Camping options near Duryea, Pennsylvania offer diverse experiences across the Pocono Mountains region. This northeastern Pennsylvania area sits at elevations ranging from 600 to 2,300 feet with a humid continental climate bringing four distinct seasons. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing, while summer visitors should expect humidity with daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F.
What to do
Boulder field exploration: Hickory Run State Park, about 30 miles from Duryea, features a unique National Natural Landmark. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," shares Mike M. The boulder field spans 16 acres and contains rocks dating back to the last ice age.
Waterfall hiking: Ricketts Glen State Park offers 22 named waterfalls on its Falls Trail. "This place has so many beautiful waterfalls and sights to see! Be sure to take a trip to the fire tower and to the falls. There are many different walks with different difficulty which is nice no matter what who you are with," says Meag F. The Falls Trail is 7.2 miles in total and is considered difficult due to steep and slippery terrain.
Lake activities: Lackawanna State Park offers a 198-acre lake for fishing and boating. "Campground has cabins and yurts, pull in sites for RV's and strictly walk in tent sites. There is a beautiful lake and a very large pool. We went in early spring midweek, it was very quiet and exactly the get away we wanted," notes David G. Boats with electric motors are permitted, and the lake contains largemouth bass, pickerel, and panfish.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Mount Pocono Campground maintains exceptionally clean bathhouses. "Cleanest campground bathouse I've ever used! Great hiking trail right from the site. Be prepared for walking up and downhill - quite the unexpected workout," shares Rennie S. The campground also offers a swimming pool and arcade within a 25-minute drive from Duryea.
Wooded campsites: Tobyhanna State Park provides shaded camping areas. "Scenic and spacious. Large camping areas that can fit two cars onsite and include picnic tables, some even with water and electric hookups. The bathrooms are large and well kept," writes Marlaina M. The campground contains 140 total sites, many with full or partial hookups.
Waterfront access: Pickerel Point Campground at Promised Land State Park offers lakeside sites. "Some sites are right on the lake, just put the kayak on the shore, and you're ready for an early morning paddle. Another nice feature is the beach at the end of the peninsula - no need to drive to the crowded day use area," explains Sean G. The campground has 75 sites, including several camping cabins near Duryea with direct lake access.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds near Duryea operate from April to October. "Seems like we are always vacationing on the cusp of winter and it can be super challenging to find campgrounds that are open. We stayed here in November (during hunting season) and there were several groups of hunters camping in quaint little RVs," notes Sarah C. about Hickory Run State Park.