Pet-friendly camping options span the Pocono Mountain region around Bangor, Pennsylvania, where elevations range from 500 to 1,600 feet across the Blue Mountain ridge. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s during day and drop to the 60s at night. The area's proximity to the Appalachian Trail and Delaware River creates diverse camping environments from riverside to mountaintop settings.
What to do
Wolf preserve tours: Camp Taylor Campground offers discounted tours of the on-site Lakota Wolf Preserve for campers. "The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite," shares Dina S., who visited the preserve between camping adventures.
Boulder field exploration: Hickory Run State Park Campground features a massive boulder field accessible via a scenic drive through the woods. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," notes Mike M. The park provides 44 miles of hiking trails rated from easy to difficult.
Waterfalls and hiking: Trails connecting campgrounds to waterfalls provide natural swimming and photography opportunities. "Hike to the waterfall, it is beautiful," recommends Sarah L. about Hickory Run's trails. Most waterfall hikes in the region involve moderate difficulty with elevation changes between 300-500 feet.
Kayaking and river activities: Driftstone Campground offers direct access to the Delaware River. "There is also a boat ramp that can accommodate small boats and kayaks for rent. Things to do nearby include tubing, kayaking, rafting on the Delaware," notes Kathy G. Many campgrounds rent equipment starting at $20 for half-day kayak rentals.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Mountain Vista Campground provides spacious, wooded sites. "Our site was a good size and the facilities were clean," reports Teresa. The campground features three terrain levels with full-shade tent sites that include water and electric hookups.
Clean shower facilities: Campers consistently note the exceptional cleanliness of facilities at several campgrounds. "The bathrooms are super clean and had the nicest showers I have ever seen at a campground," writes Elke P. about Driftstone Campground. Most shower houses include hot water and are cleaned daily.
Family activities: Weekend programming keeps families engaged across multiple campgrounds. "The staff is friendly and helpful and they have a ton of great activities from kids carnival, craft beer tastings, farmers market, bingo...the list goes on!" shares JK about Mountain Vista Campground. Activity schedules typically run Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Natural soundscapes: Jenny Jump State Forest provides a quieter camping experience. "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," Julie F. notes about the wolves at Camp Taylor, while Jenny Jump offers "miles of hiking trails and direct access to the Appalachian Trail."
What you should know
Pet restrictions vary: While most campgrounds welcome pets, specific areas may be restricted. "We would have loved to see the wolf preserve at the camp, but dogs weren't allowed in that part of the camp so we missed it," Katie S. explains about Camp Taylor Campground. Most campgrounds charge a pet fee of $2-5 per night.
Seasonal operation schedule: Most campgrounds in the region operate from April through October due to weather conditions. Pocono Vacation Park is one exception that remains open year-round, offering winter camping options when most other facilities close.
Weekend noise considerations: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours strictly while others have more activity. "Unlike many other campgrounds we've been to, they are very good about actually enforcing the quiet hours at night," notes Dan B. about Camp Taylor Campground. Weekends typically see higher occupancy and more planned activities.
Site selection matters: Campgrounds often feature vastly different site types and privacy levels. "We were in site A22 and loved it," shares Angela about Pocono Mountain KOA, while others note some sites can be small or uneven. Requesting sites away from main roads generally ensures a quieter experience.
Tips for camping with families
Look for splash features: Several campgrounds offer water play areas beyond standard pools. "Their pool and kiddie splash pad is well kept as are the rest of the facilities," notes JK about Mountain Vista. Water features typically open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Choose playgrounds strategically: Delaware Water Gap/Pocono Mountain KOA offers multiple play areas. "Our camp site was great (52), backed onto a wooded area and a big playground was directly in front of us, which worked out perfectly since we have school age kids," shares Penny C. Request sites near playgrounds for convenience but not so close that noise becomes an issue.
Check scheduled activities: Weekend programming varies significantly between campgrounds. "The staff were fantastic and lots of activities to keep us busy. Sites were small so not a ton of privacy," reports Jojo P. about Mountain Vista. Activities often include crafts, outdoor games, and movie nights at larger facilities.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide an entry-level experience. "We did tent camping for the weekend and we had a blast. The camping site we originally had booked was rather small, the front desk was cordial and able to accommodate us by moving us to a bigger site," explains Cecilia M. about her experience at Camp Taylor.
Tips from RVers
Check dumpstation accessibility: RVers note challenges with some facilities. "No sewer hookups and the dump station is difficult to get in and out with larger rigs," reports Jim G. about Driftstone Campground. Most campgrounds offer pump-out service for an additional fee ranging from $10-25.
Consider pull-through availability: Site access varies significantly between campgrounds. "Site I stayed at was huge and had plenty of room to pull through," Debbie W. notes about Pocono Vacation Park. RVers with larger units should confirm site dimensions before booking as many older campgrounds have limited access.
Follow campground directions: GPS can lead RVs to inappropriate routes. "PLEASE NOTE: if you are towing or have a motorhome, make sure you follow the directions on the website. Coming in from the wrong road could lead you to a hairpin turn and steep hill," cautions Jim G. about accessing Driftstone Campground. Mountain roads in the region often include steep grades and tight turns.
Plan for seasonal sites: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Bangor cater to both transient and seasonal campers. "Sites are dirt/grass and are not level, but they are long which makes up for the front to back level issue," Bret N. reports about Pocono Vacation Park. Requesting sites away from seasonal areas typically provides a different camping experience.
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