Our Day at CamelBeach: Pennsylvania's Largest Outdoor Waterpark is 100% Worth the Drive

A family review from the Lehigh Valley

If you're a Lehigh Valley family looking for the ultimate summer day trip, look no further than CamelBeach Outdoor Waterpark in Tannersville, PA — and at just 50 minutes away, it might be the easiest "big adventure" you'll take all summer. Pennsylvania's largest outdoor waterpark delivered on every front for our family, and I'm excited to share every detail so you can plan your own perfect day.

The Park at a Glance

Nestled in the heart of the Pocono Mountains at Camelback Resort, CamelBeach is a genuinely impressive destination. With 37 rides and attractions spread across a 15-acre mountain setting, there is truly something for every member of the family — whether you're chasing thrills, floating in pure relaxation, or watching your little ones light up in the kids' zones. The park has a lively, well-maintained atmosphere, the staff we encountered were consistently friendly and helpful, and the grounds were noticeably clean throughout the day. Those things matter, and CamelBeach gets them right.

Our VIP Cabana Experience at Pharaoh's Phortress

We were fortunate enough to be set up with a VIP cabana for the day at Pharaoh's Phortress, which is the park's massive kids' play area, and what a space it is! Towering water structures, slides, sprayers, and that iconic giant tipping bucket make it a wonderland for younger guests. Our cabana came with the kind of service that lets you fully exhale: shaded, comfortable seating, the ability to order food, and a dedicated spot to drop your belongings and regroup between adventures.

Here's the thing, though — we barely used it. We were having too much fun.

That's actually the best review a waterpark can get: we couldn't stay still long enough to enjoy the luxury we'd been given. The cabana was a wonderful home base, and I'd absolutely recommend the upgrade for families — especially if you have younger kids who need a comfortable spot to rest and refuel — but CamelBeach's rides are simply too good to sit still for long.

The Rides: Where the Real Magic Happens

Dune Runner — Our Undisputed Favorite

We rode the Dune Runner six times. Six. If that doesn't tell you everything you need to know, nothing will. This family tube ride sends you swooping through wide open curves and dips in a way that gets the whole group screaming and laughing simultaneously. It hits that perfect sweet spot — thrilling enough to be exciting, smooth enough that everyone from the youngest to the oldest in your group can enjoy it together. We kept saying "one more time" until we'd lost count entirely.

Rival Racer — Pure, Competitive Fun

One of the park's newer additions, the Rival Racer mat slide was a massive hit with our kids. Eight lanes of twisting, enclosed tubes converge at the finish line, and the racing element absolutely ignited our competitive spirits. The slides rush a staggering 5,600 gallons of water per minute through a 400-foot course with a 54-foot vertical drop — so yes, it moves fast. Watching the kids race each other and celebrate (or dramatically mourn) at the bottom was one of the highlights of the entire day.

Tube Rides & the Lazy River

Our kids absolutely loved the tube rides throughout the park, and the lazy river was the perfect counterbalance — a classic that never gets old. Whether you want to drift peacefully or let the kids splash around, a well-done lazy river is always a crowd-pleaser, and CamelBeach's delivers.

What We Didn't Even Get To

Here's something that speaks volumes about the sheer size of CamelBeach: we never even made it to the Olympic-sized pool. An entire Olympic pool — and we simply ran out of time. The park also offers a FlowRider surfing experience for an additional cost, which is worth budgeting for if your family loves that kind of adventure. And beyond the water, Camelback Resort's Adventure Zone offers zip lines, a mountain coaster, and a treetop course for those who want to keep the excitement going on dry land.

A Helpful Note for Families with Little Ones

I want to be upfront about something that might catch families slightly off guard, because I think it's genuinely useful information for families with very young children: CamelBeach is situated on a mountain, which means you will be walking uphill to reach many of the attractions. It's part of what makes the setting so beautiful and scenic — those Pocono Mountain views are stunning — but it is a real consideration if you have toddlers or kids who tire easily on their feet.

My 6-year-old handled it completely fine and didn't complain once. But looking around during our day, I could see that some younger children were having a harder time with the inclines. If you have little ones under 4, factor in that there may be some carrying involved, or plan your route around the park strategically. It's not a dealbreaker by any stretch, just something worth knowing before you go.

Tips for Planning Your Visit

• Buy tickets online in advance — you'll save money and skip the box office line entirely.
• Arrive early — popular slides like the Rival Racer build longer lines as the day goes on.
• Consider a cabana — especially for families with younger kids, having a guaranteed shaded home base is invaluable on a hot summer day.
• Budget for extras — the FlowRider and some Adventure Zone activities carry an additional cost beyond general admission.
• Wear comfortable water shoes — with mountain terrain underfoot, they make a real difference in comfort as you walk between attractions.
• Pack your patience for the uphill walks — and maybe a carrier if your youngest is still small.
• CamelBeach is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with weekend-only hours in late spring and daily operation through the summer.

The Verdict

CamelBeach is the real deal. It earns its title as Pennsylvania's largest outdoor waterpark not just in size, but in the quality of the experience it delivers from the moment you arrive. Friendly staff, a clean and well-organized park, an incredible variety of rides, and that gorgeous Pocono Mountain backdrop make for a day that your family will be talking about for the rest of the summer.

Will we be going back? Absolutely — and we're already planning it. When a 6-year-old asks to ride the same slide six times and still isn't ready to leave, you know you've found something special.

CamelBeach Outdoor Waterpark is located at Camelback Resort in Tannersville, PA — just about 50 minutes from the Lehigh Valley. Visit camelbackresort.com for tickets, cabana reservations, and everything you need to plan your perfect summer day.

Have you been to CamelBeach with your family? We'd love to hear about your experience!