Blue Mountain Lake Estates Fishing East Stroudsburg Pa

Some communities are more friendly to VRBO and Airbnb, others oppose the practice.  Here is an summary drawn from various HOAs (Home Owner Associations) and township regulations.

Many of the homes in the Poconos and neighboring counties were built as second homes and vacation getaways. Some have been turned into income properties with owners hiring property managers to oversee them. In communities, developments and sub-divisions where there is a home owners association (HOA) an extra set of rules and regulations may supersede that of the local municipality so extra scrutiny should be applied to any real estate purchase. Even if you are not wanting to run a vacation rental business from your home, you will want to know what your neighbors may be doing.

Rules and regulations change over time and just like municipal officials change, so do those in HOA's. This list is just an estimate, you should always review HOA rules and regulations before buying a home in such a community.

Below you will find a red, yellow or green light as to my opinion as to the community's short-term rental friendliness.

• Green = Short-term rental of single family homes is approved with clear rules and regulations.  Restrictions likely apply and you should be well aware of the rules and regulations.
• Yellow = Short-term rental of single family homes is not yet regulated, or may be allowed informally in some zoning areas, with various restrictive clauses.  It is quite possible that regulations are coming soon.
• Red = Short-term rentals are not permitted, code enforcement is active.

Also Refer to the Pocono Area Short-Term Rental Scorecard which gives the status of rules and regulations for many of the local municipalities.

ALPINE LAKE (Henryville (Pocono Township, PA)
Alpine Lake is a private community made up of 266 lots and over 150 homes.  The community is in Pocono Township and zoning regulations don't allow for STR in residential areas.  Many homes in the community do rent for the season (ski, summer, etc.)

ARROWHEAD LAKE (Pocono Lake (Tobyhanna Township), PA 18347)
Arrowhead Lake is gated-community with many beaches and activities, a very popular summer destination. To use the facilities, each person has a wrist band. Rentals are controlled by a rental office where details of each renter are provided and administrative (per reservation and per guest) fees are paid. When guests arrive, they check into the rental office and receive their welcome pack which includes wrist bands, a gate pass and keys to the rented unit. Part of Arrowhead Lake is in Tobyhanna Township which has yet to implement STR rules and regulations. Extra consideration should be applied to these homes.

BARTON GLEN (Pocono Township, PA)
Barton Glen is a community that spans Pocono and Jackson Townships and the POA prohibits STR. Additionally Pocono Township don't allow for STR in residential areas.  Being so close to Camelback, many homes in the community do rent for the season (ski, summer, etc.) but no STR licenses are possible.

BEAR CREEK LAKES (Jim Thorpe (Penn Forest Township), PA 18210)
Bear Creek Lakes is a mix of permanent residents and vacation homes. The community allows for STR and is in STR-friendly Penn Forest Township. It has amenities like tennis courts, a pool and a very nice lake lake that measures 1 1/4 miles from the dam to the boat dock area and 3 1/2 miles of shoreline and for the 160 acre lake.

BELTZVILLE LAKE ESTATES (Penn Forest Township, PA and Towamensing Township, PA)
Beltzville Lake Estates has it's own private lake, sandy beach, and clubhouse ONLY for folks who live in the development (and their guests). It does not allow homes in the community to be rented for short-term.

BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE ESTATES (Stroud Township, PA)
Blue Mountain Lake is one of only two communities in Stroud Township that allows STR. One you get a STR permit from the township, property owners/members in good standing then register with the HOA office. Each time the property is rented, the HOA charges a $145 administrative fee and will issue amenity passes and parking passes for all the guests in the rental party. This community has central water and sewer.

BIG BASS LAKE (Gouldsboro (Covington Township), PA 18424)
With over 1900 acres and 3 lakes, this gated community is quite popular as a vacation destination. Big Bass Lake has 1128 single family homes plus over 500 vacant lots and has been welcoming short-term rental guests for some time. A recent Short-term Rental Ordinance for the township specifically excluded Big Bass Like, allowing the practice to continue as before. Note that the community association requires a septic field dye test (aka modified hydraulic load test) for all property transfers, so if a property has an old septic system, you might be in for a surpise.

BIG BOULDER and JACK FROST SKI RESORTS (Lake Harmony, PA 18624)
There are a several condominium communities located adjacent to Jack Frost and Big Boulder Ski Resorts. Homeowners of the Blue Heron Villages, Laurelwoods I and II at Big Boulder Lake, Boulder Lake Village Condominiums, Midlake on Big Boulder Lake Condominiums and Snow Ridge Village at Jack Frost will often rent their units for both winter and summer. Summer renters obtain passes from the Boulder Lake Club and pay for wristbands and can rent boats, etc.

BIRCHES III (Effort (Chestnuthill Township), PA)
The Birches Three development is zoned R-1 and in Chestnuthill Township, this means that Short-term Rentals cannot operate without first receiving a zoning variance. It is believed that a positive outcome for a zoning variance for Short-term rentals would be very unlikely.

BIRCHES WEST (Saylorsburg (Chestnuthill Township), PA)
The Birches West development is zoned R-1 and in Chestnuthill Township, this means that Short-term Rentals cannot operate without first receiving a zoning variance. It is believed that a positive outcome for a zoning variance for Short-term rentals would be very unlikely.

BIRCHWOOD LAKES (Dingmans Ferry (Pike County), PA 18328
Located at the Northeast corner of Pennsylvania, Birchwood Lakes was originally a summer community that grown to include year round homes and a substantial number of full time residents. Birchwood Lakes has nearly 900 homes with many amenities. It is close to the town of Milford as well as the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The community bylaws prohibit rentals that are less than one year in length, so Short-Term Rentals are not allowed in Birchwood Lakes.

