Camelback Resort

The Poconos’ biggest hill, with tubing and Aquatopia.

The largest ski area in the Poconos: 39 trails on 166 acres with 800 ft of vertical, night skiing and a 40-plus-lane snow tubing park. The 453-room lodge includes the Aquatopia indoor waterpark with every stay, so it suits families who want to mix skiing, tubing and pool days. About 90 miles from New York City, which makes weekends busy.

The mountain

Vertical drop

800 ft

Summit

2,133 ft

Skiable terrain

166 acres

Trails

39

Lifts

14

Average snowfall

50″ a year

Longest run

0.9 mi

Snowmaking

100% of terrain

Terrain mix

• Beginner 39%
• Intermediate 26%
• Advanced 35%

What’s here besides skiing

• Night skiing
• Terrain park
• Snow tubing
• Indoor waterpark
• Kids programs
• Nightlife

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasEarly December (Dec 5 in 2025)Usually

  Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting

  Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves arrive with the local fire company to light the resort tree. Free, with cocoa and cookies. Santa then visits through December.

• ChristmasDec 24, from 4 pm (annual)Usually

  Christmas Eve buffet

  Holiday buffet dinner at the resort. Reserve ahead.

• New Year’sDec 31, 11 am–1 pm (annual)Usually

  Noon Year’s Party

  A family countdown to noon with a DJ in Mountain Village, for kids who won’t make it to midnight.

• New Year’sDec 31, from 4 pm (annual)Usually

  New Year’s Eve dinner

  Seasonal New Year’s Eve buffet at Hemispheres in the lodge.

• FestivalSat Nov 14

  Ullr Fest

  The 11th annual pre-season party for Ullr, the Norse god of snow, with a bonfire, live music, food and drink.

• Pond skimLate March (Mar 21 in 2026)Usually

  ’90s Pond Skim

  Neon and retro costumes, a pond to cross, and plenty of wipeouts. A lift ticket is needed to be on snow.

Where to stay

• base villageCamelback Lodge

  The resort’s own 453-room lodge with suites and family condos that sleep up to 12. Every stay includes Aquatopia, and lodge guests get discounts on resort activities.

  On site
• hotelChateau Resort & Conference Center

  Hotel on Camelback Road at the foot of the mountain, with indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna and a fitness center.

  3 min drive
• hotelGreat Wolf Lodge Poconos

  Family resort built around a 120,000 sq ft indoor waterpark kept at 84 degrees.

  10 min drive
• hotelKalahari Resorts Poconos

  Big Africa-themed resort and convention center built around a huge indoor waterpark.

  15 min drive
• innThe Stroudsmoor

  Long-running country inn above Stroudsburg with its own restaurant, a calmer base than the waterpark resorts.

  20 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark · On site

  Camelback’s indoor waterpark, included with lodge stays. Adult-only nights run on select evenings.

• Camelback Snow Tubing · On site

  More than 40 lanes, ranked best place for snow tubing by USA Today 10Best readers. Book a session ahead on weekends.

• Barley Creek Brewing & Distilling · 5 min drive

  Tannersville brewpub and distillery, a go-to for beer and burgers after skiing.

• Mount Airy Casino Resort · 15 min drive

  Casino, restaurants and a hotel for a night out. Guests must be 21 or older.

• Kalahari indoor waterpark · 15 min drive

  A second big indoor waterpark nearby, easiest to use as a Kalahari hotel guest.

Après and nightlife

• Trails End Pub & Grille

  Revamped for 2025-26 as a sports bar with big screens and a new menu.

• Thirsty Camel Patio

  Patio bar in Mountain Village, expanded for 2025-26 with seven fire pits.

• Club Camelback

  A 21-plus après party with a DJ, drinks and late bites in the Pennsylvania Room on select winter nights.

• Barley Creek Brewing & Distilling

  House beer and spirits in a big rustic pub down the road in Tannersville.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International (AVP) · about 45 min drive
• New York City · about 1.75 hr
• Philadelphia · about 2 hr

Directions in Google Maps