Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation in the northern Pocono Mountains, where dense forests of maple, oak and pine create natural boundaries between camping areas. The region experiences distinct seasonal variations with winter temperatures regularly dropping below freezing and summer highs averaging in the mid-70s. Yurt camping near Gouldsboro provides campers with access to more than 60 miles of hiking trails connecting multiple state parks and recreation areas.
What to do
Hiking the lake perimeter: Explore the 5-mile trail circling Tobyhanna Lake at Tobyhanna State Park Campground. "You can swim in the lake in the summer or do a 5-mile hike around the lake along well-marked walk paths," notes reviewer J.K. The trail takes approximately 2 hours for most hikers and connects to multiple camping areas.
Wildlife viewing: Watch for native wildlife at campgrounds throughout the region. "We even got to see an eagles' nest near our campsite," mentions Marlaina M. about her Tobyhanna experience. Black bears are common from May through September, requiring proper food storage. One camper reported, "As soon as we got to our site one came right up as we were setting up our tent."
Boulder exploration: Visit the unique boulder field at Hickory Run State Park Campground, located 30 minutes from Gouldsboro. "The Boulder Fields are one of the coolest places I've ever visited, partially because they were so unexpected," writes Amber A. These geological formations provide unusual terrain for careful exploration among rocks of varying sizes.
Wolf preserve tours: Take a guided tour at the Lakota Wolf Preserve adjacent to Camp Taylor Campground. "With tours leaving the campground twice a day on both Saturday and Sundays for the wolf preserve, I was glad there was camping so close," says reviewer Denise D. The preserve offers educational programs about wolf conservation with opportunities to hear wolves howling in the evening.
What campers like
Year-round yurt options: Find comfortable yurt camping near Gouldsboro at Lackawanna State Park Campground, which offers multiple accommodation types. "Campground has cabins and yurts, pull in sites for RV's and strictly walk in tent sites," notes David G. The park maintains these structures throughout all seasons, making them popular during winter months.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. The bathhouses at Mount Pocono Campground receive consistent praise. "Cleanest campground bathouse I've ever used!" exclaims one reviewer. Most facilities include hot showers, flush toilets, and regularly maintained common areas.
Lake activities: Multiple water recreation options exist at lakes throughout the region. At Otter Lake Camp Resort, "There is a big lake you can fish from, kayak, bring your own boat and even swim from when it's warm out," explains Tiffany S. Most lakes prohibit gas-powered watercraft, creating quieter environments for paddlers and swimmers.
Winter recreation: Several parks offer winter activities when most camping areas close. "We would love to come back in the winter when they have an ice rink with a warming house," mentions Michael about Lackawanna State Park. Seasonal yurts near Gouldsboro provide accommodation for winter enthusiasts, with some parks maintaining plowed roads to yurt locations.
What you should know
Bear precautions: Black bears are common throughout the Gouldsboro area. "Do not leave any food out be sure to lock up everything in car," warns Erik M. about Tobyhanna State Park. Most campgrounds require food storage in vehicles rather than tents or at campsites.
Site privacy varies: Campsite layouts differ significantly between parks and within individual campgrounds. At Secluded Acres Campground, "The site itself isn't bad, a lot of woods to tuck into if you camp rite. The tent pad and fire pit area is right next to the road so it almost feels like your campsite is open to passerbys," reports Addam C.
Seasonal limitations: Most state park campgrounds operate from mid-April through mid-October. Private campgrounds like Mount Pocono offer extended seasons, with reviewer Jeff noting, "The location is lovely and you are surrounded by the forests of the Poconos." Several properties keep year-round accommodations available, particularly yurts and cabins.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies throughout the region. "Cell service is awful for AT&T and our T-Mobile gateway," reports Nick E. about Timothy Lake South. Verizon typically provides better coverage, though signal strength remains inconsistent in mountainous areas.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas for convenience with children. At Delaware Water Gap KOA, "A big playground was directly in front of us, which worked out perfectly since we have school age kids," shares Penny C. Most family-oriented campgrounds place playgrounds centrally within camping loops.
Indoor options for rainy days: Consider campgrounds with indoor facilities during unpredictable weather seasons. Otter Lake Camp Resort offers "2 pools, hot tub, sauna, lake beach and swimming," according to Barbara M., who drives from Arizona annually for six weeks. Indoor recreation areas provide alternatives during summer thunderstorms.
Organized activities: Many private campgrounds schedule regular family programming. "There is lots to do for the whole family. There are some sites right against the lake where you can fish right there," explains Tiffany S. about Otter Lake Camp Resort. Weekend activities typically include crafts, games, and educational programs during peak season.
Tips from RVers
Site selection priority: Research specific site characteristics before booking. At Keen Lake Resort Campground, "We were able to scope out others that we would prefer for our next visit. We didn't have a view of the lake, instead we were in someone's back yard," shares Emily Z. Many campgrounds show significant variation between sites within the same price category.
Utility reliability: Check electrical capacity at older campgrounds. At Lackawanna State Park, one RVer noted, "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained." Most newer campgrounds provide more consistent power delivery.
Specialty hookup options: For extended stays, prioritize full-hookup sites. "Stayed in the fairly new ledges loop that are all full hookup sites. Nice large sites, beautiful area," reports Cheryl M. about Lackawanna State Park. These premium sites typically cost $5-10 more per night but eliminate the need for regular tank dumping.
