Where to Go Camping in the Poconos: A NYC Camper’s Guide
If you live in New York City and you’re dreaming about a weekend in the woods, the Poconos are one of the easiest places to make it happen.
Close enough for a weekend trip, far enough to feel like you actually left the city, the Pocono Mountains are full of lakes, forests, hiking trails, river views, campgrounds, and state parks that make for a very doable first—or fifteenth—camping trip.
And if you don’t own camping gear? Not a problem. You can rent what you need in Brooklyn, pack the car, and head west without turning your apartment into a camping gear storage unit.
Here are some of our favorite Poconos camping areas to look into, plus a few tips for choosing the right campground for your trip.
First: What Counts as “the Poconos”?
The Poconos are a mountain region in northeastern Pennsylvania known for lakes, wooded hills, waterfalls, rivers, state parks, and weekend getaways. For NYC campers, the big appeal is simple: you can leave the city and be somewhere green, quiet, and campfire-friendly without driving all day.
Depending on where you’re headed and what traffic is doing, many Poconos destinations are roughly a few hours from NYC. That makes the region especially appealing for a Friday-to-Sunday camping trip.
Best Poconos Camping Areas for NYC Weekend Trips
1. Promised Land State Park
Best for: classic wooded camping, lakes, hiking, and that true “we escaped the city” feeling.
Promised Land State Park is one of the most beloved camping areas in the Poconos, and for good reason. It has lakes, forests, hiking trails, boating, fishing, and multiple camping areas, which makes it a great choice if you want a classic state park camping experience.
This is a good option for campers who want a peaceful weekend with plenty to do nearby, but don’t necessarily need a private campground with a packed activity calendar. Think: coffee by the tent, lake time, a hike, dinner at camp, and an early night around the fire.
Why it works for a weekend from NYC:
It feels very much like a real nature escape.
There are different campground areas, so you can choose the vibe that works best for your group.
It’s great for people who want lakes, trees, and quiet more than campground entertainment.
Good to know: Promised Land is popular, especially in peak summer and early fall, so don’t wait too long to book if you’re aiming for a weekend.
2. Hickory Run State Park
Best for: hiking, waterfalls, boulders, and a more adventure-forward camping weekend.
If your ideal camping trip includes a good hike, Hickory Run State Park should be on your list. It’s one of the most well-known parks in the Poconos, with miles of hiking trails, trout streams, forest, and the famous Boulder Field.
This is a great pick if you want your weekend to feel active. You can camp, hike, explore, and come back to your site feeling like you actually earned your campfire dinner.
Why it works for a more active camping trip:
It’s a strong choice for hikers and outdoorsy groups.
Boulder Field gives the trip a memorable “we did a thing” moment.
It works well for people who want more than just hanging around the campsite.
Good to know: Because Hickory Run is popular, it may not feel like a hidden gem on peak weekends. But it is popular for a reason. If you want quieter vibes, look at less obvious dates, shoulder season weekends, or campground loops away from the busiest areas.
3. Tobyhanna State Park
Best for: lake camping, beginner-friendly weekends, and a slightly easier camping setup.
Tobyhanna State Park is another solid Poconos camping option, especially if you want a campground with modern basics and a lake nearby. The park includes Tobyhanna Lake and has a campground with amenities like showers, flush toilets, and water access in central areas.
For newer campers, this can be a nice middle ground: you still get the tent camping experience, but you’re not going fully rugged.
Why it works for newer campers:
It has a lake-centered feel.
It’s a good option for campers who want some campground amenities.
It can be a nice first camping trip if you’re not trying to go too remote.
Good to know: If swimming, boating, or lake activities are important to your trip, always check current park notices before booking. Park projects, water levels, or seasonal closures can affect what’s available.
4. Delaware Water Gap Area
If your ideal Poconos camping trip involves lazy days on the river, the Delaware Water Gap area is one of the best places to start. This region gives you that classic mix of forest, river, trails, scenic drives, and small-town stops — with the added bonus that you can easily cross over to the New York side for even more exploring.
For camping on the Pennsylvania side, look at Dingmans Campground in Dingmans Ferry. It’s a rustic campground located along the Delaware River, with tent sites, river sites, forest sites, and some RV/water/electric options. It’s a great fit if you want to camp close to the river and build your weekend around hiking, paddling, swimming, fishing, or relaxing by camp.
Why it works for a river weekend:
You can camp close to the Delaware River.
It works well for hiking, paddling, river days, and scenic drives.
You can turn it into a two-state weekend by crossing into New York’s Delaware River Valley.
Good to know: The Delaware Water Gap area has a mix of developed campgrounds, rustic sites, and more primitive river camping options, so read the details carefully before booking.
And don’t forget: if you’re camping near the Delaware River, you’re close enough to cross over and explore the New York side too. For small towns, river views, food stops, hikes, and easy day-trip ideas, check out our guide to10 fun things to do in the Delaware River Valley.
5. Private Poconos Campgrounds
Best for: amenities, easier logistics, families, friend groups, and first-time campers who want a softer landing.
State parks are wonderful, but private campgrounds can be a great fit if you want a more amenity-heavy weekend. Many Poconos campgrounds offer tent sites, RV sites, cabins, camp stores, showers, activities, pools, or firewood for sale.
