Big Pocono State Park in Pennsylvania, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-29. Check linked official notices before travel.

Big Pocono State Park occupies the summit and slopes of Camelback Mountain near Tannersville, Pennsylvania. Its appeal is a day among mountain views, picnic areas, and trails. Choose your walking route carefully: a summit visit and a steep descent require different levels of effort.

Highlights on Camelback Mountain

• Take in views across three states from the mountain.
• Walk Indian Trail for the park’s easiest rated hiking route.
• Look for the contrast between short summit trees and taller hardwood forest downslope.

Plan around the mountain’s access season

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Steep roads and hiking grades

Do not drive the steep access road with a trailer in tow. On foot, expect rough and sometimes very steep grades. North Trail drops or gains about 600 feet; do not choose it simply because it is short. Less experienced hikers should ask park staff for route advice.

Match your activity to the trail

Keep to the marked routes and use each trail for its permitted activity. Indian Trail is for hiking; South Trail also permits mountain bikes and horses. Allow room for other users on shared trails.

Reservation policies

Big Pocono currently has no reservable park facilities. Direct questions about facility hours or a planned group visit to the Tobyhanna State Park office.

Reaching the summit from Tannersville

The park address is Camelback Road, Tannersville, PA 18372. The official approach is from PA 715 and I-80 Exit 299. Download a map before arrival because cell service can be unreliable. The official park page links to maps and guides.

Nearby parks for another stop

Tobyhanna State Park and Gouldsboro State Park are nearby regional alternatives north of the Tannersville area. Their entrances are on PA 423 and PA 507, respectively, with approaches from I-380. Check the route from your chosen park exit before combining stops.

Choose a hike, then make time for a picnic

• Indian Trail: a 1.3-mile loop with red blazes, rated easiest by DCNR. It includes views from the eastern cliffs.
• North Trail: a 1-mile connector rated most difficult, with a substantial elevation change. Plan for a climb on the return if you descend first.
• Picnic areas: bring a meal to one of three areas with tables and charcoal grills.

Review the official trail descriptions before choosing a route. A connector trail’s listed length is not automatically the total distance back to your car.

Picnic areas and accessible facilities

Parking Lot 2 has accessible parking, a restroom, and some accessible picnic tables. Parking Lot 4 also has designated accessible parking. These facilities provide an option for visitors who want mountain views without committing to a rugged trail; ask staff about current access needs.

About Big Pocono State Park

From Cattell’s cabin to a public park

Henry S. Cattell built a stone cabin on the summit in 1908. The area opened to the public as Big Pocono State Park in 1954, after facilities and a summit scenic drive were built.

Summit habitat and forest changes

The exposed summit supports scrub oak shrubland, with wind-shaped birch, aspen, and pitch pine. Blueberry, sweet fern, and mountain laurel grow below the low trees. Farther down the slopes, oak, maple, and hickory create a more shaded forest. These contrasting habitats give a walk more interest than the distant views alone.

Contact the park office

Pennsylvania DCNR manages Big Pocono through the Tobyhanna State Park complex. Call 570-894-8336 or email [email protected] for access and facility questions. For a specific mobility question, compare your needs with the official picnic facility information.