Nestled in the northeastern region of Pennsylvania, camping near Abington offers access to multiple state parks and private campgrounds within the Pocono Mountains area. Most sites are situated at elevations between 1,000-1,800 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between day and night. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F, with higher humidity levels from June through August requiring proper ventilation for tent campers.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing on local lakes: Several campgrounds offer water sports opportunities. At Promised Land State Park's Pickerel Point Campground, campers can easily access the water. "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper... We had fun kayaking and paddle boating on the huge lake," notes one visitor who enjoyed the access.
Hike through waterfall trails: The region features notable waterfall hikes. At Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, visitors can experience multiple waterfalls. "The biggest draw to this state park is the 22 waterfalls! We saw 18 of them on a four-mile moderate hike," reports one camper. Most waterfall trails are categorized as moderate difficulty and require sturdy footwear.
Off-season camping opportunities: While most state parks operate seasonally, some private campgrounds remain open year-round. Cozy Creek Family Campground operates through winter months, allowing for extended season camping. "One of the first local spots we went to with our family, new ownership. Updating amenities," notes a visitor about this year-round option.
What campers like
Privacy levels vary by campground: Site seclusion differs significantly between locations. At Highland Campgrounds, the extensive trail system adds to the sense of space. "This campground was very nice and had so much hiking in and around it. They were very helpful with getting us a site," reports one visitor who appreciated the natural setting.
Waterfront sites: Lakeside camping receives consistent praise. At Keen Lake Resort Campground, waterfront sites allow direct water access. "I stayed on a lakeside electric/water site for 5 nights... It was SO BEAUTIFUL. We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch," shares one camper who valued the lake proximity.
Bathroom and shower facilities: Facility quality varies considerably. Frances Slocum State Park Campground receives praise for cleanliness. "Clean bathroom and shower with hot water. Very clear camp site," notes one visitor. However, others mention challenges: "Bath houses are okay, showers are button showers and are freezing, come prepared."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most state parks in the area operate from the second Friday in April to the third Sunday in October, including Lackawanna, Frances Slocum, and Tobyhanna. Winter camping options are limited but available at select locations like Hickory Run State Park Campground. "We would love to come back in the winter when they have an ice rink with a warming house," mentions one visitor about winter activities.
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity requires proper food storage. Multiple campgrounds report bear sightings. "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," reports one Tobyhanna camper. Store all food in vehicles or hard-sided containers.
Site terrain variations: Ground conditions differ across campgrounds. Some locations have challenging terrain for tent campers: "This campground is beautiful and has great cell service... The site we stayed on was a swamp! It was terrible," warns a camper at Frances Slocum. Request information about specific site conditions when making reservations.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly programs and activities: Several campgrounds offer structured activities for children. Lackawanna State Park Campground provides environmental education. "This is an amazing state park that has something for everyone. There is an environmental education center with programs," notes one visitor who appreciated the educational opportunities.
Beach access considerations: Swimming areas vary in quality and supervision. "The beach area is part of the hiking trail so you can easily start a hike before or after you take a dip. There are shower facilities near the beach. Swimming is at your own risk since there are no life guards around," reports a visitor at Tobyhanna State Park.
Playground availability: Play areas differ by campground. "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," shares a Hickory Run visitor. Most playgrounds are basic but functional, offering simple equipment like swings and climbing structures.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: The region offers varying levels of hookup services. At Clayton Park RV Escape, full hookups are standard. "A well run, well staffed, facilities are excellent. Will return," notes one RVer who appreciated the complete services.
Site spacing and size: RV site dimensions and proximity to neighbors vary considerably. "We had a full hookup site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground. The sites in this loop were spacious and more in an open area," shares a Hickory Run camper. Request specific site dimensions when making reservations, especially for larger rigs.
Leveling requirements: Many campgrounds require leveling equipment. "Our full hookup site was large with table and fire ring, and required some leveling," reports a Ricketts Glen visitor. Bring leveling blocks even for sites listed as level, as conditions can change with weather and season.
