Woodloch Pines Resort

Built in 1958, Woodloch Pines retains the bucolic private setting it’s always had, though it's now filled with more families and young children than earlier years. Belonging to the Kiesendahl family since its inception, this all-American camp attracts many of the same families, year after year, who come for quality time together, and to experience the seemingly unending array of indoor and outdoor activities that unfold across 1,000 acres. The property was renovated in 2008, but there's nothing too contemporary about the cozy country decor. (Think Dirty Dancing meets mid-range chain hotel.) The lobby is arranged like a huge country house living room that exudes simple comfort with lounge sitting areas, a stuffed bear, rustic wood panelling with exposed beams overhead. Elsewhere in the resort, bare walls and drop-ceilings won't win any design awards, but most of the activity takes place outside anyway, in view of scenic Lake Teedyuskung.

Woodloch Pines Resort resides in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains region -- known for its camping, hiking, and many ski resorts that largely attract residents of New York, New Jersey, and Washington D.C. The resort is about a 15-minute drive from the small town center of Hawley, but removed from dining and other area destinations. Woodloch is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from NYC, around three-and-a-half-hours from New Jersey, and close to five hours from D.C. The location allows for a doable day trip from New York or New Jersey (if you embark early enough), or serves as a base camp for skiing at Big Bear, which is only 15 minutes east by car. Camelback ski area is almost a 90-minute drive south. Wilkes-Barr/Scranton International Airport is about an hour’s drive west.

Woodloch’s many room types are spread across multiple buildings and come in a variety of sizes, but most have a similarly dated mix of country-style decor.  Classic Standard Rooms feature carpets and wooden interiors with simple furnishings reminiscent of budget chains. Inside the Main Lodge, Deluxe Lakeview Rooms are a step up, with typical hotel layouts including sitting areas with pull-out sofas. All rooms also have mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. Located in the pool and sports complex, Edgewater Suites have homey living rooms and cooking facilities, in spacious one- and two-bedroom layouts. Some have kitchenettes and balconies with lake views. Most rooms have bathrooms with plain tiled floors and standard shower/tub combos.

Private lakeside houses with four to six bedrooms are available for groups (a minimum adult occupancy applies), at two locations along the resort's internal shuttle route. The tri-level houses have a modern, updated decor with cathedral ceilings, gas fireplaces, and full kitchens with breakfast bars and dining rooms. They also have four- and-a-half or more bathrooms, with a mix of walk-in showers and shower/tub combos. Sun rooms, outdoor decks with gas grills, and attached garages are also on hand.

Tallwoods Guest Homes are the most contemporary addition to Woodloch. With modern townhouse-like interiors, they unfold over two levels with spacious living and dining areas, full gourmet kitchens, three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, and covered dining patios and open-air barbecue decks.

A changing roster of seasonal activities takes place on Woodloch’s expansive grounds, which cover more than 1,000 acres. Lake Teedyuskung provides an ideal setting for many of them, including kayaking, paddle boating, water skiing, fishing, and sailing. Plus there are surrounding nature trails to explore. Cold weather shifts the program to ice skating and sledding, and the resort hosts a winter Olympics that pits teams of guests against each other in snowy athletic contests. Children love the go-kart racetracks, mini-golfing, bumper boats, and numerous playgrounds. There's also a kids’ club with arts and crafts, a large video arcade, and an indoor jungle gym playhouse. Older kids and adults can go trap shooting or play paintball, and a climbing wall, archery, mini-bowling, tennis, and zip line are also available. Special activities can include anything from a petting zoo and pony rides, to scavenger hunts, to cupcake wars. Extra fees apply to some activities.

The outdoor (seasonal) pool is huge and overlooks the lake. There’s otherwise a year-round indoor pool, whirlpool, and mini water park with a small waterslide and splash zone for small kids.

A large sports center offers a range of indoor athletic courts, there’s also a modern fitness center, plus Zumba, Pilates, and yoga classes. An 18-hole championship golf course resides on the neighboring sister property, Woodloch Springs Country Club.

All-inclusive dining takes place in a massive dining hall that can hold as many as 1,000 guests. Changing daily menus offer several hearty options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After dinner, live entertainment, karaoke nights, and comedy shows take place in the nightclub. Several snack bars, a cafe, and a market are scattered across the property. Alternative a la carte options include The Overlook, the Clubhouse at Woodloch Springs, and Tree Restaurant, though a short drive is required to reach them and these amenities aren’t included in the rates. The spa is unfortunately located two miles away on sister property, The Lodge at Woodloch, but its facilities are top notch. The property is vast, so a regular shuttle is on hand to facilitate moving between amenities. Free Wi-Fi is provided, and there is plenty of free on-site parking.