Visiting the Pocono Mountains on a tight budget might seem challenging. Costs for everything from lodging to dining to recreational activities and attractions are generally higher. But that is not completely true though.
You don’t have to empty your wallet to enjoy a good time in the Poconos. In fact, there are a number of amusing attractions that are affordable or even free to experience.
There is a vast selection of trips planned for you to begin preparing for your Poconos break as it is never too early to do so.
The Poconos offers excursions to match any budget, be it your goal to unwind by the poolside or treat yourself to a special spa treatment.
In this blog, I have listed some of the region’s free or budget-friendly getaways from my experience as a wanderluster to help your trip to the Poconos.
1. Outdoor Activities
There is an abundance of low-cost activities in the Poconos that you can enjoy such as visiting the parks, hiking, fishing and so on. Let me give a brief for a few of these activities below.
State Park
A budget friendly trip that can help you unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of city life is to visit a state park. This low-cost outing has many benefits, such as wandering alongside the streams, ascending the rock formations, and enjoying the fresh air. Almost all the state parks in Poconos are famous for their breathtaking scenic beauty, distinct fauna and memorable experiences. Below are some of the top state parks you can visit for strolling and relaxing.
| State Parks | Address |
| Big Pocono State Park | High Pass Way, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 |
| Hickory Run State Park | 3613 PA-534, White Haven, PA 18661 |
| Tobyhanna State Park | 14 Campground Rd, Tobyhanna, PA 18466 |
| Beltzville State Park | 2950 Pohopoco Dr, Lehighton, PA 18235 |
| Lehigh Gorge State Park | S Lehigh Gorge Dr, Weatherly, PA 18255 |
| Gouldsboro State Park | Pennsylvania 507 at, State Pk Rd, Gouldsboro, PA 18424 |
Hike Trails
Poconos has several hike trails for you to enjoy. You can spend valuable time with your family and friends, exploring a new world and nurturing a bond with nature, in addition to enjoying the lush, green environment of the Poconos. You might encounter wildlife as the hiking trails in the Pocono Mountains have dense foliage. It is recommended that you dress properly for your protection as some of the hiking routes are located on State game territory.
As you already know, hiking comes with loads of benefits like cardiovascular health, weight loss, toned muscles, bone health maintenance and stress reduction. So, why not enjoy your hike on one of the Pocono hiking trails?
| Hike Trails | Address |
| Huckleberry Mountain | 50 Huntingdon Drive South Sterling, PA 18445 |
| Lehigh Gorge State Trail | 3 Family Camp Road White Haven, PA 18661 |
| Mount Pisgah | 28 Entrance Rd, Troy, PA 16947 |
| Tank Hollow Trail | Tank Hollow, Penn Forest Township, PA 18229 |
| The Appalachian Trail | Mountain Road Trailhead, Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327 |
Fishing
There is a varied collection of fishes to be caught while fishing in the Pocono Mountains. The streams of the Pocono Mountains have an abundance of trout, panfish, catfish, smallmouth bass, bigmouth bass and so on. You will be surprised at what you can find in Poconos when you go fishing. However, most spots in the Poconos require a fishing licence to let you fish. Obtain one online before you go fishing. If you bring your own fishing bait and other essentials, then you can experience a great budget-friendly fishing activity.
| Fishing Spots | Address |
| Lake Naomi Club at Mountain Lodge | 122 PA-423, Pocono Pines, PA 18350 |
| Promised Land State Park | 100 Lower Lake Rd, Greentown, PA 18426 |
| Lake Wallenpaupack | 2512 Route 6, Suite 1 Hawley, PA 18428 |
2. Waterfalls and Scenic Drives
The Poconos is home to many wonderful waterfalls and scenic drives through the green and fall foliage of the landscape.
