Short-term Rental Friendly Pocono Communities

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.

Last Updated: April, 2024

ARROWHEAD LAKE (Coolbaugh Township and Tobyhanna Township, PA)
As one of the area’s most recognized vacation home communities, Arrowhead Lake has a rich tradition of vacation rentals. There are over 2,450 Member-owned houses and 850 lots, a total of 4,330 propert ies in the community. As of March 2020, roughly 20-25% of the homes in Arrowhead were owned and occupied by full-time residents, the vast majority of are vacation homes and the number of rentals in the community is rising. Golf cart friendly, this gated community feels like a resort with its nice amenities including multiple pools and beaches. Read more about Renting your home in Arrowhead Lake. About half of Arrowhead is in Tobyhanna Township which recently imposed a cap on the number of short term rentals licenses. Due to the uncertainties surrounding license issuance, caution is advised when purchasing in Tobyhanna Township. See vacation homes for sale in Arrowhead Lake.

BARTON GLEN (Bartonsville (Jackson Township and Pocono Township), PA)
Close to the Camelback resort, this residential community does not allow short-term rentals. Some snow birds are known to rent for the ski season, but STR is not allowed.

BEAR CREEK DAIRIES (Jim Thorpe (Penn Forest Township), PA)
The community association that should govern the Bear Creek Dairies communities has become insolvent. The community maintains its private roads through neighborhood donations and volunteers

BEAR CREEK LAKES (Jim Thorpe (Penn Forest Township), PA)
Located just off Route 903 between Jim Thorpe and Lake Harmony, Bear Creek Lakes is a mixed community with a number of operating STRs. A proposed cap on the number of STRs has been withdrawn and there seems to be no restrictions to operating a STR in Bear Creek Lakes. See vacation homes for sale in Bear Creek Lakes.

BELTZVILLE LAKE ESTATES (Lehighton (Franklin Township and Penn Forest Township), PA)
Short-term rentals are not allowed in this primarily residential neighborhood adjacent to Beltzville Lake State Park.

BIG BASS LAKE (Gouldsboro (Lehigh Township, Wayne County), (Clifton Township, Lackawanna County), (Covington Township, Lackawanna County)), PA)
A gated community with a rich tradition of vacation homes, Big Bass Lake has several lakes, beachfronts and nice amenities. The sprawling community covers three different townships, so each of those have their own regulations. For homes in Big Bass Lake and in Clifton Township, the township ordinance exempts Big Bass Lake and municipal STR license rules do not apply. Guest occupancy limits in BBL are 3 per bedroom in Big Bass Lake in Clifton Township. A Municipal license is required for STRs in Lehigh Township, Wayne County and Covington Township, Lackawanna County. The Community Association (HOA) does require STR permits and guests are to be registered. Big Bass Lake is located midway between Camelback and Montage Mountain in Scranton so winter business is still possible, the community does very well in the summer. See vacation homes for sale in Big Bass Lake.

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. See vacation homes for sale in Boulder Lake Condos.

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.

BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE ESTATES (Stroudsburg (Stroud Township), PA)
Blue Mountain Lake Estates is a primarily residential neighborhood located in the special zoning district designed for STRs in Stroud Township. While STR is permitted, approximately a dozen are operating in this community and therefore operating a STR should be done with caution. See vacation homes for sale in Blue Mountain Lake Estates.

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. A survey was circulated in Spring 2023 asking homeowners if they were interested in exploring a cap on the number of rentals permitted by the HOA; the answer was NO. See vacation homes for sale in Brier Crest Woods.

BRIER HILL NORTH (Lakeside PA)
Adjacent to the sprawling Lake Wallenpaupack in the Lake District north of the Poconos, this is one community that still has not stopped STR.

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, reflected in the $15,375/year HOA fees.  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. 

For further reference, please check our STR-Friendly Scorecard for Pocono Boroughs and Townships for insight into the zoning restrictions and licensing process.

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 a STR ordinance and caps on the number of licenses issued. Due to the uncertainties surrounding license issuance, caution is advised when purchasing in Tobyhanna Township. See vacation homes available in Camelot Forest, Greenwood Acres and Pinecrest Lake.

