Best Camping in the Poconos: 14 Amazing Places to Camp
The Pocono Mountains in northeast Pennsylvania offer an abundance of outdoor recreational activities. Spread across four counties, the Poconos encompass 9 state parks, more than 150 lakes, and miles of rivers and woodland trails. Therefore, the Poconos make a wonderful destination for outdoor activities like boating, swimming, hiking, and camping.
Because there are so many outdoor opportunities in this region, there are a lot of places to camp in the Poconos. I’ve created this list of best places to camp in the Poconos to help narrow down your search.
I’ve divided this list of best campgrounds in the Poconos into three sections: best lake camping in the Poconos, best camping in the Poconos on public land, and best camping in the Poconos for families. There is a campground on this list for everyone, whether you want a more rustic camping experience or prefer to have a few more creature comforts when you camp.
- Best camping in the Poconos near lakes
- Best camping in the Poconos on public land
- Best camping in the Poconos for families
Best camping in the Poconos near lakes
There are so many lakes in the Poconos, it’s no wonder there are plenty of lakeside campgrounds in region. These are an ideal spot to camp because they provide easy access to outdoor recreation and beautiful views. Here are four of the best places to camp on lakes in the Poconos.
1. Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wallenpaupack is one of the largest lakes in Pennsylvania. At 5,700 acres, this lake is a popular destination known for its boating and fishing opportunities.
There are 4 recreation areas located around Lake Wallenpaupack that provide camping right on the lake.
Starting along the northern shore of the lake, Caffrey Recreation Area is the smallest of the recreation areas with 29 campsites. It’s a 5-minute drive from Shuman Point Natural Area; one of the few undeveloped sections of Lake Wallenpaupack’s coastline, Shuman Point is a wooded natural area with a three-mile loop hike that takes you along the shore of the lake. Contact Caffrey Recreation Area by phone or email to make a reservation.
Wilsonville Recreation Area is at the northern tip of Lake Wallenpaupack. This campground is the largest of the recreation areas with 160 campsites for tents and trailers. Although swimming is not permitted along most of the lake’s shore, Wilsonville Recreation Area is right next to Palmyra Township’s public beach which is the only place on the lake where swimming is allowed. Reserve a campsite at Wilsonville Recreation Area by calling 570-226-4382 or through the mail.
Towards the southern end of Lake Wallenpaupack, Ironwood Point Recreation Area is a 49-site campground on a hill overlooking the lake. The campground has almost 50 sites that can accommodate tents and trailers, including 13 lakefront walk-in sites for tents. Click here to make your reservation on the Ironwood Point Recreation Area website.
The last campground on Lake Wallenpaupack is Ledgedale Recreation Area. This campground has 70 wooded campsites that are all in walking distance or a short drive from the lake. It’s adjacent to the 80-acre Ledgedale Natural Area, which has 2 miles of hiking trails. Make a reservation at Ledgedale Recreation Area by calling (570) 689-2181.
Note that pets are not allowed at any of these recreation areas.
2. Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Mauch Chunk Lake Park is located in Jim Thorpe, PA.
This park has 135 sites for tent camping, including a number of lakefront campsites. There is no RV camping, as these are primitive sites without electric or hook-up available. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table.
Mauch Chunk Lake is 345 acres, so you can spend your whole camping trip out on the water. The park offers boat rentals, a swim area, and fishing gear.
As for amenities, Mauch Chunk Lake Park has showers and modern restrooms. There is also a camp store onsite that sells typical camping supplies like firewood and snacks.
Note that pets are not allowed to camp at this park.
To make a camping reservation at Mauch Chunk Lake Park, call the park at (570) 325-3669.
3. Otter Lake Camp Resort
Otter Lake Camp Resort is in East Stroudsburg, PA.
Between the 60-acre Otter Lake and the resort’s amenities, there is plenty of entertainment for everyone at this campground.
Otter Lake is a great place for boating, swimming, and fishing, with no fishing license required. A variety of boats are available for campers to rent.
If you ever tire of the lake, Otter Lake Camp Resort provides lots of other amenities. The resort has both an indoor pool and an outdoor pool, courts for a variety of sports, and daily activities.
