Best Campgrounds near Avondale, PA

Campgrounds near Avondale, Pennsylvania provide a mix of developed facilities and natural settings within easy reach of Philadelphia and surrounding attractions. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA in Coatesville sits along the Brandywine River, offering tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with amenities like swimming pools and canoe rentals. Other notable options include Brandywine Creek Campground and Hibernia County Park, providing varied experiences from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV camping across Chester County. Most campgrounds in this region maintain facilities that accommodate both weekend getaways and longer stays exploring nearby historical sites.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with many campgrounds operating on limited schedules between April and November. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA typically opens from April through November, while other facilities like Hibernia County Park operate May through October. The region experiences humid summers and cold winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays and holiday periods when campgrounds fill quickly. Several campgrounds feature riverside settings that can occasionally become muddy after rainfall. As one visitor noted, "The river sites are great but can get muddy and there is a big hill to get up and out."

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the Avondale area, with multiple campgrounds situated along creeks and rivers. The Brandywine River provides a scenic backdrop for several campgrounds, offering fishing opportunities and paddling experiences. Campers consistently mention the peaceful water sounds and riverside views as highlights of their stays. While premium sites with amenities like paved patios and upgraded fire pits are available at higher price points, most campgrounds maintain a family-friendly atmosphere with playgrounds and recreational facilities. Some campgrounds offer nature trails and dog-friendly areas, though site sizes and privacy vary considerably across facilities. Reviews indicate that waterfront sites generally command the highest satisfaction despite occasional challenges with terrain and mud, making them worth the extra cost for many visitors.

Best Camping Sites Near Avondale, Pennsylvania (106)

    1. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA

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

    $59 - $86 / night

    "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."

    "Everything was within close walking distance and the staff were extremely helpful. Pool and bathrooms were very clean."

    2. Lums Pond State Park Campground

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

    $27 - $45 / night

    "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."

    "The camp loop is a nice walk but there are also trails. They were pretty muddy when we were there. Site 35 was quite spacious as were many of them."

    3. French Creek State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $24 - $122 / 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"

    "Campground Review: French Creek State Park Campground is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."

    4. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    26 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."

    5. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville

    19 Reviews
    Quarryville, PA
    18 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. Hibernia County Park

    8 Reviews
    Coatesville, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 383-3812

    $15 - $50 / night

    "This campground has 2 small loops, the Lake Loop and the Fiddler's Loop. Lake loop is the bigger of the two, however the “sites” are smaller and it's more open. It is popular with group tenters."

    "Large campsites at the Lake Loop. Map is a little deceiving- the sites are farther from the lake than I expected and there are no running water bathrooms. Very clean and wooded sites."

    8. Brandywine Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Coatesville, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 942-9950

    "Girlfriend and I stayed here while we visited nearby Longwood Gardens. The tent sites are spacious and they all border the creek which is a nice sound at night, as well as a good morning view."

    "Close to Valley Forge military park, and convenient to Philadelphia by train."

    9. Spring Gulch Resort Campground

    16 Reviews
    Narvon, PA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Site next to us had a pipe break, they had a maintenance crew come out immediately and fix it. Amish stores/attractions close by for some entertainment also."

    "Fishing pond is a joke and near by Gun Range can be annoying and tough on pets. But, over all, this place is pretty nice."

    10. Lancaster-New Holland KOA

    12 Reviews
    Narvon, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 354-7926

    "This is a great spot for visiting Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County and about a one-hour drive to Hersheypark. "

    "Not too close to each other. Has a great view of the valley and Amish farms. Everyone has been very friendly. No pool but the kids seem to enjoy the playground."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 106 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Avondale, PA

779 Reviews of 106 Avondale Campgrounds


  • M
    Oct. 6, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Hard with a large group

    Harder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Stoevers Dam Park

    Park is closed. We were kicked out.

    LThe park is a beautiful city park. There are 7 small, level, back-in sites with electric, a picnic table and fire pit. We arrived in a Sunday and you have to call for a permit, but the office is only open on M-F during working hours. At 8 pm, a police officer told us the park was closed because of a bear, but that they had not gotten around to putting up signs. Wound up in a Walmart instead.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Dog owners read!

    There’s four loops. All connected A through D. We just needed a place to park and sleep so I got D011. Got there at 11pm and the D loop says no pets allowed. Not sure why when they are at every other loop but we had no where else to go and the area is pretty far off from anywhere else so the ol lab stayed in the camper. The bathrooms are tile and really nice with showers. And it was really quiet and chilly so a nice fall camp site. Just know ahead of time if you’re a dog owner!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Village Scene Park

    Tucked-Away Community Vibe

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated insights, additional photos and a quick breakdown of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet; (2) Full-hookup RV sites with 30 / 50 amp, water, and sewer; (3) Affordable rates compared to other campgrounds in the region; (4) Smaller, tight-knit atmosphere with friendly long-term residents; (5) Pet-friendly, with walking areas and green space; and (6) Nearby restaurants include Franconi’s Pizzeria for classic pies and cheesesteaks and Appalachian Brewing Company with pub fare and house-brewed beers. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Sites are narrow and can feel cramped, so don’t expect big pull-throughs; (2) Limited amenities with no pool, clubhouse, or playground; (3) Grounds feel more like a residential mobile home park than a campground; (4) Some infrastructure is dated and could use upgrades; and (5) Not much in the way of natural scenery because, um, this is urban camping. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Fort Washington State Park Campground

