7 Affordable Destinations In The Poconos For Budget Travelers

For many Americans, the Poconos region is associated with its stunning ski resorts. As a result, some budget travelers tend to overlook this beautiful area in search of more cost-effective getaways. However, the Poconos has much more to offer beyond its snowy slopes and discovering affordable postcard scenes and memorable adventures in the Poconos is easier than you might think.

By exploring the region's charming small towns, you can uncover bucket-list-worthy sights and experiences without breaking the bank. From breathtaking alpine vistas to picturesque waterfall hikes, nature is the heart and soul of these destinations. Coupled with budget-friendly accommodations and other affordable necessities, these 7 affordable destinations are ideal for any traveler eager to explore the wonders of the Poconos.

Delaware Water Gap

When people visit the picturesque borough of Delaware Water Gap, most come for its namesake “Wonder of the World.” Over 4.2 million people visited the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in 2023, proving it to be one of the best affordable attractions in the Poconos. Aside from minor amenity fees for certain areas, the Recreation Area does not charge entrance fees. Even then, the amenity fees are extremely budget-friendly, ranging from $2USD per pedestrian to $10 per vehicle.

Saving on travel time is key for exploring as much of the 70,000 protected acres as possible. Those staying in reasonably-priced accommodations like the Fairfield Inn & Suites can reach the Recreation Area in as little as 7 minutes. Once there, visitors have over 150 miles of trails to choose from. Waterfall paths are some of the most popular, including trails like Dingmans Creek, Lower Hornbecks Creek, and Raymondskill Creek to name a few. The Hidden Lake Trail is more popular with anglers, while swimming is preferred at any of the Recreation Area’s three beaches along the Delaware River.

To learn more about the region’s history and secrets, the Antoine Dutot Museum & Gallery is the perfect follow-up. Located on Delaware Water Gap’s Main Street, this historic gallery can be explored for just $2 per visitor.

White Haven

While primarily known for their awe-inspiring beauty, Pennsylvania’s state parks are also some of the best budget-friendly destinations in the Poconos. Since all Pennsylvania state parks lack a day use or entrance fee, visitors can enjoy a weekend retreat without breaking the bank.

As the home of Hickory Run State Park, White Haven is a vibrant gateway to the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains. For nature lovers, this 15,990-acre oasis boasts a total of 3 natural areas, over 40 miles of hiking trails, and miles of trout-stocked streams. Other highlights include the sparkling Lehigh River, ancient landscapes like Boulder Field, and the breathtaking 25-foot Hawk Falls cascade. From May to mid-September, visitors can also swim and lounge on the beaches at Sand Spring Lake, which transforms into a natural skating rink in the winter.

Camping at Hickory Run State Park is a great way to get the most out of your time here, and it is also super cost-effective. TheDyrt cites campsites at around $15USD to $40 per night, while cabins range from $38 to $105. Alternatively, White Haven also offers affordable hotels like the Comfort Inn-Pocono Mountains and Holiday Inn Express & Suites, whose rooms frequently price well below $150USD per night.

Gouldsboro

With less than 700 residents, the gorgeous Poconos village of Gouldsboro may be small, but its backyard is extraordinary. Like White Haven, this town is a fantastic choice for budget travelers who love getting outdoors. But what sets Gouldsboro apart is its proximity to not one, but two incredible state parks. Whether camping in the parks or staying at affordable historic lakefront inns like the Pocono Mountains Hotel and Spa, beautiful scenes follow you everywhere in this alpine town.

Gouldsboro State Park is the first of the two, open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset. It spans 2,800 acres of land and boasts 7.25 miles of trails, ranging from laid-back wildlife paths like the Old Entrance Trail to more challenging routes like the Prospect Rock Trail. Boating and fishing are equally popular at the beautiful 250-acre Gouldsboro Lake, whose sand beach is open from Memorial Day weekend to mid-September.

Tobyhanna State Park is the second of Gouldsboro’s gateway attractions, a brief 15-minute drive from town. At 5,440-acres-large, Tobyhanna is the larger of the two parks, with 10 miles of trails. The 5-mile Lakeside Trail around Tobyhanna Lake is the park’s most popular path, while its beach takes the spotlight in the summer.

Tannersville

While not typically considered an affordable Poconos destination, the memorable town of Tannersville may be more cost-effective than you think. People often associate this northeastern Pennsylvania community with its more costly tourist attractions, like the Camelback Mountain Ski and Waterpark Resort. But there are also countless cool and affordable options for budget-conscious travelers.

