From hiking and biking to ski resorts and romantic getaways, the Pocono Mountains have earned their reputation as a relaxing sanctuary to take in all the beauty that Pennsylvania offers. In this guide, we’ll walk you through fun family vacation ideas as well as the best Pocono Mountains cabin rentals, resorts, and vacation homes that you can rent to make your time in the mountains a trip to remember.
A four-season destination, the Pocono Mountains are the perfect place to unwind, plus they’re just a short drive from Philadelphia and New York City where many outdoor adventures await. While the Pocono Mountains are still ideal for couples looking for that romantic getaway, it’s becoming an even more popular destination for family reunions and family vacations. More and more, families are looking for ways to disconnect from the world around them and enjoy some time with family and the Poconos area is just the place.
Some of the four-season, family-friendly activities you’ll find in the Poconos are train rides to see the Autumn leaves, snowsports like snow tubing and skiing in the winter season, hiking and biking the over 260 miles of trails in spring and summer, or experiencing the thrill of whitewater rafting, kayaking, or one of the many outdoor water park in the Poconos. There’s something for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts, plus let’s not forget about the incredible views that the Pocono Mountains offer.
There is plenty of room to spread out in the Pocono Mountains and you’ll find that Pocono cabin rentals can often accommodate large groups, especially with some of the new cabin rentals on the lakes. So get ready to grab your friends and family and head to the Poconos Mountains for some fresh air that only nature can provide. Families who travel to the Poconos Mountains are guaranteed to make memories of a lifetime with the countless family activities offered throughout the region.
While resorts are especially popular in the Poconos, sometimes you just want a cozy log cabin to call home for a few days. Here are the best cabins that you can rent in the Pocono Mountains.
Pocono Mountains Cabin Rentals
Babbling Brook Cottages
Babbling Brook Cottages in Dingmans Ferry offer a very cozy cabin rental experience for couples and small families. There are five cottages in total, but only two cottages can accommodate more than 2 guests. If you love the idea of a tiny home, then Babbling Brook Cottages is perfect for you. A couple of the properties are also pet-friendly, so Barkley can come along, too.
Camptel Poconos
It’s glamping style at the Camptel Poconos cabin rentals in Albrightsville, PA just outside of Hickory Run State Park. It’s luxury glamping in your very own “glamptainer” and it’s got a hot tub. If you ask me, I’d say this is a super fun place to go with the kids because there’s a bouncy house and a Splat course for the kids. This is a great option if you’re looking for something unique and again… there *is* a hot tub.
Countryside Cottages
This cabin rental group is exactly what you imagine when you’re searching for cabin rentals in the Pocono Mountains. Cute and still rustic, but with modern amenities and availability to accommodate large groups. Countryside Cottages also has an outdoor pool in season and a recreation space making it a great place to bring the kids.
Cabins-4-Rent
This family-owned cabin rentals business in Monroe County has 7 cabins available for rent – some even have a hot tub and a pool table. The photos on their website are a little dated, but you’ll see that these cabins also have a wood-burning fireplace to stay cozy on cold nights.
Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort
Keen Lake has it all for families. There are private cottage and cabin rentals as well as options for glamping getaways, tent camping, and RV sites, too. It’s waterfront so there’s no need to go anywhere. Keen Lake reminds me of an old-fashioned resort with all their planned activities from April through October, their Children’s Garden, boat rentals, and on-site store and gift shop. There are 10 cabin rentals and RV rentals combined with some being year-round.
Hemlock Cottages in Tobyhanna
This is another seasonal campground experience with these cabin rentals at Hemlock Cottages and Campgrounds. The cabins are rustic, but the cottages do have some amenities to make your stay more comfortable.
Magnolia Streamside Resort
If you’re looking for updated and relaxing accommodations for your Pocono Mountains vacation, then Magnolia Streamside should be your first pick. They’re tastefully appointed with modern and comfortable beds, furniture, and fixtures. You’ll find a pool, chicken coop (yes, on-site chickens!), a children’s playground, and a gift shop at the resort. You can take a virtual tour of their cabin rentals on their website before you book.
Memorytown Lakeside Inn & Cottages
Memorytown is in the middle of it all with close proximity to ski resorts and also Kalahari Resort (indoor water park). There are several options for accommodations and their cabin rentals are a modern country feel. There is an on-site restaurant so you can leave all the meal prep and cooking to Memorytown.
