Stephen R.
Guide
GuideRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Camping here for many years and still love it here got it all camping trails water fall trail and lake.
Camping near Tobyhanna, PA
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The Pocono Mountains region surrounding Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania features a mix of state park campgrounds and private facilities catering to various camping styles. Tobyhanna State Park Campground serves as a central option with both electric and non-electric sites situated around a large lake with a 5-mile trail system. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access additional options like Promised Land State Park's Pickerel Point Campground, Hemlock Campground & Cottages, and Mount Pocono Campground. These facilities accommodate tent camping, RV setups with hookups, and cabin rentals, with most properties featuring wooded settings typical of the Pocono Mountain landscape.
Pennsylvania state parks in the region operate seasonally, typically from mid-April through mid-October, with limited winter access. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities often reach capacity. As one camper noted, "Camp sites are generously sized, good spacing between sites and heavily treed. Huge lake to enjoy." Most campgrounds provide water stations rather than individual site hookups, and campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions. Cell service can be spotty throughout the mountainous terrain, particularly in more remote camping areas. Bear activity requires proper food storage, with many campgrounds providing bear-proof receptacles.
Lakeside camping represents a significant draw to the Tobyhanna area, with multiple campgrounds offering water access for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Fall brings spectacular foliage viewing opportunities, with one visitor describing it as "breathtaking views from nearby trails." Families appreciate the bike trails and hiking opportunities, though some campgrounds receive mixed reviews regarding site spacing and privacy. Private campgrounds tend to offer more amenities like swimming pools, game rooms, and on-site stores, while state parks focus on natural features and basic facilities. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours and no-alcohol policies, with regular ranger patrols. Insect activity, particularly mosquitoes and ticks, requires preparation during warmer months.
Best Campgrounds near Tobyhanna (218)
1. Tobyhanna State Park Campground
"We were looking for a lakeside campground with a spacious campsite that could comfortably fit two large tents and two vehicles."
"Our first timing camping at Tobyhanna and it won't be our last. Mix of electric and non-electric sites. No water hook ups but a water station is on site."
4 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $43 / night
2. Hickory Run State Park Campground
"Great location lots of hiking trails right in the park and many more close by"
"Hickory Run is in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. We had a full hook-up site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground. "
62 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $72 / night
3. Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park
"Pros: beautiful new bathrooms -private lakeside walk-in sites -beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless -the Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked."
"Some sites are right on the lake, just put the kayak on the shore, and you're ready for an early morning paddle."
3 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $44 / night
4. Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"The tent camping area was right along the river, some sites with direct access, some you'd have to walk a little more to the larger access areas."
"Full bathrooms are located behind campsite #15 (clean flushing bathrooms, with motion-sensed lighting, showers, dishwashing sink), but easily accessible from campsites nearby."
5. Mount Pocono Campground
"Pocono Campground in the Poconos, Pennsylvania is a very active and fun vacation vacation destination! There are lots of amenities for every family member and the staff is friendly and welcoming."
"Great hiking trail right from the site. Be prepared for walking up and downhill - quite the unexpected workout. Many seasonal sites with friendly people."
Check Availabilityfrom $54 / night
6. Mountain Vista Campground
"Love the Campground except our site is near a fairly busy road which takes away from that beautiful tranquility. They have camouflaged it as best they could. Friendly staff. Lots to do."
"Close to Bushkill Falls which we hiked. 👍"
7. Hemlock Campground & Cottages
8. Otter Lake Camp Resort
"We are lucky enough to have a lakefront site at Otter Lake for the Winter season, and feel like we have gone to heaven!"
"There is a steam and some wet areas behind the row of sites we were in. I would probably avoid this section in the summer as the bugs will be bad."
9. Cranberry Run Campground
"A shady spot with a creek nearby and good cell service. They have a pool. The surrounding area/town is really nice."
"With my sister in-law leading this adventure I buckled up and made the 500+ mile drive as prepared asi thought i could be."
Check Availabilityfrom $44 - $72 / night
10. Deerfield Campground — Promised Land State Park
"Nice surroundings (though nothing extraordinary). Easy access with a sedan. Cons: most sites are very close to one another with little privacy. Fair amount of road noise."
"Recommend Little Falls Trail. We also explored Conservation Island. Many more trails to explore and not enough time. The surrounding town is small and very cute."
Check Availabilityfrom $22 / night
Drive Time
- 20 min from Scranton, PA
- 53 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 20 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 32 min from Reading, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Tobyhanna, PA
642 Photos of 218 Tobyhanna Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tobyhanna State Park CampgroundD
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Otter Lake Camp Resort
Cranberry Run Campground
Deerfield Campground — Promised Land State Park
Recent Reviews near Tobyhanna, PA
1229 Reviews of 218 Tobyhanna Campgrounds
- RRussell A.
