Delaware State Park spans 2,000 acres northwest of Radnor with camping options amid wooded terrain. The area sits at approximately 909 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring warm summers and cold winters. Camping sites throughout the region range from full-amenity RV spots to primitive tent areas with many campgrounds operating year-round but offering different seasonal activities.
What to do
Hiking trails network: Delaware State Park Campground features multiple interconnected trails that showcase diverse landscapes around the lake. "There is a path to the playground which the occasional kid will run down into your campsite by accident. There are many trails that showcase the park's natural beauty," reports a camper at Delaware State Park Campground.
Water recreation: Launch kayaks or boats at multiple locations around Delaware Lake and other nearby water bodies. "There are numerous boat launches, fully equipped marina, and swimming area. We launched our kayaks and had a great time paddling around the lake," notes a visitor at Delaware State Park. For families seeking water adventures during luxury camping near Radnor, Alum Creek State Park Campground provides additional options with "a campground beach and boat launch."
Disc golf course: Test your skills at the 18-hole disc golf course at Delaware State Park while enjoying the outdoor setting. The course winds through wooded areas with varying levels of difficulty suitable for beginners and experienced players. When not playing disc golf, visitors can explore the archery range which offers designated shooting areas for different skill levels.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Campers consistently praise the natural separation between sites at Delaware State Park Campground. "What I liked most about this campground is the fact that all the sites have privacy," mentions one visitor at Mohican State Park Campground. The wooded settings provide natural barriers between campsites, creating more secluded glamping experiences near Radnor.
Clean facilities: Many reviewers highlight the quality of bathhouses and shower facilities. "The bathrooms are the best I've seen at a campground," reports a camper at Delaware State Park Campground. Similarly, at Buck Creek State Park Campground, visitors note "showers were very nice and clean" with regular maintenance throughout the camping season.
Varied camping layouts: The campgrounds near Radnor feature unique pod-style arrangements with sites organized in circular patterns. "The 'pod' layout of the campground made for large campsites with good separation between sites," notes a visitor describing Delaware State Park's design. This layout maximizes privacy while maintaining efficient access to central facilities.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most premium sites and glamping accommodations require advance booking, especially during summer months. At Delaware State Park, yurts book quickly from May through October. One reviewer at Cardinal Center Campground suggests "we even extended our stay an extra day because we had such a good time" – highlighting the importance of flexible booking when possible.
Seasonal variations: Water at full hook-up sites turns off during winter months at many campgrounds, though facilities remain open year-round. "Camping in the off season is our favorite time of year. This particular park has potable water on by the dump station and the dump station is open. The water at the full hook up sites are turned off," explains a winter camper at Mohican State Park.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between carriers across the region's campgrounds. "No cell service with Verizon at this park," notes a camper at Mohican State Park, while others report intermittent service depending on location within campgrounds. Visitors planning remote work during glamping stays should research connectivity options beforehand.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near playground facilities for convenient access with young children. At Delaware State Park, "My daughter had tons of fun exploring the woods connected to our site," says a parent at Rustic Knolls Campground, which features "a swimming pond with inflatable attractions" that provides additional entertainment for children.
Educational programs: Take advantage of scheduled ranger-led activities and wildlife programs offered during summer months. These programs typically cover local ecology, wildlife identification, and conservation efforts, providing educational opportunities for children of all ages during their camping experience.
Beach and swimming options: Most campgrounds feature designated swimming areas with varying amenities. "The campground beach is an absolute must and we even got close to wildlife (aka some pesky raccoons)," shares a visitor at Alum Creek State Park Campground. Many sites offer both natural beach areas and constructed swimming facilities with different operating hours throughout the season.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Reserve spots in outer loops for more privacy and space at Delaware State Park. "We had a site on a cul de sac and was close to the pool. The sites and road were gravel," recommends an RVer at Cardinal Center Campground. Corner sites often provide more buffer space between neighbors.
Hookup limitations: While many sites offer electric hookups (30 and 50 amp), full hookup sites with water and sewer connections are limited and should be reserved well in advance. "There are some full hook ups but mostly just electric," notes a camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Dogwood Valley, which offers premium glamping options near Radnor, Ohio.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant leveling, particularly for larger rigs. "Our pad was not level front to back so we had to adjust a little bit," mentions a visitor at Indian Lake State Park. Bringing additional leveling blocks is recommended for most campgrounds in the region.
