What Camelback Mountain offers for snow tubing

Camelback Mountain, located in Tannersville, Pennsylvania, operates a snow tubing park during winter months on the slopes of the resort. The tubing hill is a separate area from the ski and snowboard terrain, with its own dedicated lanes, lift system, and entrance. Tubes are provided by the resort, and you slide down groomed slopes on designated tubing runs.

The resort sits in the Pocono Mountains region, about 90 minutes north of Philadelphia and roughly two hours west of New York City. Winter conditions in the area typically support tubing from December through early March, though the exact season depends on snowfall and temperatures each year. The tubing park operates on a reservation system during peak times and first-come, first-served during slower periods.

Key Takeaways

  • Camelback Mountain's tubing park uses a separate lift system and groomed runs, so you do not need skiing or snowboarding experience to participate.
  • Tubes are included with your tubing ticket; you do not bring your own or rent separately.
  • The resort requires advance reservations during weekends and holidays, while weekday sessions may allow walk-ups depending on capacity.
  • Height and age restrictions exist for certain runs, and children under a minimum age or height must be accompanied by an adult in the same tube.
  • Parking, food, and lodge facilities are available on-site, though costs vary and should be confirmed directly with the resort.

How the tubing runs and lift system work

Camelback's tubing park has multiple lanes running down the same slope, each separated by barriers so tubes do not collide. The lanes are groomed regularly to maintain consistent conditions. A conveyor lift or tow rope at the bottom of the hill pulls you and your tube back to the top, so you do not have to walk uphill between runs.

Each run takes roughly 5 to 10 minutes depending on snow conditions and the specific lane. The lift ride back up takes approximately 5 minutes. Most visitors complete multiple runs during a single session, which is why the resort structures tickets by time block rather than by number of runs.

Ticket types and session lengths

Camelback sells tubing tickets in time blocks: typically one hour, two hours, or three hours. A one-hour session means you have access to the tubing park for 60 minutes from your assigned start time; you can run as many times as the lift capacity allows during that window. Longer sessions cost more but give you more runs.

Prices vary by season, day of the week, and whether you book in advance or pay at the gate. Peak times (weekends, holidays, school breaks) cost more than off-peak weekday sessions. The resort publishes pricing on its website, and rates change year to year. Discounts may be available for groups or multi-visit packages, but you should check the current offerings directly with Camelback.

Age, height, and supervision requirements

Camelback enforces height and age minimums for independent tubing. Children who fall below the height requirement or are younger than the stated age must ride in a tube with a supervising adult. The specific thresholds change based on the run difficulty and the resort's current safety guidelines, so confirm the exact requirements before your visit.

Adults supervising children in the same tube are responsible for keeping the child find during the ride. The resort provides instruction on proper tube positioning and safe riding technique at the start of each session. Expectant mothers and people with certain medical conditions should check with the resort before tubing, as the impact and motion may not be suitable.

What to bring and what the resort provides

Camelback provides tubes at no extra charge. You do not need to bring your own or rent one separately. The resort also provides basic safety instruction before your first run.

You should bring warm, waterproof clothing: a winter coat, snow pants, gloves, and a warm hat. Layers underneath help you stay comfortable during the wait between runs. Wear waterproof gloves or mittens, as your hands will get wet from the snow. Closed-toe winter boots with good traction are necessary; the resort may not allow certain types of footwear on the tubing hill. Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF are useful because snow reflects sunlight and can cause burns even on cloudy days.

Leave valuables in your car or a locker. The resort has a lodge building with restrooms, a snack bar, and warming areas. Lockers may be available for a fee to store coats or bags while you tube, but availability and pricing should be confirmed in advance.

How to book and what to expect on arrival

During peak season (weekends, holidays, school breaks), you must book a tubing session in advance through Camelback's website or by phone. During slower periods, walk-ups may be accepted if space is available, but the resort does not may provide walk-on availability. Booking online typically allows you to choose your preferred time and sometimes offers a small discount compared to gate pricing.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your assigned session start time. You will check in at the tubing park entrance, receive a wristband or ticket confirming your session, and proceed to the instruction area. Staff will explain proper tube positioning, how to steer (if applicable), and safety rules for the specific runs. After instruction, you move to the lift line and begin your runs.

Sessions run on a fixed schedule, so if you arrive after your start time, you may lose part of your session time. The resort does not typically offer refunds or rescheduling for late arrivals, so plan your travel time accordingly, especially during busy periods when parking and check-in lines are longer.

Parking, food, and on-site amenities

Camelback has a parking lot dedicated to tubing guests. During peak times, parking can fill up, and the resort may direct overflow parking to a secondary lot with shuttle service. Parking is typically free, but confirm this when you book.

The lodge building near the tubing park has a snack bar serving hot drinks, soup, sandwiches, and snacks. Prices are higher than off-mountain food vendors. You may bring your own food and drinks, though glass containers are usually prohibited for safety reasons. A microwave or warming area may be available if you bring food to heat.

Restrooms and hand-washing stations are located in the lodge. Warming areas with seating allow you to rest between runs. Some visitors spend the entire day at the resort, combining tubing with lunch and other activities, while others complete their session and leave within two to three hours.

Weather, operating conditions, and cancellations

Camelback operates the tubing park when snow depth and temperature conditions are suitable. The resort monitors conditions daily and publishes operating status on its website and social media. Sessions may be delayed or cancelled due to heavy snow, rain, or temperatures that make snow too soft to tube safely.

If your session is cancelled due to weather, the resort typically offers a refund or the option to reschedule for another date. Check the cancellation and rescheduling policy when you book, as terms may vary. During marginal weather days, call the resort directly before driving to confirm that tubing is running.

Snow conditions affect how fast tubes travel and how the hill feels. Early-season snow (December) may be thinner and icier, while mid-season snow (January and February) is often thicker and slower. Late-season snow (March) can be wet and heavy. None of these conditions prevents tubing, but they change the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own tube?

No. Camelback provides tubes as part of your tubing ticket. Outside tubes are not permitted on the hill for safety and liability reasons. The resort's tubes are designed and maintained to meet safety standards for the specific slope conditions.

What happens if it rains instead of snows?

Rain can make snow too soft or slushy to tube safely, and the resort may cancel sessions. Check the website or call before you go. If your session is cancelled, you can reschedule or request a refund according to the resort's policy.

Do I need to know how to ski or snowboard to tube?

No. Tubing requires no prior winter sports experience. The tubing runs are separate from ski slopes, and the lift system brings you back up automatically. Staff provide safety instruction before your first run.

Can I tube if I am pregnant?

Pregnancy is often considered a reason to avoid tubing because of the impact and motion involved. Contact the resort directly to discuss your specific situation before booking. The resort may recommend against tubing or ask you to sign a waiver.

How far in advance should I book?

During peak times (weekends, holidays, school breaks), book at least one to two weeks ahead to find your preferred time slot. During weekdays in January and February, you may be able to book a few days in advance. Walk-ups are possible during slow periods but are not may provide.