BRIER CREST WOODS (Blakeslee (Tunkhannock Township), PA)
Located near the Pocono Raceway and convenient to all Pocono attractions, Brier Crest Woods has many reasons to stay on the grounds.  Amenities include a pool, lake, tennis courts, playgrounds and a newly renovated community center.  All renters must be registered with the BCW Office where renter fees are paid and all vehicles registered.  Fees vary on the length of stay.  All guests and residents are required to have badges while on the grounds.

BUCK HILL FALLS (Buck Hill Falls (Barrett Township), PA 18323)
Buck Hills is an amenity rich community with 305 homes on 4500 acres that includes a golf course, pool and prides itself on a sense of community.  Rentals are restricted to a 30 day minimum, so you can operate a home as a vacation home rental, STR by definition is not allowed.

CAMELOT FOREST (Pocono Lake (Tobyhanna Township), PA 18347)
Camelot Forest is a community in the middle of the Poconos that allows short term rentals.  Camelot Forest has central sewer.  Camelot Forest is in Tobyhanna Township which has yet to implement STR rules and regulations.  Extra consideration should be applied to these homes.

CASTLE ROCK ACRES (Middle Smithfield Township, PA)
HOA community in Middle Smithfield Township which allows STR with a permit.  No information about the HOA/POA's rules and regulations.

CIRCLE GREEN CONDOMINIUM
This 46 unit community in Pike County overlooks Lake Wallenpaupack.

COBBS LAKE PRESERVE (Lake Ariel, PA 18436)
Cobbs Lake Preserve does not allow STR.

COBBLE CREEK ESTATES (Tannersville (Pocono Township), PA 18372)
Cobble Creek Estates is located near the Camelback Ski Resort and consists primarily of year-round residents.  There is a strict prohibition of Short-term Rentals in Cobble Creek Estates, enforced in by homeowner deed restrictions and local ordinance.

CONASHAUGH LAKES (Milford (Dingman Township))
Properties in Conashaugh Lakes are located in either the R-1 or ND-2 zoning districts where STR IS prohibited by Dingman Township.

COUNTRY CLUB OF THE POCONOS (Middle Smithfield Township, PA)
The community HOA does not allow Short term rentals.  This community has central water and sewer.

CRESCENT LAKE (Milford (Dingman Township))
Properties in Crescent Lake are located in either the R-1 or ND-2 zoning districts where STR is prohibited by Dingman Township.

EAGLE LAKE (Gouldsboro (Covington Township) Lackawana County, PA)
Eagle Lake allows both short and long term rentals.  Community Boasts: Lake, Clubhouse, Pool, Playground, and more.

EAGLE ROCK RESORT (Hazel Township, PA)
Eagle Rock Resort is an amenity rich community that has luxury homes, townhomes and a hotel along with 2 golf courses, a ski area and 4 season activities.  Rentals and home sales are strictly controlled by a management company.  STR is possible, but you do it through the management company, not independently.

EL DO LAKE (Kunkletown, PA)
The ElDo Lake Property Owners Association states this is a private community, not a vacation resort.  Rentals must be registered with the HOA and must be one year in length.  No mention of Short-term rentals being allowed.

EMERALD LAKES (Long Pond (Tobyhanna Township), PA  18334)
Emerald Lakes in vacation community rich in amenities including a beach area, indoor pool, community center with scheduled activities.  Owners are allowed to rent their properties in Emerald Lakes and register their guests with the management office.   Guest are expected to follow the same rules and regulations as the owners.  Emerald Lakes is partly in STR-Friendly Tunkhannock Township and partly in Tobyhanna Township which has yet to implement STR rules and regulations.  Extra consideration should be applied to the homes in Tobyhanna Township until the have enacted their STR ordinance.

The ESCAPE (Greentown (Greene Township, Pike County, PA)
The Escape Property Owner's Association, Inc. is a small, private community, located on Lake Wallenpaupack, in Pike County, Pennsylvania.  There is no zoning ordinance in Greene Township, no rules and regulations prohibiting Short-term Rentals.

ESTATES AT GREAT BEAR (Middle Smithfield Township, PA)
The Estates at Great Bear is planned community around the Great Bear Golf Club in Middle Smithfield Township.  The township allows STR with a permit; no information is available regarding the HOA/POA's rules and regulations.

FAWN ACRES (East Stroudsburg (Smithfield Township) PA)
Fawn Acres is located in Smithfield Township near Shawnee Mountain Ski Resort.  The township does not allow STR in residential areas, only the areas designated as the Resort Zoning district.

FAWN LAKE FOREST (Hawley (Wayne County) PA)
Located on on the northern end of the Lake Wallenpaupack area, north of the Poconos.  The HOA issued a ruling that states "No owner, tenant, resident and/or occupant of FLFA shall rent, sublet, or lease a FLFA property and/or home as a "Short Term Rental", "Vacation Rental" or otherwise for 30 days or less.

FAWN RIDGE ESTATES (Blakeslee (Tobyhanna Township), PA 18610
Fawn Ridge Estates is in Tobyhanna Township which has yet to implement STR rules and regulations.  Extra consideration should be applied to these homes.   The Community Association's position on STR is unknown.

FOREST GLEN (Pocono Lake (Tobyhanna Township), PA)
Forest Glen is a small private community surrounding Like Onocop in HOA community in Tobyhanna Township.  The township is in the process of formulating its ordinances around Short-term Rentals.  The HOA/POA's rules and regulations state that nobody shall rent for less than 30 days.

