Big Pocono State Park is in Monroe County in northeastern Pennsylvania. The park consists of 1,306 acres of rugged terrain on the summit and slopes of Camelback Mountain. From the summit, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of a vast portion of eastern Pennsylvania and portions of New Jersey and New York.

The park closes seven days after the end of deer season in December and reopens as conditions permit in the spring. The park is open sunrise to sunset.

Big Pocono State Park facilities are maintained in cooperation with the Camelback Ski Corporation.

Entrance to the park is from PA 715 and Exit 299 of I-80 at Tannersville. (see googlemap below)

CAUTION: Steep grades. Visitors should not attempt this drive in vehicles with trailers in tow. Municipal road maintenance is not provided and seasonal closures of the access roadway will occur.

Scenic View: From the summit, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of a vast portion of eastern Pennsylvania and portions of New Jersey and New York. A paved, scenic drive, 1.4 miles in length, encircles the mountaintop, permitting visitors to enjoy the beautiful view in all directions.

Recreational Opportunities

Hiking - Horseback Riding - Picnicking - Hunting - Downhill Skiing

Picnicking: Big Pocono State Park provides three picnic areas with a total of 50 picnic tables. The picnic area adjacent to the Cattell Cabin has tables in an open setting, while the east and south areas are in a wooded setting. All areas offer excellent views of the surrounding countryside. Parking spaces in parking area No. 4 and nearby picnic tables have been designated for use by people with disabilities. Nearby restrooms are accessible.

Camping: There are campgrounds at Big Pocono that offer restroom facilities; as well as RV electrical Hookups.

Hiking: 7 miles of trails
The trail system consists of three interconnecting trails designated as North Trail (red), South Trail, (yellow) and Indian Trail (orange). Trail conditions vary from smooth surface, gentle grades, to very rough surface, extremely steep grades. Inexperienced hikers should inquire at the park office before attempting North Trail. The Pocono Outdoor Club assists in maintaining the trail system in Big Pocono State Park.

Horseback Riding: In addition to serving as a hiking trail, the three-mile South Trail is also designated as a horseback trail. The trailhead is at the west end of the park, near the park entrance.

Hunting and Firearms: About 800 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, bear, cottontail rabbit, squirrel, turkey and ruffed grouse. Furbearers include fox, raccoon and coyote. Adjacent to the park are 3,943 acres of State Game Land 38, which are open to public hunting, trapping, dog training and hiking.

Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for accessible hunting information.

Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. The park is used by other visitors during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment must be kept in the owner's car, trailer or camp.

Downhill Skiing: Camelback Ski Area is one of the biggest ski, snowboard and snowtubing areas in the Poconos. Youll find 33 trails, 13 lifts including two high-speed, detachable quads, halfpipe, two terrain parks, night skiing and 100% snowmaking. 570-629-1661, snow conditions: 800-233-8100.

Cameltop Restaurant: Cameltop, a restaurant near the summit of Camelback Mountain, is operated by Camelback Ski Area and provides refreshment for park visitors. The restaurant may be reached by the park road or by ascending the mountain on the ski area chair lift and is open daily Memorial Day to Columbus Day.

Access for People with Disabilities: Parking spaces in parking area No. 4 and nearby picnic tables have been designated for use by people with disabilities. Nearby restrooms are accessible.

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks:
888-PA-PARKS (voice)
888-537-7294 (TTY)
711 (AT&T Relay Services)

In an Emergency: Contact a park employee or dial 911.

For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office.

Nearest Hospital:
Pocono Medical Center
206 East Brown Street
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
570-421-4000

Location