Best Campgrounds near Long Pond, PA
The Pocono Mountains region surrounding Long Pond, Pennsylvania features a diverse range of camping options within a concentrated area. State parks dominate the landscape, with Hickory Run State Park Campground and Tobyhanna State Park Campground offering established sites with amenities like electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Private campgrounds such as Mount Pocono Campground and Peaceful Woodlands Campground provide additional options with varying levels of development. Most facilities accommodate both tent and RV camping, with many also offering cabin rentals for those seeking more shelter. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, approximately 20 miles east, provides more primitive camping experiences including boat-in sites along the Delaware River.
Camping seasons in the Pocono region typically run from mid-April through mid-October, with most state parks closing for the winter after the third weekend in October. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities reach capacity. Cell service can be spotty throughout the area, particularly in valleys and more remote campgrounds. Weather conditions vary significantly with elevation, and summer thunderstorms can develop quickly. As one camper at Tobyhanna State Park noted, "The park staff were very helpful and knowledgeable about nearby trails. They had large dumpsters away from the campsites to dispose of garbage safely. Bears are present in the area, so proper food storage is essential."
Waterfront sites at lakes and reservoirs are consistently rated highest by visitors, though they tend to book quickly. Campers report mixed experiences with site spacing and privacy. A reviewer of Mountain Vista Campground mentioned, "It's too bright at night because they leave the street lamps on all night. The campground was clean but very packed with RVs." In contrast, visitors to state parks often praise the natural setting and recreational opportunities. Fall foliage season attracts significant crowds, with one Tobyhanna visitor describing "breathtaking views from nearby trails." Wildlife sightings are common, with deer, various birds, and occasionally bears reported. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours beginning at 9 or 10 PM, with alcohol prohibited at Pennsylvania state park facilities.