CASTLE ROCK ACRES (Middle Smithfield Township, PA)
Castle Rock Acres has been described by one realtor as a non-deeded HOA community and thus STR cannot be prohibited. The community is located in Middle Smithfield Township which allows STR with a permit. Owners in Castle Rock Acres are required to pay $175/year in road maintenance by the amenity dues of $400 are voluntary.

CIRCLE GREEN CONDOMINIUM (Palmyra Township, Pike County)
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, Tunkhannock Township and Pocono 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.  A small section of Emerald Lakes is in Tunkhannock Township, most is in Tobyhanna Township. Tobyhanna Township recently imposed a cap on the number of short term rentals licenses and due to the uncertainties surrounding license issuance, caution is advised when purchasing in Tobyhanna Township. NOTE: There is a very small section of Emerald Lakes in Pocono Township where STR is not allowed. These are home to the east of Interstate 380. If you are interested in the community, read more at Emerald Lakes Free Press. Also see vacation homes for sale in Emerald Lakes.

The ESCAPE (Greentown (Greene Township and Palmyra Township, Pike County, PA)
The Escape Property Owner’s Association, Inc. is a small, private community, located on Lake Wallenpaupack, in Pike County, Pennsylvania.  Short-term rentals are permitted, there is an annual registration for the owners and a fee of $100 per guest stay, payable in advance to the community office. See a href=”https://www.theescapepoa.com/uploads/5/2/3/6/52363937/rules___regs_2022.pdf”>Rules and Regulations for The Escape

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.

EVERGREEN LAKE ESTATES (Kunkletown (Polk Township, PA)
Evergreen Lake Estates is a primarily residential community near Beltzville Lake State Park.  The community covenants state no businesses can be run from homes, the homes are for residential use only.

EVERGREEN ESTATES (East Stroudsburg (Middle Smithfield Township, PA)
Evergreen Estates is a primarily residential community off Resica Falls Road in Middle Smithfield Township. These are not part of a HOA and therefore should be eligible for a Short-term Rental License from Middle Smithfield Township. Before buying, check with the township to see if anyone in the subdivision has been denied, but you should be OK for STR.

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 does not allow STR.

FOREST GLEN (Pocono Lake (Tobyhanna Township), PA)
 Forest Glen is a small private community surrounding Like Onocop in HOA community in Tobyhanna Township. The Forest Glen community association 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.

FOREST GLEN (Pocono Lake (Tobyhanna Township), PA)
 Forest Glen is a small private community surrounding Like Onocop in HOA community in Tobyhanna Township. The Forest Glen community association rules and regulations state that nobody shall rent for less than 30 days.  

GLENBROOK ESTATES (Stroudburg (Hamilton Township, Stroud Township))
Glenbrook Estates is a subdivision, no HOA but in townships where STR is not permitted in residential areas.

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 rentals are allowed in this mostly residential community of about 300 homes.  Greenwood Acres has central sewer, no septic systems.  Greenwood Acres is in Tobyhanna Township which has a STR ordinance. Tobyhanna Township recently imposed a cap on the number of short term rentals licenses and due to the uncertainties surrounding license issuance, caution is advised when purchasing in Tobyhanna Township. See vacation homes available in Camelot Forest, Greenwood Acres and Pinecrest Lake.

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)
The Small HOA community that surrounds Hallowood Lake in Price Township called Hallowood Acres does not allow STR.

HAMLET, THE (Canadensis (Price Township), PA)
The Hamlet is a residential community that features indoor and outdoor pools, Tennis Courts, Clubhouse, Fitness center and Hiking Trails. The HOA requires all rentals to be 30 days or more, STR is not allowed. Price Township has no STR Ordinance.

HARMONY RIDGE/RIDGEWOOD TOWNHOME COMMUNITY (Lake Harmony (Kidder Township, PA)
Harmony Ridge is a private townhome community located in Lake Harmony, across 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 is a planned residential community consisting of approximately 3,200 single family homes and is part of the Lake Wallenpaupack area. The Hideout POA implemented new STR regulations in January 2023, but the provision that limited the number of rentals to ten per year (regardless of length) is in court. Check the HOA website for the latest STR Rules in the Hideout. The troubles in The Hideout were recently covered in the New York Times.