Scout100 Mile View Camping
What a great place. So unique! Love the view, and a great experience! There are no hook ups, so be prepared but if you are looking for the dispersed camping experience you have found it. What a gem!
Nancy W.
LegendHickory Run State Park Campground
Peaceful State Park Camping in the Fall
This is a large campground with a wide array of campsites so be careful attention when you book online, especially if you have a pet because some sites are not pet-friendly. Some are 50-amp full hook-up and some are primitive with no hook-ups.
There is a nice nature center with interesting interpretive exhibits and lots of informational brochures including ones about the hiking trails, bears, scat and tracks of local animals, and fishing. Our site was at the edge of the campground and backed up to Route 534 which resulted in a bit of road noise at our site. Other than the road noise the campground was pretty quiet and was not very crowded when we camped there in October.
Not all sites are level and we happened to book one that was not and we had to live with a slant for our stay. The roads in the park are gravel/dirt and since it rained the day we arrived the roads were a muddy mess which made the roads slippery and there were lots of potholes. Unfortunately, some campers were disrespectful and left bags of trash in the fire pit and scattered around their site which was totally unnecessary because there were dumpsters plenty of dumpsters in the campground. Since we camped at Hickory Run late in the season, there were no camp hosts and the trash never got picked up.
The campground is open from mid-April to mid-December; however, the shower facilities and dump station are not available after the third week of October so plan accordingly. We really like the hiking trails which are of varying degrees of difficulty and lengths. The Hawk Falls is a nice easy walk (1.4 miles round-trip) to a waterfall but is extremely popular so don’t think you will be admiring the falls alone. The parking lot at this trail head fills up fast so you better get there early if you want to get a spot.
You can enter the park from two different directions. If you have a big-rig, it is best to approach from the east side. We made the mistake of coming in from the west side as we dropped down from I-80 and came down 534 and the road was really windy with no shoulder. Luckily, there was very little traffic so we could go 10 mph and safely navigate the roads.
Be aware alcohol is not allowed in PA state parks. This park does allow hunting in certain sections of the park. The no-hunting areas are clearly marked with white no hunting signs on trees and you can also pick up a brochure from the office that designates hunting and no-hunting sections.
Tony F.Guide100 Mile View Camping
The best views
This is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.LegendRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Beautiful Falls!
What a great campground! We stayed here on a recommendation from a friend after the Overland Expo. Great hiking trails and the falls were absolutely breathtaking. Truly enjoyed our stay and plan to return!
- WWill W.Guide
Lackawanna State Park Campground
Car camping
Stayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
Roger V.
TravelerBake Oven Knob
solid parking place for vans and RVs. road is dirt gravel but not terrible. nice hike nearby
- jjeanne A.Guide
Council Cup Campground
Better than nothing
Small campground with rude owner. Everything I asked about was putting her out. It was cheap though at $36 for water and electric with a military discount.
Guide to Tobyhanna
Tobyhanna camping options sit within the Pocono Mountain region at elevations of 1,500-2,000 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Most campsites near Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania operate in a relatively short season from April through October due to the area's northeastern Pennsylvania climate pattern. Winter camping opportunities exist but are limited to specialized facilities with adequate insulation and heating systems.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Promised Land State Park offers two lakes with diverse fishing opportunities. At Pickerel Point Campground, campers can fish directly from their sites. As one visitor notes, "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper," allowing for convenient access to fishing spots without traveling from your campsite.
Hiking trails for all abilities: The region features numerous well-marked trails ranging from easy to challenging. At Hickory Run State Park, the Boulder Field stands out as a unique geological feature. One visitor recommends: "The Boulder Field was the highlight of our camping trip. The campground has great playgrounds, several well-marked trails, and functional restrooms and showers."
Water recreation beyond swimming: While swimming beaches are common, kayaking opportunities abound. A visitor to Tobyhanna State Park Campground mentioned, "We picked this site because you can kayak and it's close to the tree top adventures. Typical campground with bathrooms and showers. The best part is the lake for water activities and the surrounding things you can do."
What campers like
Quiet, wooded environments: Many campgrounds feature heavily forested settings that create natural barriers between sites. At Mountain Vista Campground, a visitor shared, "Set on a hillside, the campground has three levels. The tent sites all have water & electric, and have a picnic table and fire ring. The sites are fully shaded."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bear sightings are common enough that proper food storage is essential. At Tobyhanna State Park, one camper reported, "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."
