The Pocono region around Spring Brook, Pennsylvania sits between 1,500-1,800 feet in elevation with a humid continental climate that creates four distinct camping seasons. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F with overnight lows in the 50s, while fall camping brings cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage. Winter camping requires cold-weather gear as temperatures often drop below freezing with significant snowfall common between December and March.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: Ricketts Glen State Park Campground features 22 named waterfalls along well-marked hiking trails. "The biggest draw to this state park is the 22 waterfalls! We saw 18 of them on a four-mile moderate hike, but if you want to see the additional four, you could make it a seven-mile hike. The trails are very well marked."
Wildlife viewing: The parks surrounding Spring Brook host diverse wildlife including deer, turkeys, and various birds. At Camp Taylor Campground, "Saw wild turkeys and deer in the morning. The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite."
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds near Spring Brook offer fishing in their lakes. At Otter Lake Camp Resort, you can fish from lakefront sites. "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."
Boulder field exploration: Unique geological formations provide interesting day trips from Spring Brook. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown."
What campers like
Lake activities: Mount Pocono Campground connects to a nearby nature preserve with water access. "The campground is adjacent to a nature preserve which has beautiful hikes, a river, and lake. The park has FHU 30/50 amp sites with gravel sites."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the Spring Brook area maintain their facilities well. "Bathhouse, rec area, pools, playground, outdoor seating areas are all very nice and enjoyable. Would definitely come again!"
Family-oriented environment: Many campgrounds offer organized activities and amenities for all ages. "Mount Pocono Campground in the Poconos, Pennsylvania is a very active and fun vacation destination! There are lots of amenities for every family member and the staff is friendly and welcoming."
Yurt camping options: Several campgrounds near Spring Brook, Pennsylvania offer yurt accommodations. Lackawanna State Park Campground features yurt camping among its accommodation options. "Campground has cabins and yurts, pull in sites for RV's and strictly walk in tent sites. There is a beautiful lake and a very large pool."
What you should know
Bear awareness: The Spring Brook region has an active black bear population. "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."
Site privacy varies: At Hickory Run State Park Campground, "The sites are large and many are somewhat private in terms of visual barriers. Some bathrooms are latrines, but they also have beautiful, fully updated showers and restrooms available."
Reservation timing: Popular sites book quickly, especially during summer and fall foliage seasons. "This state park is just beautiful with a nice lake and beautiful trails. The campground is a bit crowded during peak season without much privacy."
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, particularly in spring and fall. "We had a great time despite cold wet weather. Our site was probably one of the worst in the place but we were able to scope out others that we would prefer for our next visit."
Tips for camping with families
Look for activity centers: "This family run Campground is beautiful and clean. The RV sites are spaced out nicely. There are plenty of things to do; paddle boats, row boats, swimming pool, snack bar/campstore, activities, etc."
Choose sites near amenities: If camping with young children, consider proximity to bathrooms and recreation areas. "If you don't want to drive during your stay, camp on the side with the beach and pool. The store has a huge selection of necessities, so no need to worry about forgetting things."
Campground playgrounds: Secluded Acres Campground provides recreational options for children. "They also have a dog park for your beloved pooch. Mental vacation definitely. Deer may or may not stop by for a visit. Hiking trails available."
Plan for rainy days: Spring and summer can bring afternoon thunderstorms. "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. They don't seem to enforce quiet time after 9."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When yurt camping or RVing near Spring Brook, Pennsylvania, research site layouts. "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private. Once you have backed into the spot and leveled out it's a good time. The section of spots toward the back by the pond are usually packed and lots of activity."
Hookup availability: "I'll start with our arrival: well marked with signs directing you to office for checkin. They were very organized in the office. When we got to our site the sewer pipe was buried and we didn't know where it was, they sent someone out to our site within minutes."
Dump station locations: Note that not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "Water and electric hookups are standard, no sewer, but there is a dump station. The store is cute and has just about anything that you need."
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds near Spring Brook close during winter months. "We are lucky enough to have a lakefront site at Otter Lake for the Winter season, and feel like we have gone to heaven! The other campers are friendly and welcoming, the views are breathtaking."
