Campsites near Aston, Pennsylvania range from primitive tent-only areas to modern facilities with full hookups within a 20-mile radius. The region sits along the Piedmont Plateau with an average elevation of 400 feet and receives approximately 45 inches of rainfall annually. Fall camping typically offers temperatures between 45-65°F with colorful foliage peaking in mid-October.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 5-7 miles north at Ridley Creek State Park offers easily accessible shoreline fishing. "I go camping here almost every year and they a nice open field with two sites and two fire pits. They also have a tone of trails to hike on," notes one visitor about this park's amenities.
Canoeing: 25 minutes from Aston at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA where "In addition to the peaceful vibe, the people are friendly, the little office store has everything you forgot to pack, and if you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods, you will find wonderful native plants like blueberry, viburnum, clethra, and meadow beauty."
Disc golf course: 35 miles northwest at French Creek State Park offers challenging woodland play. A visitor mentioned, "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish. Ice fishing is also allowed at both lakes and the ice thickness is monitored."
What campers like
Level sites with privacy: 28 miles away at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA provides secluded camping spots. "The sites, particularly those on the Brandywine River, have amazing views. They are close enough for you to camp with a group, but most also have a small fence between each site to clearly delineate between the sites," reports one camper.
Clean bathroom facilities: 15 miles east at Lums Pond State Park Campground are consistently mentioned by visitors. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," explained one reviewer.
Seasonal activities: 25 miles away at French Creek State Park change with the weather. "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. The honor system of payment at the office makes it really easy to come in late and leave early."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most sites within 20 miles fill quickly, especially April through October. At Elk Neck State Park Campground, "The camp host were very friendly and were actually in charge of keeping the bathrooms clean (which they did excellent at)! The bathrooms were nothing fancy but I was impressed with the cleanness."
Site sizes vary considerably: Check dimensions before booking. "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. Just a little muddy. Otherwise the upper spots are pretty close to each other and in direct sun."
Off-season limitations: Many campgrounds reduce services November-March. "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. Bathhouses were open with hot water."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Important consideration when choosing campsites near Aston. At Old Cedar Campground, "My grandchildren loved visiting us, pool was clean - they had a few items that they could borrow - fishing was great - playground was adequate. Mini golf was fun for all. There was also activities for the younger kids - making slime."
Swimming options: Limited to specific areas with lifeguards generally present Memorial Day to Labor Day. "Nice campground with plenty of things to do for the kids. Beautiful pool, very nice playground and arcade. The fishing was good everytime we've went."
Recreational programs: Vary by season but most active in summer months. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, "The camp playground was brand new when we arrived and they had just broken ground (September 2020). There are two different playground in the same area to accommodate kids of all ages. They also have pickleball, mini golf and a lovely pool."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Check site maps carefully before reserving. At Four Seasons Family Campground, "Very nice campground with plenty of things to do for the kids. Beautiful pool, very nice playground and arcade. The fishing was good everytime we've went. They allow golfcarts which is a must for me."
Site leveling challenges: Many area campgrounds have sloped sites. "We got there, the host wasn't very friendly. We had to pay $50 per night for a tent site that was sandy mud. The facilities were nice and they had a pool and some other amenities."
Winter camping available: Select campgrounds remain open year-round. "We stayed here in our RV. It was the closest campground to Philly so we called a Lyft to get us into the city. The staff was super friendly and helpful. We also filled our propane tank here. The restrooms were immaculate compared to most campgrounds."
Ranger
