Seemingly endless views of the surrounding Pennsylvania and New Jersey lands are the highlights of a visit to Big Pocono State Park atop Camelback Mountain. On clear days, you can even see the Catskill Mountains in New York state. Besides the views at the mountain’s summit, there are several trails to explore on foot, bike, or horseback. Big Pocono State Park is in northeastern Pennsylvania (in Tannersville, Monroe County). When my husband and I visited, we enjoyed a snack (that we brought from home) at the summit, followed by hiking along the trails.
Admission
There is no admission fee.
What You’ll Find at Big Pocono State Park
- Over 1,300 acres of rugged terrain on the top and upper slopes of Camelback Mountain.
- Commanding views of eastern Pennsylvania, some parts of New Jersey, and the Catskill Mountains in New York from the summit.
- Picnic areas at the summit. (Can’t beat lunching with that view!)
- Over 8 miles of hiking trails. North and South trails are steep in spots with uneven terrain. Indian Trail is a 2-mile loop trail from Rim Road and is fairly flat (with few steep grades) but is mostly rocky.
- There are some lookout viewpoints along the trails.
- Horseback riding trails.
- Mountain biking trails.
- About 800 acres of hunting, trapping, and dog training during that season.
- Kartrite’s Summit House Restaurant is accessible from Camelback Road just before the summit.
- Rustic restrooms are at the summit.
Map of Big Pocono State Park
Tips for Your Visit to Big Pocono State Park
- The park is open from spring through fall, from sunrise to sunset. It’s normally closed from mid-December through early spring.
- It can get cool and windy – even in the summer – since it’s a mountaintop, so bring along some outerwear to don if you feel the chill.
- To access the summit, drive up Camelback Road to parking lot #2.
- To access the trails, drive along one-way Rim Road (just before the summit) to parking lot #4. Here, you’ll find trailhead signs for Indian Trail, North Trail, and South Trail. Also, from parking lot #3 is a short connecting trail to another part of South Trail.
- If hiking, consider using hiking/trekking poles, as there is a lot of uneven, rocky terrain.
- Check the days and hours of operation if you plan to dine at Kartrite’s Summit House Restaurant (855-515-1283) to ensure they’re open when you visit.
- The Camelback Resort, lodge, and ski area, along with indoor and outdoor waterparks, are located at the base of Camelback Mountain, offering year-round recreation options.
How to Get to Big Pocono State Park
Take I-80 to exit 299. The entrance to the park is from PA 715. You’ll proceed up Camelback Road, passing Camelback Resort and its associated recreation venues.
Brief History of Big Pocono State Park
In the early 1900s, Henry Cattell owned the property that is now the state park. He built a stone cabin at the summit in 1908 that still stands today. That cabin was available for shelter to others who came to enjoy the summit. The Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry constructed a fire tower in 1921 to help oversee the surrounding land for forest fires. (You’ll pass it as you ascend the mountain, but it is not available to the public.)
After Mr. Cattell’s death, the Pennsylvania Game Commission purchased the property in 1928. The state developed the summit into a state park in the 1950s.
Nearby Attractions
Consider these other great attractions in eastern Pennsylvania.
- Bushkill Falls, Poconos
- Colonial PA Plantation, outside Philadelphia
- Covered Bridge Tour of Bucks County
- Covered Bridge Tour of the Lehigh Valley
- Gettysburg Visitor Guide
- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Lehigh Valley area
- Hickory Run State Park, Pocono area
- Housenick Park, Lehigh Valley
- Jacobsburg State Park, Pocono area
- John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, outside Philadelphia
- Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia
- National Museum of Industrial History, Bethlehem
- Philadelphia Self-Guided Walking Tour
- Philadelphia: Fairmount Park’s Unique Colonial Mansions & Their Stories
- Best Things to Do in Philadelphia
- Promised Land State Park, Poconos
- Ricketts Glen State Park, Poconos
- Ridley Creek State Park, outside Philadelphia
- Tyler State Park, Bucks County
- Valley Forge National Historical Park, outside Philadelphia
- Washington Crossing Historic Park, Bucks County
Final Thoughts
My husband and I really enjoy exploring hiking trails – especially those with scenic views, waterfalls, or other exciting features. Big Pocono State Park is just such a spot in northeast Pennsylvania. Take along a picnic or dine at Kartrite’s Summit House Restaurant when it’s open. The park is an excellent spot on a clear day.
We stopped at Barley Creek Brewing Company (1774 Sullivan Trail) for a late lunch after our hike. (You’ll pass the restaurant as you drive from I-80 to Camelback Road.) Relaxing over the delicious meal was a nice way to end our day’s outdoor adventures.
Comments?
Feel free to share your experiences at Big Pocono State Park and/or suggestions for other places to visit in the area. Your ideas could be helpful to other travelers. Thanks! 🙂
