
Big Pocono State Park
Rugged park atop Camelback Mountain offering stunning panoramic views, hiking trails, and picnic spots.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular fall foliage

Big Pocono State Park
Best Time
Spectacular fall foliage

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rugged park atop Camelback Mountain offering stunning panoramic views, hiking trails, and picnic spots.
"Breathtaking views and nice walks with wildlife everywhere."

🎯 Pack for Rocky Trails
Wear sturdy shoes! Some trails, like the Indian Trail, are rocky and involve climbing. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning panoramic shots, especially during autumn. :camerawithflash:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Mountain Vistas
Summit of Camelback Mountain
Breathtaking 360-degree views of the Pocono Mountains, especially stunning during fall.

Indian Trail Hike
Various trailheads
A popular 1.3-mile hike through golden ferns and rocky outcrops with rewarding overlooks.

Scenic Ski Lift Ride
Camelback Resort (seasonal)
Enjoy elevated views of the Poconos from July to September on weekends.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Trail Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack for Rocky Trails
Wear sturdy shoes! Some trails, like the Indian Trail, are rocky and involve climbing. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning panoramic shots, especially during autumn. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Lot Variety
Multiple parking lots offer picnic areas and grills. Weekends can be busy. :car:
💰 Free Entry & Parking
Enjoy the park's beauty without an entry fee. Parking is also free! :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack for Rocky Trails
Wear sturdy shoes! Some trails, like the Indian Trail, are rocky and involve climbing. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning panoramic shots, especially during autumn. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Lot Variety
Multiple parking lots offer picnic areas and grills. Weekends can be busy. :car:
💰 Free Entry & Parking
Enjoy the park's beauty without an entry fee. Parking is also free! :moneywithwings:
🐍 Wildlife Awareness
Be mindful of wildlife warnings, though snakes are rarely seen. :snake:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views from the summit, especially during fall. The park is praised for its accessibility with free entry and parking, and its suitability for picnics and leisurely walks. Some reviewers noted that certain facilities, like bathrooms, could be cleaner, and the tower was sometimes gated off.
"Beautiful state park. Great views of the mountains. The tower was gated off and you couldn't go to the top. Celebrated my niece birthday at the park. Bathroom was very dirty. Park was busy with people. Didn't see many trails."
Janet Thomas
"Loved it ! Been going to camelback since I was a kid and never knew about this park above it all , breath taking views and nice walks with wildlife everywhere. There is a ski lift for scenic views from July to September weekends only 10 am to 4 pm , ($15) per person , will be back for that .there are about 4 parking lots to choose from , they all have picnic areas and grills . weekends are busy here . Road is closed in winter months but you can take ski lift from bottom to get to the top. One of my favorites"
Heres Johnnny
"Beautiful point to see many landmarks from this height. It has lot of history and calmness. Come here park your car and sit 🪑 indulge in nature. Picnic 🧺 tables, washrooms, water tap are present here. Garden is good. It has old cabin on the hill top looks very nice 👍.
Helicopter 🚁 pad is also here. Good place for a nice evening walk. It has multiple trails here. Though some warnings of snake 🐍 will scare you we saw none. Entry, Parking everything is free 😊 go and enjoy!
See pics and videos for more details. thanks 🙏👍"
Dilip Tiwari
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Big Pocono State Park is located at the summit of Camelback Mountain. You can drive directly to the park, with several parking lots available. During winter months, the road may be closed, but you can access the summit via the ski lift from Camelback Resort.
Yes, there are multiple parking lots available throughout the park, many of which offer picnic areas and grills. Parking is free.
The main road to Big Pocono State Park is typically closed in winter. However, you can access the summit by taking the ski lift from Camelback Resort during this time.
While specific RV parking information isn't widely detailed, the park has multiple parking lots. It's advisable to check with park management for any size restrictions if you plan to visit with a large vehicle.
The park is situated atop Camelback Mountain. Use GPS navigation to 'Big Pocono State Park' or 'Camelback Mountain' for precise directions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Big Pocono State Park offers free entry and free parking, making it an accessible destination for all visitors.
The park is generally open year-round, but the summit road may close in winter. Specific hours can vary, so it's best to check the official park website or local advisories before your visit.
Yes, the scenic ski lift ride, available on select summer and fall weekends, costs $15 per person.
There are no age restrictions for entering Big Pocono State Park. It's a family-friendly destination.
Big Pocono State Park does not require pre-booked time slots for general entry, as it is a public park with free admission.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Indian Trail is highly recommended for its scenic beauty and moderate challenge, featuring rocky paths and rewarding overlooks. Other trails offer varying levels of difficulty.
You can expect breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Pocono Mountains. The park is renowned for its scenic overlooks, especially during the fall foliage season.
Yes, many of the parking lots are equipped with picnic tables and grills, making it a great spot for a family outing or a leisurely lunch.
The park is considered senior and disability-friendly, with accessible viewing areas and picnic spots.
While exploring, you might encounter various wildlife. Be aware of posted warnings, though sightings of snakes are uncommon.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within Big Pocono State Park. However, picnic areas with tables and grills are available for visitors to bring their own food.
Absolutely! Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks for picnics. Grills are also available in designated areas.
The park is located near Camelback Resort and the town of Tannersville, which offer various dining options ranging from casual eateries to resort restaurants.
Yes, water taps are available within the park for refilling water bottles.
While not explicitly stated, large events might require special permits. For casual picnics, bringing your own food is standard. It's best to inquire with park management for specific event catering policies.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit overlooks offer stunning panoramic views, perfect for landscape photography. The Indian Trail also provides scenic backdrops with its unique terrain and foliage.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the expansive views are still impressive.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check the latest Pennsylvania State Parks drone policy before flying a drone in the park to ensure compliance.
Landscape photography, fall foliage shots, and nature photography are very popular. The park's elevation also makes it great for capturing wide vistas.
Yes, you can photograph wildlife, but always maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers and View Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Big Pocono
Beyond the popular Indian Trail, the park provides numerous opportunities for exploration. Visitors can enjoy gentle strolls or more vigorous treks, all while taking in the fresh mountain air and scenic surroundings. The park's natural landscape is diverse, featuring native plants and varied terrain. Always be aware of your surroundings and any posted wildlife advisories. The park is a fantastic place to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of the Pocono Mountains.
Capturing the Iconic Pocono Panoramas
For the best photographic opportunities, consider visiting during the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – when the light is soft and dramatic. While the park is beautiful year-round, the fall season draws significant crowds for its breathtaking fall colors. If you're looking for a less crowded experience, weekdays are generally a better choice. The park also offers a scenic ski lift ride on select summer and fall weekends, providing an elevated perspective for photography.
Winter Activities and Access
Camelback Resort is also famous for its snowtubing park, which is one of the largest in the United States. This offers a thrilling winter activity for families and friends, with numerous lanes of snow-covered excitement. While not directly within the state park, these winter activities are intrinsically linked to the Camelback Mountain experience, providing ample reasons to visit the area during the colder months.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit