French Creek State Park Campground provides level camping sites located approximately 15 miles southeast of Reading in Chester and Berks counties. The 7,526-acre park contains multiple camping loops with varying levels of privacy and hookup options. Temperatures range from winter lows in the 20s to summer highs in the 80s, creating an extended camping season from April through October for most glamping options near Temple, Pennsylvania.
What to do
Hike the Appalachian Trail: Blue Rocks Family Campground offers direct access to this iconic trail. "It's right at the base of one of the most popular hiking trails, The Pinnacle. It's nestled in the woods and is very rustic. Really gives you that camping feel!" notes Darrien K. The trailhead begins inside the campground with hiking routes for various skill levels.
Fish at multiple locations: French Creek State Park Campground has two lakes stocked with diverse fish species. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish. Ice fishing is also allowed at both lakes and the ice thickness is monitored," shares Jen R. in her review.
Explore glacier rock formations: The boulder field at Blue Rocks Family Campground creates a unique natural playground. "Our children loved to climb all over the rocks, that is where they spent most of the time," mentions Terri S. This distinctive geological feature is particularly popular with families looking for nature-based activities.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Hickory Run Family Camping Resort offers well-separated camping areas. "Large campground with RV sites and Tent only. Wooded area lots of activities," notes Doreen S., while another camper mentioned, "Sites are best in the 140-160 loop. Park employees are nice."
Clean facilities: Starlite Camping Resort maintains high standards for bathhouses and grounds. "The facilities are spotless and the campground is maintained to the highest standards I have seen," reports Elizabeth L. The private shower stalls include hot water and regular cleaning.
Outdoor recreation options: Allentown KOA combines camping with water features. "Loved being right next to the stream. No fish in sight though. Sites were huge! Hiking trail was about a mile up and back but cool," says Kelly J. The campground's creek creates a pleasant soundtrack for relaxation.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Rain can impact sites at some campgrounds due to terrain. At Hickory Run, "The people from Sites 100-116 were mad, it rained and the water ran down hill. These people had a mess at their sites," according to Michelle E. Select elevated sites when possible.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping options near Temple fill quickly between May and September. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," shares Jen R. about French Creek State Park Campground.
Facility limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted shower access. "The bathrooms are a little different, you have to pay $.25 to take a shower," notes Michelle E. about Hickory Run Family Camping Resort. Other sites may have seasonal limitations on water availability.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly attractions: Dutch Cousin Campground provides accessible glamping options close to regional attractions. "Great smaller campground. Staff was friendly, general vibe was low key," mentions Dave R., adding "Not a lot for the kids to do aside from ride bike."
Rock exploration opportunities: Boulder fields provide natural entertainment. "We loved hanging out on the boulders in the morning," shares one visitor at Blue Rocks Family Campground. The distinctive glacier formations create natural climbing structures suitable for supervised children.
Pool access timing: Check pool hours before planning activities. "The pool is awesome however it's not open very late nor does the staff open it at 11," reports Melissa Y. about Mountain Springs Camping Resort. Most campgrounds maintain pools from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Lake-In-Wood Campground requires careful navigation for larger vehicles. "The roads were very tight and you really had to watch how you drove through because of the trees," explains Mary C. Some campgrounds recommend maximum RV lengths for specific sites.
Hookup limitations: Electrical service varies between campgrounds. "We had electric however no water or sewer hookup. There was a spigot for water at the next site over from us, so we didn't have to walk far to get fresh water," reports Jen R. about French Creek State Park Campground.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require adjustment for comfortable parking. "Our site was a drive-through but slanted. There wasn't much room on our site to do anything else," shares Mary C. about Lake-In-Wood Campground. Bring leveling blocks when visiting hilly campgrounds.
