Camelback Lodge ~ The PocOnos

Thanks Camelback for inviting us out for a fun-filled weekend getaway. While this was a complementary trip, all opinions are my own.

Some day's you might find me complaining about the ridiculous hours I devote to my computer screen, but one of the perks motivating me to keep trucking along on the tougher days is the opportunity to take my lil'family on some pretty fabulous adventures!!! Whenever I get an invite to visit or attend anything remotely interesting, I literally drop everything and clear our calendars! I swear if I could figure out a way to ditch all adult responsibilities & travel the globe with the fam for life, I totally would. So when we received an invite to spend the weekend at Camelback Lodge you better believe I went from a jam packed weekend to all of a sudden a clear one since this was a trip too fab to pass up!

Aquatopia at Camelback Lodge is currently the largest indoor waterpark in the Northeastern part of the United States! Located in the Poconos where fabulous weather isn't always a guarantee, guests can soak up the sun year-round under the 1.5 acres of Texlon roofing, where outside temperatures and weather are never a factor. It's always a comfortable 84 degrees, 365 days a year.

With 7 pools, 13 water slides and thrilling water attractions, Aquatopia at Camelback Lodge will be a hit for every member of your family, young & old!

Uniquely designed to be unlike any other indoor waterpark in the U.S., Aquatopia at Camelback Lodge is home to several never-before-seen attractions and slides including: Storm Chaser, the longest gravity-defying uphill water coaster to exist in any indoor waterpark in the U.S.; Venus SlydeTrap, a world-premiere attraction that combines three exhilarating waterslide experiences in one; The Lost River, an immersive, theatrical and dark adventure river experience featuring amusement park level theming; and Kartrite’s Quest, the world’s first ‘Next Generation’ fully themed and immersive multi-level exploration AquaPlay structure.

The Great Ka-na-gawa Wavepool was my personal favorite (besides the swim-up bar ;-) )because it felt like I was chillen at the beach! They also provide, free of charge, life jackets for all the kiddos needing that extra something to help them battle the waves! My daughter was definitely rocking one and it totally took away some of my fears.

For surfers or those wishing they were, the Bombora FlowRider is definitely something to look forward to. It’s a ride that actually simulates surfing and boogie boarding. I was fortunate to get a sneak peak of a private surf lesson (yes, for an additional cost before the park opens you can learn to surf!) and it was definitely the coolest! Aquatopia seriously offers fun for everyone.

​The Thrills of Riding the World’s Greatest Wave Down Under…
• The current-generated surfing simulator flows 40,000 gallons of water per minute across a 40-foot inclined,
tensioned composite membrane surface softening any wipeout.
• A great way for first-timers to learn to boogie board or surf in a safe and controlled environment.
• A fun way for more experienced flow boarders to sharpen skills.
• Center divider allows two boogie boarders to ride simultaneously.
• Stand-up FlowBoarding lessons available for an additional fee.
• Spectator-friendly with photo opportunity potential.
• 42ʺ″ height requirement for Boogie Board; 52ʺ″ for stand up FlowBoarding.

Little ones can splash to their heart’s content in the zero depth entry pool at Penguin Play Bay! My daughter spent the majority of her time splashing and sliding away here. This is the perfect spot for your toddler or timid little one not quite ready to hit the bigger slides.

The awesome folks at Camelback Lodge definitely didn't forget about adults at this park -If you want to grab a drink and relax, there’s an area for you too! Flyboy's swim up bar is a way for adults to pretend they are at an all-inclusive in Mexico–pina colada anyone?

Since this was definitely my favorite part of the whole
resort, I know surprise, surprise ;-) I needed to share a closeup shot! Hubby & I were fortunate enough to catch a little playoff basketball here at the Flyboy's Swim-up bar! If my daughter wasn't with us, I probably would of chilled here until my whole body pruned up.

QUICK TIPS

• CABANAS ARE AVAILABLE FOR AN ADDITIONAL FEE. THEY SELL OUT QUICKLY. I KNOW BECAUSE WE ATTEMPTED TO RENT ONE & EVEN BEING A REVIEWER, WE WERE OUT OF LUCK. SO CALL & RESERVE WAY BEFORE YOUR VISIT!
  
• TOWELS ARE PROVIDED, SO SAVE THE SUITCASE ROOM FOR SOMETHING ELSE! YOU HEARD CORRECTLY, PROVIDED!!!!! HUGE PERK & VERY RARE THESE DAYS IN THE STATES!​
  
• LOCKER RENTALS ARE AVAILABLE TOO–VARIOUS PRICES, CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
• ACCESS TO THE WATER PARK IS FREE FOR ALL OVERNIGHT GUESTS.
• GPS ADDRESS: 193 Resort Drive Tannersville, PA 18372. THE PARK IS LOCATED ABOUT 4HRS 50MIN FROM THE CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY AREA

Of course what is a trip without a few random candids. Such adorable photos that I totally wish I would have whipped out the DSLR to snap since the picture snob inside of me is dying over the cellphone quality ;-) Waiting for the day Apple releases a camera that rocks the photography world. So until then, I guess these will do.