Waterfalls
There are a number of breathtaking waterfalls in Pennsylvania that are waiting to be explored, with the highest concentration of waterfalls in Pocono Mountains. While some of the waterfalls can be accessed through well traveled paths, others are hidden away in isolation. The Pocono Mountains are reputed for its scenic waterfalls and its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. The waterfalls provided in this list are completely free to explore, unlike the Bushkill Falls, which needs an admission fee.
| Waterfalls | Address |
| Raymondskill Falls | 917 Raymondskill Rd Milford, PA 18337 |
| Glen Onoko | 1519 State Route 903. Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 |
| Hornbecks Creek | Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area P.O. Box 2. Bushkill, PA 18324 |
| Dingmans Falls | 224 Dingmans Falls Road Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328 |
| Hawk Falls | Route 534, Hickory Run State Park Albrightsville, PA 18210 |
Scenic Drives
Although there are a multitude of opportunities for stunning scenic drives in Poconos, autumn is a particularly appealing season to take such drives. Poconos has some picturesque scenic drives that offer some exhilarating views of the region as ride or drive through it. In the fall, you also witness the bright fall foliage.
| Scenic Drive Spots | Address |
| The Summit of Big Pocono | 980 Camelback Rd, Tannersville, PA 18372 |
| The Delaware Water Gap Scenic Drive | 1978 River Road, Bushkill, PA 18324 |
| The Roebling Bridge | Roebling Bridge, 182 Scenic Dr, Lackawaxen, PA 18435 |
| The Picturesque Town of Milford | 560 Route 6 & 209, Milford Township, PA18337 |
3. Historical and Cultural Attractions
The Poconos has a rich history, culture and heritage, and is not just a destination for leisurely outdoor pursuits and peaceful getaways. Poconos is a gem for history geeks. On your next visit to the Pocono Mountains, take a break from your normal adventures and explore a museum instead. You will gain new information by visiting any of these wonderful museums that feature some extraordinary artwork, historical documents, a magic museum and more. And you can experience all this for free or for a minimal cost.
| Museum | Address | Pricing |
| Columns Museum | 608 Broad St, Milford, PA 18337 | $5 for adults and $3 for students |
| Dorflinger Glass Museum | 55 Suydam Drive White Mills, PA 18473 | $5 (from May to October) |
| Houdini Museum | 1433 N Main Ave, Scranton, PA 18508 | $5 |
| Frazetta Art Museum | 141 Museum Rd, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 | No admission fee; $15 donation per person is appreciated |
4. Family Friendly Activities
Poconos is a gem for recreation and family-friendly activities too. You can enjoy one of the most affordable family friendly vacations in the Poconos. Owing to its exciting combination of natural beauty and kid-friendly activities, Poconos will give you a plethora of phenomenal experiences. These activities are a best option for families to enjoy their time in the Poconos.
| Family Friendly Activity Spot | Address | Pricing |
| Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark | 193 Resort Dr, Tannersville, PA 18372 | $42 |
| Claws and Paws Wild Animal Park | 1475 Ledgedale Rd, Lake Ariel, PA 18436 | $46 for kids; $59 for adults |
| Costa’s Family Fun Park | 2111 Route 6, Hawley, PA 18428 | No admission fee, but activities can be purchased individually |
| Pocono Environmental Education Center | 538 Emery Rd, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328 | $295/person for 4 nights |
5. Winter Sports
In the winter season, Poconos transforms into a winter wonderland and becomes a haven for winter sports. Poconos skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, snowshoeing, ice skating are few of the prominent winter sports that you can enjoy here. Most of the Poconos ski resorts offer discounts and special offers thereby making winter sports affordable and enjoyable to everyone. If you are a ski enthusiast, then you can out the best ski places in the Poconos.
| Resorts/Parks | Address |
| Woodloch Resort | 731 Welcome Lake Rd, Hawley, PA 18428 |
| Camelback Mountain | 301 Resort Drive Tannersville, PA 18372 |
| Shawnee Mountain | 401 Hollow Rd, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 |
| Blue Mountain | 1660 Blue Mountain Dr, Palmerton, PA 18071 |
| Gouldsboro State Park | Pennsylvania 507 at, State Pk Rd, Gouldsboro, PA 18424 |
6. Shopping & Dining
Aside from the scenic drives, the outdoor adventures and other cultural attractions, Poconos offers a number of budget-friendly shopping and dining options.
