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Best Campgrounds near Newark, DE

704 Reviews

Camping options near Newark, Delaware range from established state parks to private campgrounds within a short drive of the city. Lums Pond State Park Campground, located in Bear just 7 miles south of Newark, offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and yurt accommodations. Elk Neck State Park Campground in North East, Maryland, approximately 20 miles southwest, provides cabin camping along with tent and RV sites. The region includes several KOA locations like Philadelphia-West Chester KOA in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, which features cabin rentals alongside traditional camping options.

Access to campgrounds in the Newark area varies with the seasons, though many remain open year-round. Most established campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Lums Pond State Park offers full hookup sites with electric, water, and sewer connections, making it popular for RV campers. The relatively flat terrain throughout the region makes most campgrounds accessible without specialized vehicles or equipment. Visitors should be aware that some campgrounds have specific pet policies, with designated pet-friendly loops at certain parks. A camper at Elk Neck State Park noted, "The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints. Site 166 offered a wooded path directly back to the nearby bathhouse, which was otherwise inconspicuous from my site."

Campers consistently mention the spacious sites and natural settings as highlights of the Newark area camping experience. Lums Pond State Park receives praise for its well-maintained facilities and large, level sites. According to one visitor, "This State park campground is very well maintained. The staff is friendly. Quiet, clean area and had no problem navigating in our 40' 5th wheel." Many campgrounds in the region feature water access, with Lums Pond offering fishing and boating opportunities. Elk Neck State Park provides hiking trails with scenic water views, though reviews mention trails can become muddy after rain. Several developed campgrounds in the area include amenities like clean bathhouses, laundry facilities, and camp stores, though amenities vary by location. Proximity to Philadelphia and other attractions makes these campgrounds convenient bases for exploring the region.

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Best Camping Sites Near Newark, Delaware (98)

    1. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 368-6989

    $22 - $40 / night

    "Great place to stay and check out “Lower, slower Delaware.”"

    "Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."

    2. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 287-5333

    $21 - $55 / night

    "I didn't notice it when I was in my tent, but I did as I was walking around.

    The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints. "

    "Surrounding area

    There are lots of tails for hiking in walking distance and also a playground for kids."

    3. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA

    17 Reviews
    Downingtown, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 486-0447

    $59 - $86 / night

    "I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow for a 45’ motorhome to back in on a nearly 90-degree angle."

    "The campground is located in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills which meant the roads getting there are narrow and windy."

    4. Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area

    3 Reviews
    Newark, MD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 398-1246

    5. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville

    19 Reviews
    Quarryville, PA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 610-4505

    "We stayed here in November with beautiful weather which meant the large farm behind the campground was spraying manure over their fields. We could smell it."

    "The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees. It didn’t look like all sites had that much cover so be careful."

    6. Woodlands Camping Resort

    3 Reviews
    White Hall, MD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 398-4414

    7. Cecil County Permaculture

    1 Review
    North East, MD
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (443) 945-5492

    $10 - $16 / night

    "Has outhouse, fire pit, running water on side of house near outhouse. An is a wonderful person. Good reception with T-Mobile!"

    8. French Creek State Park Campground

    79 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $20 - $75 / night

    "We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"

    "If you want starlink, stay toward the entrance of the loop for a good view of the sky. If you want to be away from everyone and don't need a site that has good accessibility, stay in C27."

    9. Susquehanna State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Edgewood, MD
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 557-7994

    $21 - $50 / night

    "Had a great weekend trip here, close to DC and Delaware. Wonderful hiking trails with river views. Only caveat- got pretty muddy since it rained the day before and our site didn’t have a tent pad."

    "I was a walk-up with no reservation and since it was a weekday the ranger gave me a great rundown of the best spots in the camp and let me drive through to check them out before going back with my decision"

    10. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    10 Reviews
    Gradyville, PA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 892-3900

    $57 / night

    "well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."

    "We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back"

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Recent Camping Photos near Newark, DE

227 Photos of 98 Newark Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Newark, DE

704 Reviews of 98 Newark Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Brandywine Creek Campground

    Brandywine

    We are on the third week of a four week trip. Campground is well maintained, quiet. This was our home while exploring Philadelphia. Uber to Downgrown, Septa or Amtrak to town. Reverse to camp. Very enjoyable. Hickory nut tree beside camper shared at times.

