Tucked in the eastern Pennsylvania Pocono Mountains at an elevation of 1,400 feet, White Haven offers a gateway to premium outdoor experiences for campers. The forested landscape features rocky terrain and creek systems that create unique camping settings. Summer high temperatures average 80°F while spring and fall see wider temperature swings requiring campers to pack layered clothing.
What to do
Boulder exploration: Hickory Run State Park Campground features a National Natural Landmark that spans 16 acres of rock formation. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," notes reviewer Mike M., highlighting this unique geological attraction.
Creek fishing: Water activities at Mauch Chunk Lake Park provide opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm," explains Lisa S., who added, "I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear."
Winter sports: Off-season camping gives access to snow activities at area resorts. Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort transforms in winter, as reviewer Lois notes: "Wanted to find a close by place for a night of Tent camping and stumbled across this winter time ski resort/ spring summer camping and adventure grounds."
Trail access: The D&L Trail connects directly to Jim Thorpe Camping Resort. "The D&L trail also runs at the back of the campground, giving great bike access to mauch chunk lake," writes Jessica W., making it convenient for cycling enthusiasts to explore without driving to trailheads.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms rank high in camper satisfaction. At Stonybrook RV Resort, one camper noted, "The laundry area and shower rooms are beautiful and clean," while another said the "Shower/bathrooms are the best I've ever seen."
Wildlife viewing: Tobyhanna State Park Campground offers opportunities to spot native species safely. "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," reports Erik M., emphasizing the importance of food storage.
Outdoor recreation: Multi-sport options extend beyond hiking. At one resort, a reviewer named Lois explained, "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."
Waterfall access: Scenic water features create memorable experiences. "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," says one camper about their Hickory Run experience.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially in summer and fall foliage seasons. Sites at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground are particularly sought-after due to its unique features. "The Boulder Fields are one of the coolest places I've ever visited, partially because they were so unexpected," says Amber A.
Bear precautions: Food storage rules must be strictly followed. "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," warns one camper who stayed at Hickory Run.
Site characteristics: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. At Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, one camper noted: "Our site was way to small even though we gave the length and width of our rig ahead of time. We were always looking for a place to park our tow because we had no extra space in front or back."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from April through October. Mauch Chunk Lake Park typically closes after fall foliage season, with one camper mentioning they "love it for paddle boarding" during the main camping months when water temperatures are comfortable.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, one visitor shared: "GREAT first trip! The campgrounds were nice and there was a lot to do. Volleyball courts, secret picnic areas, kayak and other boating rentals."
Swimming access: Lakes provide safer swimming than rivers. "The lake was beautiful. Very clean and picturesque and perfect for swimming," reports a visitor to Mauch Chunk, giving families a controlled environment for water activities.
Short hikes: Select trails appropriate for younger children. "The park seems best suited to families who want to fish off of a dam, hand out at a 'beach', play volleyball, or let their kids run around with some freedom," notes one visitor to Tobyhanna State Park.
Educational opportunities: Visitor centers offer rainy day activities. "The visitors center boasts the most modern updates and a truly lovely interactive museum displaying the history and current wildlife of the park," according to a reviewer at Hickory Run State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many sites require adjustment equipment. "The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because our site wasn't level and it took hours to get it right," shares Angie G. about Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, suggesting bringing extra leveling blocks.
Utility hookups: Stonybrook RV Resort offers reliable facilities for RVers. "The site was nice and level side to side," notes a visitor, while another mentioned the helpfulness of staff when electrical issues arise: "We had an issue with our surge protector and the manager had an electrician out to us quickly."
Access challenges: Steep entrances can pose difficulties. "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," warns one RVer about Stonybrook.
Space limitations: Site dimensions vary widely between campgrounds. One RVer at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort warned: "The RVs were parked so close together that none of us could use our awnings. There was a fifth wheel to our left that could just barely get their slideouts extended."
