Pocono Mountain camping areas near Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania sit at elevations between 400-1,800 feet, creating varied microclimates for campers. The region receives approximately 50 inches of precipitation annually, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F. Most campgrounds in this area feature wooded sites with a mix of sun and shade, though terrain can be uneven on mountainside locations.
What to do
Hike nearby trails: Multiple hiking options connect directly to campgrounds. "There are great trails to hike to right from the campground as well as the Wolf Preserve," notes a visitor at Camp Taylor Campground.
Visit natural water features: Explore swimming and fishing spots at local lakes. "The swimming pond is pleasant and great to cool off in," reports a camper at Camp Taylor Campground, while at Otter Lake Camp Resort, a visitor highlights "a beautiful lake with fishing & boating."
Wildlife observation: Beyond wolf watching, look for other native species. "We saw wild turkeys and deer in the morning," shares a camper at Hickory Run State Park Campground. For bird enthusiasts, Jenny Jump State Forest offers good viewing opportunities throughout the seasons.
Visit Boulder Field: A unique geological feature not far from Stroudsburg. "The boulder field was the highlight of our camping trip," explains a visitor to Hickory Run State Park. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all!"
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots. "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private," notes a camper at Camp Taylor Campground. Similarly, a visitor at Jenny Jump State Forest mentions, "the camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and amenities are frequently mentioned. "Cleanest campground bathouse I've ever used!" states a visitor to Mount Pocono Campground. Another camper noted, "The bathrooms are clean and well maintained."
Lakefront camping: Some campgrounds offer premium waterfront sites. "I loved being lakefront with full hook up. Such a beautiful and peaceful place," shares a visitor to Otter Lake Camp Resort. At Tobyhanna State Park, campers can also find waterfront options.
Winter accessibility: Some locations remain open year-round. "We are lucky enough to have a lakefront site at Otter Lake for the Winter season," says one visitor, noting the "breathtaking" views even during colder months.
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: Bears are active in this region. At Tobyhanna State Park Campground, a visitor reports, "We were warned at check in that there have been a lot of bears in the area... As soon as we got to our site one came right up as we were setting up our tent." Store food properly and follow campground guidelines.
Site selection varies widely: Not all sites are equal within each campground. "Depending upon how much you are into covid procedures... some sites were big and socially distanced... But some were extremely small and very close to the next camper," explains a visitor to Delaware Water Gap KOA.
Cell service limitations: Reception can be spotty. "Cell service is awful for AT&T and our T-Mobile gateway," notes a camper at Timothy Lake South. At Mount Pocono Campground, a visitor adds, "WIFI isn't the best."
Noise considerations: Highway noise affects some campgrounds. At Jenny Jump State Forest, a camper mentions, "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with organized activities: Some locations offer structured programs. "They had a schedule for events all weekend," notes a visitor to Mount Pocono Campground, which includes "friendly environment, plenty to do with family... Take the kids to the arcade, play pool billiards."
Choose campgrounds with playground access: Several locations have dedicated play areas. "Delaware Water Gap KOA was a massive campground that was incredibly well kept and had spaces for both RVs and primitive camping. The site was very kid and pet friendly, outfitted with both a pet and children's playground."
Consider locations with swimming options: Water features provide entertainment for children. "Otter Lake has every amenity imaginable super clean swimming beach beautiful lake with boat rentals available," shares a visitor. Another family-friendly option is the "indoor and outdoor pools" at Mount Pocono Campground.
Look for sites near amenities: Strategic placement makes family camping easier. At Delaware Water Gap KOA, one camper notes, "Our camp site was great (52), backed onto a wooded area and a big playground was directly in front of us, which worked out perfectly since we have school age kids."
Tips from RVers
Request specific sites: Some campgrounds have significant variation between spots. At Delaware River Family Campground, a camper notes, "Some are big and socially distanced like the one we had. But some were extremely small and very close to the next camper... So make sure you ask for what you want."
Prepare for uneven terrain: Many sites require leveling. "Sites are very well shaded but some can be tight," reports a visitor at Otter Lake Camp Resort. Another camper adds that at Mount Pocono Campground, "The sites were spacious. The only downside was that the sites are a bit uneven."
Check hookup specifications: Available utilities vary by location. As one camper at Camp Taylor Campground explains, "Electric and water hookups, no sewer but there's a dump station on the way out." For those requiring full hookups, verify availability before booking.
Consider seasonal camping options: Long-term stays are available at some locations. "We drive from Arizona to camp here for 6 weeks each year," shares a seasonal visitor at Otter Lake Camp Resort, calling it "truly a resort" with numerous amenities that justify the extended stay.