THE GLEN AT TAMIMENT (Lehman Township, Pike County, PA)
The Glen at Tamiment is a mixed-use community consisting or year-round residents and vacationers.  The community has over 400 homes and nice amenities including a pool.  The Glen's rental policy allows for Short-term rentals but caution should be used as the community lies in Lehman Township which been off and on when it comes to STR license issuance.  Currently no new STR licenses are being issued in residential communities, only those with existing licenses can continue to operate.

GLEN ONOKO ESTATES/Leisureland (Jim Thorpe Borough, PA)
Jim Thorpe Borough does not permit short term rentals in zoning R-1 like Glen Onoko Estates and Leisureland.

GOLD KEY COUNTRY CLUB (Milford (Dingman Township))
Properties in Gold Key Country Club, Gold Key Lake are located in either the R-1 or ND-2 zoning districts where STR is prohibited by Dingman Township.

GREAT BEAR ESTATES (Middle Smithfield Township, PA)
HOA community in Middle Smithfield Township which allows STR with a permit.  No information about the HOA/POA's rules and regulations.

GREENWOOD ACRES (Blakeslee (Tobyhanna Twp) PA, 18610 and Pocono Lake (Tobyhanna Twp), PA 18347)
Short-term rental friendly community in the middle of the Poconos, numerous vacant lots available and on the market.  Greenwood Acres has central sewer, no septic systems.  Greenwood Acres is in Tobyhanna Township which has yet to implement STR rules and regulations.  Extra consideration should be applied to these homes.

GRUBERS LAKE (Jackson Twp, PA)
Grubers Lake is a small community of lakeside cottages and the HOA prohibits STR.

HALLOWOOD ACRES (East Stroudsburg (Price Township), PA)
Small HOA community that surrounds Hallowood Lake in Price Township.  Contact the township and the HOA for more details about STR in Hallowood Acres.

HARMONY RIDGE TOWNHOME COMMUNITY (Lake Harmony (Kidder Township, PA)
Harmony Ridge is a private townhome community located in Lake Harmony, across the street from Big Boulder Ski area.  The community describes itself as wooded, cosy, and a beautiful place to live, vacation in, and visit.  Being in Kidder Township, STR requires a license.  Double check with the HOA for specifics on vacation rentals.

HEMLOCK FARMS (Lords Valley (Pike County), PA )
Hemlock Farms is a gated community of 3,500 homes with a wealth of amenities including pools, ponds and the big Hemlock Lake.  Rentals for less than 30 days are not allowed, so by definition, no "short-term rentals."  Month-long and seasonal rentals are permitted so your home in Hemlock Farms may still have income potential which is why you might see it on rental websites.

HENRYVILLE ACRES (Henryville (Paradise Township), PA
Homes in Henryville Acres are allowed STR with License and Permit from Paradise Township.

The HIDEOUT (Lake Ariel PA, 18436)
The Hideout POA has a referendum proposing a ban on short-term rentals starting in 2023.   The Hideout is a planned residential community consisting of approximately 3,200 single family homes and is part of the Lake Wallenpaupack area.  The community has central sewer and water systems and a host of recreation facilities.  Check the HOA website for the latest news on the possible ban of STR in the Hideout.

HOLIDAY POCONO (Jim Thorpe, PA 18229)
Holiday Pocono is a gated-community with an office that operates 6 days a week.  Bylaws state that rentals are 6 months or longer and the office will tell you that short-term rentals are not allowed.  Guests are allowed, can pick up packets at the office but some facilities are only available to residents or guests accompanied by guests.

HICKORY HILLS (White Haven (Foster Township), PA)
Hickory Hills is on the western end of the Pocono Mountains region and offers its residents a heated in ground pool, lake area with a pavilion and more.  Foster Township has recently enacted a ban on STR's in residential neighborhoods like this.

HICKORY RUN FOREST (Jim Thorpe, PA 18229)
Hickory Run Forest is a very secluded community that prides itself on being a quiet, peaceful place to get away.  It has a small lake, playground and clubhouse and is very wooded.  Owners are allowed to rent their properties in Hickory Run Forest and the management company overseeing the HOA requests guests be registered.   They make no distinction between short-term, seasonal or long-term renters.

INDIAN MOUNTAIN LAKE (Albrightsville, PA 18210)
IML is a gated community that spans two counties and three townships.  While the HOA allows Short-term Rentals, each township has its own rules, so check to see if the property is in Penn Forest Township or Tunkhannock which are STR Friendly, or Chestnuthill Township which does not allow STR in residential neighborhoods.  Each Short-term rentals must be registered with the Civic Association office (HOA) and an administrative fee paid.  Each renter must be listed on the Short-Term Rental application form.  Indian Mountain Lake describes itself as a vacation community with a pool, beach and the lake.  According the the Census Bureau, there are 2,784 housing units in Indian Mountain Lake, of which 1,533 are occupied (full-time).

INDIAN ROCKS (Salem Township, Wayne County, PA)
Indian Rocks is a vacation community next to Lake Wallenpaupack with approximately 920 property owners, and 470 homes.  The community has 24 hour public safety, a central water system, and amenities such as a pool, tennis courts, beaches on Lake Wallenpaupack, a playground, and more.  STR is defined to be 3-30 days and each guest is to be registered with the management office.  The community has put a cap on the number of STR properties allowed to operate and has significantly raised their license fees over the past few years.

KAHKOUT MOUNTAIN (Middle Smithfield Township, PA)
HOA community in Middle Smithfield Township which allows STR with a permit.  No information about the HOA/POA's rules and regulations.