  • Peyton S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Wonderful, Easy, Quick trip from Philly

    It’s about an hour away from Philadelphia. We tent camped in loop B. The site was wonderful. Just know it is a gravel site, not grass. The fire pit has a grill attachment and wood was easy to find. Water and bathrooms were close. We hiked around the lake and there were plenty of trails and even rentable kayaks and paddle boards! Would definitely recommend if looking for a quick overnight stay outside of the city.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    In Amish area, next to an amusement park

    Our kids where happy with the small playground and with a few dollars they could have some fun in the small arcade/gameroom. In the area you have Lancaster, Amish area and an amusement park (that is a bit outdated). The camping has a bit over 100 spots. They are just oké.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    More than correct stay for a pass through or short period

    Check in at the store (without reservation), went very smooth. Only the north east loop was open because it was calm. All spots are full hook up, all fine. There was a small play area for the kids and the restrooms/ shower where clean. No complaints.

  • Scott J.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Sun Valley Campground

    My Happy Place

    My wife and I have been seasonal camper for 4 years and love it. We had visited numerous campgrounds and found Sun Valley to be the atmosphere there beyond our expectations. The minute you walk into the office you get that" aha" moment. The office greets you with a smile and " Welcome to Sun Valley, how can I help you ". That alone told us these folks are here to make your stay enjoyable. They go above and beyond any campground we have ever been to. The activities go above and beyond. The Saturday night bands are concert worthy. We have enjoyed our stay more than you ever imagined. For the past 4 years it has been our "Happy Place"

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Fantastic PA state park for activities and camping.

    Third year staying over the Labor Day weekend. Campground full but still a very peaceful relaxing stay. Our site was very spacious and open. Tree lined and site was almost level. Paved sites on this loop.

  • Connie R.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Pretty park but needs upkeep and maintenance

    Only stayed one night (8/23/25).  Had an electric site on B 45.  After pulling in and starting to unload, we were getting swarmed with yellow jackets.  There were several entry holes in the ground they were using to enter and exit.  I have never experienced anything like this anywhere.   I would have left but since it was close to dusk, I knew they would all retrieve and go underground.  The smoke with the fire helped but it impacted our stay.  They were everywhere.  I will not be going back anytime during the summer

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Good stay

    The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground. We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig. All gravel sites and we had full hookup with 50 Amp.

  • Barbara P.
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Spring Gulch Resort Campground

    BED BUGS in Cabin

    I believe Cabin 1409 is infested with BED BUGS! After a short stay in this cabin(7/28-7/30) I came home with 80+ bug bites that I'm certain were from BED BUGS. A dozen of them were on my eyelid! My dermatologist gave me a high strength dosage of prednisone to combat the swelling and itching. We promptly advised the property manager, who was sympathetic, but once our claim for damages(mostly items we had to throw out due to contamination) reached the insurance company, the process stalled. It's been 19 days and now the insurance adjuster is out of the office for another week- having provided no updates or feedback on our claim. I wish I had posted this earlier, as I wonder if the cabin that Michael M complained about in his Aug. 4 YELP review was the very same cabin. I had hoped our conversations with the property manager would have prevented additional folks from the same fate. I also wish I had read a few earlier reviews that warned of BED BUGS. I continue to fear an infestation in my home, in the event we brought home nymphs or eggs or the bugs themselves. I'm constantly vacuuming and looking under seat cushions and my mattress. I now dry all my laundry on high for 60 minutes, knowing it's damaging my clothes, but also knowing it's the best way to kill the bugs and their eggs- which can go dormant and survive for a year without biting again. Zero stars. Choose to stay elsewhere!

Guide to Newark

Camping options within a 20-mile radius of Newark, Delaware include several state parks with varied amenities and a few private campgrounds that maintain full hookup sites year-round. The area's relatively mild climate allows for extended camping seasons, with most campgrounds open from March through November, though some maintain winter operations. Unlike mountainous camping regions, the terrain around Newark is mostly flat to gently rolling, making most sites accessible without specialized equipment.

