The Pocono region surrounding Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania sits at elevations between 1,300 and 2,200 feet, creating moderate summer temperatures that typically range from 70-85°F during peak camping season. Fall brings brilliant foliage with colors peaking from late September through mid-October, while spring camping often includes moderate rainfall and temperatures ranging from 45-65°F. RV campers should note that many roads accessing campgrounds feature moderate grades and winding forest routes.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Promised Land State Park offers two lakes stocked with bass, pickerel, and trout. "Great river based location (Delaware River)... great for fisherman, hikers also great for tubing down the Delaware or canoeing," notes a visitor to Soaring Eagle Campground.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas and boat rentals from Memorial Day through Labor Day. At Keen Lake Resort Campground, "Each day we would paddle over to the swimming area on the lake. It was awesome... The kids caught multiple sunnies and even a small perch."
Mountain biking: Blue Mountain Resort transforms winter ski trails into summer biking paths with lift service. "If you choose adventure this is the place for you, ride the ski lifts up to the top of the mountain then you get to bike down it, they have rental bikes available or bring your own."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the larger sites available at certain campgrounds near Clarks Summit. At Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort, visitors note the "grounds are well kept and rather large open field type camping with trees all around the outside."
Clean facilities: Bathhouse cleanliness ranks high in visitor reviews. "The bathrooms were the cleanest we've ever experienced at a campground," mentions one reviewer at Keen Lake Resort, while another camper at Blue Mountain observed "bathrooms are all immaculate and a shower is available just reserve your time."
Organized activities: Many family-oriented campgrounds schedule regular events. "They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day," reports a seasonal camper at Keen Lake Resort.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Several campgrounds in forested areas have spotty connectivity. At Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South, "the cell service for most providers is practically non-existent... Verizon is 25 down 10 up. Tmobile is unusable."
Seasonal variations: Campground amenities change significantly between seasons. "Fall months bring increased demand for RV sites across the Pocono region," with one camper noting, "We came in at end of season, so pretty much everything seems closed. But, it's a beautiful campground."
Water quality concerns: Some lakes develop seasonal algae issues. At Frances Slocum State Park, a visitor warned, "DO NOT take your pups to the water. There is a weird bacteria or algae currently growing in the lake, it's completely visible. There are advisories around about it too."
Tips for camping with families
Pool alternatives: When looking for swimming options beyond lakes, consider campgrounds with dedicated swimming facilities. At Pine Valley RV Park & Campground, "From boating, to giant swimming inflatables, putt putt even a giant slide. All part of the price of the campground."
Weekend vs. weekday visits: For quieter family experiences, consider weekday stays. "We have been there on busy holiday weekends where it was full but still peaceful and private with a great community of campers and on weekdays and off weekends when it felt as if I had the river to myself."
Tent site selection: Not all sites accommodate tents well. At Frances Slocum State Park Campground, a camper reported, "The site we stayed on was a swamp! It was terrible, I called the park office and they assured me the site was fine for tents it was NOT. Plenty of other great sites but several butt up against standing water."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV sites at most campgrounds vary in size and proximity. A visitor to Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South observed, "The sites are long but narrow. Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi."
Off-season benefits: Some rv campgrounds near Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania remain open year-round with reduced amenities. At Thousand Trails Scotrun, "Simple Campground - nice lay out albeit as with many campgrounds, the spaces are quite close together. With a sparse population in the winter, it made for a great spot for a work stay."
Leveling challenges: Many Pocono rv campgrounds feature slightly uneven terrain. "We had site 44 in the Stony Point loop and it was by far the largest campsite on the property," notes a visitor to Frances Slocum State Park, while another camper mentioned, "Fire pit area was very un-level for camping chairs, otherwise it's a nice wooded site with privacy."
