Pet-friendly camping options surround Lake Ariel, nestled in the Pocono Mountains at 1,400 feet elevation. The region features hemlock forests and glacial lakes, with average summer temperatures ranging from 55°F at night to 80°F during daytime hours. Most campsites close by mid-October, with Promised Land State Park maintaining some year-round accessibility.
What to do
Lakefront activities: Keen Lake Resort Campground offers extensive water recreation with swimming areas separated for different purposes. "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," shares Shannon C. about their August stay at Keen Lake Resort Campground.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems connect campgrounds to natural features. "The Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked," notes Alaina Z. about their experience at Pickerel Point Campground. For more challenging terrain, try the Little Falls Trail, which several campers recommend for its scenic waterfall views.
Wildlife watching: The area supports diverse wildlife observation opportunities. "We got to see an eagles' nest near our campsite," reports Marlaina M., who stayed at Tobyhanna State Park. Bears are also common in the region, with multiple campgrounds posting advisories and guidance for proper food storage.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathhouse maintenance receives consistently positive feedback from campers. "The bathrooms were the cleanest we've ever experienced at a campground," noted Emily Z. about Keen Lake Resort Campground. This sentiment appears across multiple campgrounds in the Lake Ariel region.
Seasonal camping options: Many campgrounds offer extended-stay opportunities. "My family has been going there for years and finally decided that this was our final place and made it our seasonal camping place 3 years ago," explains Mike H. about his experience at Keen Lake, highlighting the community atmosphere that develops.
Lake swimming: Natural swimming areas provide alternatives to pool facilities. "The lake is crystal clear and the beach is spotless. You absolutely have to bring a kayak/inflatable boat, but if you don't own one, don't worry, you can rent one," shares Debbie W. about their stay at Pickerel Point Campground.
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Campground layouts differ significantly in terms of privacy between sites. "Depending on your site choice, there are campsites that are WAY too close together for my preference, then some that were adequately spaced and foliage offered some privacy," explains Nick P. from their stay at Lower Lake Campground Rhododendron Area.
Bear awareness: Multiple state parks report bear activity. "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 Erik M. from Tobyhanna State Park. Proper food storage is essential.
Shower facilities: Different campgrounds have varied shower setups. In state parks, showers are typically free, while some private campgrounds operate coin-operated showers. Nicely maintained facilities are common across the region with hot water consistently available.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Multiple water recreation areas accommodate different swimmer abilities. "My kids really loved having a pool to swim in, in addition to the lake," notes Emily Z. about Lackawanna State Park Campground, which provides both lake and pool facilities for varied swimming preferences.
Organized activities: Some campgrounds feature structured programs. "They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day!" explains Mike H. about Keen Lake Resort. Weekends typically offer more programmed activities than weekdays.
Biking-friendly campgrounds: Paved roads in certain campgrounds create safe spaces for children to ride. "Love that the road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc..." shares Paula R. about her family's experience at Pickerel Point.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking, consider proximity to amenities versus privacy. "We were on the far side of the lake which is not really within walking distance of the beach, pool and store. We knew this going in and were totally OK with it. It seemed less busy where we were as far as cars and people which is what we were looking for," explains Emily Z. from Secluded Acres Campground.
Hookup reliability: Some campgrounds have aging electrical infrastructure. "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained," warns David about Lackawanna State Park, suggesting bringing a surge protector.
Campsite leveling: Some sites require additional effort to level. "The site was well maintained and flat which were the most important," notes Emily Z. from her Keen Lake stay, highlighting how site preparation can significantly impact the camping experience for RVers.
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