Barrel Sauna firepit Airbnb in The Poconos

Poconos Vacation Rentals

Explore Poconos and enjoy the excitement of Camelback Mountain’s year-round adventures, from thrilling waterparks to scenic zip lines.

Waterfalls & Whitewater Adventures in the Poconos

Tips on renting in Poconos

Getting Around

The Pocono Mountains are renowned for their picturesque lakes such as Lake Naomi, Lake Wallenpaupack, and Arrowhead Lake. These destinations are ideal for guests seeking the best lakes in the Poconos for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, all while staying in comfortable lakefront cabin rentals or cozy, pet friendly cabins.

What to Pack

The Poconos' 1,500-2,000 foot elevation creates microclimates that shift dramatically within hours. Layer merino wool beneath waterproof shells for lake mornings that dawn at 50 degrees before warming to afternoon 70s. Pack sturdy trail boots for waterfall bushwhacking, water shoes for Lake Wallenpaupack's rocky entries, and a packable down jacket year-round—even July evenings require insulation. Include reef-safe sunscreen; these crystalline lakes deserve protection while you swim their glacial-fed waters.

Must-Try Activities

Shohola Falls thunders 50 feet high and 75 feet wide below Shohola Lake dam, yet remains the region's best-kept secret despite fronting Route 6. Hornbecks Creek conceals Indian Ladder Falls in Pike County, a three-tiered cascade through a scenic gorge where water crossings and unique geological formations reward those who venture beyond marked trails. Resica Falls offers stone-constructed overlook views with free access that locals cherish, while Camp Hidden Falls in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides that "true exploration" feeling with its 10-12 foot waterfall and unmarked parking.

Smart Spending Tips

Pocono vacation rentals range $200-$400 nightly for lakefront properties sleeping families of four, with premium Lake Wallenpaupack homes commanding higher rates. Budget $15-$25 per person for casual lakeside dining at The Dock on Wallenpaupack, $60-$100 for family meals. Activities span free state park beaches to $50 whitewater rafting adventures and $80-$120 daily ski passes. Waterpark resort day passes run $60-$90 per person. Plan $250-$350 daily for comfortable family exploration including lodging, meals, and signature experiences.

The Poconos stretch across more than 2,400 square miles of Pennsylvania forest, and a vacation rental is the only way to experience that scale properly. You get a fully equipped kitchen for early mornings before waterfall hikes, free parking on premises when Bushkill Falls lots fill by 9am on summer weekends, and a washer and dryer for stays that move between lake days and mountain trails. Lakefront rentals around Lake Wallenpaupack and Hawley put you closest to the water, while properties near Stroudsburg and Tannersville work well as a base for Camelback and the Lehigh Gorge.

Bushkill Falls, Hickory Run, and a day built around moving water

Bushkill Falls earns its nickname with eight cascading waterfalls connected by wooden walkways through hemlock groves that stay cool even in August. Hickory Run State Park’s Boulder Field is a worthwhile detour on the way back: a glacial landscape of 20,000-year-old stones that feels genuinely unlike anything else in the Northeast.

Lake Wallenpaupack, Jim Thorpe, and slowing the pace down

Lake Wallenpaupack’s 5,700 acres near Hawley support pontoon rentals, sandy beaches, and long afternoons that require no particular agenda. Jim Thorpe’s Victorian streetscape and the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offer a different register entirely, trading lake quiet for river views and good coffee on Main Street.

What to look for in a Poconos rental

A fire pit or fireplace extends your outdoor time well into fall. Lakefront properties book up fastest for the summer and leaf-peeping seasons. Book at least 8 weeks in advance for July Fourth and Columbus Day weekends.

Quick tips before you book

  • Parking: Free parking on premises is essential near Bushkill and Camelback where trailhead lots overflow
  • Heating: Mountain nights cool fast even in summer. Confirm a fireplace or fire pit
  • Pets: Many Poconos rentals are pet-friendly but confirm trail and beach access rules before booking
  • Peak pricing: Summer weekends and October foliage season bring peak rates. Book well ahead

Browse all Poconos vacation rentals on Lake.com, or explore more Pennsylvania getaways, including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, on Lake.com.

Barrel Sauna firepit Airbnb in The Poconos

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