Tobyhanna sits at an elevation of approximately 1,900 feet in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains, where temperatures typically range 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. The area's heavily forested landscape consists primarily of northern hardwoods and conifer stands, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences with vibrant fall colors and dense summer canopies. Winter camping remains available at select locations, though water systems are typically winterized from November through March.
What to do
Lake activities at Pickerel Point: The 5-mile trail encircling Promised Land Lake connects to the campground with multiple water access points. Visitors can rent paddleboats and kayaks directly from the campground or launch personal watercraft from lakefront sites. "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper. The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail," notes a visitor at Pickerel Point Campground.
Boulder Field exploration: Located within Hickory Run State Park, this unusual geological formation covers 16.5 acres and requires a scenic drive on a stone road through the woods. "The Boulder Fields are one of the coolest places I've ever visited, partially because they were so unexpected. Don't twist an ankle, but you can play hide and seek to an extent as there are small depressions in the fields," advises a camper at Hickory Run State Park Campground.
Wolf preserve visit: Camp Taylor provides direct access to the Lakota Wolf Preserve where campers receive discounted tour admission. "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private... You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," describes a visitor from Camp Taylor.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Many campgrounds offer direct lake or stream access from specific sites, providing fishing and paddling opportunities without leaving camp. "I loved being lakefront with full hook up. Such a beautiful and peaceful place," reports a camper at Otter Lake Camp Resort. The campsites along the water offer excellent fishing access while maintaining tree coverage.
Seasonal programming: Organized activities range from children's carnivals to adult-focused events throughout the camping season. "Everything you need for family fun...They have a ton of great activities from kids carnival, craft beer tastings, farmers market, bingo...the list goes on!" shares a visitor at Mountain Vista Campground.
Modern facilities: Despite the rustic setting, many campgrounds maintain clean, well-equipped bathhouses. "Bathhouse was very clean. Lots of kids for our daughters to hang out with. Close to Bushkill Falls which we hiked," notes a camper at Mountain Vista. Another adds, "Beautiful new bathrooms... all sites have little trails down to the water."
What you should know
Copper-colored water: The lakes in this region often have a distinctive tea-colored appearance due to natural tannins. "The lake is very nice a little copper kind of like iced tea color but was very nice," explains a camper at Tobyhanna State Park Campground.
Variable terrain: Many campsites feature rocky or uneven ground, especially in the mountainous areas. "Chunky bluestone gravel on the sites, so bring a sleeping pad!" warns a tent camper at Pickerel Point. Another mentions, "We were in the outer loop far from the rest of the campground and they only had ports potties and hand sanitizer."
Cell coverage limitations: Service varies significantly between campgrounds and even between sites within the same facility. "The only negative is that I had almost no cell reception with Verizon," reports a camper at Pickerel Point, while others note adequate service at different campgrounds in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and pools: Several campgrounds offer child-friendly recreational facilities beyond the natural attractions. "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," shares a visitor at Otter Lake Camp Resort.
Activity planning: State parks frequently offer organized programming for children during peak season. "We were pleasantly surprised they have programs for kids. Can never go wrong here," notes a camper at Deerfield Campground.
Early reservations: Family-friendly sites with amenities fill quickly, particularly for summer weekends and holidays. "Loved camping on Pickerel Point. Kids had a great time! Bathrooms could be cleaned more often but relatively clean. The museum and crafts were closed due to Covid so that was a bummer but we found other things to do," reports a family at Pickerel Point.
Tips for RVers
Size considerations: Many campgrounds have limited capacity for larger rigs, particularly on sites with greater privacy. "There are sites right on the lake. The bathrooms aren't the greatest but overall it's a beautiful place," reports an RVer at Tobyhanna State Park Campground.
Seasonal weather impacts: Spring camping often encounters muddy conditions that can affect vehicle access. "Unfortunately, it was a giant mud pit when we were there. The spots and road are not paved or have gravel," notes a camper at Hemlock Campground.
Hookup variations: Electric amperage and water access vary significantly between campgrounds and specific sites. "We drive from Arizona to camp here for 6 weeks each year. It is truly a resort with organized activities like softball, archery and ceramics for kiddos. All sites are wooded, clean and spacious," shares a seasonal RVer at Otter Lake.
