The Pocono region near Hawley, Pennsylvania sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 feet, creating a cooler microclimate than surrounding areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, while spring and fall nights can drop below 40°F. Campgrounds in this area are predominantly located within mixed hardwood forests with numerous lakes and streams.
What to do
Kayaking and water activities: At Tobyhanna State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy multiple water-based activities. According to a camper, "You can kayak and it's close to the tree top adventures. The best part is the lake for water activities and the surrounding things you can do."
Hiking nearby trails: High Point State Park Campground offers excellent hiking options. "We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake," notes one visitor. The park connects to 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
Fishing opportunities: Otter Lake Camp Resort provides fishing access for all skill levels. "Super clean swimming beach beautiful lake with boat rentals available," reports a camper. The lake is stocked with bass, sunfish, and trout throughout the season.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Secluded Acres Campground offers wooded sites that provide natural separation. "This is honestly the best campground we have ever been to!! We loved it so much we went back again the next week even though it's two hours away. Such wonderful rustic sites that are absolutely secluded!!" shared one enthusiastic visitor.
Lakefront camping: Many campers praise Keen Lake Resort Campground for its waterfront sites. "I stayed on a lakeside electric/water site for 5 nights in August 2020. It was SO BEAUTIFUL. We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch."
Clean facilities: The Honesdale - Poconos KOA maintains exceptionally clean amenities. "The bathrooms and showers, every time we went in, were spotless. The staff was incredible. So friendly And helpful," notes one reviewer who appreciated the well-maintained facilities.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most luxury glamping close to Hawley, Pennsylvania operates from April through mid-October. Otter Lake Camp Resort has specific rules about after-dark activities: "Security was so annoying about riding bikes after a certain time... never went to a campground where you couldn't ride a bike at night."
Wildlife encounters: Campers should prepare for wildlife, particularly bears. "Just stayed 2 nights with my 7 yrs. old daughter we had a blast... 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."
Weather considerations: The area can experience sudden weather changes. One camper at Stokes State Forest noted: "We went in November when there was a light rain that turned into a thunderstorm with hail and sleet! It was certainly an adventure."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Slumberland at the River's Edge offers various water activities for children. "The serene river provided the perfect backdrop for relaxation and water-based activities. We enjoyed swimming, tubing, and even fishing," reports a family who stayed there.
Playgrounds and recreation: Keen Lake Resort Campground features scheduled activities for various age groups. A camper noted: "My boys absolutely love it and always have something to do. They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day!"
Tent platforms: High Point State Park provides raised tent platforms at many sites. "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," according to a visitor, making setup easier for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection advice: Tobyhanna State Park Campground offers various RV site options. "We picked this site because you can kayak and it's close to the tree top adventures. Typical campground with bathrooms and showers," notes one RVer who recommended choosing waterfront sites when possible.
Hookup information: When glamping near Hawley in a recreational vehicle, check hookup specifications carefully. At Secluded Acres Campground, "Primitive site or not, they have a spot for you... We saw RV sites that were very close to each other," indicating variable site spacing depending on location.
Seasonal rental options: Many visitors opt for longer stays. One Otter Lake Camp Resort reviewer mentioned, "We drive from Arizona to camp here for 6 weeks each year. It is truly a resort with organized activities like softball, archery and ceramics for kiddos. All sites are wooded, clean and spacious."
