The Pocono Mountains region surrounding Long Pond, Pennsylvania sits at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,200 feet, creating a diverse landscape of forests, wetlands, and mountain terrain. The area receives approximately 47 inches of rainfall annually, with summer temperatures averaging 75°F, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Winter camping options are limited as most campgrounds close from late October through mid-April due to snowfall and freezing temperatures.
What to do
Hike the boulder field: At Hickory Run State Park, the unique geological formation draws visitors year-round. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," shares Mike M. The site features acres of large sandstone boulders that create an otherworldly landscape.
Explore local wildlife preserves: Camp Taylor Campground offers direct access to the Lakota Wolf Preserve. "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance. It's one of our favorite places to camp," writes Julie F. The preserve conducts educational tours where visitors can observe several wolf packs in a natural habitat.
Paddle the lakes: Tobyhanna State Park Campground features a 170-acre lake perfect for non-motorized watercraft. "There's a separate shore for kayaks and canoes to enter the lake. We even got to see an eagles' nest near our campsite," notes Marlaina M. Rental equipment is available at most lake facilities from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Mount Pocono Campground maintains exceptionally clean bathhouses. "Cleanest campground bathouse I've ever used! Great hiking trail right from the site," reports Rennie S. The facilities include hot showers, flush toilets, and family bathroom options at many locations.
Spacious wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer sites carved into forested areas. "The sites were spacious. The campground was very quiet, and all of the facilities were very clean and well maintained," writes Dave B. about Mount Pocono Campground. Most sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and parking for at least one vehicle.
Family-friendly amenities: Otter Lake Camp Resort provides comprehensive recreational options. "Otter lake has every amenity imaginable: super clean swimming beach, beautiful lake with boat rentals available. Tons of activities for kids and adults. Indoor pool with 2 hot tubs even a dry sauna," says Erik M. The resort operates year-round with heated facilities during colder months.
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: Bears are active throughout the Pocono region. "Do not leave any food out, be sure to lock up everything in car. Camp sites were nice, most had plenty of trees for privacy but were still kind of close," warns Erik M. about Tobyhanna State Park. Rangers conduct regular patrols and provide bear safety education.
Site selection matters: Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA has varied site quality. "The campground had many different types of sites. Some were big and socially distanced like the one we had. But some were extremely small and very close to the next camper," notes Carol N. Research specific site numbers before booking, especially during peak season.
Limited cell service: Connectivity can be problematic in some areas. "The cell service for most providers is practically non-existent," reports Jim G. about Timothy Lake South. Consider downloading offline maps and bringing physical guidebooks for navigation when visiting remote campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds often schedule organized recreation. "They had a schedule for events all weekend. We were there for July 4th weekend," shares Nick L. from Mount Pocono Campground. Morning nature walks, evening movies, and holiday-specific celebrations are common from June through August.
Playground access: Consider site proximity to play areas. "The sites in this loop were spacious and more in an open area, but we were along a wooded area which gave us some shade. There is a large open field in the loop we camped in with a swing set on it. This was nice for families with children," advises Shirley M. from Hickory Run State Park.
Water recreation options: Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers excellent swimming and boating. "Our first time tent camping was here and it set a great tone. We set up the tent, kayaked on the lake, cooked up some dinner, watched a strawberry super moon rise over the lake," recalls Emma T. Lakefront sites book quickly, often 6-9 months in advance for summer weekends.
Tips from RVers
Level site challenges: Many campsites require careful setup. "The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because our site wasn't level and it took hours to get it right," notes Angie G. about Jim Thorpe Camping Resort. Bring extra leveling blocks and wheel chocks, especially for larger rigs.
Hookup availability: Water pressure varies significantly between campgrounds. "Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi," reports Don C. about Timothy Lake South. RVers should bring pressure regulators and extra hose lengths to accommodate different site configurations.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "Be prepared for walking up and downhill - quite the unexpected workout," mentions Rennie S. about Mount Pocono Campground. Research road grades and turning radius requirements before booking, particularly for vehicles over 30 feet.