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 (Penn Forest Township), PA 18229)
Hickory Run Forest is a very secluded community that prides itself on being a quiet, peaceful place to get away.  A fellow agent has discovered that Hickory Run Forest no longer allows for STR for any property bought on or after August 22, 2022.

HIDDEN LAKE ESTATES (Hawley (Paupack Township), PA 18428)
The Hidden Lake Estates Property Owners Association does not allow Short Term Rentals.

HOLIDAY POCONO (Jim Thorpe (Penn Forest Township), 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.  

HIGH COUNTRY ESTATES (Blakeslee (Tunkhannock Township), PA)
High Country Estates is a small residential community located close Pocono Raceway. The community is made up of large houses on large lots and allows horses, but a number of residents are working hard to not allow STR. Confirm the latest status with your agent before considering this community.

INDIAN MOUNTAIN LAKE (Albrightsville (Three townships), 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 (currently $60/stay).  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 Mountain Lake allows Golf Carts on their private roads. See vacation homes for sale in Indian Mountain Lake.

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) Pike County)
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 with no mention of STR rules on their website or in recent real estate listings. Check with the community office for clarification. 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 is an annual assessment ($500) for homeowners in Lake Harmony Estates who run STRs. Homes in Lake Harmony Estates are on the same sewer system that serves most of the Split Rock and homes that border Lake Harmony. See vacation homes for sale in 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.  Homes in these communities are among the most expensive 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 and are very limited in number. Timber Trails recently enacted restrictions on the number of rentals allowed each year. At present the community seems very much against Short-term Rentals. The majority of the homes in these communities are in Tobyhanna Township which has a STR ordinance and requires a license.

LAKE OF THE PINES (Middle Smithfield Township, PA)
Properties listed for sale in Lake of the Pines indicate that STR is not allowed in this community.  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 (Greene Township), Pike County, PA)
Lake Wallenpaupack Estates (not to be confused with Wallenpaupack Lake Estates) is HOA community at the western end of Wallenpaupack Lake. The rules and regulations of the community do not allow for rentals of any kind (short, mid or long term). The community office states they monitor websites and issue fines when violations are discovered.

LAKE WATAWGA (Gouldsboro (Lehigh Township, Wayne County and Coolbaugh Township, Monroe County PA)
The Lake Watawga Property Owners Association is believed to be putting in place rules that prohibit STR in their community.  Some homes are in Coolbaugh Township in Monroe Country where STR licenses are granted, but the HOA may limit.

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, Coolbaugh Township), PA)
With over 1,600 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. Owners who want to rent pay $800/year for a rental license from the community association. Wristbands are purchased for each guest group and must be worn to access the community facilities. Most homes in Locust Lake Village are in Tobyhanna Township, but there is a small section in Coolbaugh Township. Tobyhanna Township recently imposed a cap on the number of short term rentals licenses and due to the uncertainties surrounding license issuance, caution is advised when purchasing in Tobyhanna Township. Golf carts and ATV’s are allowed on community streets. See vacation homes for sale in Locust Lake Village.

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 Community 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 allowed in Masthope Mountain with a license granted by Lackawaxen Township and a permit issued by the management office. A number of residents in the community opposed STR and their efforts to ban the practice were stopped by a new STR Policy.

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. The association office says that rentals of less than 30 days are not allowed. Longer term rentals seem to be OK at Monroe Lakes.

MOUNTAINTOP ESTATES (Middle Smithfield Township, PA)
Mountaintop Estates is a mostly residential community close to Shawnee Mountain Ski Resort with no amenities and no rental office. Several real estate listings state that STR is not permitted in Mountaintop Estates.

