The Pocono region near Saylorsburg sits at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,800 feet, creating varied camping terrain with distinctive spring and fall temperature fluctuations. Seasonal considerations affect campsite selection, as valley locations can experience morning fog and cooler evening temperatures compared to higher elevation sites. Most campgrounds in this area operate between April and October, with limited winter options available.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access trails leading to scenic waterfalls within a 30-minute drive of most Saylorsburg campgrounds. At Hickory Run State Park Campground, visitors can explore multiple waterfall trails. "Hike to the waterfall, it is beautiful," reports Sarah L., while another camper notes "We hiked both with your 2 large dogs. Both of these trails had a creek and waterfalls."
Wolf preserve tours: Experience unique wildlife viewing at Lakota Wolf Preserve adjacent to Camp Taylor Campground. "The Lakota Wolf Preserve is located on the camp and offers discounted tours for campers," explains Jean T. Campers can often "hear them howl in the distance" according to Julie F., creating a memorable wilderness experience.
Delaware River activities: Plan water recreation on the Delaware River with tubing and kayaking options. At Driftstone Campground, "There is a boat ramp that can accommodate small boats and kayaks for rent," notes Kathy G. The river provides excellent fishing and swimming opportunities during summer months.
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Many pet owners appreciate well-maintained bathroom facilities after outdoor activities. Campers at Mountain Vista Campground report "Facilities were clean and in working order" and "Bathrooms are clean, the pool is small but clean." Another review mentions "Bathhouse was very clean. Lots of kids for our daughters to hang out with."
Spacious camping sites: Larger sites accommodate families with pets and extra equipment. According to reviews, Driftstone Campground offers "very large, and easy to get in and out of" sites that include "water, electric and cable." Another camper noted the sites are "large and secluded but grassy and a bit uneven."
Swimming options: Cooling off with pets after hiking is important during warmer months. Tobyhanna State Park features "a nice swimming pond with paddleboat and kayak rentals" according to campers. Another visitor mentioned, "The swimming pond is pleasant and great to cool off in" at Camp Taylor Campground.
What you should know
Bear activity awareness: The Pocono region has active black bear populations requiring proper food storage. At Tobyhanna State Park Campground, campers are warned "that there have been a lot of bears in the area" and advised to "not leave any food out be sure to lock up everything in car." One camper reported, "As soon as we got to our site one came right up as we were setting up our tent."
Limited WiFi availability: Cell service and internet connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. Some sites offer WiFi near central facilities only, while others have no service. One camper noted, "Cell service is respectable in most parts of the campground" at Hickory Run State Park.
Seasonal crowding patterns: Memorial Day through Labor Day represents peak camping season with limited site availability. One camper observed that "this area is so beautiful" but suggested avoiding holiday weekends when "we were in the outer loop far from the rest of the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly hiking trails: Select trails suitable for varied pet activity levels and abilities. Near Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA, "The roads were also great for them to ride on and get exercise," mentions one reviewer. Another camper noted, "Loads of waterfalls, some swimming. All around a wonderful place to visit for the day or to camp for a few."
Seasonal activities: Plan around scheduled family-friendly events at campgrounds. Reviews indicate Mountain Vista Campground offers "a ton of great activities from kids carnival, craft beer tastings, farmers market, bingo...the list goes on!" Another camper mentioned, "They had events scheduled throughout the summer, and a separate toddler pool."
Pet play areas: Utilize dedicated pet exercise spaces at campgrounds. Mountain Vista features a "Large dog park" while KOA has "a small pet area." One camper noted that "Most sites had plenty of trees for privacy" which provides shaded areas for pets during hot days.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Research available utility connections before booking sites with pets. At Silver Valley Campsites, RVers report "Easy parking of trailer, nice sized lot" with "sewer and electric was good." Another camper noted, "Sites are dirt/grass and are not level, but they are long which makes up for the front to back level issue."
Dump station access: Check dump station locations relative to campsites. One RVer mentioned at Driftstone Campground: "No sewer hookups and the dump station is difficult to get in and out with larger rigs" but noted "There is an inexpensive pump out service available daily."
Seasonal site limitations: Some campgrounds restrict RV access during wet spring conditions. A camper at Silver Valley Campsites noted, "We went near fall/winter month so no water hook-up but sewer and electric was good." Check with campgrounds about early or late season restrictions that may impact pet-friendly camping options.
Scout
