PA Camping, The Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association

For residents of Pennsylvania, the "Keystone State" is more than just a place on a map—it is a vast playground of rolling mountains, serene lakes, and deep forests. At the heart of this outdoor culture is PA Camping, represented by the Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association (PCOA). Based in the scenic region of East Stroudsburg, this organization serves as a vital bridge between the state’s most beautiful natural landscapes and the families who wish to explore them. Acting as both a professional trade association and a comprehensive tourist information center, PA Camping provides the expertise and resources necessary to plan the perfect getaway, whether you are a seasoned RVer or a first-time tenter.

The PCOA has been a cornerstone of the Pennsylvania tourism industry since 1963, representing over 200 independently owned and operated campgrounds across the state. By maintaining high standards for its member parks, the association ensures that Pennsylvania remains a top-tier destination for outdoor hospitality. For local Pennsylvanians, the association is a trusted neighbor that helps navigate the sheer variety of options available, from the rugged peaks of the Alleghenies to the historic fields of the Dutch Country. Their mission is to promote a high-quality camping experience that fosters a love for the outdoors across generations.

Location and Accessibility

The physical headquarters and information hub for PA Camping is located in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, specifically situated within the beautiful Pocono Mountains region. This location is ideal as it sits in one of the most popular tourist corridors in the northeastern United States, making it a primary stop for travelers heading into the heart of the mountains.

• Convenient Office Location: The office is located at Craigs Meadow Rd (with administrative offices at 415 Taylor Drive), East Stroudsburg, PA 18301. It is easily accessible via major routes like I-80, which serves as a main artery for travelers from both the Scranton area and the Lehigh Valley.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Demonstrating a commitment to inclusive tourism, the facility features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that all visitors can access information and assistance comfortably.
• Proximity to Natural Landmarks: The office is just a short distance from the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, providing visitors with immediate access to some of the state’s best hiking, boating, and scenic vistas.
• On-Site Parking: Travelers moving through the region in larger vehicles or RVs will find ample on-site parking, making it easy to pull over and pick up a physical copy of the state-wide camping directory.

Services Offered

PA Camping and the PCOA offer a wide range of services designed to enhance the vacation planning process. While the association itself is an administrative hub, it functions as a comprehensive resource center for the general public.

• Pennsylvania Campground Directory: The association produces an annual, full-color glossy directory that lists hundreds of premier campgrounds. This guide includes detailed maps, facility listings, and contact information for sites across eight geographic regions of PA.
• Tourist Information Center: Staff members are available to provide expert advice on regional attractions, hidden gems, and the best routes for scenic travel throughout the state.
• Digital Resources and Wi-Fi: For those on the move, the facility offers Wi-Fi access, allowing travelers to download digital maps or use the interactive search tools on the official PA Camping website.
• Member Advocacy and Standards: The association ensures that all member campgrounds adhere to professional codes of conduct, including transparent pricing and maintained facilities, giving campers peace of mind when booking.
• Public Amenities: The East Stroudsburg location provides access to public restrooms, a small but essential convenience for families embarking on long road trips through the Poconos.

Features and Highlights

The unique value of PA Camping lies in its ability to categorize and curate the best outdoor experiences in the state. Through their resources, campers can find exactly what they need based on specific features.

• Comprehensive Site Variety: Through the PCOA network, users can find everything from primitive tent sites for a rugged experience to luxury RV resorts with full hookups and swimming pools.
• Pet-Friendly Focus: Recognizing that pets are family, the association highlights "dogs allowed" sites, helping pet owners find locations where their furry companions can enjoy the trails alongside them.
• Family-Oriented Planning: The association specifically marks campgrounds that are "good for kids," focusing on those with playgrounds, planned activities, and safe environments for younger campers.
• Discount Programs: The PCOA often coordinates with member parks to offer coupons and special discounts, making a Pennsylvania vacation more affordable for local families.
• Educational Outreach: They provide resources on camping etiquette and safety, ensuring that the natural beauty of Pennsylvania remains preserved for future visitors.

Contact Information

If you are planning your next trip and want to request a directory or speak with a local expert, you can reach out to PA Camping through the following contact details:

• Address: Craigs Meadow Rd (and 415 Taylor Drive, Suite 302), East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, USA
• Phone: (610) 767-5026
• Mobile Phone: +1 610-767-5026
• Official Website: pacamping.com

What is Worth Choosing

In an age of endless online searches, PA Camping and the PCOA are worth choosing because they offer a curated, human-verified approach to travel. Instead of sifting through thousands of unverified reviews, Pennsylvanians can rely on an organization that has spent over 60 years vetting and supporting the state's campground industry. Their physical directory is often considered a "must-have" for any serious camper's glovebox, providing reliable offline maps for those times when cell service fades in the deep woods of the Alleghenies.

Furthermore, choosing to support PCOA-affiliated campgrounds means supporting local Pennsylvania small businesses. These owners are often families who live on the land they manage and are deeply invested in their communities. By using the resources at PA Camping, you aren't just finding a place to sleep—you are gaining access to a network of experts who are passionate about the Pennsylvania outdoors. Whether you are looking for a quiet riverside retreat or a bustling family resort, starting your journey with the Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association is the surest way to ensure your trip is safe, enjoyable, and authentically Pennsylvanian.