Almost all of the resort’s campsites are in the woods, but that doesn’t mean you’re camping off the grid. Each site has access to water, 30 amp electric, and cable hookups, and some have a sewer hookup as well.
Make a reservation at Otter Lake Camp Resort on the resort’s website. You can request a specific campsite, but it is not guaranteed that you’ll receive that campsite.
4. Keen Lake Resort
Keen Lake Resort is in Waymart, PA on the 90-acre Keen Lake.
Keen Lake Resort offers over 150 campsites, many of which are dedicated for seasonal campers. There is something for everyone as there are sites to accommodate tents, pop-up campers, vans, and RVs as well as a few glamping sites.
This campground, being on a lake, offers the usual boat rentals, fishing supplies, and campground store. Features that are unique to this campground include a designated beach for pets, a communal fire ring, and a children’s garden.
One highlight of Keen Lake Resort is the campground’s efforts to go green. This resort uses energy-efficient lighting, non-toxic cleaning products, Energy Star appliances, and solar power to heat the pool.
Click here to make a reservation on Keen Lake Resort’s website. A specific site can be guaranteed with your reservation for an additional fee.
Related: 10 Campgrounds With Lakes In New Jersey
Best camping in the Poconos on public land
This section lists the best camping in the Poconos in state parks, state forests, and national parks. Some of these campgrounds have more amenities than others, but any of the locations in this section offer the best camping in the Poconos if you want to unplug in the great outdoors. (If you prefer to stay connected while you’re camping, head down to the section on the best camping in the Poconos for families).
1. Hickory Run State Park
Hickory Run State Park is in Carbon County, PA. Just under 16,000 acres in size, it is one of the largest state parks in Pennsylvania.
Hickory Run State Park consists of over 300 campsites for tents and RVs. This campground includes flush toilets, shower facilities, and a camp store with general camping supplies.
There are lots of outdoor activities to enjoy on your camp trip to Hickory Run State Park. The park has 44 miles of hiking trails to explore (check out my list of things to bring on a hike before you set out). Additionally, you can swim at Sand Spring Lake’s day use area, go fishing in trout streams, and explore the park’s lakes and waterfalls.
Campsites can be reserved up to 11 months in advance. Click here to reserve a campsite at Hickory Run State Park.
2. Promised Land State Park
Promised Land State Park is a 3,000-acre park in Pike County, PA.
The campground at Promised Land State Park is split up into several sections that surround the state park’s two lakes. Throughout the whole campground there are over 250 sites for tents or RVs, each with access to a fire ring and picnic table. The campground also provides potable water and showers.
For outdoor recreation, Promised Land State Park offers 50 miles of hiking trails and opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming.
Campsites can be reserved up to 11 months in advance. Click here to reserve a campsite at Promised Land State Park.
3. Tobyhanna State Park
Tobyhanna State Park lies in Monroe and Wayne Counties in Pennsylvania. The park covers over 5,000 acres of land and includes the 170-acre Tobyhanna Lake, where the park’s campground is located.
The campground at Tobyhanna State Park has 135 sites and provides flush toilets, showers, and potable water.
Note that this lakeside campground is at a high elevation, so be prepared for cool temperatures at night any time of the year.
Campsites can be reserved up to 11 months in advance. Click here to reserve a campsite at Tobyhanna State Park.
4. Delaware State Forest
Delaware State Forest (named after the Delaware River) is the largest area on this list of places to camp in the Poconos but has a limited number of campsites. This makes it the perfect place to unplug and escape into nature.
At 83,519 acres, the forest sprawls throughout the Poconos but campsites are located in Pike and Monroe Counties.
Delaware State Forest has 29 drive-in campsites in the Edgemere, Owego, and Snowhill Areas of the forest. The campsites vary in the kinds of camping equipment that can be accommodated (tent or RV) as well as the number and types of vehicles that can access the site. You can find details of individual campsites on this interactive map of PA State Forest Camping Sites.
To camp in Delaware State Forest, request a permit no more than 90 days in advance online, or contact the state forest by phone (570-895-4000) or email (fd19@pa.gov).
5. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA) covers a 40-mile stretch of the Delaware River along the border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. DWGNRA is one of the most popular parks managed by the National Park Service.
