Camping in Summit Hill, Pennsylvania occurs at an elevation of 1,550 feet in the western Pocono Mountains. Winter temperatures can drop below 20°F with heavy snowfall, while summer days average 75-85°F with moderate humidity. Several campgrounds remain open year-round, including Tuscarora State Park with its winter-accessible yurts.
What to do
Boulder field exploration: Hickory Run State Park features a unique 16.5-acre boulder field accessible via a maintained trail. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," notes one visitor at Hickory Run State Park Campground.
Switchback Trail hiking: Access this historic rail trail directly from camping areas for moderate day hikes. "A major pro is access to the Switchback Trail from the campground. A wonderfully scenic trail," according to a camper at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort.
Paddle sports: Several lakes offer calm waters for various paddle activities. "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm," reports a visitor at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Disc golf: Multiple courses available for all skill levels within short drives from campgrounds. Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort offers on-site disc golf, with a camper noting, "If you're into Disc golf this place has that too."
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Lakefront camping provides direct water access. "Our site was right on the water that are nice size. I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," mentions a camper at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Clean bathhouse facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-serviced restrooms. "Bathrooms were great! Showers clean," notes a visitor at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort. Another camper at Stonybrook RV Resort shared, "Shower/bathrooms are the best I've ever seen."
Well-stocked camp stores: Essential supplies available on-site at most locations. "The camp store had good hours and is stocked to high heaven; you could come here with just the clothes on your back and buy everything you need for a very comfortable stay," reports a visitor at Hickory Run State Park Campground.
Year-round yurt options: Heated accommodations available during winter months. "My girlfriends and I just stayed in the yurts for annual glamping trip. Yurts have heat and fans. Full size refrigerator, stove and microwave," states a camper at Tuscarora State Park.
What you should know
Site variations: Terrain differs significantly between campgrounds and even within single locations. "Sites were not very defined, level or rock free. Makes it fun searching for a good position within the site, kinda like roughing it in the actual wild," mentions a camper at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort.
Booking windows: Most popular sites require reservations 3-6 months in advance. "Peak season requires minimum 5 day reservation," notes a visitor at Tuscarora State Park.
Seasonal limitations: Many campgrounds operate April through October only. "This area is so beautiful. A ton to explore and a huge frisbee golf course," shares a Hickory Run visitor about summer activities.
Pet restrictions: Policies vary significantly between locations. "Dogs are allowed in the park but not in campgrounds (yurts and cabins)," cautions a Tuscarora State Park camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple play areas available at select campgrounds. "There is a playground, pool, arcade, and office store," notes a camper at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort.
Swimming beaches: Lake swimming available at designated areas during summer months. "Beautiful lake beach and canoe and kayak rentals," shares a visitor at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Wildlife viewing: Supervised nature walks best in early morning. "We saw a dung beetle, which was awesome," mentions a Hickory Run camper about unexpected wildlife encounters.
Yurt camping conveniences: Summit Hill, Pennsylvania yurt options provide comfort for families new to camping. "Yurts have 2 sets of bunk beds with one set having full size mattress on bottom. Full size refrigerator, stove and microwave," reports a Tuscarora camper.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant adjustment equipment. "The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because our site wasn't level and it took hours to get it right," warns a camper at Blue Rocks Family Campground.
Site spacing concerns: RV sites vary considerably in privacy levels. "The sites in this loop were spacious and more in an open area, but we were along a wooded area which gave us some shade," notes a visitor at Hickory Run State Park.
Winter accessibility: Select campgrounds remain open year-round with limited hookups. "We stayed here during the winter January-February no activities going on. It does offer beautiful views especially covered in snow," shares a camper at Stonybrook RV Resort.
Road conditions: Access roads may present challenges for larger rigs. "Even though this jacket was 2 or 3 sizes too big for me, I was able to adjust the cuffs on the sleeves as well as the hood to give me a better fit," reports a camper discussing outdoor gear needed at Hickory Run State Park.