Lake access from campsites: Several campgrounds offer sites directly on lakeshores. A visitor to Pickerel Point noted, "I spent the night in the Promised Land State Park at Pickerel Point and it was so pretty and quiet. There was a bathroom with flush toilets nearby and the campsites were well spaced apart. Mine overlooked the water and had a gorgeous sunset."
What you should know
Bear safety measures required: Bear activity is substantial throughout the region. Food storage in vehicles is mandatory at most campgrounds. A camper at Tobyhanna State Park warned, "Do not leave any food out be sure to lock up everything in car. Camp sites were nice most had plenty of trees for privacy but were still kind of close."
Site topography varies widely: Many campgrounds feature rocky or uneven terrain requiring careful setup. At Cranberry Run Campground, a camper observed, "Our actualcamp site was basicly rock. I didn't take into account we were camping on a mountain when i packed. I highly suggest stakes made for this type of ground. I was unprepared."
Seasonal facility limitations: Off-season camping requires preparation for reduced services. A winter visitor to Promised Land State Park noted, "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers. The park is large with many hiking trails and ice fishing. The only negative is that I had almost no cell reception with Verizon."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options for different ages: Most state parks maintain designated swimming areas with varying facilities. Otter Lake Camp Resort offers comprehensive water recreation options as one camper describes: "Otter lake has every amenity imaginable super clean swimming beach beautiful lake with boat rentals available. Indoor pool with 2 hot tubs even a dry sauna."
Playground accessibility: Consider proximity to play areas when selecting sites. At Mount Pocono Campground, one family noted, "The whole place is very pleasant, quiet, wooded, well-landscaped, and cared for. Bathhouse, rec area, pools, playground, outdoor seating areas are all very nice and enjoyable."
Educational programming: Several parks offer nature programs during peak season. Hickory Run State Park features "a truly lovely interactive museum displaying the history and current wildlife of the park," according to one visitor, providing educational opportunities during less-than-ideal weather conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations for larger rigs: Many campgrounds have tight turning radiuses and limited site depths. At Cranberry Run Campground, one RVer cautioned, "The driveway is a little hairy- steep with crushed stone on top of pavement. Which led to some tire slippage on the way up with our setup."
Seasonal discounts available: Off-peak camping offers significant savings. One RVer noted, "If you're looking for a place to crash with your camper for the weekend this is the spot for you. Many full hook up sites, shady areas, and you can get set up for a weekend for less than $100. (Discount for cash sale)"
Hookup variations: Electric service varies significantly between campgrounds. Some sites offer full hookups while others provide only 30-amp service. A visitor to Mount Pocono Campground recommended checking ahead: "Sites are very well shaded but some can be tight. Great activities for all ages. Had an amazing first visit and will be going back!"
Frequently Asked Questions
What do visitor reviews say about camping at Tobyhanna State Park?
What do visitor reviews say about camping at Tobyhanna State Park?
Visitor reviews of camping at Tobyhanna State Park are overwhelmingly positive. Campers highlight the generous site sizes, good spacing between neighbors, and heavily wooded setting that provides privacy. Many appreciate the natural surroundings and access to the huge lake for recreation. First-time visitors frequently mention their intention to return, indicating high satisfaction with their experience. For comparison, nearby Mount Pocono Campground also receives excellent reviews for its amenities including a huge swimming pool, toddler pool, and on-site store, making it another popular option in the Poconos region.
What camping facilities are available at Tobyhanna State Park?
What camping facilities are available at Tobyhanna State Park?
Tobyhanna State Park Campground offers a mix of electric and non-electric campsites in a heavily wooded setting. While there are no water hookups at individual sites, the park provides a water station for campers to fill their tanks or containers. The campground features generously sized sites with good spacing between neighbors, providing privacy among the trees. Facilities include picnic tables and fire rings at each site. The park also offers access to a large lake for recreation activities. For alternative options with more amenities, Hemlock Campground & Cottages near Tobyhanna provides water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly.
Are there photos available of Tobyhanna State Park's campground?
Are there photos available of Tobyhanna State Park's campground?
Yes, photos of Tobyhanna State Park's campground are available on camping websites and apps. The Dyrt features user-submitted photos that showcase the campground's wooded sites, lake views, and facilities. These images help prospective campers visualize the park's heavily treed environment, spacious campsites, and natural setting. For additional comparison when planning your Poconos camping trip, you can also view photos of nearby Hickory Run State Park Campground, another popular option in the region with similar wooded campsites and natural attractions.
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