Camelback Mountain
3.7(178)google
3.6(83)yelp
HikingSkiingFamilyYouth-FriendlySummer RetreatWinter SnowOutdoorThrillingMountain
Overview
Nestled within the heart of the Pocono Mountains in Jackson Township, Camelback Mountain is a premier year-round outdoor adventure resort famous for exceptional alpine recreation. During the crisp winter months, the mountain transforms into a snowy paradise featuring dozens of ski trails, state-of-the-art lifts, and the biggest snow tubing park in the entire country. As summer arrives, the facility transitions into Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark, alongside a mountain coaster and treetop zip-lining trails that plunge explorers through lush forest canopies. It delivers a high-energy, family-friendly mountain escape that perfectly captures the dynamic seasonal beauty of Pennsylvania.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration6-12 hours
Best TimeDecember through March offers peak winter skiing, while summer boasts the massive Camelbeach outdoor water park. The premier hour is catching the scenic high-speed summit chairlift in the late afternoon between 2:30 PM and sunset; low evening sun paints the entire Poconos mountain ranges below in gorgeous gold shades.
Getting ThereLocated in Tannersville at 301 Resort Drive. Driving a car is mandatory due to the steep terrain: from I-80, take Exit 299 for Tannersville. Follow Camelback Road winding continuously uphill for 3 miles straight into the mountain base terminal lodge complex. Features an immense, well-lit paved multi-zone parking plaza.
Travel Tips
- Located at 301 Resort Drive, Tannersville, parking fees during peak winter and summer seasons are heavily tiered; premium Lot 1 costs up to 40 USD/day. For cost optimization, utilize remote Lot 3 or Lot 4 and ride the free shuttle.
- The mountain slopes and adjacent Big Pocono State Park are active black bear habitats; never leave scented food, snacks, or wrappers inside unsealed vehicle trunks or on open picnic tables, as bears frequently break into cabins for forage.
- Weather at the 2,133-foot summit shifts drastically, with autumn night temps plunging over 20 degrees Fahrenheit accompanied by severe wind gusts; the mountain coaster strictly bans open-toed sandals or slip-ons for safety.
Reviews
Positive
- The ultimate outdoor recreation flagship in the Poconos! A top-tier ski resort in winter and an epic Camelbeach water park in summer.
- Features extensive ski trails spanning from carpet bunny slopes to black diamonds, with massive snowmaking capacity and pro night lighting.
- The resort complex is loaded with massive indoor water parks, scenic dining, and efficient gear rentals, perfect for a full vacation hub.
- The lift network is fast and efficient; summer offerings like the Mountain Coaster and ziplines are thrilling for all age groups.
Heads up
- Exorbitantly priced; lift tickets, gear rentals, and water park admission are premium-priced, topped by mandatory high daily parking fees.
- During peak winter weekends, the rental halls and main lift lines become a chaotic madhouse, taking over an hour just to secure boots.
- Inside dining concessions carry extreme resort markups; standard ski-lodge burgers and fries are priced double the norm for very average food.
- For true novices, some green trails develop hard icy patches by late afternoon and feel intimidatingly steep without enough ski patrols around.