MOUNTAIN VIEW VILLAGE (Tannersville, (Pocono Township), PA)
Mountain View Village is a community of homes next to Camelback Mountain.  The community is zoned Commercial, and Pocono Township allows Short-term Rentals in commercial zoning, but the Community Association says NO STR. This is why many properties in this and neighboring Pocono Township communities rent for the entire season (aka mid-term rentals).

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.

MUSHROOM FARMS (Tobyhanna, (Coolbaugh Township), PA)
According to several property listings the Mushroom Farms Property Owners Association states that short term rentals are not allowed in their community.

NORTHRIDGE AT CAMELBACK (NORTHRIDGE STATION) (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.  Guests are required to be registered and there are modest fees for renters. The community is popular for rentals as Camelback offers Skiing, an outdoor and and indoor water park, plus and outdoor adventure center.

NORTHPARK ESTATES (Middle Smithfield Township, PA)
Northpark Estates is a mostly residential community. A recent amendment to the HOA Rules and Regulations bans rentals of less than 31 days – STR is not permitted in Northpark Estates.

NORTHSLOPE at SHAWNEE (ALSO NORTHSLOPE 1, 2 AND 3) (Middle Smithfield Township, PA)
NorthSlope consists of several phases, each a HOA community in Middle Smithfield Township.  The township allows STR with a permit, but Northslope requires rentals be 3 month minimum. Not good for STR, but it might be a good investment for season renters interested in the Shawnee Resort.

OAKDALE AT SHAWNEE VALLEY (East Stroudburg, (Smithfield Township), PA 18302)
Oakdale at Shawnee Valley is a HOA located close to the Shawnee Ski Resort, being in Smithfield Township means that no STR is allowed without a zoning variance.

OLD FARM ESTATES (Blakeslee, Tobyhanna Township, PA)
Old Farms Estates is a residential community where STR is not permitted by the HOA.

PAUPACKAN LAKE STATES (Hawley, PA 18428)
Paupackan Lake Estates does not allow STR.

PENN ESTATES (Stroud Township and Pocono Township, PA)
There are over 1750 properties in the gated community of Penn Estates, over 160 are registered as STR properties and that number has risen quickly.  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.  A small section of Penn Estates in in Pocono Township which does not allow STR in residential neighborhoods. This community has central water and sewer and allows swimming pools. See vacation homes for sale in Penn Estates.

PENN FOREST STREAMS (Jim Thorpe (Penn Forest Township), 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

PENN LAKE PARK
Penn Lake Park is small borough set up to preserve Penn Lake located in Luzerne County, not too far from White Haven. The borough has just over 400 homes, 300 permanent residents and allows STR with a license. There is no HOA/POA, the borough is so small it essentially acts as the HOA/POA.

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 these districts are are not able to operate STR according to an update to the STR Ordinance in October, 2023.

PINE RIDGE (Bushkill (Lehman Township), Pike County, PA)
The community bylaws state rentals are a minimum of 1-year and need a lease. 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 or only 1 rental per week) 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. Being part of Tobyhanna Township, properties in Pinecrest Lake are under a cap on the number of STR licenses the township will issue, caution is therefore advised. See vacation homes available in Camelot Forest, Greenwood Acres and Pinecrest Lake.

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 (Penn Forest Township), 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 (Tobyhanna (Coolbaugh Township), PA)
A Pocono Country Place is a very large gated community, primarily residential with 4,050 homes, 4576 properties and more than 15,000 full-time residents. The community boasts numerous amenities that include 4 pools, 3 clubhouses, 2 lakes, paddle boats, a swimming beach, tennis courts, playgrounds and parks.  The township and the community allow STR with a license. One owner/operator in APCP recently started a property management company and has a blog post with more details on running a short term rental in A Pocono Country Place. Rentals pay $50/stay and guests are also welcome to purchase guest passes ($12/day) for the amenities, sold at the community centers/pools. An estimated 500 properties are legally operating STR in A Pocono Country Place and this number seems to be growing, see vacation homes for sale in A Pocono Country Place.

