Tobyhanna State Park Campground sits at an elevation of 1,903 feet in the northeastern Pocono Mountains, creating significantly cooler temperatures than surrounding lowland areas. The park experiences average summer highs of 78°F but nighttime temperatures can drop into the 50s even in July and August. Campers should anticipate high humidity throughout the summer months, with precipitation common year-round in this mountain landscape.
What to do
Paddle the lake: Tobyhanna State Park features a 170-acre lake where leashed dogs can join owners on watercraft. "Scenic state park with a lake. You can swim in the lake in the summer or do a 5-mile hike around the lake along well-marked walk paths," notes J K. from Tobyhanna State Park Campground.
Explore boulder fields: The unique geological formations at Hickory Run State Park make for fascinating day trips when staying in the Mount Pocono region. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," explains Mike M. at Hickory Run State Park Campground.
Visit wildlife preserves: Many campgrounds provide access to wildlife viewing areas. "The Lakota Wolf Preserve is located on the camp and offers discounted tours for campers," shares Jean T. from Camp Taylor Campground. "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance."
What campers like
Variety of camping options: The Mount Pocono region offers diverse accommodation types. "The camping selection of sites is excellent with Cabins, Glamping tents, primitive tent sites and of course RV sites. I choose to stay in one of the glamping tents and was pleasantly surprised at the space inside," reports Denise D. about Camp Taylor Campground.
Lakefront sites: Waterfront camping provides tranquil experiences. "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper. The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail," shares Kelly F. about Pickerel Point Campground.
Wooded privacy: Many campsites offer tree coverage for additional seclusion. "Set on a hillside, the campground has three levels. The tent sites all have water & electric, and have a picnic table and fire ring. The sites are fully shaded," explains Tori S. when describing Mountain Vista Campground.
What you should know
Bear activity: Black bears are active throughout the Poconos region. "Just stayed 2 nights with my 7 yrs. old daughter we had a blast. 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," cautions Erik M. about Tobyhanna State Park.
Site positioning: Campsite layouts vary greatly across the region. "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 Emilie D. about site selection at Tobyhanna State Park.
Water conditions: Some campgrounds have natural water bodies with distinct characteristics. "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," advises Debbie W. about Otter Lake Camp Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Family-oriented campgrounds offer structured programs. "We stay at Pickerel Point and Deerfield depending on season. No complaints and was pleasantly surprised they have programs for kids. Can never go wrong here," states John R. about Pickerel Point Campground.
Playground access: Select campsites near play areas for convenience. "Our camp site was great (52), backed onto a wooded area and a big playground was directly in front of us, which worked out perfectly since we have school age kids," recommends Penny C. from Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA.
Educational opportunities: Many parks include nature centers and wildlife learning. "The visitors center boasts the most modern updates and a truly lovely interactive museum displaying the history and current wildlife of the park," shares Shayna about Hemlock Campground & Cottages, noting that "cell service is respectable in most parts of the campground."
Tips from RVers
Parking surfaces: Be prepared for variable terrain at some campgrounds. "Unfortunately, it was a giant mud pit when we were there. The spots and road are not paved or have gravel. For the cost, it was pretty basic," warns Laura Z. about Hemlock Campground & Cottages.
Temperature management: Mountain elevations create unique climate conditions. "The only drawback was that the grass needed cutting as it was pretty long and uncomfortable to walk through," mentions Debbie W. about managing campsite conditions around RVs at Otter Lake Camp Resort.
Water and electric hookups: Many pet-friendly sites offer partial hookups. "Certain sites allow pets. My favorite site does, plus I can launch my kayak right from there!" says Nancy L. about Pickerel Point Campground. This demonstrates how pet-friendly camping near Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania often combines water access with convenient amenities.
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