The Honesdale area sits within the northern Pocono Mountains at approximately 950 feet elevation. Camping near Honesdale, Pennsylvania offers diverse terrain from lakeside sites to forested campsites with significant seasonal temperature variations. Winter camping options remain limited to year-round facilities with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing from December through March.
What to do
Lakeside activities: At Keen Lake Resort Campground, multiple water recreation options exist beyond swimming. As camper Shannon C. notes, "We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch. Each day we would paddle over to the swimming area on the lake." The campground offers paddle boats and row boats for those without their own watercraft.
River tubing: Along the Delaware River, Skinners Falls Campground provides direct river access approximately 20 miles east of Honesdale. According to Jason T., "Aside from the river trips this camp site has became a go to place for City folk looking to party." For a quieter experience, he recommends "Avoid the summer weekends and holidays at all cost if you are looking for some old school camping."
Winter activities: During colder months, Pickerel Point Campground remains accessible for ice fishing. Camper Mara S. reports, "This was my second visit in the cold months. Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers." Winter visitors should prepare for limited cell service as "the only negative is that I had almost no cell reception with Verizon."
What campers like
Waterfront access: Campers consistently rate waterfront sites highest across all campgrounds. At Wilsonville Recreation Area, camper Brett L. states, "Right on Lake Wallenpaupack. Boat slips available if you own a boat. Pretty quiet. Bathrooms old but well kept. Water and electric. No sewer but can get honey wagon and there is a dump station on way out."
Privacy options: Many campers seek sites with natural screening. At Secluded Acres Campground, Julie reports, "Such wonderful rustic sites that are absolutely secluded!! Love it and just wish it was open all year round!" The campground operates from mid-April through mid-October.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness significantly impacts visitor satisfaction. At Keen Lake Resort Campground, Emily Z. observed, "The bathrooms were the cleanest we've ever experienced at a campground. The showers are coin operated." This detail about pay showers represents important information for tent campers planning their stay.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most Honesdale area campgrounds close during winter months. Cherry Ridge Campsites runs from May 1 to October 30. According to Beverly J., it's a "Remote, not the place for one night. People friendly and helpful. We were in a back into site. Pets welcome."
Weekday vs. weekend experience: Crowd levels vary dramatically between weekdays and weekends. At Narrowsburg Campground, Rachel M. warns about noise levels: "This felt like a music festival. Loud (REALLY) loud music playing till 4am. Fireworks so close to campsites that car alarms were going off." For a quieter experience, consider Monday through Thursday visits.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by carrier and location. At Pickerel Point Campground, Mara S. reported "almost no cell reception with Verizon" during winter camping. This limitation affects emergency communications and navigation capabilities.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Honesdale-Poconos KOA provides structured programming for children. Corey M. describes the experience: "Activities for the kids like movies (it was Moana), a pool, mini golf and a bounce area. We had a fantastic first camping experience for the kids (and dogs)."
Location selection: Family tent campers should research site placement carefully. At Honesdale-Poconos KOA, Samantha S. warns: "I was disappointed with the location they put us as tent campers. We paid for water and electric. The electrical outlet and water was half way across the 'circle lot' they put us and we had to share it with other campers."
Winter bathroom access: For cold-weather family camping, heated bathrooms make a significant difference. At Pickerel Point Campground, Mara S. appreciated the "Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers" during winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
Tips from RVers
Site selection priorities: RVers have different needs based on unit size and hookup requirements. At Clayton Park RV Escape, Ed S. advises: "Even though I had a boo boo, they were very forgiving, after I explained that I had a brand new RV and it had an issue with my black water tank. They called to let me know, and I was able to get it fixed under warranty from my dealer."
Pet accommodations: Many campgrounds in the Honesdale area welcome pets but have specific rules. At Keen Lake Resort Campground, Emily Z. notes they are "pet friendly. They have a beach for swimming with your dogs." This unique feature allows dogs in designated water areas unlike many lakeside campgrounds that restrict pets from beaches.
Seasonal considerations: RVers staying at sites with full hookups should consider winterization timing. At Cherry Ridge Campsites, G M. notes, "Shady sites in a quiet cg. Nice lake for fishing. Reasonably priced breakfast on weekends. Great staff. Good utilities and clean bathrooms." This campground closes October 30, before freezing temperatures consistently arrive.