POCONO FARMS and COUNTRY CLUB (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.  Pocono Farms is one of the only communities in the region to have a golf course. There is no annual fee for owners to rent, but each rental must be registered and pay a $125 fee which gives guests a pass for the amenities and wrist bands for the pool. There are approximately 2100 lots and about 1500 homes in Pocono Farms, the cul-de-sacs are community maintained, the roads with yellow lines are township maintained. See vacation homes for sale in Pocono Farms.

POCONO FARMS EAST (Tobyhanna (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. See vacation homes for sale in Pocono Farms East.

POCONO FORESTED ACRES (Middle Smithfield Township)
Several recent for sale listings have stated that STR is allowed in Pocono Forested Acres. Always double check with the community association.

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

POCONO HEIGHTS (East Stroudsburg (Middle Smithfield Township, PA)
Pocono Heights is a private community that does not allow for Short-Term Rentals

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 on the national historic registry due to historic homes. The residential community is not in a HOA, but is a subdivision of Pocono Towhsip. The residential neighborhood is adjacent to the Pocono Manor Golf Club and a parcel that used to be home to the Pocono Manor Resort and now the site of the proposed Margaritaville Hotel. Area homes have deed restrictions dating back to 1902 that prohibit commercial activity. Since STR is defined as commercial activity these deed restrictions mean that STR is not allowed. Some STR licenses have been issued by the township, but the historic preservationists are actively working to enforce the deed restrictions.

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 has recently changed their buylaws to prohibit rentals of less than 30 days. Pocono Mountain Lake (Kidder Township) does allow rentals of 30 days and longer, so seasonal rentals are OK.

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 ESTATES (Gouldsboro (Sterling Township, Lehigh Township), Wayne County, PA)
Remote and secluded, Pocono Springs Estates 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 possible sets of rules and regulations, instead the Pocono Springs Civic Association has said no STR in Pocono Springs Estates.

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 with a license. There is a voluntary lakeside clubhouse that owners can support giving everyone access to Stillwater Lake. 

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. 

RAINBOW RUN (Lehigh Township, Wayne County PA)
Rainbow run is a small, recently built community just off I-380 in Gouldsboro. The township allows STR with a permit but no details available from the HOA, so use caution.

RIVERSIDE ESTATES (Pocono Lake (Coolbaugh Township), PA)
 Riverside Estates is in STR friendly Coolbaugh Township, not far from Arrowhead Lake.  The rules were revised in July 2023 to allow STR. Owners who rent will pay a $300/year fee and guests must be registered in advance with a fee of $60 for each stay.

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.

RUSTIC ACRES (Bushkill (Lehman Township), Pike County, PA)
Rustic Acres is in Lehman Township which is not issuing new STR licenses, but properties with existing licenses can continue to operate and upon sale, the new owners can apply to continue operations.

For further reference, please check our STR-Friendly Scorecard for Pocono Boroughs and Townships for insight into the zoning restrictions and licensing process.

SAW CREEK ESTATES (Bushkill (Middle Smithfield Township, Monroe County and Lehman Township, Pike County), PA 18324)
Saw Creek Estates is a gated community with nearly 3,000 homes that boasts having the finest amenities of any community in the Poconos including a private ski area, indoor tennis courts, 4 outdoor and 2 indoor pools.  It also has public water and public sewer. 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.  If a home has a municipal license, they can continue to operate their STR under new ownership.  If the home does not have a license and is in Middle Smithfield Township, it can 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. See vacation homes for sale in Boulder Lake Condos.

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 lodge, a hotel and timeshare units.  There is a subdivision of very nice homes that surrounds the resort, but those homes are not in a HOA and therefore there are no amenities supported by this community.  The resort provides road maintenance for a mandatory annual fee ($400) to these homes .  Any resort amenities that are open to the public, Golf Course, Restaurants, Bars, Movie Theater, Bowling, Game Room, Waterpark, etc. are open to the residents and their guests just like the general public.   Homeowners in Split Rock are invited to join the Split Rock Cottage Owners Association, a volunteer community association. 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. Homes in the Split Rock subdivision are on the same sewer system that serves most of the Lake Harmony area. See vacation homes for sale in Split Rock and bordering Lake Harmony.

