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.
$20 - $43 / night
"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."
"Breathtaking views from nearby trails and nearby Big Pocono State Park. The park staff were very helpful and knowledgeable about nearby trails and best places to get the most out of the views!"
$20 - $72 / night
"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. "
$20 - $44 / night
"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."
$54 / night
"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."
"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."
"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. 👍"
"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."
$32 - $66 / night
"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."
$22 / night
"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."
"The park has some great trails. They have camping sites to meet everyone’s wants and needs."
ScoutWe stopped here overnight on our way down south. Very convenient location, nice large lawn with beautiful tall shade trees, bathroom was extremely clean and you can see were just recently renovated. They had a pool and some basic playground equipment. Pet friendly. You have to enter the camping area by driving through an RV and truck storage area first. We would stay here again .
TravelerStayed at Silver Lake for a two night camping trip and overall had a solid experience, with a few drawbacks.
The campsite itself is decent in size and easy to set up on, but it’s located along a fairly active road. Expect a couple vehicles per hour, including louder trucks, which takes away from the secluded feel. There are also signs the area may have been used for roadwork dumping in the past, with some leftover blacktop visible.
That said, the site works well for a functional camp. Plenty of nearby downed wood for fires, and the area has a good “working camp” feel if you don’t mind putting in a little effort. We had no issue gathering firewood and keeping a fire going, even after rain.
Weather was rainy for most of the trip, but a simple canopy setup made it manageable. The site drains reasonably well and didn’t turn into a mess.
Wildlife wise, ticks were present, so plan accordingly with repellent and checks.
We also had a brief visit from a forest ranger checking on smoke in the area. Interaction was professional and quick.
Overall, this is a good spot if you’re looking for a straightforward, no frills campsite and don’t mind some road noise. If you’re prioritizing privacy and a true backwoods feel, you may want to explore other sites in Delaware State Forest.
RangerI've hiked the A.T. through New Jersey, and this is probably my favorite NJ A.T. campsite. The only downside is that there is no water, so depending on which way you come in (nobo or sobo), you'll have to collect water before you get here from either Sunfish Pond, or one of the streams before the climb up here. There are 2 privies, one newer, and also a great spot to watch the sunset. Plenty of campsites, and during peak season there is a caretaker on site.
TravelerReally nice views from the sites. Facilities are well equipped and taken care of, but older. Trees between each rv site give a nice level of privacy
RangerWe enjoyed our first winter camping trip in our travel trailer at Stokes State Forest! The Shotwell area has trailer/tent sites as well.as enclosed mini cabins (think lean-to but with 4 walls). The bathroom is heated and kept clean. Lots of trails to explore, including the Appalachian Trail nearby! Great experience, we'll be back!
LegendTucked just off Route 309 north of Quakertown, Melody Lakes Country Estate feels far less like a traditional campground and much more like a quiet, semi-permanent residential community, with a small pocket of opportunity for the occasional overnight RV stay if you happen to time it right.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Peaceful, tucked-away setting surrounded by wooded acreage that gives the property a calm, removed feel from nearby roads;(2) Access to a range of community-style amenities including a pool, clubhouse, playground, and small fishing ponds;(3) Proximity to Quakertown makes it relatively easy to access groceries, restaurants, and basic supplies within a short drive;(4) Nearby outdoor options like the Upper Bucks Rail Trail provide a great outlet for hiking and biking;(5) Close to local gems like Kathy’s Country Kitchen, which is well worth the stop if you’re passing through.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Extremely limited RV availability, with only a handful of spots, making it unreliable for spontaneous overnight stays;(2) Not a true campground experience, as the majority of the property is made up of semi-permanent or seasonal residences;(3) No tent camping options whatsoever, limiting flexibility for different types of campers;(4) Entrance is easy to miss with minimal signage, requiring careful navigation or prior knowledge to find;(5) Unclear availability of full hookups due to the limited number of transient sites and lack of consistent turnover.
Happy Camping!
LegendTucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting with wide-open skies, neighboring hay fields, rustic barns and charming small towns that feel pulled straight from a New England travel guide. With roughly 170 RV sites, a small collection of tent sites and several rental campers, the campground strikes a balance between peaceful rural escape and full-featured family campground energy.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Gorgeous pastoral setting with surrounding farmland, rolling hills and a distinctly peaceful countryside atmosphere;(2) Excellent full-hookup RV infrastructure with mostly back-in sites offering 30/50 amp electric, water and sewer, along with flat pads, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings;(3) Exceptionally strong amenity package including adult and kids swimming pools, mini golf, baseball field, RC track, shuffleboard, fishing pond, game room, playgrounds, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, cornhole, themed weekends, bingo and Saturday wagon rides;(4) Clean and plentiful facilities including four well-kept restroom and shower buildings, laundry, camp store, dump stations, water stations, propane refills and ice sales; and(5) Outstanding access to regional attractions including Nockamixon State Park for kayaking and canoeing, plus great nearby dining at Brick Tavern Inn, McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn and Sage Alley Brewery.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Interior sections of the campground offer less tree cover and privacy compared to the wooded perimeter sites;(2) Tent camping is limited in number and clustered separately, which may feel slightly isolated to some campers;(3) Restaurant options are not immediately adjacent, requiring a short drive for dining;(4) Weekend popularity and themed events can increase noise and traffic levels; and(5) RV rates trend toward the higher end during peak season.
Happy Camping!
GuideThis is a trailhead, not a campsite. It is ranger enforced, I can confirm because it happened to me. Super nice ranger, but he said camping here is not allowed and considered “theft” since they do have sites available with purchase of a permit. You can find more information at reserveamerica.com under PA state parks. It is also right across from the Delaware State Forest District Office, so you can buy permits there as well. There is a campsite about a mile down the road from this trailhead that allows “motorized roadside camping” a.k.a. car camping. You can still try this gravel lot if you insist, just know you may be rolling the dice on this one.
RangerThe Mohican Outdoor Center is just steps away from the Appalachian Trail in Southern New Jersey. No matter what your adventure needs, there are many different outing and lodging options. They even host training classes run in conjunction with the Appalachian Mountain Club. You can come for a day hike, there is a camp store with hiking and backpacking gear as well as helpful staff. In season, there is a chef on-site cooking delicious breakfasts and lunches. You can rent a campsite, share a cottage with others with all the amenities (shared kitchen, bathroom, etc) or rent a cabin. And if you want free camping, hop on the A.T., the nicest A.T. campsite in NJ is just a few miles south of the Mohican Center!
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.
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."
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."
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."
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.
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?
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?
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?
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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