Poconos Camping

[lonnietracie]

We want to plan a family trip this summer to the Poconos area.  I have searched the internet, but find it very hard to determine the best place to camp from all the choices.  We've never been out that way before.  We have a small dog (pug) and 2 children ages 3 and 6.  If anyone has suggestions or experience on where to camp and what to do in the area, we would appreciate the information.

[Jim K in PA]

Welcome to PUT!

Since I live in the middle of the Poconos, I rarely camp here, but I can recommend Hickory Run State Park for sure. We stayed there last October and enjoyed it.  Promised Land State Park is another good spot.  Stay away from the KOA in Delaware Water Gap.  Most PA state parks have electric sites, but no water (spigots are distributed randomly).  There are a number of private campgrounds in the area, but none that I can comment on.

There is plenty to see and do.  Obviously your tastes and preferences will guide you.  Google the Poconos, and I am sure you will be deluged with options.  

If you get the time, take a ride down the PA side of the DWG on Route 611.  It is a beautiful drive.  You can also visit the Slateford Farmhouse.

You can rent canoes to paddle the Delaware (livery).

The area has grown tremendously in the last 20 years, so there is now tons of shopping and such, if that interests you at all.

[tlhdoc]

Welcome to PUT!  What type of camping do you like?  Full hook up resort style campgrounds or state parks?  What type of activities are you interested in?  If you are interested in camping with a group you are welcome to join us at the Eastern PU rally in July.  It is being held in the Poconos this year (more information in the rally section).

[CajunCamper]

I heard that in the Poconos campgrounds the bath houses have large champagne glasses to bath in instead of showers.............

CajunCamper

[tlhdoc]

I heard that in the Poconos campgrounds the bath houses have large champagne glasses to bath in instead of showers.............
 
CajunCamper

Who let that secret out???  Now everyone will want to camp in the Poconos.

[MotherNature]

We've never taken the PUP to Hickory Run SP, but tented there many times (therefore never paid attention to hookups, etc.) over the years.  It's a very nice park.

A little north of the Pocono region (Scranton area) is Frances Slocum SP, tented there many times also - very nice as well; many years ago they had a swimming pool (reasonable fee) I'd guess it's still there!

We always enjoy visiting Dingman's Falls (PA side of US 611).  You can either climb a LOT of steps to observe the falls from the top or you can walk along a wooden 'boardwalk' through the woods to enjoy them (2 separate falls) from the bottom.  The boardwalk makes it an easy 'hike' for small children and they won't get muddy! There aren't as many falls as Buskilll (I've never been there, just read about it) but it's FREE.

If you are looking to go a little West of the Pocono region, there is a huge campground at Knoebels Amusement Park in Elysburg - the cg doesn't have secluded sites but is clean; you can also walk to the park (nice because price can be either per ride (good for the little ones) or all-inclusive ticket) and they have a swimming complex also.  Also have to say that if you go to this general area, take a drive around what used to be Centralia (Route 54 & 61, not sure what the current re-routing is).

Good luck & enjoy!

[tlhdoc]

If you are looking to go a little West of the Pocono region, there is a huge campground at Knoebels Amusement Park in Elysburg - the cg doesn't have secluded sites but is clean; you can also walk to the park (nice because price can be either per ride (good for the little ones) or all-inclusive ticket) and they have a swimming complex also. Also have to say that if you go to this general area, take a drive around what used to be Centralia (Route 54 & 61, not sure what the current re-routing is).

If you take 61 it will take you right through what is left of Centralia.  If you want to camp near Knoebels but don't want to camp in the cramped campground at the park, Knoebels owns another campground called Lake Glory.  They run a shuttle back and forth to the park from the campground.