What to do

Fishing at multiple lakes: Lums Pond State Park offers year-round fishing opportunities with species including northern pike, bass, and various panfish. According to a visitor at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, "This campground is right on a creek with availability to use canoes," making it ideal for water activities.

Hiking through historic areas: Several trail networks connect camping areas to historic sites. A camper at Susquehanna State Park noted, "We hiked over a bridge and stream which was full of fish I could see! Turned around after I got to the Susquehanna itself. The river was running pretty high and fast, pretty cool to see."

Off-season adventures: Winter camping is available at select locations. One camper shared, "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby," about their experience at French Creek State Park.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Campground layout is a frequent highlight. A camper at Elk Neck State Park praised, "This campground is very family friendly. We saw so many children running around having a great time! They have fairly many camp sites with an amazing view."

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. According to one review at Susquehanna State Park, "Bath house was immaculate; by far the cleanest I have ever seen in a campground. Must have been recently renovated."

Honor system availability: Some campgrounds offer after-hours access to essentials. One camper noted, "They also sell ice and firewood at the campstore AND there is an honor system with it available to you after the campstore hours," making late arrivals easier to manage.

What you should know

Site surface variations: Not all tent sites offer level, root-free surfaces. A camper at French Creek State Park observed, "It was a little bit of a struggle getting on a level and rock-free spot large enough for our tent, but we managed!"

Bathhouse maintenance schedules: Cleanliness can vary by time and season. One reviewer mentioned, "Our specific site was supposed to have a tent pad but there wasn't a spot cleared for our tent and we had to move the heavy picnic table so we weren't putting up our tent on top of the fire ring."

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the Newark area require advance booking, especially during peak season. One camper advised, "We do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations. Book early because it fills up fast!"

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: When booking sites with children, check distance to play areas. A reviewer at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park shared, "Super clean, beautiful campground. So many activities to entertain kids, we couldn't fit it all in!"

Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds program specific activities for younger campers. "Fun fun and more fun loads of activities for the kids! Breakfast with Yogi!" noted one parent about their experience at Jellystone Park.

Multi-generational options: Consider sites that accommodate various comfort levels. A camper mentioned, "We spent a long weekend with family at Lums Pond State Park Campground and so glad we did," highlighting facilities that work for both tent campers and those needing more amenities.

Tips from RVers

Site approach angles: Some campgrounds have challenging access for larger rigs. One RVer at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA cautioned, "I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow for a 45' motorhome to back in on a nearly 90-degree angle. So difficult, that I cracked the bottom of my front cap catching the grass and gravel beside the grave road."

Hookup locations: Check utility placement before setting up. A camper noted, "About what you expect from a KOA. If you can manage without full hookups, choose the spots down by the creek. The views are the best in the place."

Winter utility access: Some campgrounds maintain water service during colder months. An RVer shared, "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November," which can be crucial information for shoulder-season camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any tent camping sites available near Newark?

Susquehanna State Park Campground offers excellent tent camping with wonderful hiking trails and river views. It's a convenient weekend destination from Newark, though sites can get muddy after rain as some don't have tent pads. Another great option is French Creek State Park Campground, which features nice car camping spots with easy hiking trails and a lake. While you can't swim in the lake, the park does have a public pool available for cooling off during summer months.

Where are the best campgrounds near Newark, Delaware?

Lums Pond State Park Campground is one of the best options directly in Delaware, offering well-maintained facilities with friendly staff and easy navigation for large RVs. For those willing to venture slightly into Maryland, Elk Neck State Park Campground provides peaceful surroundings with pet-friendly options and is particularly quiet during weekdays. Both locations are excellent bases for exploring the region while enjoying natural settings with good amenities.

What amenities do campgrounds with pools offer near Newark?

Pequea Creek Campground doesn't have a traditional pool but offers refreshing water activities with creek access for splashing and floating. The campground features large, tree-covered sites and hosts fun activities like Saturday night music bingo. For a more traditional pool experience, Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area provides basic amenities including water and toilet facilities in a natural setting. Many campers visiting this region during summer months also enjoy nearby river tubing as an alternative to pool swimming.

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