KINGSWOOD LAKE ESTATES (Kunkletown, PA  18058)
By way of deed restrictions, property owners in Kingswood Lake Estates can only rent for a period of 3 months or more.  NO STR (Airbnb, VRBO, etc) is allowed in Kingswood Lake.

KNOLL ACRES (Middle Smithfield Township, PA)
HOA community in Middle Smithfield Township which allows STR with a permit.  No information about the HOA/POA's rules and regulations.

LAKE ADVENTURE (Milford (Dingman Township))
Properties in Lake Adventure are located in either the R-1 or ND-2 zoning districts where STR is prohibited by Dingman Township.

LAKE HAUTO (Nesquehoning, PA 18240)
Located near Jim Thorpe, Lake Hauto is a 330 acre spring-fed lake with fishing, boating, water sports, tennis, picnic pavilions, community areas plus skating and ice fishing in winter.  It is a gated community (Wed-Sun 9AM – 2 PM) 570-645-7100

LAKE HARMONY ESTATES (Lake Harmony (Kidder Township), PA)
Lake Harmony Estates is a community located between Big Boulder Ski Resort and Lake Harmony, next to the Split Rock Resort.  Lake Harmony Estates has a HOA that allows for STR and provides passes for community amenities which include walking trails and a lakeside access point.  Rentals guests do not have to be registered, there are no STR-specific fees at Lake Harmony Estates.

LAKE IN THE CLOUDS (Canadensis, PA 18325)
The Lake in the Clouds is a planned residential community of 423 properties between Canadensis (Monroe County) and Newfoundland (Pike County).  HOA rules for the Lake in the Clouds community prohibit rentals of less than three months.  Rentals are allowed for 3 months or more and the owner needs a permit from the HOA.

LAKE NAOMI and TIMBER TRAILS (Pocono Pines(Tobyhanna and Coolbaugh Township), PA 18350)
Lake Naomi is a very popular and well-known vacation destination in the Poconos.  The community is sprawling with 3 different HOA's and a separate entity (Lake Naomi Club) that oversee amenities like a lake big enough for sail boats, a tennis club, golf course and pools.  Temporary Memberships from this club are needed for guests to access the amenities which is causing some debate among the HOAs and the club.  The majority of the homes are in Tobyhanna Township which has yet to issue its STR ordinance, so check before investing in Lake Naomi.

LAKE OF THE PINES (Middle Smithfield Township, PA)
No information about the HOA has been found.  This community has central water and sewer.

LAKE VALHALLA (Smithfield Township, PA 18301)
Only properties located in the Resort Zoning district of Smithfield Township can get a license to operate STR.  Homes in Lake Valhalla are in a residential district and not eligible for a license without a zoning variance.

LAKE WALLENPAUPACK ESTATES (Greentown, Pike County, PA)
HOA community at the western end of Wallenpaupack Lake.  Call office (570) 689-4385 for STR rules.

LAKE WATAWGA (Gouldsboro (Lehigh Township), Wayne County, PA)
The Lake Watawga Property Owners Association is putting in place rules that prohibit STR in their community.  A similar move is being considered across the township.

LAKEVIEW ESTATES (Gouldsboro (Lehigh Township), Wayne County, PA)
The Lakeview Estate Homeowners Association defines short term as 2 weeks or more.  Owners are to register their properties and receive a license from the community ($300 annual fee).  All guests must be registered with the management office, no mention of additional per guest fees.

LEISURE LANDS (East Stroudsburg (Middle Smithfield Twp), PA)
As currently understood, the township is allowing STR is communities like Leisure Lands, but you should check with the HOA and the township as to the current state of STR licensing.

LITTLE GAP ESTATES (Lower Towamensing Township, PA  18071)
The community is predominantly permanent residents and the HOA/POA rules do not address short-term rentals.  Being very close to Blue Mountain Ski Resort has several of the homes operating as short-term rentals and seasonal rentals.  The community zoning is residential and the township has adopted a short-term rental ordinance allowing for homes in residential communities to operate as STR.

LOCUST LAKE VILLAGE (Pocono Lake (Tobyhanna Township), PA)
With over 1600 properties, this lake community describes itself as a vacation haven, with a beach, clubhouse and own ski hill.  Locust Lake Village short-term rental policies and procedures include registering as a rental property and advance registration of each group and their vehicles.  Wristbands are purchased for each group and must be worn to access the community facilities, golf carts and ATV's are allowed on community streets.  Locust Lake Village is in Tobyhanna Township which has yet to implement STR rules and regulations. Extra consideration should be applied to these homes.

LOCUST PARADISE (Pocono Lake (Tobyhanna Township), PA)
Homes in this subdivision are not governed by a HOA.  There are no community amenities, a private road agreement with modest fees maintains the streets.

MAEVE MANOR (Tannersville (Pocono Township), PA)
Maeve Manor is a subdivision in R-1 zoning district of Pocono Township.  The township requires a license to operate and properties in R-1 zoning are not eligible

MANZANEDO ROD AND GUN CLUB (East Stroudsburg (Price Township), PA)
Manzanedo Rod & Gun Club offers 500+ acres and the well stocked Lake Manzanedo. Membership requires valid hunting or fishing license, but no short term rentals are allowed by the HOA.

MARTY AXMAN (Penn Forest Township, PA  18229)
There are over 100 lots in the Marty Axman community and the HOA administration says STR is not permitted.  Penn Forest Township allows STR and it is believed several STR are operating without the HOA's permission.