Shopping
The Poconos has a multitude of outdoor activities to engage the outdoor enthusiast. But the Poconos is not just limited to outdoor activities. The region also offers a delightful shopping experience. The shopping options in the Poconos are unique and affordable, with small businesses offering discounts and specials throughout the week. There are also a number of outlets in Poconos that provide high-end items at a low-cost.
| Shopping Destination | Outlet | Address |
| Pocono Premium Outlets | Kitchenware, cosmetics, jewelry, shoes | 1000 Premium Outlets Dr, Tannersville, PA 18372 |
| Markets of Shrewsbury | Gifts, crafts, baked delicacies, furniture, farmer’s market | 12025 Susquehanna Trail S, Glen Rock, PA 17327 |
| Blue Ridge Flea Market | Used items, jewelry, antiques, tools and outdoor equipment | 648 Route 115 Saylorsburg, PA 18353 |
| The Stabin Museum | Furniture, books, paintings, prints | 268 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 |
| Hawley Antique Exchange | Vintage clothing, art, pottery, books, furniture, glassware | 209 Bellemonte Ave, Hawley, PA 18428 |
Dining
Apart from outdoor activities and affordable shopping experience, Poconos is also famous for a great culinary experience. Restaurants in the Poconos offer exotic and seasonal cuisines to delight the visitors who come to the place all throughout the year. Few of the Pocono Mountain restaurants are pretty affordable with no compromise to the quality of the food offered. You can enjoy a good Poconos dining experience in any of the restaurants after a busy day of outdoor activities or shopping.
If you are looking for a better dining experience, you can check out some of the best restaurants in the Poconos.
| Budget Eateries | Address |
| Village Diner | 268 Route 6 and #209, Milford, PA 18337 |
| Chat N Chew Cafe | 248 Route 940, Blakeslee, PA 18610 |
| Scotrun Diner | 2576 Route 611, Scotrun, PA 18355 |
| Minisink Hotel | 110 Post Office Rd, Minisink Hills, PA 18341 |
| Compton’s Pancake House | 110 Park Ave, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 |
Conclusion
A budget-friendly vacation to the Poconos is not only an absolute possibility but rather an opportunity for you to enjoy what Poconos has to offer without breaking the bank. From reasonably priced accommodation to an abundance of budget-friendly activities, this region provides a varied range of experiences for you.
Poconos has plenty to offer you whether your interests lie in history, hiking or simply relaxing. You can still keep your wallet intact while you build cherishable memories here.
You can check out some of the best vacation rentals in Poconos in the HolidayKeepers platform. The rentals are suitable for all types of guests, including families and romantic couples. Contact us for more details.
FAQs
Q1: Which are a few reasonably priced places to stay in the Pocono Mountains?
Affordable lodging options like motels, cabins and campgrounds offer accommodation at a reasonable price in the Poconos.
Q2: Are there any free hiking routes in the Pocono Mountains?
Yes, there are a few free hiking routes in Poconos, which include the magnificent trails in state parks and parts of the Appalachian Trail.
Q3: Can I go fishing in the Poconos on a budget?
Yes, you can go fishing in the Poconos without paying too much money by using a free or cheap fishing permit. You can access a number of lakes and streams in Poconos on a budget.
Q4: Name a few affordable water sports that I can try out in the Poconos.
You can try out a few of the affordable water sports in Poconos such as swimming in natural water bodies or kayaking and canoeing in the Delaware River.
With a decade of expertise in travel and hospitality, Aman Mehrotra, Senior Editor and Travel Manager at HolidayKeepers, is known for his compelling storytelling and insightful travel content. He skillfully combines strategic marketing wisdom with engaging narratives, covering everything from undiscovered destinations to the latest trends in vacation rentals. Aman’s writings resonate with both adventure enthusiasts and those seeking leisurely retreats. His global perspective and innovative approach make him a valuable asset to the HolidayKeepers team and a favorite among readers seeking inspiration and practical advice for their travels.
