Coolbaugh Township is a sprawling, diverse municipality located in northern Monroe County, Pennsylvania, known for its wooded landscapes, lakeside communities, and proximity to major Pocono attractions. It’s one of the largest and most populous townships in the county, offering a mix of residential neighborhoods, recreational areas, and military infrastructure.
🗺️ Geographic & Civic Overview
Incorporated: 1794
Area: ~88 square miles (227 km²), with ~2% water coverage
Elevation: ~1,739 feet (530 m) — one of the higher elevations in Monroe County
Population: 20,805 (2020 Census)
School District: Pocono Mountain School District
🏞️ Communities & Features
Tobyhanna: A major unincorporated community within the township, often confused with Tobyhanna Township (which is separate)
Arrowhead Lake & Pocono Lake: Popular residential and vacation areas with strong short-term rental activity
Gouldsboro: Partially within township boundaries
Tobyhanna State Park: Offers hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing in a pristine forest setting
Tobyhanna Army Depot: A key employer and federal facility, also designated a Superfund site due to past contamination concerns
🏘️ Demographics & Culture
Diverse Population: Includes significant African American and Hispanic communities
Median Age: ~37.4 years
Household Size: Average of 2.95 people
Short-Term Rentals: Over 800 licensed STRs; permitted in residential zones with inspections, but not allowed in commercial or industrial zones
🛣️ Infrastructure & Governance
Roads: ~70 miles of township-maintained roads
Government: Managed by a five-member Board of Supervisors
Recent Projects: Route 196 safety improvements and STR regulation updates
🌄 Regional Identity
Coolbaugh Township is a dynamic blend of Appalachian forest heritage, military-industrial history, and modern recreational living. Its high elevation and proximity to lakes and parks make it a magnet for both full-time residents and seasonal visitors. The township’s evolving demographic and land-use patterns reflect broader shifts in Monroe County’s identity—from rural retreat to suburbanized Pocono hub.
Short Term Rental Information
Coolbaugh Township is a popular STR location as the township allows for short-term rentals in residential zoning areas with necessary permits and inspections. There are more than 800 Short-term Rental Licenses issued in the township. STR is not allowed in Commercial or Industrial zoned areas. Arrowhead Lake, Pocono Lake and other communities indicate that the practice is allowed, see Coolbaugh Township’s Short-term Rental Rules for more details. See short term rental rules and regulations below or apply here.
COOLBAUGH TOWNSHIP FREE COMMUNITY SHRED EVENT Saturday May 3 2025 and Saturday October 4 2025 9 00AM 2 30PM Coolbaugh Twp Volunteer Fire Co 652 LAUREL DRIVE TOBYHANNA PA 18466 Must Bring Valid Photo ID to Prove Residency in the Township Shredding services will be provided on site by DES Community Partners Recycling There is a 20 box maximum per residence
TOBYHANNA TOWNSHIP PUBLIC NOTICE The Tobyhanna Township Board of Supervisors will hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 5:45PM in person at the Tobyhanna Township Government Center Building at 105 Government Center Way, Pocono Pines, PA 18350 to discuss Resolution to Place Tobyhanna Township Volunteer Fire Company in Service and any other business brought before the Board. Any questions regarding the meeting can be directed to Bethanne Eisler at beisler@tobyhannatownshippa.gov or call (570) 646-1212.
Visit Tobyhanna State Park with Jim in the second part of our series, Exploring State Parks in the Poconos, to discover trout fishing in the stocked lake, camping, boat rentals, hiking trails and the important part ice harvesting played in the park’s past. https://www.poconomountains.com/listing/tobyhanna-state-park/1194/
Coolbaugh Township will receive sealed bids via PennBid for the Step Replacement at Coolbaugh Township Municipal Building #3 Project. Improvements include concrete steps and handrail installations. There is no pre-bid meeting scheduled for this project. Bids will be received online via PennBid until 9:00 a.m. (prevailing time) on Friday, April 25, 2025. Bid results will be made available on PennBid after bid opening. Copies of the Specifications/Bid Forms are available at no cost on PennBid (https://PennBid.bonfirehub.com).
Sheriff’s Sale OF VALUABLE REAL ESTATE By virtue of a Writ of Execution issued out of the Court of Common Pleas of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to 1856 CIVIL 2024 I, Nick Cirranello , Sheriff of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will expose the following described real estate to be sold at a public online auction conducted by Bid4Assets, 8757 Georgia Ave., Suite 520, Silver Springs, MD 20910 on: Thursday, April 24, 2025 AT 10:00 A.M.
Sheriff’s Sale OF VALUABLE REAL ESTATE By virtue of a Writ of Execution issued out of the Court of Common Pleas of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to 004839 CIVIL 2024 I, Nick Cirranello, Sheriff of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will expose the following described real estate to be sold at a public online auction conducted by Bid4Assets, 8757 Georgia Ave., Suite 520, Silver Springs, MD 20910 on: Thursday, April 24, 2025 AT 10:00 A.M.
