Nestled within the Pocono Mountains at approximately 500 feet elevation, Stroudsburg serves as a gateway to diverse pet-friendly camping opportunities. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in the region operate on forested terrain with a mix of level and sloped sites requiring proper leveling equipment.
What to do
Wildlife observation at Camp Taylor: Camp Taylor Campground offers direct access to the Lakota Wolf Preserve where campers can hear wolves howling from their sites. "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance. It's one of our favorite places to camp," shares Julie F. The preserve offers discounted tours for campers staying on the property.
Hiking with elevation views: Just minutes from campgrounds, the area offers varied terrain with multiple difficulty levels. At Camp Taylor Campground, "There are miles of hiking trails and direct access to the Appalachian Tr. We walked to the point at Mt Tammany for a great view of the river," notes Jean T. Most trails permit leashed dogs, making them ideal for pet owners.
Water activities on multiple lakes: Several campgrounds feature lake access with rental options. At Otter Lake Camp Resort, campers enjoy "Beautiful Lake with fishing & boating" and "Pools indoor and outdoor," according to Nicole S. The lake includes a swimming beach and boat rentals including paddleboats and kayaks.
What campers like
Wooded, private sites: Many campgrounds maintain natural surroundings between campsites. At Mountain Vista Campground, "Sites were small so not a ton of privacy," according to Jojo P., while some campgrounds offer more seclusion. The campground is "Shady, lots to do, clean! Our site was roomy and serene!" reports Dina M.
Clean facilities with family accommodations: Bathrooms and shower facilities vary by campground, but most maintain regular cleaning schedules. Promised Land State Park features "beautiful new bathrooms" and "private lakeside walk-in sites," according to Alaina Z. Many campgrounds offer family bathrooms to accommodate parents with small children.
Year-round options: While most campgrounds operate seasonally (typically April-October), some remain open through winter. Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA operates year-round, which Penny C. found convenient: "Easy check in and check out. Our camp site was great (52), backed onto a wooded area and a big playground was directly in front of us."
What you should know
Wildlife precautions: Bear activity requires proper food storage at all campgrounds in the region. At Tobyhanna State Park Campground, "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," warns Erik M.
Variable site sizes: Campgrounds offer different spacing between sites, affecting privacy levels. Some pet-friendly campgrounds provide larger sites specifically for pet owners. Sites at Hickory Run State Park are "large and many are somewhat private in terms of visual barriers," according to Bridget D.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. Timothy Lake South has limited reception where "the cell service for most providers is practically non-existent," reports Jim G. Some campgrounds provide Wi-Fi near office areas only, requiring campers to plan communications accordingly.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity selection: Choose sites near recreational areas for convenience with children. Kevin B. from Driftstone Campground notes it's "Great camping had fun" with multiple family activities available. The campground offers "Easy access to Delaware Gap Recreation Area" with "spacious" sites that have "water and electric hookups," according to Elke P.
Indoor recreation options: For rainy days, select campgrounds with covered facilities. Otter Lake Camp Resort provides "Indoor pool with 2 hot tubs even a dry sauna," says Erik M., making it suitable for all-weather family camping.
Educational programming: Many parks offer ranger-led activities for children. Pickerel Point Campground was "pleasantly surprised they have programs for kids," notes John R. These programs typically operate on weekends during peak season and teach about local wildlife and ecology.
Tips from RVers
Site selection challenges: RV campers should research site dimensions carefully. At Cranberry Run Campground, "Sites were all rocky and many on steep inclines," warns jim W. First-time visitors should call ahead to discuss specific rig requirements and potential leveling needs.
Seasonal site differences: Availability and conditions vary throughout the operating season. Carol N. from Delaware Water Gap KOA advises, "Depending upon how much you are into covid procedures... It was definitely clean and decently maintained. The sites are large in most cases."
Hookup variations: Not all sites offer full hookups, so check specifications before booking. Some campgrounds like Driftstone on the Delaware offer "water and electric and cable" with "an inexpensive pump out service available daily," notes Kathy G. Most campgrounds with sewer connections cluster these premium sites in specific areas rather than throughout the property.
