Blakeslee, Pennsylvania sits at an elevation of approximately 1,700 feet in the Pocono Mountains, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions with cold winters and moderate summers. The region receives about 54 inches of annual precipitation, more than the national average, making waterproof gear essential for glamping in Blakeslee during spring and fall months. Most luxury camping options in the area operate from April through October, with September and early October offering the best combination of comfortable temperatures and fewer insects.
What to do
Hike to scenic viewpoints: Explore the trail system at Hickory Run State Park Campground where multiple trails accommodate different skill levels. "Hawk Falls and Shades of Death trails - where were rated 'more difficult' were not bad to hike at all. We hiked both with your 2 large dogs. Both of these trails had a creek and waterfalls," shares one visitor who found the moderate trails quite manageable.
Fish in local waterways: Tobyhanna State Park Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities in a serene setting. A camper noted, "The lake is nearby and doesn't get crowded. There's a separate shore for kayaks and canoes to enter the lake. We even got to see an eagles' nest near our campsite." Fishing is especially productive in the early mornings and evenings.
Visit the Wolf Preserve: Take a short hike from your glamping site to view wolves in their natural habitat. As one camper reports, "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." Tours typically cost $15 for adults and $7.50 for children with discounts for campers at participating sites.
Winter activities: While most luxury camping facilities close for winter, day trips to nearby ski resorts make Blakeslee a year-round destination. The area receives approximately 50 inches of snowfall annually, creating opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on designated trails when glamping facilities reopen in spring.
What campers like
Natural features: Mauch Chunk Lake Park provides waterfront sites with direct access to recreational activities. "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm. I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," explains one reviewer who appreciated the water quality.
Clean facilities: Many glampers note the well-maintained bathrooms and showers at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, making the upscale camping experience more comfortable. "The bathhouse was clean but not adequate for 73 sites. The campground was about ¾ full and there was often a wait in the bathroom," mentions one visitor, suggesting early morning or late evening shower times to avoid wait periods.
Spacious sites: Reviewers consistently highlight the generous site dimensions at campgrounds near Blakeslee. "The sites were spacious. The campgroung was very qiiet, and all of the facilities were very clean and well maintainined," notes a camper who appreciated having room to spread out without feeling crowded by neighbors.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers numerous opportunities for wildlife observation from luxury glamping accommodations. Bears are common in the area, especially during summer months. "Do not leave any food out be sure to lock up everything in car. Camp sites were nice most had plenty of trees for privacy but were still kind of close," advises a visitor who spotted bears during their stay.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: All glamping facilities in the region enforce strict food storage rules due to active bear populations. "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," cautions a camper at Mount Pocono Campground, emphasizing the importance of proper food storage.
Weather considerations: The Pocono mountain region experiences significant temperature drops at night, even during summer months. Pack additional layers for evening glamping, as temperatures can fall by 15-20°F after sunset. Waterproof footwear is recommended for spring visits when trails remain muddy from snowmelt.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites require bookings 3-6 months in advance for weekend stays, especially during peak foliage season in October. Sites with premium amenities often book completely one year ahead for holiday weekends.
Cell service limitations: Multiple reviewers mention spotty connectivity throughout the region. "The only downside was that my Sprint Cell servie was very good in this area," notes one camper, with other carriers reporting similar limitations, making it important to download maps and information before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "They have a huge swimming pool and a toddler's pool. There is an on-site store with everything you need to make your stay comfortable. The game room has pool tables, ping pong, arcade games, library, gym, and so much more!" reports a visitor to Otter Lake Camp Resort.
Age-appropriate trails: Select hiking routes that match children's abilities. "The campgrounds are great for kids. A nice playground with tons of kids running all over. The swimming pond is pleasant and great to cool off in," explains a family who found that shorter 1-2 mile loops worked best for younger children.
Rainy day options: Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so prepare indoor alternatives. "The park has tons of hiking trails, some great views, loads of waterfalls, some swimming. All around a wonderful place to visit for the day or to camp for a few," notes a camper who found that visiting the interactive visitor centers during rain showers kept children entertained.
Evening activities: Plan family-friendly nighttime entertainment when glamping. Most luxury sites offer evening programming from Memorial Day through Labor Day, including outdoor movies and ranger talks designed for different age groups.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose RV sites carefully based on your specific requirements. "There are sites right on the lake. The bathrooms aren't the greatest but overall it's a beautiful place," advises an RVer who recommends requesting sites away from main roads for quieter evenings.
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited at state park campgrounds but more common at private glamping resorts. "Our full hookup site was large with table and fire ring, and required some leveling. Not much shade in the full hookup loop, so was happy to have electricity for A/C," notes an RV camper who found the electrical capacity adequate for running air conditioning during hot summer afternoons.
Navigation challenges: Some roads leading to glamping destinations have steep grades or tight turns. RVs longer than 35 feet may encounter difficulties at certain campgrounds, particularly during entry and exit. Calling ahead to confirm accessibility is recommended for larger rigs.
