Tobyhanna State Park Campground sits at 2,000 feet elevation in the northeastern Pocono Mountains. Situated in Pike County, Pennsylvania, the area features thick pine forests and clear streams throughout its undulating terrain. Winter camping here requires preparation for snowfall that typically begins in November, with temperatures often dropping below freezing from December through March.
What to do
Hiking trails: Tobyhanna State Park offers diverse walking paths around the lake. According to one camper, "You can swim in the lake in the summer or do a 5-mile hike around the lake along well-marked walk paths. The hike should last 1.5 to 2 hours for the average person. Spray some insect repellent before you start."
Wildlife observation: Secluded Acres Campground provides opportunities for spotting native animals in natural settings. As one visitor noted, "Lots of trees for great shade. Very peaceful and calm atmosphere. Mental vacation definitely. Deer may or may not stop by for a visit. Hiking trails available."
Water activities: Beyond swimming, many campgrounds offer fishing and boating. 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. There are some sites right against the lake where you can fish right there. You can rent paddle boats, small fish boats and kayaks."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural buffers at Hickory Run State Park Campground. As one visitor observed, "The sites are large and many are somewhat private in terms of visual barriers. Some bathrooms are latrines, but they also have beautiful, fully updated showers and restrooms available."
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards receive frequent mention in reviews. At Mount Pocono Campground, "The sites were spacious. The campground was very quiet, and all of the facilities were very clean and well maintained. The only downside was that my Sprint Cell service was very good in this area."
Yurt camping options: Yurt camping near Greentown, Pennsylvania provides comfortable alternatives to tent camping. The yurts at Camp Taylor Campground offer solid shelter while maintaining a rustic camping experience. According to a visitor, "We choose to stay in one of the glamping tents and was pleasantly surprised at the space inside the tent even with a double bed and two other fold out couches to beds."
What you should know
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage protocols. At Tobyhanna State Park, one camper warned, "Just stayed 2 nights with my 7 yrs. old daughter we had a blast. Everyone was very nice camp host and DCNR were very helpful. 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."
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have significant variation between sites. "The sites in this loop were spacious and more in an open area, but we were along a wooded area which gave us some shade. It was a very quiet weekend for us as our loop was not crowded. The bath houses in this loop are non-flush/pit toilets. However, the other camping loops had shower houses and flush toilet restrooms."
Cell service limitations: Digital connectivity varies widely across the region. At Timothy Lake South, "Cell service for most providers is practically non-existent. I understand this is not the park's fault and some would say that this is 'real' camping-- try telling that to the two millennials that were staying with us."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Family-friendly facilities help keep children entertained. "They have a huge swimming pool and a toddler's pool. There is an on-site store with everything you need to make your stay comfortable. The game room has pool tables, ping pong, arcade games, library, gym, and so much more!"
Kid-friendly hiking: Trails suitable for children exist throughout the region. At Hickory Run State Park, one parent reported, "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. Both of these trails had a creek and waterfalls."
Scheduled activities: Camp Taylor Campground offers organized recreation options for children. "My daughter and I have made Camp Taylor our annual spot for the past 4-5 years and it just keeps getting better. Hiking to the Wolf Preserve, paddleboats, mini golf, swimming in the lake... There are so many things to do, and they keep all of the facilities updated and in great shape."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for RVs: Choosing appropriate sites impacts comfort and access. "Sites are very well shaded but some can be tight. Great activities for all ages. Had an amazing first visit and will be going back!"
Full hookup availability: Infrastructure varies between campgrounds and specific sites. "You won't have a ton of privacy but you'll have space for your stuff. If you don't want to drive during your stay, camp on the side w/ the beach and pool. The store has a huge selection of necessities, so no need to worry about forgetting things. This is a great place to bring an RV."
Water pressure considerations: Utility quality differs across campgrounds. At Timothy Lake South, a camper noted, "The camp is nice, sites are long but narrow. Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi. Cell service is ok. Verizon is 25 down 10 up. Tmobile is unusable."
