highway sounds can be heard at some campgrounds. A Jenny Jump visitor mentioned, "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night." At Spruce Run, another camper stated, "Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose campgrounds with dedicated play areas for children. At Otter Lake Camp Resort, "The kids were able to enjoy an awesome playground and bounce pad. The roads were also great for them to ride on and get exercise. They REALLY enjoyed the art classes & the gem mining. So much fun for families!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Schedule wildlife encounters during your stay. "The Lakota Wolf Preserve is located on the camp and offers discounted tours for campers," notes a Camp Taylor visitor.
Water activities: Lakes and rivers provide swimming and boating options during summer months. "There is a small lake for swimming and boating," according to one Camp Taylor camper.
Yurt accommodations: For families new to yurt camping, Bangor, Pennsylvania area offers these structures as comfortable alternatives to tents. A visitor to Jenny Jump mentioned, "If you want, they have the option of renting a small cabin/shelter that you can stay in if you are not into tent camping."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Research your specific site before arrival. A visitor to Delaware Water Gap KOA noted, "The campground had many different types of sites. Some were big and socially distanced like the one we had. But some were extremely small and very close to the next camper. Some were in the woods and some were practically on the main road."
Hookup availability: Check what utilities are available at your preferred campgrounds. "We were glad to have some solar so we can go for awhile without running the generator. We fill our fresh water tank for and bring drinking water," advised one RVer at Spruce Run.
Shade considerations: Tree coverage varies significantly between sites. "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs," recommended a Spruce Run visitor.
Legend
