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Best Campgrounds near Bala-Cynwyd, PA

818 Reviews

Philadelphia's suburban outskirts around Bala-Cynwyd offer several established campground options within a 30-mile radius. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA in New Jersey and French Creek State Park Campground in Elverson provide year-round accommodations for tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking cabin rentals. Group camping facilities at Ridley Creek State Park in Media and Fort Washington State Park Campground in Fort Washington primarily serve organized groups rather than individual campers. The region also features unique options like Philly Love Boats at Pier 5 Marina, offering urban cabin-style glamping experiences on the Delaware River.

Road access varies significantly across these mixed-use campgrounds, with most sites requiring advance reservations. Facilities range from primitive tent-only group camping areas to full-service RV parks with water, electric and sewer hookups. "I go camping here almost every year and they have a nice open field with two sites and two fire pits. They also have a tone of trails to hike on," notes one visitor about Ridley Creek State Park. Several reviewers point out that Fort Washington State Park primarily offers group camping by reservation only, not individual nightly camping, which is an important distinction for planning purposes. Weather conditions generally permit camping year-round, though some facilities like Philadelphia West-Chester KOA operate seasonally from April through November.

Campers highlight the abundant recreational opportunities in these developed campgrounds despite their proximity to urban areas. Fort Washington State Park draws particular attention for its birding opportunities, with one visitor noting it's "great for birdwatching that will allow you to check out warblers, woodpeckers, various hawks and red thrushes." The 492-acre park includes multiple hiking trails and historical significance from the Revolutionary War. Ridley Creek State Park receives consistently positive reviews for its natural beauty, with a visitor describing "hiking up and down the mini mountains. The water was clear and beautiful." For those seeking water access, Tinicum Island provides a free primitive camping option accessible only by boat, while several commercial campgrounds offer swimming pools, fishing lakes, and other water-based recreation facilities. Most established campgrounds in the region provide modern amenities including showers, restrooms, and picnic facilities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Bala-Cynwyd, Pennsylvania (119)

    1. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 423-6677

    "They also have a catch and release pond and we found a pickleball court at a nearby city park."

    "In addition to the peaceful vibe, the people are friendly, the little office store has everything you forgot to pack, and if you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods"

    2. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    10 Reviews
    Gradyville, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 892-3900

    $57 / night

    "well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."

    "We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back"

    3. Fort Washington State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ambler, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 591-5250

    $28 - $72 / night

    "It's almost 500 acres filled with trails, woods,and river. I usually go to the parking right off of Militia hill rd.and Skippack Pike intersection."

    "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"

    4. French Creek State Park Campground

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

    $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."

    5. Alverthorpe Private Park

    4 Reviews
    Jenkintown, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 884-6538

    $1 - $100 / night

    "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"

    6. Philly Love Boats at Pier 5 Marina: Urban Glamping

    1 Review
    Camden, NJ
    6 miles
    Website

    $120 - $145 / night

    7. Evansburg State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Skippack, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 409-1150

    $43 / night

    "It was a great place to walk with your dog and enjoy the Pennsylvania outdoors."

    "Since he was 2 years old I’ve taken my son, and we always have an amazing time, either hiking the trails to wandering in the woods looking for “adventures”."

    8. Tinicum Island

    1 Review
    Essington, PA
    11 miles
    Website

    9. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA

    17 Reviews
    Downingtown, PA
    27 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."

    10. Village Scene Park

    4 Reviews
    Hatfield, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 362-6030

    $48 / night

    "We’ve stayed here a couple times in past Have family in the area Grew up in this area so very comfortable and easy access to lots of places! This visit we stayed six months may to October"

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Recent Camping Photos near Bala-Cynwyd, PA

278 Photos of 119 Bala-Cynwyd Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bala-Cynwyd, PA

818 Reviews of 119 Bala-Cynwyd Campgrounds

  • Ali P.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Homestead Campground

    Here for a week

    Beautiful park. Looks like only 2 of the spots are for campers, rest are full time residents. The farther back you go in the park the worse condition the rv are. At time of visit the closest bathroom was under repair, it happens. Aggravating issues: Dump station has no water. People walk their dogs right thru your camp site and then don’t pick up after them.

    But yea, beautiful place

  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Country Acres Campground

    Nice park

    This was a great campground. Very convenient for local sites, food, and shopping. Super clean, a large pool, and all well maintained.

  • 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

  • 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!

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Batona — Wharton State Forest

    Good spot to sleep

    The camp road was kinda hard to get around direction wise you couldn’t tell what was a road and what was a campsite. It was Saturday night and only two other campers but one was a huge group but thankfully not too loud. Two pit toilets that was pretty bad shape but we are used to disperse camping without toilets so we didn’t complain.

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

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • 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!

Guide to Bala-Cynwyd

Camping near Bala-Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From family-friendly campgrounds to serene spots for RVers, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds, like French Creek State Park Campground, have great trails. One visitor mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun. It's a great place to camp and enjoy downtime!"
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Elk Neck State Park Campground is a good choice. A reviewer said, "The Susquehanna river is full of every kind of fish imaginable!"
  • Exploring Local Attractions: Campers at Lums Pond State Park Campground can enjoy nearby attractions. One camper noted, "We went on a hike to check out the lighthouse. We visited an overlook and found a winery on-site."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness, especially at places like Lake-In-Wood Campground. A visitor shared, "The bathrooms were very clean, as well as the outhouse."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. At Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville, one family said, "Kids enjoy the water park and nighttime laser tag parties and hay rides."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers love having room to spread out. A review for Blue Rocks Family Campground mentioned, "Very level and spaced apart from neighbor if you pick the right spots."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Round Valley State Park Campground, have few amenities. A camper noted, "The primitive restrooms aren’t maintained at all but if you’re there more for the 'outdoorsy' experience, it’s not a huge downfall."
  • Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Blue Rocks Family Campground operates from April 1 to November 1.
  • Noise Levels: Some sites can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. A review for Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest mentioned, "There was car noise, but it wasn’t really an issue to us."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. At Turkey Swamp Park, one reviewer said, "There’s a nice playground in the campground."
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have stores, but it’s good to bring your own food. A camper at Lake-In-Wood Campground mentioned, "The camp store was well stocked."
  • Check for Pet Policies: If you’re bringing pets, make sure to choose a pet-friendly campground. Elk Neck State Park Campground allows pets, which is a plus for many families.

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. Lums Pond State Park Campground offers full hookups on all sites.
  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have unpaved roads that can be tricky for larger RVs. A reviewer at Turkey Swamp Park noted, "All are packed sand. We could tell it rained recently because of the muddy tracks."
  • Plan for Space: RVers appreciate spacious sites. A visitor at Lake-In-Wood Campground said, "The sites appeared to all be a very good size."

Camping near Bala-Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, has a lot to offer, whether you're looking for family fun or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Bala-Cynwyd, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bala-Cynwyd, PA is Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 20 reviews.

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