The Pocono Mountains region surrounding New Tripoli, Pennsylvania sits at elevations between 1,200 and 1,600 feet above sea level, creating microclimates that can be 5-10 degrees cooler than nearby urban areas. The area features deciduous forests dominated by oak, maple, and birch trees, with camping options available across diverse terrains from lakeside settings to mountain ridges. Most campgrounds in the region remain open from April through early November, with select year-round facilities available for winter glamping enthusiasts.
What to do
Boulder field exploration: 8-mile trip from many New Tripoli campgrounds to Hickory Run State Park Campground, where the 16-acre boulder field creates a unique geological formation. One camper notes, "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown."
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Sections of this iconic trail run through the region and connect with local campground trail networks. A visitor at Mauch Chunk Lake Park shared, "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, went to bed, woke up to make some breakfast and then we were off to go rafting on the Lehigh river 10 minutes away."
Water activities on multiple lakes: The region has several lakes for swimming, fishing, and boating. "Nice beach area and lake to kayak!" reports one visitor about Mauch Chunk Lake Park, while another camper mentions, "I like that I can launch my paddle board from my site and the water is so clean and clear."
What campers like
Secluded sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy found at certain campgrounds. At French Creek State Park Campground, "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors."
Year-round options: While most glamping facilities in New Tripoli operate seasonally, some offer four-season accommodations. As one winter camper at Stonybrook RV Resort noted, "We stayed here during the winter January-February no activities going on. It does offer beautiful views especially covered in snow. Has a heated pool and playground, laundry facilities and a small game. Shower/bathrooms are the best I've ever seen."
Pet-friendly camping loops: Dog owners have specific options at most campgrounds. A camper at French Creek State Park Campground explains, "We have never stayed in Loop C before. This is the only loop that allows pets. I expected it to be much noisier than it was. All of the dogs were well behaved, and we didn't have any problems as we took our walks around the loop."
What you should know
Site-specific challenges: Rocky terrain can present difficulties at some campgrounds. A visitor to Blue Rocks Family Campground mentioned, "Our site was a little rocky so be prepared with a good mat/mattress if tent camping. Our site was on a little stream which was relaxing."