Best Campgrounds near Atglen, PA
The rolling countryside near Atglen, Pennsylvania provides a mix of camping experiences within Pennsylvania Dutch country, ranging from full-service RV resorts to state park campgrounds. French Creek State Park Campground offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts across its 200-site property about 15 miles north of Atglen. Private campgrounds dominate the region, including Philadelphia-West Chester KOA and Spring Gulch Resort Campground, which accommodate tent campers, RVs, and cabin stays in scenic settings amid Amish farmland.
Seasonal considerations affect camping options throughout the area, with many private campgrounds operating from April through October or early November. "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," noted one visitor about French Creek State Park. Full hookup sites at most developed campgrounds include electric (30/50 amp), water, and sewer connections, though primitive tent sites are more limited in the region. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months and fall weekends when the area's proximity to Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Hershey attracts weekend travelers.
Campers consistently mention the contrast between campgrounds in the area - some offering spacious, tree-lined sites while others have more compact layouts. One camper described their experience at French Creek State Park: "The campground had no vacancy on this particular weekend. Sites were short (45' long). The sites that aren't ADA have more space between them." Mixed-use campgrounds near Atglen typically provide amenities such as clean bathhouses, picnic tables, fire rings, and some recreational facilities. Many campgrounds in the region capitalize on their location between urban attractions and rural landscapes, serving as convenient bases for exploring Amish country, covered bridges, and nearby historical sites while providing basic camping facilities. Water features like lakes, ponds, and the Brandywine River enhance several camping areas, offering fishing, paddling, and scenic views.
