Pocono Pines camping cabins offer access to 2,200-foot mountain elevations in Pennsylvania's forested highlands. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers averaging 75-80°F and winter temperatures often below freezing. Most cabins in the area remain open from April through late October, though some state park accommodations offer winter availability.
What to do
Boulder exploration: Hickory Run State Park Campground offers unique geological features. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," notes Mike M. The park contains 44 miles of hiking trails varying in difficulty.
Wolf watching: Camp Taylor Campground provides direct access to the Lakota Wolf Preserve. "You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," shares Julie F. Tours leave twice daily on weekends.
Lake activities: Several campgrounds offer lake access for fishing, swimming and boating. "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," writes J K. about Tobyhanna State Park. Most lakes have designated swimming areas separate from fishing spots.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Mountain Vista Campground offers wooded separation. "Our site was roomy and serene! Recommend!" shares Dina M. The campground maintains shade trees between sites to create natural barriers.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms across several parks. "Bathhouse, rec area, pools, playground, outdoor seating areas are all very nice and enjoyable," notes M.S. about Mount Pocono Campground. Many locations clean facilities multiple times daily.
Winter access: Pickerel Point Campground at Promised Land State Park remains open year-round. "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers. The park is large with many hiking trails and ice fishing," reports Mara S. Winter visitors should check for reduced services.
What you should know
Bear awareness: Several campgrounds report bear activity. "Do not leave any food out be sure to lock up everything in car. As soon as we got to our site one came right up as we were setting up our tent," warns Erik M. at Tobyhanna State Park. Food storage in vehicles is mandatory at many locations.
Cell service varies: Coverage depends on specific location. "The only negative is that I had almost no cell reception with Verizon," notes Mara S. about Promised Land State Park. Mount Pocono Campground reports better connectivity with "respectable" service in most areas.
Site terrain challenges: "The sites are all rocky and many on steep inclines," reports one camper at Cranberry Run Campground. Bring appropriate tent stakes for rocky ground and confirm site leveling before booking if using an RV.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Mount Pocono Campground provides swimming options. "We used the arcade, pool, bathouse and laundry. Cleanest campground bathouse I've ever used!" shares Rennie S. The campground maintains both a regular pool and a toddler pool for younger children.
Organized activities: Many campgrounds schedule family events. "Lots of activities, but very crowded and right next to a very busy road. Great for a large family camping trip in the Poconos," reports Christopher H. about Peaceful Woodlands. Activities often include crafts, games, and seasonal celebrations.
Playground proximity: Consider site location relative to play areas. "There was a large open field in the loop we camped in with a swing set on it. This was nice for families with children," notes a camper at Hickory Run. Request sites near recreational facilities when traveling with children.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing: Otter Lake Camp Resort provides various accommodations. "I loved being lakefront with full hook up. Such a beautiful and peaceful place. The campsites are kinda close together so if you don't like meeting new people you may not like it," advises Stephanie C. Most lakefront sites accommodate smaller to mid-sized RVs.
Entry road conditions: Several campgrounds have challenging access roads. "The driveway is a little hairy—steep with crushed stone on top of pavement. Which led to some tire slippage on the way up with our setup," warns Corey P. about Cranberry Run. Call ahead for specific entry information for larger rigs.
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections are standard, but sewer connections vary. "We had full hookups (20/30/50 amp, water & sewer). There's no cable but we were able to pickup about 6 channels with our digital antenna," reports Debbie W. about Promised Land State Park. Confirm specific hookup options when booking.
