The Pocono Mountains region around Reeders, Pennsylvania sits at an average elevation of 1,800 feet, offering a cooler microclimate than surrounding areas with temperatures typically 5-7 degrees lower than nearby cities. Campgrounds near Reeders receive approximately 47 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions and occasional seasonal flooding in low-lying campsites during spring thaw.
What to do
Hiking trails with lake views: At Tobyhanna State Park Campground, campers can hike around the reservoir on well-marked paths. "You can do a 5-mile hike around the lake along well-marked walk paths. The hike should last 1.5 to 2 hours for the average person. Spray some insect repellent before you start," advises J K.
Wolf watching excursions: Camp Taylor Campground offers a unique wildlife experience with the Lakota Wolf Preserve on-site. "The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite," says Dina S. The preserve offers discounted tours for campers with scheduled viewings twice daily on weekends.
Water activities: Multiple lakes in the region offer swimming, fishing and boating opportunities. At Pickerel Point Campground, "Kids had a great time! The road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc," notes Paula R. Many campsites provide direct water access, with some offering kayak and canoe rentals for $25-40 per day.
Boulder field exploration: One of the most unique geological features near Reeders is the boulder field at Hickory Run State Park. "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 Amber A.
What campers like
Privacy levels vary significantly: The best places to camp near Reeders, Pennsylvania offer different levels of seclusion. At Promised Land State Park, campers appreciate the waterfront sites. "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper. The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail," shares Kelly F. Sites along the water tend to be more sought after and book quickly.
Well-maintained facilities: Many campgrounds keep their amenities in excellent condition. At Mountain Vista Campground, "The staff were fantastic and lots of activities to keep us busy. Sites were small so not a ton of privacy. Everything was clean and neat and we felt very comfortable," according to Jojo P.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers regularly report wildlife sightings throughout the Poconos region. "We heard about some bear incidents here recently but we didn't encounter any or any evidence of them," notes Harry H. about Worthington State Forest. At Tobyhanna State Park, one camper mentioned seeing "an eagles' nest near our campsite."
Range of accommodation options: From primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots and cabin rentals, the Reeders area offers accommodation for every camping style. "Camp Taylor Campground is located on the Delaware Water Gap Mtn. There are miles of hiking trails and direct access to the Appalachian Trail," explains Jean T., highlighting the diversity of options available to campers seeking the ideal basecamp.
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: The Pocono Mountains region has an active black bear population. At Tobyhanna State Park, "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 Erik M.
Weather contingency plans: The region receives significant rainfall, especially in spring and summer months. Experienced campers recommend tarps and proper tent positioning. "We camped during Memorial Day weekend and had a blast, even in the rain! The staff were fantastic and lots of activities to keep us busy," shares Jojo P. from Mountain Vista Campground.
Campsite selection matters: Not all campsites are created equal, even within the same campground. At Delaware Water Gap/Pocono Mountain KOA, "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. Some were in the woods and some were practically on the main road," notes Carol N.
Reservation timing: Camping near Reeders requires advance planning, especially for holiday weekends. Popular campgrounds like Promised Land State Park can be fully booked 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends. "We loved being lakefront with full hook up. Such a beautiful and peaceful place," says Stephanie C. about Otter Lake Camp Resort, highlighting the premium sites that book quickest.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Otter Lake Camp Resort provides excellent facilities for families. "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," explains Erik M. The resort organizes scheduled activities throughout summer months.
Playgrounds and open spaces: Many campgrounds offer dedicated areas for children to play. At Camp Taylor, "Very wooded. Some sites are more private than others but all have a wooded and private feel. It's GREAT For kids. A nice playground with tons of kids running all over," shares Kathy G.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds provide learning experiences for children. "The visitors center boasts the most modern updates and a truly lovely interactive museum displaying the history and current wildlife of the park," notes Shayna about Hickory Run State Park, making it ideal for families who want to combine recreation with education.
Safety considerations: Parents should note varying water safety protocols at different campgrounds. Some lakes have designated swimming areas with lifeguards during summer months, while others are swim-at-your-own-risk. "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.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: When selecting camping near Reeders, Pennsylvania, RV campers should consider road conditions. At Hickory Run State Park, "Careful on the roads to the campsite, they're a bit on the bumpy side. Definitely smaller roads than your usual ones. We have a minivan so we had to take our time on all the pot holes," advises Christine N.
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of service for RVs. Full hookups (water, electric, and sewer) are available at select sites in several campgrounds, while others offer just water and electric. "We picked this site because you can kayak and it's close to the tree top adventures. Typical campground with bathrooms and showers," mentions Maggie A. about Tobyhanna State Park.
Size restrictions: Large RVs may face challenges at some of the older campgrounds. "We were in site A22 and loved it. It was their last weekend of the season-weekend before Halloween," shares Angela about Mountain Vista Campground, which accommodates larger rigs on specific sites that should be requested when booking.
Seasonal availability: RVers looking to camp near Reeders should note that Delaware Water Gap/Pocono Mountain KOA remains open year-round, unlike many other area campgrounds that close from late October through April. "We are lucky enough to have a lakefront site at Otter Lake for the Winter season, and feel like we have gone to heaven!" mentions Melody, highlighting the limited but valuable winter camping options.
