Camping sites near Moscow, Pennsylvania range across the Pocono Mountains with elevations of 1,500-2,100 feet. Night temperatures can drop 15-20 degrees below daytime highs even in summer months, requiring appropriate gear for overnight stays. Many campgrounds maintain restrictions on generator use with specific quiet hours between 9 PM and 8 AM during peak season.
What to do
Kayaking from campsites: At Tobyhanna State Park Campground, campers enjoy direct water access. "We picked this site because you can kayak and it's close to the tree top adventures. The best part is the lake for water activities and the surrounding things you can do," notes one visitor. The 5-mile lake trail provides excellent opportunities for hiking before or after paddling sessions.
Explore boulder fields: Visit the natural boulder formations at Hickory Run State Park Campground, where unusual rock formations create a unique landscape. "The Boulder Fields are one of the coolest places I've ever visited, partially because they were so unexpected. Don't twist an ankle, but you can play hide and seek to an extent as there are small depressions in the fields," shares one camper. The park includes 44 miles of marked trails ranging from easy to difficult.
Swimming options: Many Moscow-area campgrounds offer swimming in both natural and developed settings. "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," mentions a visitor to Pickerel Point Campground. Several campgrounds maintain separate swimming areas for children and pets.
What campers like
Lakeside camping: Sites with water views rank among the most popular camping spots in the Moscow area. "I spent the night at Pickerel Point and it was so pretty and quiet. There was a bathroom with flush toilets nearby and the campsites were well spaced apart. Mine overlooked the water and had a gorgeous sunset," reports a camper. Most lakeside sites book 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Wooded privacy: Many campsites near Moscow feature natural screening between sites. At Lackawanna State Park Campground, "The campsites are nestled in a deep shady mature forest, and peaceful and quiet due to the wooded aspect and spacing of sites," according to one review. The hike-in sites provide increased privacy while still remaining accessible from parking areas.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness consistently receives positive mentions. "The bathrooms were the cleanest we've ever experienced at a campground. The showers are coin operated," notes a visitor to Keen Lake Resort Campground. Most state park facilities receive daily cleaning, while private campgrounds often clean multiple times daily during peak season.
What you should know
Bear activity: Bear encounters occur regularly throughout camping areas near Moscow. "Just stayed 2 nights with my 7 yrs. old daughter we had a blast. Everyone was very nice, camp host and DCNR were very helpful. 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. Do not leave any food out be sure to lock up everything in car," warns a visitor to Tobyhanna State Park.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate from mid-April through mid-October with limited off-season availability. For winter camping options, "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 a camper about year-round sections at Promised Land State Park.
Water quality variations: Lake water clarity and color varies by location. "The lake is very nice a little copper kind of like iced tea color but was very nice," notes one Tobyhanna visitor. Some lakes experience seasonal algae growth that can affect swimming conditions, with advisories posted when necessary.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Frances Slocum State Park Campground provides multiple recreation possibilities. "Good camping area. The park has great hiking spots, a local pool, and a lake that you can rent boats or kayak on," says one camper. Most parks within 30 minutes of Moscow offer junior ranger programs during summer months.
Site selection for kids: Families should consider proximity to playgrounds and bathrooms. "We had site 44 in the Stony Point loop and it was by far the largest campsite on the property. We had a thick covered wooded area to our right and a huge grassy area to the left," shares a Frances Slocum visitor. Corner sites typically offer more space for children to play.
Evening entertainment: Many campgrounds host organized activities. "We were there for July 4th weekend. They had a schedule for events all weekend," notes a visitor to Mount Pocono Campground. Programs typically include crafts, nature walks, and educational presentations designed for various age groups.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: For RVers requiring complete services, "Stayed in the fairly new ledges loop that are all full hookup sites. Nice large sites, beautiful area, friendly rangers," reports a Lackawanna State Park visitor. Reservation systems typically allow filtering by hookup type when booking online.
Electrical issues: Some campgrounds have aging electrical systems. "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained," cautions one RVer at Lackawanna. Bring surge protectors and be prepared to limit simultaneous electrical usage during peak season.
Accessibility considerations: Road conditions and site dimensions vary significantly between campgrounds. "Just finished up two nights in site 123. These sites are RIGHT AGAINST THE ROAD. Other state parks tend to make their sites deep, whereas these are wide," notes a Tobyhanna visitor. Most campground websites provide site dimensions and surface types for planning purposes.