For first-time campers coming from NYC, this can be a very smart choice. You still get the joy of sleeping outside, cooking at camp, and waking up in the woods—but with more backup if you forget something or realize you’re not quite ready for a super rustic weekend.
Why they work for an easier first trip:
They often have showers and camp stores.
They may be easier for groups with mixed camping experience.
They can be a little more forgiving for first-timers.
Some have cabins or glamping options if not everyone wants to sleep in a tent.
Good to know: Private campgrounds vary a lot. Some are quiet and rustic. Others are more family-resort style. Read reviews and look at photos so you know what kind of weekend you’re signing up for.
How to Choose the Right Poconos Campground
Once you’ve found a campground that looks good, take a few minutes to read the details before you book. The difference between a magical weekend and a stressful one is often hiding in the fine print.
Check whether your site is actually meant for tents, whether you can park at or near your campsite, and how far you’ll be from the bathrooms. Look for details about showers, potable water, fire rings, picnic tables, quiet hours, pet rules, and late check-in.
If this is one of your first camping trips, we recommend choosing a campground with a few helpful amenities. You don’t need a full resort experience, but access to bathrooms, drinking water, and a place to buy firewood can make the weekend feel a lot easier.
And if you’re camping with a group, be honest about everyone’s comfort level. Some people are excited for rustic camping. Some people are much happier when there’s a shower nearby. The best campground is not always the most famous one — it’s the one that matches your group, your experience level, and the kind of weekend you actually want to have.
A Few Things to Know Before You Book
Camping in the Poconos is very doable from NYC, but it still helps to make a plan before you head out. Once you’ve found a campground you like, check the details: whether your site is meant for tents, whether you can park nearby, how close the bathrooms are, whether there’s potable water, and what time you need to arrive.
If this is one of your first camping trips, don’t overcomplicate it. Choose a campground that matches your comfort level, bring real sleeping gear, and give yourself enough time to set up before dark.
We’ve covered the deeper first-time camping details in a few other guides, including our posts on how to set up a tent for the first time, what camping is actually like, and how to plan a long weekend camping trip. Stay here for choosing where to go, then use those guides to make sure you’re prepared when you get there.
Renting Camping Gear in NYC Before a Poconos Trip
As Featured in New York Magazine
Recognized as NYC’s go-to camping gear rental in their guide to last-minute camping trips.
Ready for an adventure but don’t have your own gear? Whether you’re heading to a music festival, exploring the great outdoors with friends, or just want to try camping before investing in your own gear, we’ve got you covered. Rent high-quality tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads right here in New York City!
Perfect for Music Festivals & Weekend Getaways
Our gear is lightweight, easy to carry, and festival-ready, ideal for those attending outdoor events or camping trips in the tri-state area.
Convenient Pickup & Drop-off:
Pickup Location: Bond Collective Building, 276 GREENPOINT AVE.
(Look for the BOND COLLECTIVE sign under the glass awning at the intersection of Greenpoint Ave and Provost St.)Pickup: Thursday
Drop-off: Monday Evening
(Need a different time? Contact us before booking.)
Popular weekends book out fast—especially during music festival season. Don’t wait! Reserve ahead to guarantee your gear.
*Please email us for availability before booking for same day or next day pick up.
If you’re planning a Poconos camping trip from NYC but don’t own gear, you do not need to buy everything for one weekend.
Basecamp Brooklyn rents camping gear from our Greenpoint pickup location so you can head out with the essentials: a reliable tent and cozy sleeping bag and pad.
Renting gear is especially helpful if:
You’re new to camping.
You live in a small apartment.
You only camp a few times a year.
You’re trying out camping before investing in your own setup.
You want to avoid buying bulky gear that will sit in a closet.
Our goal is simple: make it easier for NYC people to get outside.
You book the campground. We’ll help with the gear.
A Simple Poconos Camping Packing List
For a weekend tent camping trip, start with:
Tent with rainfly
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Pillow
Headlamp or flashlight
Camp chairs
Cooler
Water bottle
Food and snacks
Camp stove or cooking plan
Lighter or matches
Layers for cool nights
Rain jacket
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Toiletries
Trash bags
Phone charger or battery pack
Towel
Shoes you can get dirty
Depending on your campground, you may also need firewood, water, cooking gear, dishes, and a way to store food safely.
Ready to Camp in the Poconos?
The Poconos are a great choice for a weekend camping trip from NYC because you don’t have to drive all day to feel like you’ve actually gotten out of the city. Whether you’re looking for a lake weekend, a river trip, a hiking-heavy getaway, or an easy first camping experience, there are plenty of good options within reach.
Once you’ve picked your campground, the next step is making sure you have the gear to actually enjoy it.
If you don’t own a tent, sleeping bag, or sleeping pad — or you just don’t want to store bulky camping gear in your apartment — Basecamp Brooklyn can help. We rent camping gear from our Greenpoint pickup location so you can head out of NYC prepared, without buying a full setup for one weekend.
Reserve your camping gear before you leave Brooklyn, and we’ll help make your Poconos camping trip a whole lot easier.
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