Big Bear Camp, Hawley, PA

Introduction / Overview: Your Family Gateway to the Poconos at Big Bear Camp

For many Pennsylvania residents, finding a reliable, safe, and activity-filled destination for seasonal camping is a top priority. Big Bear Camp, located in the scenic Paupack Township of Wayne County, offers exactly that, serving as a distinct gated campground community designed with the family in mind. Unlike traditional public campgrounds, Big Bear Camp operates as a "Members Only" community where you have the opportunity to own your campsite lot, providing a sense of permanence and community rarely found in other regional parks.

This destination is perfectly situated to enjoy all the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the Pocono Mountain area, particularly its close proximity to the expansive Lake Wallenpaupack. While the community is structured around lot ownership, it welcomes visitors to the relaxed, family-focused atmosphere through rentals of privately owned sites (often with full RV hookups). Visitors consistently praise the experience, noting it is "Very nice," "safe and family friendly," and packed with "Lots of activities for kids and toddlers." The emphasis on cleanliness, as highlighted by a reviewer who appreciated the "very clean" public bathrooms and "nice" showers, ensures a comfortable and pleasant stay for everyone.

Big Bear Camp offers a secure, well-maintained environment where families can return year after year to make lasting memories, whether they are enjoying a day by the community pool or simply relaxing at their own site by the campfire.

Location and Accessibility for Pennsylvania Users

Big Bear Camp is conveniently located at 422 T395, Hawley, PA 18428, placing it in a prime spot within the picturesque Lake Region of the Pocono Mountains. For Pennsylvania residents, its position off Route 590 in Wayne County ensures easy, straightforward access, minimizing long travel times and maximizing vacation enjoyment. The Hawley area is known for its natural beauty and is easily reached from many of the state’s population centers.

A significant draw of this location is its incredible proximity to the massive Lake Wallenpaupack. The campground is only minutes—a quick drive of just a few miles—from the public boat launch at Lake Wallenpaupack, allowing easy access for boating, fishing, and water sports enthusiasts. Additionally, the camp is close to the charming town of Hawley, where a short 7-minute (approx. 3-mile) drive provides access to essential amenities. This proximity includes shopping, various eateries, ice cream shops, a brewery-restaurant, groceries, and laundry facilities, meaning campers have modern conveniences within easy reach while still enjoying a secluded woodland setting. The gated nature of the community ensures an added layer of security, a significant benefit for families seeking peace of mind during their stay.

Services Offered

While Big Bear Camp operates as a member-owned community, its services are specifically tailored to provide a comfortable and highly functional experience for all campers and site owners. Key services include:

Full Utility Hookups: Many sites offered for seasonal or short-term stays feature full RV hookups, including electric (with options like new 50/30 amp service), central water, and sewer connections.
Community Utilities: The grounds are supported by essential infrastructure, including central water and sewer systems.
Security: The campground is a gated community, enhancing security and privacy for all members and guests (a security code is typically assigned for access).
Sanitation Facilities: Public comfort stations, including restrooms and a dedicated shower house near the pool, are available and are noted by visitors for their cleanliness and maintenance.
Maintenance: The annual community dues cover crucial services such as garbage collection via community dumpsters and road maintenance, ensuring the grounds and internal roads remain in good condition.
On-Site Amenities: Services provided within the community include a clubhouse/recreation area and a picnic pavilion, perfect for family meals and group events.
Rental Availability: Although many lots are privately owned, various sites and sometimes furnished RV units are available for short-term rental, often featuring essentials like a picnic table and a fire ring.

Features / Highlights

Big Bear Camp is designed to be an amenity-rich environment that keeps families entertained and provides a relaxing Poconos experience. The main highlights include:

Outdoor Swimming Pool: A well-maintained outdoor pool is a central feature of the campground, particularly operational during the summer months, providing a perfect place for families to cool off and socialize.
Kid-Friendly Recreation: The camp prioritizes fun for young ones, featuring a dedicated playground, a swing set, and a game room. One customer review specifically praised the "Lots of activities for kids and toddlers."
Sports and Games: Recreational facilities include a basketball court and dedicated areas for yard games like horseshoes, ensuring fun and physical activity for all age groups.
Natural and Walking Trails: Guests can enjoy the serene natural setting through various walking trails on the property that lead to a pond and wetland area, offering peaceful nature observation.
Clean and Modern Bathhouses: A consistent highlight in customer reviews is the quality of the sanitation facilities, with visitors specifically mentioning the "spacious, newish tile showers" as among the "nicest and cleanest" they have ever used.
Proximity to Lake Wallenpaupack: Its location is a major feature, with Walt’s Landing marina just a 4-minute drive away, providing immediate access to the Poconos’ largest lake for boating and water activities. Popular local spots like the dam at sunset are also nearby for a scenic outing.
Pet-Friendly Policy: Leashed pets are welcome, with plenty of green space and a trail to a pond that makes it easy to walk dogs, which is a key consideration for Pennsylvania families traveling with their furry companions.

Contact Information

To inquire about site availability, lot rentals, or general community information, local users may utilize the following details. Note that for private site rentals, guests may need to contact the specific lot owner or a designated rental agent (such as those listed on hipcamp or similar platforms). For community governance questions, contact a representative of the community association.

Address: 422 T395, Hawley, PA 18428, USA

Please note that general phone information for a member-owned community is often restricted. For direct booking inquiries on specific rental sites, please refer to the appropriate online listing platform.

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Locals

Big Bear Camp is an exceptional choice for Pennsylvania residents, particularly those in the Northeastern and Eastern parts of the state. Its structure as a gated, member-owned community offers a stability and affordability often lacking in purely transient campgrounds, making it ideal for families seeking a secure seasonal "home away from home" in the Poconos. The ability to own or rent a full hookup site near Lake Wallenpaupack means you secure a reliable, high-value vacation spot without the commitment or cost of a full vacation home.

Crucially, the camp provides an excellent balance of relaxation and recreation. The high number of family-friendly amenities—from the pool and playground to the clean facilities and safe, quiet environment—ensure a stress-free experience for parents. As noted by one customer, the site is "safe and family friendly," offering "a nice place to spend vacation time." For PA families looking for a convenient, secure, and activity-packed base to explore the scenic Lake Region of Hawley, Big Bear Camp represents a smart, enjoyable, and recurring getaway option. It's the perfect place for local users to create a beloved tradition and return to the peace of the Poconos, season after season.