MASTHOPE MOUNTAIN (Lackawaxen Township, Pike County, PA)
Masthope Mountain is residential community located at the northern end of the Poconos.  The amenity rich community has a lake, swimming pool, clubhouse, stables, river park, tennis, skiing and more.  Short term rentals are currently allowed in Masthope Mountain with a license granted by Lackawaxen Township and a permit issued by the management office.

Meadow Lake Fishing Club (East Stroudsburg, PA)
This community has a $10K buy in and an annual fee of $450/year to access the common lake.   No information about the HOA's policy on STR has been found.

MEADOW RUN MOUNTAIN LAKE (Bear Creek Township, Luzerne County)
Mountain Meadow Run Mountain Lake Park Association (MRMLPA) is a private community located in the foothills of the beautiful Pocono Mountains, not far from both Wilkes-Barre and Scranton.  Community bylaws prohibit STR

MONROE LAKES (East Stroudsburg (Middle Smithfield), PA)
With its own lake, amenities in Monroe Lakes includes a beach area, basketball court, playground, boat launch area, as well as a club house.   Listings indicate the association prohibits STR of less than 30 days.  Call the POA office for clarification 570-223-8727.

MOUNTAIN TOP ESTATES (Middle Smithfield Township, PA)
A mostly residential community close to Shawnee Mountain Ski Resort.  No rental office and no information regarding STR is available.

MOUNTAIN VIEW VILLAGE (Tannersville, (Pocono Township), PA)
Mountain View Village is a community of vacation homes located across the road from Camelback Mountain.  The community is zoned R-1 (Residential, single family) and the township does not allow Short-term Rentals, which is why many properties in this and neighboring Pocono Township communities rent for the entire season.

MT. POCAHONTAS (Albrightsville, PA 18210)
Mt. Pocahontas is a private non-gated community in the heart of the Poconos.  The vacation destination is 27 square miles in size includes recreation facilities like a pool and contains 1900 lots.  Property owners who rent are required to pay an extra annual fee and register their renters with the community manager.  The Short-term rental registration form is one page and is to be submitted for each rental.

NORTH RIDGE AT CAMELBACK (Tannersville (Pocono Township and Jackson Township), PA)
Adjacent to the Camelback Resort properties in this community are either in Pocono Township's Resort District or Jackson Township which allows STR.  The Community Association has a Use Restriction that requires all occupants to belong to a single family.  Rentals (including STR) are permitted as long as they are members of a single family and all guests are required to be registered with the Northridge office. Camelback offers Skiing, an outdoor and and indoor water park, plus thousands of acres for hiking, mountain biking etc.

NORTH SLOPE (Middle Smithfield Township, PA)
North Slope is a HOA community in Middle Smithfield Township.  The township allows STR with a permit.  No information about this HOA/POA's rules and regulations.

PENN ESTATES (Stroud Township and Pocono Township, PA)
There are over 1750 properties in the gated community of Penn Estates, about 85 are registered as STR properties.  Property Owners pay $175/year to the association (POA) as well as license fees to the township.  The Rental Policy at Penn Estates requires that each guest group is registered, $35 if done at least 3 days in advance, $70 if done last minute.  Each vehicle is registered and will get a pass for the two gates to the community.  The administrative office is staffed by two full time employees of the association.  Homes that are in Pocono Township cannot get STR licenses.  This community has central water and sewer.

PENN FOREST STREAMS (Jim Thorpe, PA 18229)
Penn Forest Streams consists of over 700 properties and is located between the borough of Jim Thorpe and Pocono Raceway. Community amenities include: two pools, security services, a clubhouse, a pavilion, tennis and basketball courts.  The HOA prohibits short-term rentals, requiring longer term rentals pay a $100 annual fee and register each renter with the community office.

See the PENN FOREST TOWNSHIP DEVELOPMENT / SUBDIVISION MAPS

PENNBROOK FARMS (Stroudsburg (Jackson Township), PA)
There is no HOA for Pennbrook Farms, a residential community located not too far from Camelback Resort in Jackson Township.  Jackson Township allows STR with a permit, so you should check with the township first regarding any opportunities.

PINE CREEK ESTATES (East Stroudsburg, PA 18302)
The community HOA is in the process of updating their Rules and Regulations to allow for STR. An extra fee will be assessed to homes hosting Short-term Rentals. This policy is being adopted to keep annual dues lower for the other residents.

PINE HILL ESTATES (Mount Pocono Borough, PA 18344)
Pine Hill Estates is a neighborhood inside Mount Pocono Borough.  It is a subdivision with no HOA, no private amenities.  The neighborhood is partly zoned R-1 and R-2.  Properties in the R-1 districts of borough are not able to operate STR,  other districts are.  Refer to the Mount Pocono Borough Zoning Map.   Properties Zoned R-2 need must be on lots of half acre or more to get a STR license

PINE RIDGE (Bushkill (Lehman Township), Pike County, PA)
Pine Ridge is in Lehman Township which been off and on when it comes to STR license issuance.  Currently no new STR licenses are being issued in residential communities, only those with existing licenses can continue to operate.

PINECREST LAKE AND COUNTRY CLUB (Pocono Pines, Long Pond (Tobyhanna Township), PA)
Short-term rentals (1 week minimum length) are allowed at this golf and resort focused vacation community that includes lakes, outdoor swimming pools, fitness center and tennis courts.  All community members are part of a trust that includes club membership and complete exterior maintenance (lawn care, snow removal, landscaping, trash pickup) of homes.  The community is served by public water and public sewer.  A word of caution as Tobyhanna Township has yet to define STR status.

