Weatherly, Pennsylvania sits in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 1,700 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasons with humid summers averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Campgrounds in this area typically open from April through October, though several RV parks near Weatherly operate year-round for visitors seeking winter mountain experiences.
What to do
Explore Boulder Field: Located in Hickory Run State Park, this National Natural Landmark features a 16-acre field of red sandstone boulders. "The boulder field was the highlight of our camping trip. The campground has great playgrounds, several well-marked trails, and functional (if dirty and rustic) restrooms and showers," notes one visitor to Hickory Run State Park Campground.
Fish in stocked ponds: Many campgrounds maintain fishing ponds for catch-and-release recreation. "There is a pond for fishing however we didn't have any luck. It had a lot of pond scum and there were a lot of duck families around," mentions a camper at Robin Hill Campground. No special permits required for on-site fishing.
Mountain biking adventures: The area offers downhill biking opportunities on former ski slopes. "If you choose adventure this is the place for you, ride the ski lifts up to the top of the mountain then you get to bike down it, they have rental bikes available or bring your own," reports a visitor at Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort, noting bike rental availability on-site.
What campers like
Private creekside tent sites: Some campgrounds offer secluded waterfront camping separated from RV areas. "My favorite spots are the tent-only sites along the creek. They are peaceful and separate from the RV area. The only downside is they do not have potable water in that area," explains a camper at Pocono Point.
Well-maintained facilities: Campgrounds with modern amenities receive high praise. "The laundry area and shower rooms are beautiful and clean. There is nothing to do in the immediate area, but we were there to use the bike trails and bop around Jim Thorpe…about 25 minutes away via pretty country roads," mentions a visitor at Stonybrook RV Resort.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The mountain setting provides chances to observe local fauna. "We took a drive on 2 afternoons on a stone road through the woods to see the Boulder Field. It was a beautiful drive. We were on the lookout for bear, but only saw 3 deer," reports a Hickory Run State Park visitor, highlighting the region's biodiversity.
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: The mountain region has a significant black bear population. "Be aware that this area has a high bear population and all campers are required to keep food items in their vehicles or trailers when not at the site," advises a camper at Hickory Run State Park.
Varied site conditions: Quality can differ significantly within the same campground. "Sites are swampy if they've had rain! Took us over two hours to disconnect because of mushy, muddy site! Our Usual disconnect and set up time less than an hour!" warns a Robin Hill camper about drainage issues.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies throughout the area. "There was no cell service or internet for AT&T users. (Verizon did have some service.) Also, there is no cable and our antennae was unable to pick up any TV channels," notes a visitor at Moyers Grove Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Scout the bathroom facilities: Bathhouse quality varies significantly. "The inner loops have nice bathrooms. We were in the outer loop far from the rest of the campground and they only had ports potties and hand sanitizer. I wish we had been on the inner loop for the bathrooms," advises a Hickory Run State Park visitor.
Look for organized activities: Some campgrounds offer structured programming. "They had an art activity for the children, BINGO on Friday night, and a live band on Saturday night. There is an outdoor pool which is open seasonally, an arcade, a playground for children, and a catch and release lake for fishing," reports a Robin Hill camper.
Consider terrain and accessibility: Hilly campgrounds require more effort to navigate. "This campground is called Robin HILL for a reason. You will get your exercise walking to the pond, pool, capstone or basketball courts. The playground was luckily right across from us up on the hill," notes a visitor at Robin Hill.
Tips from RVers
Plan for entrance challenges: Some RV parks have difficult access roads. "Just one thing— the entrance made for a challenging entry up a steep grade, narrow roadway, and sharp turn in. I made it without problems, but it wasn't easy in a 45' motorhome towing a Jeep," cautions a visitor at Pine Hill RV Park.
Bring extended water hoses: Hookup placement may require longer-than-standard equipment. "Make sure you have a LONG water hose. We actually had to buy a 50 foot hose in the camp store to accommodate the distance to the spigot," advises a Moyers Grove visitor.
Check site drainage: Mountain campgrounds can have water management issues. "Our site was level and nicely graded. We didn't have any trouble getting in and out and all the hook-ups were well-placed and worked well (including the cable)," notes a Pine Hill RV Park camper, highlighting the importance of properly graded sites.