Split Creek Reserve
These cottages and cabin rentals may look rustic on the outside, but on the inside, you’ll find relaxation and beauty. This is a great place to recharge your batteries and the setting is pure Pocono Mountains. Split Creek is nearby to all your favorite activities and they offer free use of their canoe and paddle boats on the on-property lake.
Mountain Springs Lake Resort
From vintage cottages to more spacious cabin rentals, this Pocono Mountains resort is great for people traveling with a large family. Mountain Springs Lake also has an upscale option as well. If you’re feeling bougie, opt for the Hill Suites! Some of the rentals include three-bedroom cabins so you can bring the entire family.
The Barn at Boyds Mills
This is the retreat center you’ve been looking for when planning a family reunion. You may have seen writer’s retreats being held at this location and you can understand why – it’s quiet, it’s peaceful, and meals are included. Boyds Mills offers private retreats as well. No one will judge you, Mama, if you run off to Boyds Mills for the weekend to recharge your batteries! There are 17 private cabins located at this retreat center.
Featured Campgrounds in the Pocono Mountains
Driftstone Campground
Driftstone Campground, located on the Delaware River, offers tents, pop-ups, trailers, and motorhome hookups in Mt. Bethel, Pennsylvania. The campground has planned activities, a game room, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and also a pool for swimming. Driftstone is open from mid-May to mid-October. Nearby activities include Delaware Water Gap, Bushkill Falls, Camel Beach Waterpark, and the Land of Make Believe.
Mountain Vista Campground
Mountain Vista Campground in East Stroudsburg, PA offers a variety of activities and amenities for families staying in the Pocono Mountains. They offer cabin camping in addition to traditional tent and RV camping with some of the cabin rentals also offering a bathroom. The campground has a stocked pond, swimming pool, a pool with a splash pad, pickleball courts, basketball, an outdoor fire pit area, and more!
More Information About the Poconos Region
The Poconos Mountains encompass a vast area of Northeastern Pennsylvania in Pike, Wayne, Monroe, and Carbon County. This is where you’ll find favorite skiing resorts like Jack Frost and Big Boulder, as well as indoor waterparks like Kalahari Resort, Great Wolf Lodge, Aquatopia, and the indoor pool at Split Rock Resort. If you’re planning to stay in a cabin, each indoor waterpark offers a day pass option so that you can still retreat to the peace and quiet of your cozy cabin. The state parks in the region are a great place to enjoy all your favorite outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing, plus you can enjoy boating on the several lakes in the area as well.
Hickory Run State Park
Hickory Run State Park, located in Carbon County, is a family-friendly area with more than 40 miles of hiking trails, three state park natural areas, as well as camping inside the park, an educational center, plus a family-friendly beach and swimming area at Sand Spring Lake. Hickory Run State Park is also the home of Boulder Field, a National Natural Landmark. The park is more known for its tent camping, but there are also rustic camping cottages (without bathrooms!) and deluxe camping cottages (also no bathrooms!) if you’re looking for an experience roughing it in the woods.
Lehigh Gorge State Park
Neighbors to Hickory Run, Lehigh Gorge State Park is well known for white water rafting and kayaking with the Francis E. Walter Dam to the north running south to Jim Thorpe, PA. The 6,107 acres of the park follows the Lehigh River with the Lehigh Gorge Trail offering 20 miles of biking, hiking, & sightseeing as part of the greater D&L Trail. The biking trail is fairly flat and great for families who want to get some exercise in the great outdoors.
Parking at the Lehigh Tannery is typically plentiful, but there is overflow parking available just down the hill and across the bridge from the trailhead. Keep an eye on little ones if you use the overflow parking lot and consider walking your bikes to the trail.
Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania’s largest reservoirs at 13 miles long with 52 miles of uninterrupted shoreline. The lake is bordered by the small town of Hawley, Pennsylvania and is the perfect place to get a bite to eat and enjoy the small shops in the downtown area.
Lake Harmony
Located just around the corner from Hickory Run State Park, Lake Harmony is party central for families looking for a fun weekend getaway. Nearby family activities include Skirmish Paintball, H20Ooohh! Water Park at Split Rock Resort, and lots of dining for the whole family at Nick’s Lake House.
Lake Naomi
Lake Naomi is a private lake in the Pocono Mountains, but you can find lots of beautiful cabin and cottage rentals in Pocono Pines. If you’re staying at Lake Naomi, pack your golf clubs and enjoy a game out on the golf courses. You’ll also find tennis courts, Olympic-sized outdoor pools, and a beach area to enjoy in the summer months.