Encompassing 70,000 acres of land and 40 miles of river, there is plenty to explore in this recreation area. Here you’ll find more than 100 miles of hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, scenic views, and much more.
If you’re looking for a home base to explore the park, the best place to camp is at Dingmans Campground in Dingmans Ferry, PA. This is the only campground on the Pennsylvania side of the recreation area.
Dingmans Campground has 80 tent sites (including about 25 tent sites along the Delaware River), 16 RV sites, and 2 group sites. The campground has a general store with camping and convenience store items, as well as a river access ramp.
To reserve a campsite at Dingmans Campground, call (570) 828-1551.
If you’re up for more of an active camping adventure in the Poconos, there are boat-in campsites for those who are paddling along the Delaware River.
There are 62 of these primitive campsites spread among 5 zones. Paddlers can purchase a permit for a specific zone and then select their campsite when they arrive. Each campsite has a fire ring and a primitive toilet.
Before you purchase a permit for these boat-in campsites, keep in mind that you will have to paddle a minimum of 14 miles for a one-night trip.
Overnight paddlers can reserve these primitive campsites on recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance.
Best camping in the Poconos for families
The family-friendly campgrounds below provide more amenities like Wi-Fi, pools, and planned social activities. These campgrounds offer the best camping in the Poconos if you more comforts or entertainment for the entire family.
1. Mount Pocono Campground
Mount Pocono Campground is located in Mount Pocono, PA.
It is one of the larger campgrounds with 190 sites ranging from no-amenity sites to full hookups, so they are able to accommodate a variety of camping equipment including big rigs, campers, conversion vans and tents.
Mount Pocono Campground has tons of family-oriented fun in store. Spend the day outdoors with the family playing lawn games, running around the playground, or swimming in the heated swimming pool. There is also plenty to do in the campground’s entertainment center between the game room and arcade, TVs, a fitness room, and a library. Mount Pocono campground also plans family-friendly activities and themed weekends.
Click here to request a reservation on Mount Pocono Campground’s website.
2. Mountain Vista Campground
Mountain Vista Campground, in East Stroudsburg, PA, has campsites for both tents and RVs.
Mountain Vista Campground has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment, with an outdoor pool, sports equipment for more than 10 games, and a catch-and-release pond. The campground also schedules monthly events such as wildlife presentations, scavenger hunts, and holiday activities
If you seek outdoor activities outside of the campground, Mountain Vista Campground is within 15 minutes of Bushkill Falls, the Delaware Water Gap, the Appalachian Trail, and Delaware State Forest
Request a campsite reservation on Mountain Vista Campground’s website.
3. Cranberry Run Campground
Cranberry Run Campground is also located in East Stroudsburg.
This campground has 80 sites split between primitive tent sites, water & electric tent sites, and full-service RV sites. Some tent sites are drive-in and some are hike-in sites.
Outdoor entertainment options include a pool, fishing pond, horseshoe pits, volleyball, and a playground for kids.
If the weather turns bad and you need indoor entertainment for the family, Cranberry Run Campground also has a game room with pool tables, arcade games, and air hockey.
Request a campsite reservation on Cranberry Run Campground’s website.
4. Chestnut Lake Campground
Chestnut Lake Campground is in Brodheadsville, PA.
The campground’s specialty is large campsites that can accommodate large units, though there are a few walk-in tent sites as well. In total, Chestnut Lake Campground has about 100 campsites.
Keep the whole family entertained during your stay with boat rentals, fishing, swimming, playground, basketball court, rec hall, and organized events.
Request a campsite reservation on Chestnut Lake Campground’s website.
5. Four Seasons Campgrounds
Four Seasons Campgrounds is a family-friendly campground in Scotrun, PA.
All 90 campsites have a picnic table, a fire pit, and access to cable TV.
On holidays and select weekends, Four Seasons Campgrounds holds scheduled activities with opportunities to win prizes.
Make a reservation at Four Seasons Campgrounds by calling (570) 629-2504.
Looking for more campgrounds? Check out these related articles:
- 25 Amazing Campgrounds With Lakes In Pennsylvania
- 10 Campgrounds With Lakes In New Jersey
- The Best PA Campgrounds Near Lake Erie
As always, enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Leave no trace on all of your adventures.
