Pennsylvania State Parks Near East Stroudsburg

A spectacular river valley where the Delaware River carved a gap through the Appalachian Mountains. Offers diverse recreation from gentle river paddling to challenging mountain hikes, plus historic sites and pristine wilderness.

Established in 1954, Big Pocono State Park encompasses over 1,300 acres on Camelback Mountain. The park is managed in cooperation with Camelback Mountain Resort and is open from spring through late fall. Its unique location provides visitors with breathtaking vistas and access to a variety of outdoor pursuits, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Named by early settlers who found this promised land after struggling through dense wilderness, the park offers a peaceful mountain retreat with extensive trail networks through northern hardwood forests. The park was chosen by DCNR as one of 25 Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks for its natural beauty, historical significance, and outstanding recreation opportunities.

Tobyhanna State Park offers classic Pocono Mountains recreation centered around a beautiful glacial lake. The accessible Lakeside Trail makes the park particularly family-friendly, while more challenging trails like the Yellow Trail provide adventure for experienced hikers. Year-round activities and proximity to other Pocono attractions make this a popular destination for both day trips and extended camping stays.

A classic Pocono Mountain park offering swimming, fishing, and camping around a beautiful 250-acre lake. The trail system connects to Tobyhanna State Park, providing extended hiking opportunities through the region's characteristic hemlock forests.

Hickory Run State Park combines unique geological features with extensive recreational opportunities in the Pocono Mountains. The Boulder Field, accessible by hiking trail or car, offers a rare chance to walk across acres of ancient boulders. The park's trail system ranges from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes, showcasing waterfalls, rhododendron tunnels, and pristine streams.

Prompton State Park offers a blend of water-based and land-based recreation, centered around the Prompton Lake. Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, disc golf, picnicking, and miles of multi-use trails. The park is open year-round and is managed for both conservation and recreation, providing habitats for a variety of plant and animal species.

Located in Lackawanna County, Archbald Pothole State Park preserves a remarkable geological feature formed during the last ice age. The park’s centerpiece, the Archbald Pothole, measures 38 feet deep and 42 feet wide at its largest point. The area offers a peaceful setting for picnics and short walks, with interpretive panels explaining the pothole’s significance.