The Pocono Mountains region near Tobyhanna sits at approximately 1,900 feet above sea level, creating distinct seasonal experiences for campers. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with significant snowfall, while summer brings mild 70-80°F days and cooler nights. Most campgrounds in this area are nestled within the region's characteristic mixed hardwood forests, offering a combination of wooded and lakeside campsites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Tobyhanna State Park Campground offers excellent catch and release fishing directly from lakeside sites. One visitor mentioned, "The sites were spacious, bathhouse all around that were clean, spots around Lake" while noting the convenience of being able to fish right from their site.
Hiking trails: At Hickory Run State Park Campground, visitors can access 44 miles of trails rated from easy to difficult. "Clean, great camp store, dog friendly loop, great hikes accessible from campground!!" notes one camper who has visited multiple times.
Wildlife viewing: Bear sightings are common in the area. One camper at Tobyhanna State Park reported, "Just stayed 2 nights with my 7 yrs. old daughter we had a blast. Everyone was very nice camp host and DCNR were very helpful 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."
Water activities: Beyond swimming, many lakes allow boating. At Otter Lake Camp Resort, "There is a big lake you can fish from, kayak, bring your own boat and even swim from when it's warm out. There is lots to do when you go there. There are some sites right against the lake where you can fish right there. You can rent paddle boats, small fish boats and kayaks."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers seeking more secluded experiences appreciate certain campgrounds. At Secluded Acres Campground, visitors note: "This is honestly the best campground we have ever been to!! We loved it so much we went back again the next week even though it's two hours away. Such wonderful rustic sites that are absolutely secluded!!"
Clean facilities: The maintenance standards at many campgrounds receive positive mentions. One reviewer at Mount Pocono Campground stated: "Visted Mt.Pocono campground this weekend. The staff was friendly throughout the weekend. The sites were spacious. The campgroung was very qiiet, and all of the facilities were very clean and well maintainined."
Year-round options: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, some facilities near Tobyhanna remain open through winter. A visitor at Mount Pocono Campground shared: "We are lucky enough to have a lakefront site at Otter Lake for the Winter season, and feel like we have gone to heaven! The other campers are friendly and welcoming, the views are breathtaking, the walk around the lake is great, and the facilities are super clean."
Family activities: Campgrounds in the region typically offer recreational amenities beyond the natural features. At Otter Lake Camp Resort, one camper noted it has "every amenity imaginable super clean swimming beach beautiful lake with boat rentals available. Tons of activities for kids and adults. Indoor pool with 2 hot tubs even a dry sauna. Tennis volleyball pickle ball basketball bocce ball."
What you should know
Bear safety: The entire Pocono region has an active black bear population. At Tobyhanna State Park, campers are advised: "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."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds and carriers. One visitor to Timothy Lake South RV reported: "Cell service is awful for AT&T and our T-Mobile gateway. Had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity."
Campsite selection: Sites can differ dramatically within the same campground. A camper at Delaware Water Gap KOA noted: "The campground had many different types of sites. Some were big and socially distanced like the one we had. But some were extremely small and very close to the next camper. Some were in the woods and some were practically on the main road."
Reservation timing: For glamping close to Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, planning ahead is essential. The most desirable sites book quickly, particularly those with lake views and premium glamping accommodations. Most campgrounds start taking reservations 6-12 months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with organized activities: Camp Taylor Campground offers family-friendly programming. "My daughter and I have made Camp Taylor our annual spot for the past 4-5 years and it just keeps getting better. Hiking to the Wolf Preserve, paddleboats, mini golf, swimming in the lake... There are so many things to do, and they keep all of the facilities updated and in great shape."
Consider campsite location: For families with young children, proximity to bathrooms and recreational areas matters. At Otter Lake Camp Resort, one parent advised: "This is a great place to camp if you're a rookie camper. The sites are clean, bathrooms are pristine and there are a ton of activities. We loved the community assistance. There's a camp store with all the necessary things you've left at home."
Prioritize safety features: When glamping near Tobyhanna with families, look for campgrounds with good security and enforced quiet hours. As one Camp Taylor visitor noted, "Unlike many other campgrounds we've been to, they are very good about actually enforcing the quiet hours at night, so you can have an actual peaceful and quiet night around the campfire."
Check playground conditions: Playground maintenance varies between campgrounds. A visitor to Mount Pocono Campground observed, "My kids explored the playground and found it sufficient," while another camper elsewhere noted neglected facilities.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions matter: Many RVers recommend checking specific site measurements before booking. At Timothy Lake South RV, campers noted, "The camp is nice, sites are long but narrow. Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi."
Consider hookup options: Full-hookup availability varies widely between campgrounds in the region. At Keen Lake Resort Campground, a camper advised: "The RV sites are spaced out nicely. There are plenty of things to do; paddle boats, row boats, swimming pool, snack bar/campstore, activities, etc."
Look for pull-through sites: These are limited at some campgrounds. A Delaware Water Gap KOA visitor observed, "I thought the campsites seemed pretty big, but as in any campground some were bigger than others and the pull through looked smaller and cramped."
Season selection impacts experience: For luxury glamping near Tobyhanna in an RV, consider the shoulder seasons. A Timothy Lake South RV camper shared, "With a sparse population in the winter, it made for a great spot for a work stay."
