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Heidi Z.
Traveler
TravelerThe Loose Caboose Campground
Nice view
The owner is kind and knowledgeable a lot of live in / snowbirds . Some are very kind but some of the live in’s are crude .
Camping near Avondale, PA
109 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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 Campgrounds near Avondale (109)
1. Lums Pond State Park Campground
"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."
from $29 - $51 / night
Check Availability2. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA
"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."
from $59 - $86 / night
Check Availability3. French Creek State Park Campground
"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."
from $24 - $135 / night
Check Availability4. Elk Neck State Park Campground
"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."from $21 - $55 / night
Check Availability5. Jellystone Park™ Quarryville
"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
"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."
from $15 - $50 / night
Check Availability7. Brandywine Creek Campground
"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."
8. Spring Gulch Resort Campground
"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."
9. Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area
10. Susquehanna State Park Campground
"I was a walk-up with no reservation and since it was a weekday the ranger gave me a great rundown of the best spots in the camp and let me drive through to check them out before going back with my decision"
"Has access to Susquehanna River, nice hiking trails. Can picnic on Deer Creek and go tubing. Close to Connowingo Damn for fishing and birdwatching. Havre de Grace sits near Chesapeake Bay."
from $21 - $50 / night
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Drive Time
- 46 min from Lancaster, PA
- 47 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 54 min from Reading, PA
- 59 min from Dover, DE
Recent Camping Photos near Avondale, PA
228 Photos of 109 Avondale Campgrounds
Stephen S.
Philadelphia-West Chester KOA
Dave G.
Brandywine Creek Campground
An V.
Cecil County Permaculture
Jennifer S.
Hibernia County Park
Gene T.
The Loose Caboose Campground
Michael W.
Woodlands Camping Resort
Barbara W.
Lums Pond State Park Campground
LaPlace T.
Tranquil Creekside Camp
scott M.
Lancaster-New Holland KOA
Chrystal L.
White Oak Campground
Phinon W.
Spring Gulch Resort Campground
Megan T.
Country Acres Campground
Recent Reviews near Avondale, PA
811 Reviews of 109 Avondale Campgrounds
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GuideSusquehanna State Park Campground
A little noisy - park stuff, not campers
A beautiful, well maintained park with lots to do, great bathroom facilities and extremely nice people. The electric sites aren't all together, so you don't have RV's lined up but maybe annoying for folks who are tent camping. Avoid the locations in the mid-30's by the dumpster, both staff and campers start shaking the lid around 6:30. Between 5 AM and noon staff were driving big trucks and ATV's around with loud reverse horns, and slamming the fire pit grills, which they store sideways. Overall I had a really wonderful time, but that's largely down to good sound reduction inside the van. Almost zero cell service. I was able to get a couple of text messages in and out, but seemed to be a fluke.
Isabel Z.
ScoutElk Neck State Park Campground
Great for families
This campsite was amazing for our first tent camping experience. The park was a godsend for keeping our toddler occupied and we felt very safe overall. While the beach is pretty, be careful about the water condition. We were warned before entering and informed of the risks. They were very clear on the condition of the water that day which was a yellow, slight risk. But normally it should be okay. We would definitely camp here again.
- TTroli R.Guide
Aberdeen Proving Ground RV Park
Bougie sites; AWFUL reservation system
BASE ACCESS REQUIRED!
Electric/Water/Sewer hookup sites for $56 a night! (2 night minimum) Which is a great full hookup price, even though it's gone up $6 since last year. Weekly and monthly pricing available as well.
The sites are neat, well maintained, level, and sunny with concrete pads and paved campground roads. Centrally located laundry facilities and airconditioned bath house. Playground, boat launch, beach volleyball court, disk golf, basketball court, and outdoor pool all within walking distance. Other base amenities include: commissary, gas station, bowling, BBQ, Dunkin', and Greek restaurants, and golf. (I'm sure I'm forgetting something.)
Note: in July it is very buggy - the biting flies are the worst. So bring bug spray or a screened in tent to eat in.
The downside: the reservation system is a major PITA. You have to download a PDF packet, fill it out, and EMAIL it in. When you get your confirmation, it doesn't include a specific site number. You get assigned one when they call you the week of your scheduled check-in for payment completion.
Don't miss out on: the water! My advice would be to reserve one of their boats at the same time you reserve your campsite. The water in this area is great - no jellyfish, low waves. You can SUP, kayak, pontoon boat. Whatever your preference. There are large flats of grasses - which you'd want to avoid with a motor but are so much fun to paddle over. Also check out the Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge island. You can't go inland, but you can anchor off shore, jump in and wade around the shallows.
Also very driveable to an off-base movie theater, Baltimore, and Havre de Grace.
Carol C.ScoutOtter Creek Campground
Lovely tranquil campsites next to river
We stayed only one night in primitive tent site which was massive with a turnaround. It was great. There are fire pits and picnic tables and level ground. Very serene. We walked down to the river, breathtaking. Not sure of other amenities as we didn’t use them.
- JJohn S.Scout
Quakerwoods Campground
Great place. Friendliest people
The staff is the GREATEST. They are knowledgeable and helpful. The grounds are clean. The shower rooms are clean and large. Laundry room is perfect. They have pull-thrus, back ins and tent sites. Dog stations are placed throughout the park. The campers are also the friendliest. You can always tell the condition of the camp by the quality of the people staying there.. everyone was respectful, courteous and friendly. We stayed in July, 2026 and would DEFINITELY stay again next time we are thru PA.
