The Poconos region surrounding Henryville, Pennsylvania sits at approximately 1,700 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate that features four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures average 70-80°F while winter can drop to the low 20s with significant snowfall affecting campground accessibility. Most luxury glamping options near Henryville operate from April through October, with limited winter options requiring advance reservations.
What to do
Hike to scenic waterfalls: Tobyhanna State Park Campground offers trail access to picturesque falls. "Scenic state park with a lake. You can swim in the lake in the summer or do a 5-mile hike around the lake along well-marked walk paths," notes one visitor. The park features well-marked hiking paths with moderate difficulty levels suitable for most ability levels.
Visit the Lakota Wolf Preserve: Camp Taylor Campground provides a unique wildlife experience with direct access to wolf tours. "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance. It's one of our favorite places to camp," explains one visitor. The preserve offers educational tours twice daily on weekends with discounted rates for campers.
Explore boulder fields: Hickory Run State Park Campground features a remarkable geological formation worth visiting. "The boulder field was the highlight of our camping trip. The campground has great playgrounds, several well-marked trails, and functional restrooms and showers," a camper shares. The unique boulder fields formed during the last ice age and provide an unusual hiking destination.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Campers appreciate secluded options with natural screening. "Steam Mill Camping Area is tucked out the of the way and is the most primitive. It is the smallest of the campgrounds with 27 sites only suitable for tents or small trailers/campervans," explains a Stokes State Forest visitor. Most sites include a fire ring, picnic table and lantern hook.
Quality bathroom facilities: Tobyhanna State Park Campground earns praise for cleanliness. "Bathrooms were clean enough, and they have coin op laundry which could be nice for families," notes one camper. Several campgrounds offer modern shower facilities with hot water, though availability varies seasonally.
Family-friendly activities: Mount Pocono Campground provides structured recreation for children. "We were there for July 4th weekend. They had a schedule for events all weekend," one visitor mentions. Another notes, "Terrific for new campers. The sites are clean, bathrooms are pristine and there are a ton of activities."
What you should know
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters require proper precautions at most 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," reports a Tobyhanna camper. Store food securely in vehicles and never leave coolers unattended.
Cell service limitations: Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA and surrounding areas have spotty connectivity. "The cell service for most providers is practically non-existent," notes one visitor. Verizon typically provides the most reliable coverage, while AT&T and T-Mobile often struggle in forested areas.
Varying site quality: Campground maps can be deceiving. "The campground had many different types of sites. Some were big and socially distanced like the one we had. But some were extremely small and very close to the next camper," explains a KOA camper. Another visitor advises, "Make sure you ask for what you want."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with organized activities: Jenny Jump State Forest offers structured recreation options. "The kids REALLY enjoyed the art classes & the gem mining. So much fun for families!" reports one visitor. Many campgrounds provide weekend activity schedules during peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Look for playgrounds and swimming areas: Multiple recreation options help keep children engaged. "The pool is pleasant and great to cool off in. The bathrooms/showers are clean and well maintained. The small mini-golf course is a fun distraction for a bit," notes a Camp Taylor visitor. Swimming beaches typically open from Memorial Day weekend through early September.
Consider shelter options for first-timers: Some locations offer alternatives to tent camping. "This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds," explains a Jenny Jump visitor. These structures typically cost $55-85 per night depending on amenities.
Tips from RVers
Reserve full hookup sites early: Premium spots at glamping destinations fill quickly. "We are lucky enough to have a lakefront site at Otter Lake Camp Resort for the Winter season, and feel like we have gone to heaven!" one seasonal camper shares. Another mentions, "Sites are very well shaded but some can be tight."
Check site leveling before booking: Terrain considerations matter for larger rigs. "No issues navigating my 32' coach through the roads. There were a number of spots that could have easily fit our rig (although a few would have been too tight)," explains a Delaware Water Gap visitor. Most glamping sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, but always confirm specific site dimensions.
Verify water pressure: Local systems vary significantly. "Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi," notes a Timothy Lake South camper. RV owners should bring pressure regulators to protect their plumbing systems from potentially damaging high-pressure connections.
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