Cabins near Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania provide access to a region located in the northeastern Pocono Mountains, with elevations averaging 1,300 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers reaching 85°F and winters dropping below freezing from December through March. Summer rental cabins typically require 6-8 weeks advance booking during peak season.
What to do
Lake activities at Keen Lake Resort Campground: Bring kayaks or paddleboards for water adventures on this family-owned property. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities. "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. It was awesome," shares Shannon C.
Wildlife observation at Promised Land State Park: Look for native animals while exploring park trails. "We even got to see an eagles' nest near our campsite," notes Marlaina M. who camped at the park. Beavers can also be spotted in certain areas of the park.
Hiking trails near Lake Ariel: Take a 5-mile hike around Tobyhanna Lake on well-marked paths. "You can 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," advises J K. Spray insect repellent before starting your hike, especially during summer months.
What campers like
Lakefront cabin options at Keen Lake Resort Campground: Select waterfront sites for direct lake access. "Get a site on the lake," recommends Emily Z. who notes that "the sites seem to be on the smaller size when compared to other campgrounds we've been too."
Winter cabin camping opportunities: Some Lake Ariel area campgrounds operate in colder months with heated accommodations. "This was my second visit in the cold months. Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers," reports Mara S. who experienced winter camping at Promised Land State Park.
Clean facilities at Lackawanna State Park Campground: Enjoy well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities throughout your stay. "The bathrooms were the cleanest we've ever experienced at a campground," notes an impressed reviewer at another nearby campground. Lackawanna's facilities receive similar praise with one camper stating "the park is always clean and well maintained."
What you should know
Bear activity in cabin areas: Store food securely at all times when staying in cabins near Lake Ariel. "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," shares Erik M. from his experience at Tobyhanna State Park Campground.
Varied coin-operated shower facilities: Many campgrounds in the Lake Ariel region require quarters for showers. "The showers are coin operated," notes one reviewer about facilities at a local campground. Bring at least $2-3 in quarters per person per day.
Seasonal camping considerations: Most cabin rentals close by mid-October. "Cherry Ridge Campsites and Lodging operates from May 1 to Oct 30," while "Clayton Park RV Escape runs May 1 - Oct 15." Some state park cabins remain available later into fall for leaf-viewing opportunities.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities at Honesdale-Poconos KOA: Take advantage of organized recreation for children. "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," shares Corey M.
Fishing opportunities for children: Bring basic fishing gear for kids to catch panfish in local lakes. "The kids caught multiple sunnies and even a small perch," reports Shannon C. about their fishing experience at Keen Lake Resort Campground.
Bicycle-friendly camping loops: Choose campgrounds with paved roads for safer cycling. "The road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc..." notes Paula R. about the Pickerel Point camping area at Promised Land State Park.
Tips for RVers
Site selection at Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area: Choose sites carefully as some may have challenging terrain. "We stayed in lower lake beechwood site 323. Was decent site only downside was fire pit area was very un-level for camping chairs," advises Dawn R.
Utilities reliability concerns: Check power capabilities before booking. "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained," notes David about Lackawanna State Park Campground.
Winter cabin rental options: For cold-weather visits, choose sites with reliable electric service. "This is an amazing state park that has something for everyone...there are standard car camping tent sites, RV sites, and yurts and camper cabins," explains Janet R. about Lackawanna State Park Campground, which offers various accommodation options for winter visitors.