The theme of Camelback Lodge and Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark are based off of the adventures of Kartrite Van Der Berris.
​
Kartrite Van Der Berris, the legendary explorer, having traveled the world over, came upon Camelback Mountain on one of his frequent expeditions to the PoconoMountains and envisioned a grand lodge at the base of its peak, filled with wondersfrom the corners of the Earth. Here visitors would stay and experience the splendor ofthe mountain year-round in a lodge with a blend of rustic craftsman style andcontemporary finishes, and at its core, an awe-inspiring indoor waterpark namedAquatopia, filled with the relics and treasures from his worldly travels.

​The main lobby exudes sophistication and adventure with it's gorgeous decor which includes artifacts from around the world from Kartrite’s journeys. Kids & this mama who majored in history, will have fun exploring and discovering new worlds as they play in each area of the resort.

Room Pictures Provided By Camelback Lodge.

Camelback Lodge ensures a relaxed and stress-free escape by providing all guests plush bedding and comfortable furnishings, all in a mountain-modern décor. Many room styles include fireplaces, balconies, spacious lofts and even full kitchens with all the conveniences of home. With 453 rooms in 16 various suite layouts, there is a perfect option for everyone. We were provided a "Double Queen Suite" which allows a max of six guest with 2 Queen Beds & 1 queen sleeper sofa. Our room also had a microwave & a snack-sized refrigerator.

Guests are sure to appreciate the wide variety of dining experiences available on-site at Camelback Lodge. No need to leave property, which is always a perk on short trips when kiddos are in tow! We were fortunate to dine at Hemisphere's for their breakfast buffet, which was impressive considering the price was around $15 for an adult! They had an omelet station and all!

The restaurant that stole my foodie heart though was The Trails End Pub & Grille! We had the pleasure of dining at Trails End for dinner and my meal was beyond perfecto. French Onion Soup, Blood Orange Mimosas, I swear this restaurant could do no wrong.The only setback to enjoying such yummy deliciousness is when I start to crave the Short Ribs I had for dinner in a few weeks. I will have to trek 4+ hour to satisfy my craving ;-)

​ Dining options include:

• Hemispheres offers a buffet style flat-rate dining experience that the entire family will enjoy. Be sure to stop by their dessert case while you're there - it's pretty amazing.
• Neptunes offers up sushi, small plates, and seafood selections as well as craft beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. The cozy restaurant also boasts a glass wall that provides aerial views of Aquatopia while dining.
• The Trails End Pub & Grille is located conveniently at the base of the mountain, by the Stevenson Chair Lift. Guests can ski or board right up to the restaurant in the winter, warm up by the fire, grab a bite to eat and head back to the slopes . The menu features an extensive burger selection, steak dinners, specialty drinks, craft beer and more!
• World Bazaar & Coffee Shop offers specialty coffee drinks, pastries, sweets, and snacks. In addition, they also offer a wide selection of souvenirs and gifts.
• Hungry Camel is situated adjesent to Arcadia and Colonial Columns is just inside of the waterpark. The 2 eateries offer up burgers, pizza, sandwiches and more. Both options are great for grabbing a quick bite with the family, while in between adventures.
• Sweet Discovery offers up a do-it-yourself frozen yogurt bar and a wide selection of baked treats & sweets.
• Flyboys carribean inspired swim-up bar offers up a wide selection of adult beverages. Adults only.
• Moroccan Nights offers up a selection of adult beverages and is situated inside of Aquatopia

In addition to the water fun, there is lots of dry fun including a ropes course, multi-level laser tag & mini-golf! My daughter was a tad bit too young to fully enjoy these activities, so we passed on them, but maybe on a future trip we will be able to check these adventures out.

Elsewhere in the resort, the 45,000-square-foot Arcadia Family Adventure Center has a game for every member of your family. From a game that resembles beer pong to fishing to driving a car, kids and adults will have a blast playing games and earning tickets. Other activities in this area include a make-your-own-pottery shop & an adorable kiddie spa with fun treatments for those 4 and older. Your little one can get the Princess Package with a facial, pedicure, nail polish and tiara. Pretty fab if you ask me!

Camelback Lodge was a short getaway for us this time around. Because of the time table, we were only able to enjoy two fun filled days before heading back home, but I can say with absolute certainty that we’ll be coming back again! We’re thinking the winter, and we’re thinking MORE days! That way, we can enjoy the indoor surf, the outdoor skiing, and all of the comfort that Camelback Lodge has to offer!

If you’d like to learn more about Camelback Lodge and all of the wonderful skiing, water activities, and more, visit them on Facebook, Twitter or visit their website for a full rundown of all of the fun activities, amenities, lodging and more.