Tent campsites near Atglen, Pennsylvania occupy a region characterized by gentle hills, deciduous forests, and rural farmlands with elevations ranging from 300-600 feet. Most camping areas stay open from April through October, closing during winter months when temperatures typically drop below freezing. The Brandywine Valley watershed influences many of the camping experiences, with several sites positioned along creeks or small waterways.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Chamber's Lake at Hibernia County Park offers stocked waters suitable for beginning anglers. According to one visitor, "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," making it an accessible option for families with young kids.
Hiking trails: Most tent camping areas connect to trail networks ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. A camper at Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park noted there are "lots of hiking trails" with "several well marked trails for hiking," though they mentioned "the sites are way too close together and there is not any privacy."
Water activities: Creekside camping locations allow for wading and cooling off during summer months. At Mill Creek Camping Area, one camper shared that "the stream is refreshing and the site stays fairly cool. When it hits the high temperatures a quick dip in the water is amazing."
What campers like
Natural soundscapes: Tent campers frequently mention appreciating the ambient sounds at creekside locations. A visitor at Mill Creek Camping Area enjoyed "the sound of water flowing at night," noting that "campsite is down by the creek making for a cooler camping experience."
Affordability: Camping costs remain relatively low compared to other recreational activities. Lancaster County tent sites charge "a flat rate of $25 a night, for up to 6 days" and some campgrounds like Hibernia offer refund options where the "campground will refund you if rain prevents your stay or allow you to rebook."
Tree coverage: The wooded settings provide comfortable shade during summer heat. A visitor to Susquehannock State Park Campground mentioned "lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River" and that "potable water is available in several places on each loop."
What you should know
Limited privacy: Many tent sites lack substantial separation between camping areas. One camper at Hibernia County Park's Lake Loop noted, "There is absolutely no privacy. The campsites are right next to each other with hardly any trees" and that "the campground is ON the hiking trail so everyone doing the loop walks along the sites."
Bathroom facilities: Restroom quality varies significantly between locations. At Green Lane Park, reviews indicate "clean bathrooms" though one visitor reported "the camping facilities are subpar, primitive and lack any kind of privacy" with "the only potable water from a near-broken water fountain."
Reservation requirements: Weekend bookings fill quickly from June through August. At Evansburg State Park Campground, visitors mentioned "camping is only open to organized camping" and some tent sites require "having to haul gear by foot to the campsite. Some are further than others."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly fishing: Several parks offer dedicated areas for young anglers. A family staying at Hibernia County Park appreciated that "my kids are age 3-12... The children's pond is about a short ways away for well stocked fishing."
Playground access: Some camping areas feature play equipment within walking distance. One family at Hibernia mentioned "the park ranger this weekend was the nicest and very helpful with directions to walk to the playground and indoor restrooms."
Trail accessibility: Look for campgrounds with easy, well-marked paths suitable for children. A parent at Hibernia noted, "The lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails" and "my children are age 3-12... very quiet at night."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most tent camping areas near Atglen have restrictive size allowances for RVs. A reviewer at Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park indicated that while the park is excellent for outdoor activities, the camping is limited: "there is only group tenting here."
Water tank preparation: Limited water access means coming prepared. At Hibernia County Park, one camper advised "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank."
Leveling challenges: Natural terrain requires careful positioning for larger vehicles. A camper at Hibernia mentioned the sites "aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix" and while "at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18."
