Ready to experience the great outdoors in the Pocono Mountains?
Pennsylvania state parks in the area are free to access and feature amazing spots to get out in the fresh air and enjoy outdoor recreation activities galore. From the beach at Beltzville State Park to the summit of Big Pocono State Park, Jim Hamill from Pocono Television Network has the inside scoop on things to do at Pocono parks throughout Monroe, Carbon, Pike, and Wayne counties. Check out our tips to plan for a safe and responsible visit!
Make the most out of your time in Pocono state parks by keeping these planning tips in mind!
Many Pocono state parks are dog-friendly—just be sure to keep pets on a leash and always clean up after them.
Help us Pick Up the Poconos and keep the parks beautiful by packing out all trash, staying on marked trails, and respecting wildlife and nature.
Mountain weather can change quickly. Check the forecast ahead of time and pack extra layers, rain gear, and sunscreen so you’re ready for anything.
Trails can be rocky, muddy, or uneven. Comfortable, sturdy shoes or hiking boots make a big difference.
Even short hikes can be tiring. Stay hydrated and energized, especially during warmer months. High-protein snacks can help give you a second wind along the way.
Each state park has its own guidelines for activities like swimming, fishing, and biking. Check each location's website ahead of time so there are no surprises.
From waterfalls and scenic overlooks to beaches and historic sites, knowing what you want to explore helps you make the most of your visit.
Observe animals from a distance, never feed them, and store food properly to keep both you and wildlife safe.
The Poconos are full of picture-perfect moments, but don’t forget to pause and enjoy the peace and natural beauty around you.
Beltzville State Park, Lehighton
Beltzville State Park, Lehighton
Go beyond the beach at Beltzville! Explore trails, waterfalls, and meet friends who love the park. ➔ Watch
Beltzville State Park in Carbon County is a summer favorite in the Poconos, known for its sandy beach, boating, fishing, and swimming on the beautiful Beltzville Lake. Beyond the shoreline, visitors can hike through forests and waterfalls while a dedicated community—including volunteers and even a K-9 water rescue unit—helps keep the park vibrant and welcoming.
Big Pocono State Park, Tannersville
Big Pocono State Park, Tannersville
Hike, zipline, and more at Big Pocono State Park with Jim Hamill ahead of the fall foliage season. ➔ Watch
Big Pocono State Park sits atop Camelback Mountain at 2,100 feet, offering one of the highest and most breathtaking vantage points in the Pocono Mountains. Whether you hike or simply drive to the summit, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic views that can stretch all the way to the Delaware Water Gap on a clear day.
Delaware State Forest, Dingmans Ferry
Delaware State Forest, Dingmans Ferry
Discover 80,000+ acres of trails, lakes, streams in Delaware State Forest’s vast wilderness. ➔ Watch
Delaware State Forest spans thousands of acres across Pike and Monroe counties, offering vast landscapes of trails, lakes, and wilderness to explore in the Pocono Mountains. Start your visit at the new Resource Management Center, opened in 2025, where visitors can learn about the forest and plan their adventure.
Gouldsboro State Park, Gouldsboro
Gouldsboro State Park, Gouldsboro
Explore the park’s ideal outdoor recreation and job training for future parks employees. ➔ Watch
Gouldsboro State Park offers a peaceful escape in the Pocono Mountains, where a scenic lake surrounded by forests invites visitors to boat, fish, and relax in nature. Trails around the park reveal wildlife, migratory birds, and quiet moments that make it a perfect destination for families and outdoor explorers alike.
Hickory Run & Boulder Field, White Haven
Hickory Run & Boulder Field, White Haven
Explore Hickory Run State Park, home to the geological marvel Boulder Field and 40 miles of trails. ➔ Watch
Hickory Run State Park is one of the most unique parks in the Poconos, featuring miles of scenic trails, the famous Boulder Field, and access to the Lehigh River. Start your visit at the modern visitor center, where exhibits introduce the park’s landscapes, history, and the many outdoor adventures waiting to be explored.
Lehigh Gorge State Park, White Haven
Lehigh Gorge State Park, White Haven
Lehigh Gorge State Park boasts a river, a railroad, a rail trail and lots of history! ➔ Watch
Lehigh Gorge State Park follows the scenic Lehigh River through a dramatic mountain gorge, offering one of the most dynamic outdoor recreation areas in the Poconos. Visitors can raft whitewater rapids, bike or hike the 26-mile D&L Trail, and explore the historic town of Jim Thorpe along this unforgettable corridor of nature and history.
Promised Land State Park, Greentown
Promised Land State Park, Greentown
Camp, paddle, fish, and soak in nature at one of the oldest state parks in PA. ➔ Watch
Promised Land State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s oldest state parks, offering a rich blend of history, lakeside recreation, and forested beauty in the Pocono Mountains. With beaches, hiking trails, cabins, campgrounds, and year-round educational programs, it’s a place where visitors can truly experience the outdoors.
Prompton State Park, Prompton
Prompton State Park, Prompton
Explore Prompton State Park as Jim hikes, plays disc golf, and chats with a nature author. ➔ Watch
Prompton State Park in Wayne County offers a wide range of outdoor recreation, from hiking and mountain biking to boating, fishing, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Centered around the scenic Prompton Lake and dam, the park’s trails, waterfalls, and peaceful forests create a perfect setting for exploration and relaxation in the northern Poconos.
Tobyhanna State Park, Tobyhanna
Tobyhanna State Park, Tobyhanna
Discover trout fishing in the stocked lake, camping, boat rentals, hiking trails and more! ➔ Watch
Tobyhanna State Park spans more than 5,000 acres of forests and wetlands in the Pocono Mountains, centered around the scenic Tobyhanna Lake. Visitors can enjoy year-round recreation including hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and wildlife watching in one of the region’s most beloved outdoor destinations.
