If you’re looking to unplug in nature’s tranquil bosom but don’t fancy “sleeping” on the ground with bear mace under your pillow, these semi-civilized sites give you the best of both worlds: the invigoration of the great outdoors with comfort and convenience.
1. The Rex Hotel
103 Tauschman Rd., Greentown | 610.686.8810 | staytherex.com
OK, it’s a far cry from camping, but The Rex Hotel nestled deep in the Pocono Mountains is your sleek and glamorous outpost from which to explore the 3,000-acre Promised Land State Park adjacent. Wake refreshed from designer linens, make coffee in Smeg-branded appliances, and strike out energized into a day of hiking or kayaking wrapped up with a night by the fire pit or the nearby Wallenpaupack Brewing Company.
2. Camp Pocono Pines
theinnfluencer.theeastcoastcreative.com | @camppoconopines
Close to Camelback, Jack Frost and Big Boulder ski resorts and hiking destinations like Hickory Run State Park and Jim Thorpe, Camp Pocono Pines is a century-old cluster of cabins renovated to perfection. Vintage midcentury charm is combined with modern conveniences like smart TVs and air conditioning. Rent one cottage or all six for a group of up to 30—the indoorsy and outdoorsy alike will find this a fabulous stay.
3. Mountain Springs Lake Resort
1246 Mountain Springs Dr., Reeders | 570.629.0251 | mslresort.com
A private 76-acre lake is the setting for this resort in the Poconos, perfect for a lazy day fishing or boating across the water, and located close to the Appalachian Trail if you’re looking for a trek. With playgrounds, winter toboggans or rainy-day board games provided, the folks at Mountain Springs anticipate every facet of a classic family vacation. Check out their cozy cabins and suites for the whole crew or a romantic getaway.
4. Blue Mountain resort
1660 Blue Mountain Dr., Palmerton | 610.826.7700 | skibluemt.com
Best known for its skiing, this mountain resort has outdoor adventures on offer all through the year, from rock climbing and ropes course to fishing and laser tag. Accommodations also come in a range of rusticity, from tent camping in a prairie field to basic and deluxe glamping sites with platformed canvas shelters. Food and drink add-ons supply you with kits like the eggs and bacon bundle, and you get to cook it yourself on an open fire!
5. Shawnee Inn
100 Shawnee Inn Dr., Shawnee on Delaware | 570.424.4050 | shawneeinn.com
Along with a grand resort building and cabin accommodations, The Shawnee Inn Golf Resort on the Delaware River offers picturesque round tents with beds snug inside, either on the semi-secluded North Lawn or right up against the river. You don’t have to give up high speed internet to enjoy canoeing and cooking up s’mores over the fire. The onsite brewery and spa will tempt some while the rugged can use this spot to launch into the wilds of the Delaware Water Gap.
Published as "5 Things" in the October 2022 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