PLEASANT VALLEY ESTATES (Kunkletown (Polk Township) PA)
Polk Township allows STR on properties over 1 acre in size, but the Pleasant Valley Estates Civic Association states that STR is not allowed.  Located midway between Camelback and Blue Mountain ski resorts, the neighborhood is primarily full-time residents.

PLEASANT VALLEY WEST (Jim Thorpe, PA 18229)
The community prides itself on being quiet and "bucolic"  A full-time office is maintained and they state that short-term rentals are not allowed in the community.

PLEASANT VIEW LAKE (Kunkletown (Polk Township) PA)
Polk Township allows for STR on properties 1-acre and larger.  Properties in Pleasant View Lake are smaller than 1 acre and therefore the HOA has designated STR as not allowed in addition to the inability to obtain a license.

A POCONO COUNTRY PLACE (Coolbaugh Township, PA)
A Pocono Country Place is a very large gated community with 4,500 properties and numerous amenities that include 4 pools, 3 clubhouses, 2 lakes, paddle boats, a swimming beach, a miniature golf course, tennis courts, playgrounds and parks.  The township and the community allows STR.

POCONO FARMS (Tobyhanna (Coolbaugh Township), PA 18466)
The Member Services department provides support for Short-Term Rentals in Pocono Farms which is an amenity rich community with a lake, clubhouse, boat rentals, pools and more.  No annual fee for owners to rent, but each rental must be registered and pay a $100 fee which gives guests a pass for the amenities and wrist bands for the pool.

POCONO FARMS EAST (Coolbaugh Township, PA 18466)
Short-term rentals are allowed in Pocono Farms East.  Each owner must register their renter with the management office and pay a $50 fee, regardless of the duration of the stay.

POCONO FORESTED ACRES (Middle Smithfield Township)
No information about the HOA rules about STR has been found.

POCONO HAVEN (East Stroudsburg (Pocono Township), PA)
Pocono Haven is a low cost HOA in Pocono Township.  The Township does not allow Short Term Rentals in residential neighborhoods.

POCONO HIGHLAND ESTATES (Henryville (Pocono Township), PA)
Pocono Highland Estates describes itself as a growing, family-friendly community, their website says "Short Term Rentals are not permitted in PHCA Residential Zone!
You can call our local Township for further details."  That's Pocono Township

POCONO MANOR (Pocono Township, PA)
The Pocono Manor Community is adjacent to the Pocono Manor Golf Club and located in the Recreational District zoned area of Pocono Township.  STR may be possible.  Refer to the HOA and the township for more details.

POCONO MOUNTAIN LAKE ASSOCIATION (Blakeslee or White Haven (Kidder Township, Carbon County) PA)
One of several POA/HOA communities with the same name, the one in Carbon County near Jack Frost and Split Rock reports to be STR-friendly.  There is no website for the POA, realtor listings highlight that the community features 3 lakes and beach area, playground, volleyball and basketball courts.

POCONO MOUNTAIN WOODLAND LAKES (Milford (Dingman Township))
  Properties in Pocono Mountain Woodland Lakes are located in either the R-1 or ND-2 zoning districts where STR prohibited by Dingman Township.

POCONO OUTPOST (Canadensis (Barrett Township, PA 18325)
According to a recent listing, short-term rentals are allowed in Pocono Outpost, township requires permit.  There does not seem to be a website for the Pocono Outpost Property Owners Association to confirm.

POCONO RANCH LANDS (Lehman Township, Pike County, PA)
Pocono Ranch Lands describes itself as a 4 seasons community that offers skiing, horseback riding, hiking trails, playgrounds, ball fields, outdoor swimming pools and allows ATV's on their private roads.  An annual registration as a rental property is required with the community management office if the property is licensed for STR by the township.  Lehman Township has been off and on when it comes to STR license issuance.

POCONO SPRINGS (Gouldsboro, Wayne County, PA)
Remote and secluded, Pocono Springs is one of the newer vacation communities in the Poconos.  With 4,300 properties and more than 2,000 vacant lots there is ample new construction in this growing community that is surrounded by state game lands and spans three different townships.  Three townships, three sets of rules and regulations.

POCONO SUMMIT LAKE (Pocono Summit (Coolbaugh Township), PA)
The area known as Pocono Summit Lake or Pocono Summit Lake Estates is a neighborhood and not overseen by a HOA.  The streets are part of Coolbaugh Township which does allow for STR.

RESERVE AT POND CREEK (Middle Smithfield Township, PA)
The Reserve at Pond Creek has about 50 executive-style homes and a no amenities.  It is a HOA community in Middle Smithfield Township which allows STR with a permit.  No information about the HOA/POA's rules and regulations.

RIVERSIDE ESTATES (Pocono Lake (Coolbaugh Township), PA)
Riverside Estates is in STR friendly Coolbaugh Township, not far from Arrowhead Lake.  The management company that runs the Community Association (CA) states that STR is allowed and they request that those that rent let their office know that they are renting.  Guests do not have to be registered with the CA and there are no added fees.

ROBIN HOOD LAKES (Kunkletown (Polk Township), PA)
No Short Term Rentals of less than six consecutive weeks are allowed by the bylaws of Robin Hood Lakes

ROCK LEDGE MANOR ESTATES (Cresco (Price Township), PA 18326)
Properties advertised for sale in Rock Ledge Manor Estates say the community is STR Friendly.

ROSSLAND LAKE (Saylorsburg (Ross Township), PA 18353)
Ross Township only allows STR in General Commercial and Village Commercial zoning districts.  All the homes in Rossland Lake are in R-1 Zoning, a residential district so short term rentals are not allowed.

