Duryea, Pennsylvania offers rustic camping amid the northeastern Pennsylvania woodlands at elevations between 700-1,200 feet. The region experiences cold winters and mild summers, with average July temperatures around 83°F. Beyond the glamping accommodations highlighted in nearby parks, several campgrounds offer yurt camping near Duryea, Pennsylvania with varying levels of amenities and access to hiking trails.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 4-mile trails at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground provide access to 22 cascading waterfalls. "A typical PA State Park campground. Nice enough, but awesome location. Make sure you check out the falls!" advises Rachel B.
Boulder field exploration: Visit the unique boulder field at Hickory Run State Park Campground where massive rock formations create an otherworldly landscape. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," shares Mike M.
Lake activities: The 198-acre Lake Jean at Ricketts Glen offers non-motorized boating and fishing. "Excellent views and the ability to explore and experience the waterfalls areas. Beach and lake activities are available as well," notes Gary O.
Hiking network: Explore over 44 miles of trails at Hickory Run State Park, ranging from easy walks to challenging terrain. "Many hiking trails (44 miles of trails). They are rated from easy to difficult. 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."
What campers like
Wooded yurt sites: Lackawanna State Park Campground offers yurt accommodations in secluded forest settings. "The sites were a little close to each other and where we were in the park was a mixed use area. So we had an RV next to us with the Genny running all day," mentions Guy M.
Fishing opportunities: Many campers appreciate the fishing options at Secluded Acres Campground where catch-and-release regulations apply. "An area of the lake is to swim and the other to fish in. Catch and release only. Lots of trees for great shade."
Environmental education: Lackawanna provides nature programs for all ages. "This is an amazing state park that has something for everyone. There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network if hiking and horse riding trails."
Rustic camping options: For those seeking traditional camping near Duryea's yurt accommodations, multiple tent options exist. "For those who like more rustic options, there are hike-in sites that are beautiful and not far from the parking area," shares a Lackawanna State Park camper.
What you should know
Bear activity: The Poconos region has black bears that can visit campgrounds. "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," warns a camper at Tobyhanna State Park Campground.
Seasonal limitations: Most yurt camping near Duryea operates from "2nd Friday in April to 3rd Sunday in October." Year-round options are limited, with Ricketts Glen being one of few parks open all year.
Reservation requirements: Campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer and fall. "Make sure you check ahead of time for openings, weekends fill up fast during the summer."
Water quality issues: Some parks experience water safety concerns. "The water had been tested earlier in the season and unsafe levels of manganese were detected. All water spigots were shut off and covered but we were told it was safe to wash our dishes and brush our teeth."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Mount Pocono Campground offers family-friendly facilities. "Just got back from a week here. Very clean and well-run. We were here during COVID restrictions and they were handling it well. We used the arcade, pool, bathouse and laundry."
Activity planning: Many campgrounds schedule regular family events. "The campground was great! We had a schedule for events all weekend."
Swimming options: Look for parks with designated beach areas for safer swimming. "The beach was a little more than a half mile walk from our site."
Trail difficulty considerations: When exploring with children, choose appropriate trails. "The hike is definitely not for the easily winded people, or anyone with bad knees, the hike down was pretty steep at some points but very well maintained!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Red Rock Mountain Campground and others require preparation for uneven terrain. "The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because our site wasn't level and it took hours to get it right. After that... we had the best time!!"
Electric hookup reliability: Check amperage restrictions. "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained."
Privacy considerations: RV sites vary in spacing. "The campsites are kinda close together so if you don't like meeting new people you may not like it but we had nice neighbors so didn't mind."
Site size limitations: Some RV sites are restrictive. "Our site was way to small even though we gave the length and width of our rig ahead of time. We were always looking for a place to park our tow because we had no extra space in front or back."