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.  $200/year for community permit in order to rent plus $125 per stay in addition to the township license fee. Most of Stillwater Estates is in Tobyhanna Township. Tobyhanna Township recently imposed a cap on the number of short term rentals licenses and due to the uncertainties surrounding license issuance, caution is advised when purchasing in Tobyhanna Township. See vacation homes for sale in Stillwater Lakes area.

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. A proposed cap in the number of STR permits issued by the community did not materialize in 2023. Many of the homes in Stillwater Civic are on a community sewer which is operating at capacity and there is a cap on new construction and home expansion for those on the community sewer. See vacation homes for sale in Stillwater Lakes area.

SUMMIT POINTE (Mount Pocono Borough and Coolbaugh Township)
Summit Pointe is a community partly located in Mt. Pocono Borough and partly located in Coolbaugh Township. Their bylaws state that short-term rentals are not allowed and they say they do issue fines for violations.

SUNRISE RIDGE (Jim Thorpe (Penn Forest Township), PA)
Sunrise Ridge is located in Carbon County, this small community is close to Pocono attractions and Jim Thorpe.  The township licenses STR but according to recent home listings Sunrise Ridge Property Owner’s Association does not allow STR.

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.

THORNHURST COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES (Thornhurst, Gouldsboro, PA (Thornhurst Township, Lackawanna County) 18424)
A golf course community with community pool and lake, Thornhurst Country Club Estates does not allow for rentals of less than 3 months. No STR in TCCE.

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 MOUNTAIN ESTATES Canadensis (Greene Township, Pike County)
This Top of The Mountain Estates is a small HOA, $300/year with no amenities located close to Skytop Lodge. No known rules and regulations regarding STR.

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 and modest community amenities, it has been a popular vacation home destination since its founding. 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.  The current Board of Directors has taken an anti-STR stance, has hired a lawyer with a history of diving communities and unnamed restrictions are threatened. While the bylaws seem to state such restrictions require a membership vote, this board seems set to disrupt including a set of rules for residents and a different set-of rules for vacation renters. According to the Census Bureau, there are 2,246 housing units in Towamensing Trails, 628 of which are occupied (full-time), there are reported to be close to 400 licensed STRs here.
Towamensing Trails allows Golf Carts on their private roads. See vacation homes for sale in Towamensing Trails.

TUNKHANNOCK TRAILS (Tunkhannock Township, PA)
There is no HOA covering the community, instead a road association maintains the streets. The bylaws of the neighborhood are outdated and there is disagreement as the authority that the Road Association has over private homes. Tunkhannock Township has granted STR licenses to properties in the neighborhood and several are operating in Tunkhannock Trails.
Double check with the township to be sure.

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)
  The 309 unit townhome community is part of the Resort Zoning district in Jackson Township and one of the few areas close to Camelback that allow STR. The Village sits along the western edge of the resort with has Four Season activities, plus its own sports complex facility including an indoor pool, sauna and Jacuzzi, a weight room as well as outdoor tennis courts. The homes in the communities adjacent to Camelback are popular as STR and investments.

WAGNER FOREST PARK (Tobyhanna, PA)
Situated adjacent to state game lands, 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. The community also requires a security deposit be paid by owners for any violations that go unpaid.

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. Recent regulations have been added that require all rentals to occur through a lease and the minimum lease is 30 days. Rentals shorter than 30 days are not allowed.

WHISPERING GLEN (Tobyhanna (Coolbaugh Township), PA)
Whispering Glen is a small community on Route 196, next to Pocono Farms East. There is a HOA, but no annual HOA dues. The community does not allow STR and many homes operate as long-term rentals in Whispering Glen.

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.

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

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.

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, a rental agreement or lease is required to be filed for each stay.  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,

WOODLOCH SPRINGS (Hawley, PA)
Woodloch is an all inclusive resort with a residential section that offers both short and long term rentals. All property sales, all rental listings are controlled by the resort manager. Woodloch offers real estate investment opportunities, but not as an independent STR operator.

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.

See a list of vacation homes for sale, not in a HOA in STR-friendly townships

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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