Sheriff’s Sale OF VALUABLE REAL ESTATE By virtue of a Writ of Execution issued out of the Court of Common Pleas of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to 6076 CIVIL 2024 I, Nick Cirranello, Sheriff of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will expose the following described real estate to be sold at a public online auction conducted by Bid4Assets, 8757 Georgia Ave., Suite 520, Silver Springs, MD 20910 on: Thursday, April 24, 2025 AT 10:00 A.M.
Sheriff’s Sale OF VALUABLE REAL ESTATE By virtue of a Writ of Execution issued out of the Court of Common Pleas of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to 4217 CIVIL 2024 I, Nick Cirranello, Sheriff of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will expose the following described real estate to be sold at a public online auction conducted by Bid4Assets, 8757 Georgia Ave., Suite 520, Silver Springs, MD 20910 on: Thursday, April 24, 2025 AT 10:00 A.M.
East Stroudsburg University’s Department of Theatre will present Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. The cast of over 20 students, directed by Jason Narvy, Ph.D., assistant professor and co-chair of theatre, will welcome audiences Thursday, April 10 – Sunday, April 13.
On Sunday, March 23, 2025, Stroudsburg held its 46th annualSaint Patrick’s Day Parade, a tradition that brings the community together to celebrate Irish culture and tradition. Spectators lined the streets, wearing green to show their festive spirit.
Description Mark your calendars if you would like to Become an Ambassador of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley when you embark on a guided journey through the historic landmarks of the Electric City. Tour will take place on Thursday, June 5th at the Cost of $50.00 per person, payments must be received no later than May 20th (Reservations are Required).
It is a full-day program which includes the following: Continental Breakfast at the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority Headquarters
This month on Pocono Mountains Magazine: escape to The French Manor Inn and Spa for luxury, relaxation, and the ultimate girls' getaway with Bri and Dee! Visit Tobyhanna State Park with Jim in the second part of our series, Exploring State Parks in the Poconos, to discover trout fishing in the stocked lake, camping, boat rentals, hiking trails and the important part ice harvesting played in the park’s past.
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE Tobyhanna Township Zoning Hearing Board will conduct a public hearing at the Tobyhanna Township Municipal Building, 105 Government Center Way, Pocono Pines, PA 18350, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. for the purpose of hearing the following: APPLICANT Daniel Seip of 4129 Firefly Court, Pocono Lake, PA 18347 seeks a dimensional variance to the 40 ft. minimum front yard setback of the Township’s R-2 medium-density residential district Zoning Ordinance Chapter 155 Attachment 5.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS Tunkhannock Township, Monroe County SEALED PROPOSALS will be accepted by Tunkhannock Township until 12:00 PM on March April 9, 2025, at the Tunkhannock Township Building, 1557 Long Pond Road, Long Pond, PA 18334, for the following contract: “2025 Seal Coat Project” on Various Roads in Tunkhannock Township, Monroe County, Pennsylvania Project A: Single Bituminous Seal Coat followed by a Type II Slurry Seal installed, and Line painting on Tunkhannock Township Roads Project B: Single Bituminous Seal Coat followed by a Type II Slurry Seal install
Sheriff’s Sale OF VALUABLE REAL ESTATE By virtue of a Writ of Execution issued out of the Court of Common Pleas of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to 4217 CIVIL 2024 I, Nick Cirranello, Sheriff of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will expose the following described real estate to be sold at a public online auction conducted by Bid4Assets, 8757 Georgia Ave., Suite 520, Silver Springs, MD 20910 on: Thursday, April 24, 2025 AT 10:00 A.M.
Sheriff’s Sale OF VALUABLE REAL ESTATE By virtue of a Writ of Execution issued out of the Court of Common Pleas of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to 6076 CIVIL 2024 I, Nick Cirranello, Sheriff of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will expose the following described real estate to be sold at a public online auction conducted by Bid4Assets, 8757 Georgia Ave., Suite 520, Silver Springs, MD 20910 on: Thursday, April 24, 2025 AT 10:00 A.M.
Sheriff’s Sale OF VALUABLE REAL ESTATE By virtue of a Writ of Execution issued out of the Court of Common Pleas of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to 1856 CIVIL 2024 I, Nick Cirranello , Sheriff of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will expose the following described real estate to be sold at a public online auction conducted by Bid4Assets, 8757 Georgia Ave., Suite 520, Silver Springs, MD 20910 on: Thursday, April 24, 2025 AT 10:00 A.M.
Sheriff’s Sale OF VALUABLE REAL ESTATE By virtue of a Writ of Execution issued out of the Court of Common Pleas of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to 6655 CIVIL 2024 I, Nick Cirranello, Sheriff of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will expose the following described real estate to be sold at a public online auction conducted by Bid4Assets, 8757 Georgia Ave., Suite 520, Silver Springs, MD 20910 on: Thursday, April 24, 2025 AT 10:00 A.M.
Description Notice is hereby given that the Coolbaugh Township Board of Supervisors' Regular Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, 2025 will be held beginning at 6:00 PM at the Coolbaugh Township Municipal Center located at 5520 Municipal Drive, Tobyhanna, PA. To view the meeting agenda, please visit our website at: https://coolbaughtwp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/040125-Public-Packet.pdf