Aquatopia Water Park - Raising Hooks

Aquatopia at Camelback Resort is often compared to other indoor waterparks in the Poconos, so we went in expecting a similar experience, only to find that it offers its own distinct vibe and overall experience. We were initially a bit skeptical because there are only 13 slides and it is not part of a huge chain, it’s more of a regional park. However, it exceeded our expectations with a great atmosphere, unique features, and an overall experience we genuinely enjoyed and would return for.

Video at the bottom of this page!

Entrance & Check-in

The entryway is lightly themed with an exploration/adventure feel. Compared to other indoor waterparks, the theming is minimal. Check in took about 15-20 minutes despite there being almost no line, which was fine for us but could be an issue with big crowds.

One thing we’ve noticed after visiting multiple indoor waterparks is that each has a very different staff culture. At Aquatopia, the overall feeling was relaxed and youthful, with many staff members seeming like happy kids simply enjoying their jobs. The atmosphere felt very easygoing which fit well with the park’s laid-back, regional vibe and added to the overall comfort of our visit.

Rooms

The rooms were clean and functional but not themed. Beds were somewhat uncomfortable and a bit concave. Overall, the room met expectations but was nothing memorable – fine for a short stay focused on activities rather than comfort.

Waterpark

Aquatopia has fewer slides than some competing parks, but the slide quality is high and the layout is unique. The slides are housed on one central tower rather than scattered throughout the park, which makes it much easier to keep track of kids.

Standout features:

Underground lazy river with a cave-like atmosphere
Free FlowRider included in the price (often an extra fee elsewhere)
Indoor/outdoor hot tub where you can watch skiers going down the mountain
Nighttime experience was excellent with lighting and a see-through ceiling that created a very cool vibe

Downsides:

Kids’ play area felt worn, with some broken or non-functioning features
The park could benefit from renovations, though it did not take away from the overall fun

Arcade

The arcade is large with a wide variety of games. During our visit, new games were being set up, including a five-player water racing shooter, which looked fun!

Dining

We didn’t eat at any on-site restaurants due to poor reviews and past experiences at similar resorts. Based on that, we chose to eat off-site instead. We tried Barley Creek Brewery which had delicious “real” food. For a late snack, we tried Tony’s on the Mountain which was good. If food quality matters to you, I recommend trusting the reviews and plan off-site meals.

Shops

There are multiple shops throughout the resort and waterpark that sell swim gear, ski equipment, and souvenirs. Convenient if you forget essentials!

Other Activities

Beyond the waterpark, there is plenty to do at Camelback Resort.

Escape rooms
Bowling
Mirrormaze
Mineral panning
VR Experiences
Bumper cars
Laser tag
Snow tubing
Skiing

Price

The ticket price includes access to the waterpark on both check-in day and checkout day. We got there early and our room was ready. We are fortunate to homeschool, which allows us to travel during the week when the resort is less crowded, making the overall experience much more enjoyable.

Room & waterpark tickets $287
Parking $25

Overall, Aquatopia delivered a fun, relaxed experience that exceeded our expectations, especially considering its size and regional feel. While it could benefit from updates in certain areas, the atmosphere and unique layout make it a place we would happily return to.