Susquehanna State Park Campground
Great time with kids
Nice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
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.
$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."
$22 - $40 / 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."
$20 - $75 / 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."
$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."
"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."
$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."
"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."
"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."
"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."












Nice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
This campground has everything. Conveniently located, short drive to Dover, Wilmington, Annapolis and Baltimore. The sites were very large and spacious. Sites can accommodate any type of trailer or vehicle. Plenty of site hookups, areas for tents. There is a camp store, several washer and dryers. The best private, individual shower booths and even a pond to go fishing in.
We camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Like always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster. As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck. We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.
The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up. We choose a really wooded site. It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck. It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place. I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose. They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy. You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.
They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine. The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on. I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down. The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long. I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.
The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly. The store was fully stocked with everything you could want. The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water. We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area. We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock. The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.
I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there. It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing. People were very respectful and friendly.
Tucked just off Route 309 north of Quakertown, Melody Lakes Country Estate feels far less like a traditional campground and much more like a quiet, semi-permanent residential community, with a small pocket of opportunity for the occasional overnight RV stay if you happen to time it right.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Peaceful, tucked-away setting surrounded by wooded acreage that gives the property a calm, removed feel from nearby roads;(2) Access to a range of community-style amenities including a pool, clubhouse, playground, and small fishing ponds;(3) Proximity to Quakertown makes it relatively easy to access groceries, restaurants, and basic supplies within a short drive;(4) Nearby outdoor options like the Upper Bucks Rail Trail provide a great outlet for hiking and biking;(5) Close to local gems like Kathy’s Country Kitchen, which is well worth the stop if you’re passing through.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Extremely limited RV availability, with only a handful of spots, making it unreliable for spontaneous overnight stays;(2) Not a true campground experience, as the majority of the property is made up of semi-permanent or seasonal residences;(3) No tent camping options whatsoever, limiting flexibility for different types of campers;(4) Entrance is easy to miss with minimal signage, requiring careful navigation or prior knowledge to find;(5) Unclear availability of full hookups due to the limited number of transient sites and lack of consistent turnover.
Happy Camping!
Tucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting with wide-open skies, neighboring hay fields, rustic barns and charming small towns that feel pulled straight from a New England travel guide. With roughly 170 RV sites, a small collection of tent sites and several rental campers, the campground strikes a balance between peaceful rural escape and full-featured family campground energy.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Gorgeous pastoral setting with surrounding farmland, rolling hills and a distinctly peaceful countryside atmosphere;(2) Excellent full-hookup RV infrastructure with mostly back-in sites offering 30/50 amp electric, water and sewer, along with flat pads, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings;(3) Exceptionally strong amenity package including adult and kids swimming pools, mini golf, baseball field, RC track, shuffleboard, fishing pond, game room, playgrounds, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, cornhole, themed weekends, bingo and Saturday wagon rides;(4) Clean and plentiful facilities including four well-kept restroom and shower buildings, laundry, camp store, dump stations, water stations, propane refills and ice sales; and(5) Outstanding access to regional attractions including Nockamixon State Park for kayaking and canoeing, plus great nearby dining at Brick Tavern Inn, McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn and Sage Alley Brewery.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Interior sections of the campground offer less tree cover and privacy compared to the wooded perimeter sites;(2) Tent camping is limited in number and clustered separately, which may feel slightly isolated to some campers;(3) Restaurant options are not immediately adjacent, requiring a short drive for dining;(4) Weekend popularity and themed events can increase noise and traffic levels; and(5) RV rates trend toward the higher end during peak season.
Happy Camping!
Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone’s throw from the PA Turnpike.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Expansive campground with 250+ sites offering full hookups, giving plenty of options for both short stays and longer visits;(2) Resort-style amenities including pool, mini golf, clubhouse, playgrounds, and organized activities that keep families engaged throughout the day;(3) Beautiful wooded setting with dense tree coverage that creates a surprisingly secluded feel despite proximity to major highways;(4) Ideal location for exploring Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with scenic farmland, covered bridges, and charming nearby towns just minutes away; and(5) Strong sense of community with events like bingo, crafts, and family activities that give it that classic ‘summer camp” vibe.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Sloped terrain throughout much of the campground can make leveling a bit tricky depending on your site;(2) Close proximity to the PA Turnpike may be a concern for some, even though tree coverage helps reduce both noise and visibility;(3) Wi-Fi is not complimentary and can be an added cost, which feels a bit dated for a“resort” experience;(4) Membership requirement through Thousand Trails can be a barrier for first-time or casual campers; and(5) Limited tent site availability compared to the large number of RV sites, making it less flexible for non-RV travelers
Happy Camping!
Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood than a traditional woods-only campsite. While its proximity to the highway makes access easy, the property itself is gated, organized into distinct camping zones and packed with amenities that clearly cater to longer stays and families looking for built-in entertainment.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Full-service resort-style amenities including pool, playground, arcade, laundry, propane refills, dump stations, sports field, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings throughout the property;(2) Wide variety of lodging options including RV sites with 30/50 amp hookups, water, sewer and cable, primitive tent sites, and multiple on-site cottages for non-campers;(3) Gated entrance and very welcoming, helpful staff at check-in with a well-stocked camp store offering snacks, ice cream, sundries and souvenirs;(4) Strong family appeal with fishing pond, barn, open play areas and space for kids to roam safely; and(5) Excellent location for regional attractions including Hershey Park, Chocolate World, Amish countryside tours and the nearby wolf sanctuary with guided educational tours.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Immediate proximity to I-76 means persistent highway noise day and night with no real sound buffer;(2) Access is oddly indirect despite being next to the turnpike, requiring a several-mile loop through countryside roads to reach the entrance;(3) Overall layout is wide open with limited natural privacy between many RV sites;(4) Nearby shooting range produces frequent target practice noise, especially noticeable during early morning hours; and(5) Pricing for primitive tent sites feels disproportionately high compared to full-hookup RV rates.
Happy Camping!
This is our 3rd time at this park, it is one of our favorites. Well maintained, very quiet. We stay in Loop A (full hookup) pet friendly. Sites are spacious, generally large but they are all back-in sites.
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.
**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!"
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."
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."
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."
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?
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?
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.
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