Camping in the Poconos region offers extensive public and private options for travelers with pets. Mauch Chunk Lake Park sits at approximately a 1,300-foot elevation with a mix of wooded and lakefront sites across its 2,600-acre footprint. Summer temperatures typically range from 60°F to 85°F, with higher humidity levels creating occasionally muggy conditions that can affect camping comfort.
What to do
Explore unique boulder formations: Hickory Run State Park features a 16-acre boulder field where visitors can traverse the unusual rock formation. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," shares a visitor at Hickory Run State Park Campground.
Access waterfront recreation: The lake at Mauch Chunk allows campers to launch paddle boards and kayaks directly from waterfront sites. A visitor at Mauch Chunk Lake Park notes, "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm. You are in beautiful Jim Thorpe that has white water rafting in town, plus great restaurants and bars."
Tackle mountain biking trails: Blue Mountain offers specialized trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. "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. You can also Zip line or swing through the trees if you would rather," explains a reviewer at Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort.
What campers like
Creek-side tent sites: Several campgrounds offer peaceful water-adjacent locations. A visitor at Pocono Point shares, "Cute campground with RV and creekside tent sites near Lehigh Gap. My favorite spots are the tent-only sites along the creek. They are peaceful and separate from the RV area."
Modern shower facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom quality as an important factor. "The laundry area and shower rooms are beautiful and clean," notes a visitor at Stonybrook RV Resort, while another camper adds, "Shower/bathrooms are the best I've ever seen."
Pet-friendly campground loops: Hickory Run State Park receives praise for its designated pet areas. One visitor mentions, "Clean, great camp store, dog friendly loop, great hikes accessible from campground!!" This makes it a solid choice for pet friendly camping near Youngsville, Pennsylvania.
What you should know
Varied site sizes and privacy levels: Space between sites differs significantly between campgrounds. A reviewer at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort cautions, "The sites are not very defined, level or rock free. Makes it fun searching for a good position within the site, kinda like roughing it in the actual wild. Sites are not very private or secluded."
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity requires food storage precautions in this region. "We were warned to be cautious about leaving food out as there have been some bear sightings," notes a camper at Hickory Run, highlighting the importance of proper food storage when camping with animals near Youngsville.
Bathroom quality varies: Facilities range from modern to primitive depending on location within campgrounds. At Hickory Run, a visitor explains, "Some bathrooms are latrines, but they also have beautiful, fully updated showers and restrooms available."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Several sites offer dedicated play areas for children. A visitor at Silver Valley notes, "Kids loved the crafts and train ride. Pool was clean, bathrooms were clean. Seasonals were nice, friendly and social."
Consider lakefront sites for easy water access: Waterfront camping simplifies family activities. A camper at Mauch Chunk Lake Park shares, "Our first time tent camping was here and it set a great tone. We set up the tent, kayaked on the lake, cooked up some dinner, watched a strawberry super moon rise over the lake."
Choose campgrounds with organized activities: Some locations schedule regular events. At Allentown KOA, a visitor with pets mentions, "This campground is family oriented, it has a pool, a store, a game room. They also do things for different holidays."
Tips from RVers
Expect challenging entrances at some campgrounds: Steep grades and tight turns can complicate arrival. A visitor at Stonybrook RV Resort notes, "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."
Level sites aren't guaranteed: Many campers report needing to spend time leveling their rigs. "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 a camper at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort.
Access to dump stations varies by location: Not all campgrounds provide this service. At Allentown KOA, a visitor notes, "They allow to dump and fill fresh water for a small 10$ which is quite nice. Was quick and convenient, lady at the front desk was very kind!"
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