SAW CREEK ESTATES (Bushkill (Middle Smithfield Township, Monroe County and Lehman Township, Pike County), PA 18324)
Saw Creek Estates is a gated community that boast having the finest amenities of any community in the Poconos including a private ski area, indoor tennis courts, 4 outdoor and 2 indoor pools.  If you are renting, the community charges owners an extra $175 annual fee, plus a per rental fee of $50/$75.  Guests can purchase wrist bands to access the amenities at $10/person/day.  The community has its own central water and sewer system, a real plus.  The Saw Creek Estates has a Rental Policy that allows STR if the municipality allows STR, but will not allow new STR's in their community.  If a home (in either township) has a municipal license, they can continue to operate their STR under new ownership.  If the home does not have a license they cannot start in Saw Creek Estates.

SHAWNEE ESTATES (East Stroudsburg (Smithfield Township) PA)
Shawnee Estates is located in Smithfield Township which does not allow STR is residential neighborhoods.

SIERRA VIEW (Tunkhannock and Chestnuthill Townships, PA)
Built in 1976, this Pocono community in Monroe County has 1,250 properties.  The renting, leasing, or subleasing of all properties in Sierra View for a period of less
than 45 days is strictly prohibited by our Bylaws, Deed Restrictions, and Rules and
Regulations.

SKI HAVEN LAKE ESTATES (Cresco (Pocono Township), PA)
In Pocono Township, STR is only allowed in the Commercial and Resort Zoning district.  Ski Haven Lake is zoned R-1- Residential / Low Density Residential, STR is not allowed.

SNOW RIDGE VILLAGE (Lake Harmony (Kidder Township), PA 18624)
As part of the Jack Frost Ski Resort complex, these townhomes make for great STR investments.  Located in STR-Friendly Kidder Township where a license is needed.

SPLIT ROCK (Lake Harmony (Kidder Township), PA 18624)
The Split Rock Resort has beautiful amenities, that include an indoor pool, indoor water park, golf course and a hotel.  There is a subdivision that adjoins the resort, but those homes are not in a HOA.  The resort provides road maintenance for a mandatory annual fee to these homes and offers an amenity membership to homeowners, but not guests.  Any resort amenities that are open to the public, Restaurants, Bars, Movie Theater, Bowling, Game Room, Waterpark, Boat Rentals, etc. are open to guests at prevailing rates.   In addition to the private homes in the Split Rock subdivision, there is a small HOA of townhomes called the Moseywood Road Townhouse Association  which is governed in partnership with the resort.

STONECREST PARK CLUB (Blakeslee (Tunkhannock), PA  18610)
Stonecrest is a small community of 244 Homes adjacent to the sprawling Indian Mountain Lake community, close to Pocono attractions.  Several recent listings state that the Property Owner's Association does not allow STR.

STONEROW ESTATES (Scotrun (Pocono Township), PA)
As a neighborhood with R-1 zoning, STR is not allowed according to Pocono Township zoning regulations.

STILLWATER ESTATES (Pocono Summit (Coolbaugh Township, Tobyhanna Township) PA)
One of several communities that surround the large Stillwater Lake, Stillwater Estates allows for STR and requires rental properties be registered with the HOA and that each guest gets registered.  Amenity badges and vehicle stickers are provided for guests when the host registers them.  Coolbaugh Township requires an annual license, Tobyhanna Township has yet to implement its proposed ordinance,

STILLWATER LAKES CIVIC ASSOCIATION (Coolbaugh and Tobyhanna Townships, PA)
Amenities at this nice lake community include a private lake,  clubhouse, outdoor pool, tennis courts and a playground.  24/7 security will keep those Short-term rental guests behaving.   A number of homes in the community operate as STR, once licenses, the community has a $125 annual fee plus $75 for each rental occurrence.

SUNRISE RIDGE (Penn Forest Township, PA)
Sunrise Ridge is located in Carbon County, this small community is close to Pocono attractions.  The township licenses STR and the Sunrise Ridge Property Owner's Association makes no mention of rentals in its Rules and Regulations.

SUNRISE LAKE (Milford (Dingman Township))
Properties in Sunrise Lake are located in either the R-1 or ND-2 zoning districts where STR is prohibited by Dingman Township.

TANGLWOOD LAKES (Greentown, Pike County, PA)
Tanglwood Lakes describes itself as a residential community and is one of the many developments that line the Lake Wallenpaupack in the Lake District at the northern end of the Poconos.  According to the community association office, STR is no longer allowed in the community.

TANGLWOOD NORTH (Tafton, PA 18464)
Tanglwood North is a 760 unit residential community located in Palmyra and Blooming Grove Townships in Pike County.  The Tanglwood North Community Association does not allow STR.

TIMBER HILL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (Henryville (Price Township), PA 18332)
Timber Hill Community Association offers a variety of amenities including a pool, basketball courts and a clubhouse that can be reserved for events.   The association's rules and regulations indicate that STR is not allowed, call office 570-629-5058 to confirm.

TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN ESTATES (TOMA)  (Coolbaugh Township)
TOMA has 65 lots on 2 miles of private road called "Little Billy Lane".  Community Association bylaws prohibit commercial activity which has been further defined as of 5/7/2022 to specifically prohibit STRs.

TOWAMENSING TRAILS (Albrightsville (Penn Forest Township), PA 18254)
As one of the largest vacation communities in the area, Towamensing Trails features a 190 acre lake, a community center with game room, and a private restaurant and bar making it a popular short-term rental destination. Property owners and their renters must comply with a set of rental restrictions and rules of conduct, as well as those of Penn Forest Township.  According to the Census Bureau, there are 2,246 housing units in Towamensing Trails, 628 of which are occupied (full-time).

