Camelback Resort, nestled in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, is an ideal family-friendly getaway, especially for those traveling with young children. Located approximately 2-3 hours from the northern New Jersey (NJ) and New York (NY) metropolitan areas, it offers a convenient escape for families looking for adventure and relaxation without the hassle of a long drive.
The amount of time you should spend at the resort depends on the activities you plan to do. For us, one night was sufficient. We arrived around noon on Friday and left Saturday night, giving us nearly two full days to experience everything the resort had to offer. This schedule worked perfectly for our family, allowing us to make the most of our stay without feeling rushed.
Day 1: Arrival, Aquatopia Waterpark
We arrived around 1 PM, and to our surprise, our room was already ready for us (check-in is usually at 4 PM). Even if it hadn’t been, we could have started enjoying the waterpark right away, which was a great perk.
We kicked off our trip at Aquatopia, the resort's indoor waterpark. We spent about three hours there, and my kids loved every minute. With plenty of slides, a wave pool, and interactive play areas, it kept them entertained. After we changed and got dubbed, the resort hosted a magic show at night which my kids surprisingly sat through the whole hour of even thought it was late.
Day 2: Mountain Coaster, Fall Fest & Outlets
We started our second day with a ride on the mountain coaster. I highly recommend this! It was a serene and thrilling experience. My 3 year old sat with me and had a blast. The minimum age to ride this is 3 years.
Luckily, the resort was also hosting a Fall Fest, allowing the kids to enjoy some fun seasonal activities after our ride.
After the festivities, we ventured out to the nearby outlets. The food court had limited options, so we settled for smoothies and French fries. However, the highlight was
the central play area featuring giant Connect 4 and chess, which kept the kids entertained.
Feeling the waterpark calling us again, we returned to Camelback for another two hours of splashing fun. The wave pool was definitely their favorite part!
After showering post-waterpark, we realized it was already 4:30 PM, so we headed back out to grab dinner and made a stop at Vegan Treats on our way home. Their cannolis and mini chocolate cake were incredible—definitely some of the best vegan desserts we've had!
Dining Considerations
While the activities were amazing, I would advise families to bring their own food. The dining options within the resort, particularly for vegetarians, are limited and pricey. For instance, we paid $15 for a small bowl of boxed mac and cheese at the waterpark's restaurant. Instead, I recommended utilizing the microwave and fridge in the room for home-brought meals. If you venture off-campus, you'll find a variety of restaurants within a 10-15 minute drive.
During our stay, we tried two local restaurants. The only one I would recommend is Spice Route, an Indian restaurant that catered to our dietary preferences well. The paneer makhani and dal tadka were delicious, and they offer some indo-Chinese dishes too.
Other Tidbits:
We also appreciated the resort's free access to washers and dryers, though be sure to bring your own detergent.
For mountain adventures, you have the option to drive, walk, or take the resort's shuttle—very convenient!
Lastly, Camelback Resort hosts various activities, including a magic show we caught on our first night. It was a fun experience that added to our overall enjoyment.
Other options for young kids at the resort include mini golf, arcades, sun tubing (snow tubing in the winter). You can explore their different adventures here
Final Thoughts
Camelback Resort offers an excellent blend of activities for families, especially with young children. Just be mindful of dining options, and plan to bring some snacks or meals to save money.
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