Tannersville has a range of affordable accommodation options, like the Days Inn by Wyndham Tannersville and Best Western Plus Poconos Hotel. While they may not offer all the luxuries of a resort, the town’s enchanting natural surroundings are the true reason most visit Tannersville. From April to early December, Big Pocono State Park is the standout attraction, allowing visitors to enjoy the breathtaking summits of Camelback Mountain for free. Along various points along the 8.5 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails, visitors can experience jaw-dropping views of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.

With an adventure this affordable, you may just want to splurge on Tannersville’s more touristy attractions. Shopping is popular at spots like Pocono Premium Outlets and the Pocono Antique Mall at Peddler's Village. For more mountain recreation, Camelback Mountain Adventures also offers some relatively affordable experiences, like their $40USD zipline and $33 Mountain Coaster.

Stroudsburg

In the heart of the Poconos, “Historic yet hip, Stroudsburg” offers a different kind of getaway for travelers on a budget, having one of the best downtowns in the Poconos. Differing from the towns we have looked at so far, this Pennsylvania borough is centered around its spirited art scene and historic charms. A weekend getaway in Stroudsburg is all about slowing down and appreciating simple, small-town pleasures, from galleries to cafes and everything in between.

With a "Very Walkable" rating from WalkScore.com, visitors can easily explore the town on foot, discovering an array of 19th-century architecture in Stroudburg’s historic downtown. The downtown area is also a hub for Stroudsburg’s art scene and coffee houses, featuring highlights like the Gamut Art Gallery, Sherman Theater, and Café Duet.

Downtown accommodations such as The Penn Stroud place you close to these attractions while remaining affordable. But if you are looking to save even more, places like the Red Roof Inn offer even more savings a bit further out. In this case, utilizing Stroudsburg’s Pocono Pony bus system can enhance your budget-friendly experience that much more.

Honesdale

A little over 1-hour north of Stroudsburg, Honesdale offers a similar vibe, inviting visitors to slow down and reconnect with small-town America. By blending Old World charms with modern pleasures, this quaint historic town sets itself apart while remaining one of the most affordable places to visit in the Poconos.

As the “Birthplace of the American Railroad,” Honesdale is known for welcoming the very first commercial steam locomotive in the United States back in 1829. Today, visitors can ride these same tracks aboard The Stourbridge Line, which departs right from downtown Honesdale. For experiences like the Pocono Express and Pocono Winter Wonderland Express, adult passenger tickets cost just $25USD. For a family experience, you can save even more, with children under 3 riding free and tickets for children ages 3 to 12 costing $20. These 1.5-hour excursions will be the highlight of your trip, offering a glance at the breathtaking Northern Pocono Mountains.

Back downtown, affordable accommodations like the Wayne Inn allow visitors to explore the area’s attractions by foot, including quirky locales like the Twisted Rail Tavern and historic sites like the Wayne County Courthouse and Old Stone Jail. For history enthusiasts, the Wayne County Historical Society is another must. The museum is housed in a building built in 1860, and is free for everyone 18 and under, costing just $5USD for adults.

Wilkes-Barre

Overlooked by the Poconos Mountains to the east, Wilkes-Barre is a captivating college town known for its youthful culture and outdoor recreation. With three educational institutions downtown (King's College, Wilkes University, and the Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania State University campus) there is always something exciting going on.

Wilkes-Barre is another “Very Walkable” community according to WalkScore.com, making it easy to save on transportation costs. It also makes it easy to explore the town’s art scene on foot at places like the Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre, F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, and Sordoni Art Gallery. To continue saving on transportation costs, budget-friendly accommodations like the Best Western Plus Wilkes Barre Center City are close to these popular attractions.

The hotel’s proximity to the Susquehanna River is the cherry on top, with nearby waterfront parks like the River Common. If you are willing to make a 15-minute drive for more enchanting natural sights, Wilkes-Barre is also a gateway to the Seven Tubs Recreation Area. The 400-acre space earned its name from its glacial meltwater pools, which can be appreciated on hiking trails like the 1.8-mile Audubon Loop.

Final Thoughts

In recent years, budget traveling has become increasingly popular, with many preferring to take several smaller getaways in place of a larger vacation. While the cost of a Poconos ski resort trip tends to align more with larger-scale vacation, these 7 Poconos towns provide incredible experiences at a fraction of the cost. Whether you are planning a trip to White Haven for its beaches or Honesdale for a scenic train ride through the mountains, these Poconos towns will satisfy your travel cravings without straining your savings.