TUNKHANNOCK TRAILS (Tunkhannock Township, PA)
The road association in the community states that STR is not allowed, but the bylaws of the neighborhood are outdated and don't reflect this as official policy some properties are licensed for STR by the township.

TWIN LAKE ESTATES (East Stroudsburg (Smithfield Township), PA)
Twin Lake Estates is a community with about 150 homes, 30 available lots and two fishing lakes and lots of greenery. It lies in Smithfield Township which presently only allows Short-term rentals in the Resort Zoning District so unless you can get a zoning use variance from the township, there are no short-term rentals allowed in Twin Lake Estates.

VALLEY VIEW ESTATES (Penn Forest Township, PA  18254)
Valley View is one of the smaller communities in the area and the Homeowners Association passed a resolution to not allow Short Term Rentals .  All rentals must be 6 months or longer and fines will be levied for anything shorter.

THE VILLAGE AT CAMELBACK (Tannersville (Jackson Township), PA)
As part of the Resort Zoning district in Jackson Township, vacation homes in the communities adjacent to Camelback are popular as STR.

WAGNER FOREST PARK (Tobyhanna, PA)
Situated adjacent to state gamelands, this community through its Property Owners Association has elected not to allow STR.

WALLENPAUPACK LAKE ESTATES (Lake Ariel (Paupack Township, Wayne County), PA)
Wallenpaupack Lake Estates is one of the few private communities in the Poconos with a community-based water and sewer system.  It is also one of the few communities with an indoor pool as well as amenities such as a skate park, multiple beaches, a marina and several clubhouses.  The Community Association requires that you own the property for at least two years before being eligible to STR.

WALKER LAKE (Shohola (Pike County), PA )
Walker Lakeshores Landowners Association says members can enjoy two swimming beaches, a boat launch and storage area, a tennis court and clubhouse. Residents enjoy planned activities such as an annual picnic and nature presentations.  No mention of renter and STR guests

WHITE HAVEN POCONOS (White Haven (Bear Creek Township, Luzerne County), PA)
White Haven Poconos sits the Lehigh River west of Jack Frost and Big Boulder.  It describes itself as a quiet community that has amenities that include Sunrise Lake with it's sandy beach, bath-house and pavilion.  The Community Association rules state that rentals are allowed and that each group must be registered and pay a fee for the amenities.

WHITE HERON LAKE (East Stroudsburg (Middle Smithfield Township))
According to several real estate listings, the White Heron Lake community association does not allow STR.

WILD ACRES (Dingman's Ferry (Delaware Township), Pike County PA))
STR in Delaware Township is only allowed in Rural-Residential Zoning districts.  Wild Acres is not in this zoning district.

WHITNEY LAKE (Hawley (Paupack Township), PA)
Homes listed in this subdivision indicate that STR is not permitted.

WINONA LAKES (East Stroudsburg (Lehman Township and Middle Smithfield Township), PA  18302)
Winona Lakes is vacation community located between Shawnee Ski Resort and Bushkill Falls that spans Lehman Township in Pike County and Middle Smithfield Township in Monroe County.  It is filled with amenities like lakes, pools, playgrounds, but these are off limits to short-term rental guests.  Property owners are required to register short-term rentals and long term rentals with the management office.  An annual assessment of $1,000 is applied to properties operating STR.  See the forms section of Winona Lakes Rental Policy  for more details.  Note that Lehman Township has tightened regulations and no new STR licenses are being issued.

THE WOODLANDS AT CRANBERRY (East Stroudsburg (Pocono Township), PA)
The Woodlands at Cranberry Road is an executive home community in Pocono Township.  There is a HOA, but no amenities and the community describes as a place for those that have escaped the city life and settled for a serene county community.  Zoned as R-1 (single-family Residential) Pocono Township does not allows STR,

This is an informal list that is subject to change as local ordinances and codes frequently change.  Even if your HOA says OK, you may still need to follow municipal regulations.  Anyone interested in using a home as a rental property should always check with the local municipality to see if local zoning allows this use or if permits are required.   Refer to the Pocono Area Short-Term Rental Scorecard which gives the status of rules and regulations for many of the local municipalities.

Feel free to email me with any updates to this page

If you are interested in buying or selling a home that you can use as an investment, feel free to contact me: Mark Shay, Pocono Vacation Home Sales, download the KW app, or visit My Keller Williams website

If you are wondering why municipalities in Pennsylvania can regulate Short-Term Rentals, you can refer to the 2019 court case called "Slice of Life, LLC v. Hamilton Township Zoning Hearing Board" in which the Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld the ruling that a local zoning ordinance clearly and unambiguously excluded purely transient uses of property.

Municipalities governments in Pennsylvania come in the form of cities, townships and boroughs. Each municipality has their own zoning and land use regulations and while some are fairly standard, the use of a residential home for short-term rentals is not. A 2019 court case decided by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court called Slice of Life, et al v. Hamilton Twp ZHB set forth the current surge in municipal regulation of short-term rentals.

Below is a list of municipalities in Carbon County and neighboring areas with an estimate as to their current position regarding the use of vacation rentals from individual homes. This is done by my ongoing survey of the market, discussions with municipal officials and website review, BUT it is by no ways official. For detailed information, please contact the municipality itself.

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Source: https://poconovacationhomesales.com/2022/03/01/short-term-rental-friendly-pocono-communities/

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