The Poconos region surrounding Danielsville, Pennsylvania sits at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,000 feet, creating microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Most campsites near Danielsville feature woodland settings with rocky terrain and scattered creeks or lakes. Spring camping often requires extra gear for muddy conditions, while fall brings temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night.
What to do
Boulder field exploration: At Hickory Run State Park, the 16-acre boulder field provides a unique hiking destination. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," notes Mike M. about Hickory Run State Park Campground.
Paddle sports: Several lakes offer calm waters for kayaking and paddleboarding. "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 Lisa S. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Disc golf: The Blue Mountain area provides courses for disc golf enthusiasts. One visitor at Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort mentions, "If your into Disc golf this place has that too."
Mountain biking: Bike down mountain trails after riding ski lifts to the top. "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," reports a camper at Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer larger sites than typical. At Don Laine Campground, a visitor notes, "The sites are large and many are somewhat private in terms of visual barriers."
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and showers receive consistent praise. "The bathrooms are clean and spacious. Check in was quick and the lady at the office was pleasant," shares Luis B. about Evergreen Lake Campground.
Camp stores: Well-stocked stores provide conveniences. "The camp store had good hours and is stocked to high heaven; you could come here with just the clothes on your back and buy everything you need for a very comfortable stay," remarks Bridget D. about Hickory Run State Park.
Creek access: Sites with water features are highly valued. "Our site was right along the Delaware river with a short walk down to be able to launch our canoe and kayak. The water is rather warm and swimming was enjoyable," shares Mitchell E. about Worthington State Forest Campground.
What you should know
Bear awareness: Black bears are active throughout the region. "We were warned to be cautious about leaving food out as there have been some bear sightings," mentions Jennifer D. about Hickory Run State Park.
Site privacy varies: Some campgrounds offer more isolation than others. At Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, a camper notes, "Sites are not very private or secluded. I could personally use a bit more privacy, not enough to be a deal breaker."
Terrain challenges: Many sites have natural obstacles. "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters," advises Amber M. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Weekend crowds: Expect busier conditions Friday through Sunday. "It's a busy place, a lot of weekenders with excited kiddos," explains one camper at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play equipment. "There is a large open field in the loop we camped in with a swing set on it. This was nice for families with children," mentions a visitor at Hickory Run State Park.
Swimming options: Lakes and pools provide water recreation. "Nice beach area and lake to kayak!" reports Annette M. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Educational opportunities: Nature centers enhance family camping experiences. "The visitors center boasts the most modern updates and a truly lovely interactive museum displaying the history and current wildlife of the park," shares Shayna about Hickory Run State Park.
Kid-friendly trails: Several hiking paths accommodate young hikers. "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. We hiked both with your 2 large dogs," reports a camper at Hickory Run State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Check campground reviews about site grading. At Allentown KOA, one camper notes, "We had a nice pull-through site and enjoyed our stay. Nice stream running through camp."
Hook-up availability: Full-service sites are limited at some campgrounds. "Sites in this loop were spacious and more in an open area, but we were along a wooded area which gave us some shade. The bath houses in this loop are non-flush/pit toilets," explains a visitor at Hickory Run State Park.
RV size limitations: Some campgrounds have tight turns. "Very small campground. Can be tight getting around with a bigger camper if not experienced," warns Brandon W. about Allentown KOA.
Off-season access: Not all campgrounds remain open year-round. "We stayed here during the winter January-February no activities going on. It does offer beautiful views especially covered in snow," shares Jamie S. about Stonybrook RV Resort.
Ranger
