When Pennsylvania families look for a nearby escape, the Pocono Mountains continue to deliver. Two long‑standing, family‑run destinations—Pocono Mountain Villas by Exploria Resorts in East Stroudsburg and Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort in Waymart—offer a blend of outdoor recreation, history and affordable hospitality.
Pocono Mountain Villas: All‑Season Tubing
Located at 124 Golf Drive in East Stroudsburg, Pocono Mountain Villas boasts the region’s only all‑season tubing facility, Blue Lightning. The hill mirrors the resort’s winter attraction, White Lightning, but replaces snow with a specially designed surface that allows guests to slide year‑round. After each descent, a magic‑carpet lift returns riders to the summit for another run, making it easy for families to enjoy multiple trips without the hassle of climbing back up.
Beyond tubing, the resort expands the experience with horseback riding, a treetop ropes course, an 18‑hole golf course and a tavern‑style grill. All amenities are open to both resort guests and the public, providing locals a convenient venue for weekend recreation without the need for overnight stays.
Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort: A Legacy of Family Hospitality
Just over an hour’s drive north, Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort sits at 155 Keen Lake Rd in Waymart, a property that has been in the Keen family since 1813. Sisters Janet Keen and Jennifer Wertz now oversee the resort, preserving more than seven decades of visitor service while honoring the land’s deep roots.
The resort has evolved from modest early‑20th‑century cottages into a full‑service destination that emphasizes family and community. Guests can choose from traditional camping sites, modern cabins and lakeside cottages, each positioned to take advantage of the tranquil setting of Keen Lake. The property’s long history is highlighted in its commitment to providing a space where families can step away from daily routines, reconnect with one another, and create lasting memories.
Both resorts stress accessibility and affordability, appealing to families seeking a break without the expense of distant travel. Their offerings—whether a day of summer tubing or a weekend of lakeside camping—reflect a broader trend in the Poconos toward family‑focused, locally owned hospitality that supports the regional economy while preserving the area’s natural beauty.
Practical Information
For those interested in visiting Pocono Mountain Villas, reservations and general inquiries can be directed to [email protected]. Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at (570) 488‑6161.
Both locations welcome day‑trippers as well as overnight guests, making them flexible options for weekend plans, school breaks or spontaneous family outings.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