    Where George Washington Would've Ditched His Tent PPE

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly 500 acres of lush forest that is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike; (2) Potable water and non-flush restrooms available year-round, because even Revolutionary War re-enactors need coffee breaks; (3) Over 3.5 miles of trails leading to Hawk Watch observation decks, which birders will marvel at and the rest of us will simply appreciate the vista; (4) Group tenting area that fits 20 to 100 people that is ideal for clans, clubs or covert woodland think tanks; and (5) Convenient to Philly (25 min), great for escaping crowds while still being able to Uber for donuts.

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No RV or tent-by-the-river solo camping: group-only policy means solo adventurers need to carpool or carry heavy guilt; (2) Bathrooms are primitive and non-flush, so BYOTP as it’s campground chic here, not hotel lobby convenient; (3) Carry-in / carry-out trash policy means becoming one with your garbage until civilization or squirrels show up; (4) Cell service is ‘iffy’ at best, depending on how hard the woods are trying to keep you offline; and (5) No campfire tales about campers as noise is limited and so are late-night s'mores sessions.

    Happy Camping!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Great place to stay!

    This Campground is in the town of Lancaster, close to everything. A little complicated getting in, you need to turn in at the Cartoon Network Hotel driveway. Nice showers & friendly staff. Our site was asphalt, that was a treat, tho not all of them were...

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Alverthorpe Private Park

    Urban Camping Bliss

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked just outside Philly that is serene enough to reset your social media–addled brain; (2) Flat, open terrain scattered with tall shade trees makes pitching your tent feel practically pastoral; (3) Surprisingly solid cell signal (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T all wave hello), which is rare in inner-density camping and handy for emergency pizza delivery orders; (4) Short walk to a quaint lake and four-sided chimney for marshmallow toasting that offers low-key charm with built-in ambiance; and (5) Tons of shade completely shroud the entire campground area, so no need to bring those pesky shelters for added coverage. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No restroom drama on the way in, but once you’re past the control building, basic camping reality bites; (2) Ancient shelter and group pavilion are charming in a ‘needs new plumbing’ sort of way; (3) Reaching the camping area involves navigating uneven steps as you won’t be able to drive to your actual campsite, which is great for adventure, but bad for sprained ankles; (4) Feels like a weekend-only myth where the park closes on holidays and deals in ‘control building hours’; and (5) This place is known to be full of litter and in dire need of some ground maintenance, so you might just want to bring an extra garbage bag and a rake to help out.

    Happy Camping!

  • 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.


Guide to Avondale

Camping near Avondale, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at French Creek State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun," highlighting the variety of trails available.
  • Fishing: The Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground is great for fishing enthusiasts. A visitor noted, "There’s great fishing throughout the area," making it a perfect spot for anglers.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: At Tuckahoe State Park Campground, you can enjoy kayaking on Lake Tuckahoe. One camper shared, "The calm waterway is excellent for kayaking."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Lums Pond State Park Campground. A review stated, "Nice smaller campground with large spacious sites."
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms. At Elk Neck State Park Campground, one reviewer said, "The bathrooms are immaculate," which is a big plus for families.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Blue Rocks Family Campground is noted for its family-oriented vibe. A camper mentioned, "Very family-oriented and a great place for a weekend getaway in the woods!"

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Susquehanna State Park Campground noted, "There wasn't really any enforcement of the quiet hours," which might be a concern for those seeking peace.
  • Site Conditions: Not all sites are level. A camper at Codorus State Park Campground mentioned, "Some sites weren’t level front to back, so adjustments needed to be made to level camper."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest, have fewer amenities. A review pointed out, "There are no electric hookups and cell service is low, but manageable."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Hersheypark Camping Resort, which has playgrounds and pools. One parent said, "Our kids were able to walk to the playground and play every day before our outings."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Tuckahoe State Park Campground mentioned, "There is so much to do right in this area as well. Lots of hiking."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. A visitor at Blue Rocks Family Campground noted, "The ice cream parlor was a bonus."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the RV sites. A reviewer at Hersheypark Camping Resort mentioned, "The spots are a little small, but we have a small travel trailer so we didn’t have any issues."
  • Leveling Your RV: Be prepared to level your RV. A camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground said, "Some sites weren’t level front to back, so adjustments needed to be made."
  • Use Amenities Wisely: Take advantage of amenities like dump stations. A visitor at Lums Pond State Park Campground noted, "Clean bathrooms and a dump station works well."

Camping around Avondale, PA, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Just remember to check the specifics of each campground to ensure a great experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Avondale, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Avondale, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 106 campgrounds and RV parks near Avondale, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Avondale, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Avondale, PA is Philadelphia-West Chester KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 17 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Avondale, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Avondale, PA.