The Pocono Mountains region surrounding Kingsley, Pennsylvania sits at elevations between 1,300 and 2,200 feet, creating forested camping terrain with moderate summer temperatures averaging 70-75°F. Winter camping opportunities remain available at select sites including Montrose Campground, which maintains year-round operations despite seasonal snowfall averaging 45 inches annually. Road access to several campgrounds requires navigating unpaved routes during certain seasons.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: The Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground features 22 waterfalls across multiple skill levels. "The hike is definitely not for the easily winded people, or anyone with bad knees, the hike down was pretty steep at some points but very well maintained! and the hike back up was again steep but maintained!" notes Anne P.
Kayaking and canoeing: Keen Lake Resort Campground offers paddle boats and kayaks for rent on a 90-acre lake. Shannon C. reports, "Each day we would paddle over to the swimming area on the lake. It was awesome. The kids had fun riding bikes on the road, which was off the main road."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple stocked ponds and lake access points allow fishing without licenses for youth under 16. "My kids caught multiple sunnies and even a small perch," notes a camper from Keen Lake Resort Campground, while Cozy Creek provides creek-side tent sites with direct fishing access.
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Lackawanna State Park Campground offers well-shaded camping spaces with natural separation. "Our site and the others we saw were nicely shaded. Look forward to visiting again in the sun for a longer period," mentions Amy V. The campground recently added a new loop called Ledges with full hookup capabilities.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain above-average restroom facilities. At Montrose Campground, Mary M. describes "the cleanest and nicest [bathhouse] I had ever seen at a campground." They recently built a new bathhouse/laundry building to accommodate increasing visitors.
Lake activities: Swimming beaches and boating options enhance summer camping experiences. At Lackawanna State Park, campers appreciate "a beautiful lake and a very large pool" according to David G., who visited during early spring when "it was very quiet and exactly the getaway we wanted."
What you should know
Site privacy variations: Campground layouts differ significantly in site spacing. At Ricketts Glen, "there is very little privacy as the sites are so close to each other," reports camper T.K., while at other parks like Salt Springs State Park Campground, primitive hike-in sites offer better seclusion.
Road conditions: Several campgrounds have challenging access roads. Cassie B. notes at Salt Springs that "The bathrooms are very far from the sites" and access can be difficult. Similarly, Cozy Creek Family Campground has a "dirt, rough and narrow" entrance road called Vacation Lane.
Water availability: Seasonal water quality testing may impact facilities. At Ricketts Glen, a visitor noted "unsafe levels of manganese were detected. All water spigots were shut off and covered but we were told it was safe to wash our dishes and brush our teeth." Always bring drinking water as backup.
Pet regulations: For pet friendly camping near Kingsley, Pennsylvania, verify specific site limitations. Ricketts Glen restricts pets to a designated loop, and Lee D. reports: "The campground was about ¾ full... many tent campers in this loop, which does not allow pets (the other, smaller loop does allow pets)."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cozy Creek Family Campground offers family-focused amenities with creek access. "Campground is based around kids, there's a lot for them to do!" notes Michael B. Their tent sites positioned directly on the creek provide easy water access.
Swimming options: Multiple parks offer both lake and pool swimming options. Lackawanna State Park features "a nice lake and a very large pool" according to reviews, while Keen Lake provides "a beach for swimming with your dogs" in a designated area separate from the main swimming beach.
Environmental education: Salt Springs offers educational opportunities through their activity barn. Janet R. mentions "an environmental education center with programs" and notes the park has "unique geology" features that interest school-age children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-service sites with sewer connections are limited but available at select locations. Cheryl M. highlights Lackawanna's "fairly new ledges loop that are all full hookup sites. Nice large sites, beautiful area, friendly rangers."
Leveling requirements: Many Pocono Mountain campgrounds require leveling equipment due to terrain. Guy M. from Lackawanna State Park mentions: "The sites were a little close to each other and where we were in the park was a mixed use area. So we had an RV next to us with the Genny running all day."
Winter camping options: For cold-weather RV camping near Kingsley, Pennsylvania, Scott I. shares about Pine Crest Campground: "We camped in late November. A few campers. Quiet and we were able to camp on the river. Very nice owners and he brought us firewood. We were self contained. Which was best since the bath house was closed for the winter."
Ranger