Tomas R.ScoutThousand Trails Hershey
Thousand trails campground
Its such a beautiful campground and very quite and clean showers and bathrooms
Brian M.ScoutElk Neck State Park Campground
Good experience
Great campsite, plenty of space. It rained a lot and our campsite was a little muddy (not bad) but nearby campsites had large puddles
Matt S.
LegendFrench Creek State Park Campground
Quiet Park with a Tight Fit
We spent a weekend at French Creek State Park as our home base for the Chester County Balloon Festival. We stayed for 2 nights at a full-hookup paved site, which ran us $55.25 per night.
WHAT I LIKED:
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Peace& Quiet: The state park itself was lovely, serene, and felt nice and spacious.
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Prime Location: At just 30 minutes away from the balloon festival, this is the closest campground.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
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The"Leveling" Challenge: We were at site#C-241, which had a pretty significant slope. It took a few boards under the rear wheels and fully extended jacks just to get us anywhere near level.
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Tight Fit for Big Rigs: Even though there was plenty of open space behind our site, the actual driveway pad was too short to comfortably fit our motorhome and Jeep together. Compared to other state parks we’ve visited, the interior roads and layouts felt a bit on the tight side.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
- Probably. While the site geometry required a little extra setup muscle, it’s hard to beat the location if you're visiting the area or catching the balloon festival.
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Guide to Avondale
Camping sites near Avondale, Pennsylvania sit on the rolling hills of Chester County at elevations between 300-500 feet above sea level. The region receives approximately 47 inches of precipitation annually, creating lush surroundings for campers from spring through fall. Most campgrounds operate seasonally with limited winter availability due to the area's average January temperatures of 30°F.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Swimming isn't allowed at Lums Pond State Park Campground, but the 200-acre pond offers excellent fishing for northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, and muskellunge. "There are two lakes in French Creek, Hopewell and Scott's Run and each contain many species of fish. We spent Saturday afternoon fishing but not catching anything at Scott's Run," shares one visitor to French Creek State Park Campground.
Canoe and kayak rentals: The Brandywine River provides paddling experiences with rental equipment available at several campgrounds. "We have been there several times because it's so close. The river sites are great but can get muddy and there is a big hill to get up and out. The pool is nice, they have a store and a playground," notes a camper at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA. Another visitor adds: "Fishing available!!! Big sell for me."
Hiking trails: Explore various trail systems throughout the region. At Elk Neck State Park, you'll find "great state park with lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more)." One visitor particularly recommends the "Turkey Point Lighthouse trail which is a must. It is about a five minute drive to get to the trail though, but is worth it!"
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Premium riverside campsites remain highly sought after despite occasional challenges with terrain. "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," notes a camper about Philadelphia-West Chester KOA.
Spacious campgrounds: Many area campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, "the sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms." Another reviewer adds it's "a gem among nice state parks" with "beautiful park setting with fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved."
Rural views: Lancaster-New Holland KOA provides "unobstructed views of the Amish farmland and lots of room." One camper describes it as "peaceful, beautiful valley views of Amish country" while another calls it the "best kept secret in the area."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the region have limited operating seasons. One visitor to Brandywine Creek Campground notes it's open "April 1st to November 1st" which aligns with most area campgrounds' schedules.
Terrain challenges: Sites near water features often present unique considerations. "The river sites are great but can get muddy and there is a big hill to get up and out," explains a Philadelphia-West Chester KOA visitor. At French Creek, "the sites are pretty much level but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Reservation requirements: During peak season, advance planning is essential. At Hibernia County Park, "sites can be reserved online, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration. Hibernia annually hosts the 'Old Fiddlers Picnic' the second weekend in August. This is the only weekend that you are REQUIRED to call in to reserve."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Children's facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Quarryville, families find abundant activities: "The water park is super fun for adults and kids. The entire campground is clean and very well maintained." Another visitor noted their children "really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards)."
Budget-friendly options: Save money at county parks. Hibernia County Park offers camping at "$15/night" which includes "a large picnic table and a fire ring with a built in grill. Plenty of firewood to be found. Great for families."
Activity planning: Some campgrounds offer extensive programming for children. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, they even offer birthday packages where "they brought a cake to the camp with Booboo for my daughter. They have the pools and playgrounds and fishing."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose carefully based on your rig size. At Elk Neck State Park Campground, "in the full hook up loop pay close attention to the lengths specified. The actual pads are fairly level but some of the driveways to them are very sloped. Long rigs will have issues in a few of the sites."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited but available. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, "We paid $135/night for Back-in Patio Site#25. A bit pricey considering the lack of elbow room, but it's a great site and everything is well-kept." The visitor warns: "Heads up, big rig owners! Tight squeeze into Site 25."
Accessibility considerations: Road conditions affect larger RVs. One camper at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA noted: "I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow for a 45' motorhome to back in on a nearly 90-degree angle. So difficult, that I cracked the bottom of my front cap catching the grass and gravel beside the grave road."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Avondale, PA?
What camping is available near Avondale, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Avondale, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 109 campgrounds and RV parks near Avondale, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Avondale, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Avondale, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Avondale, PA is Lums Pond State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 52 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Avondale, PA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Avondale, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Avondale, PA.
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