Camping cabins near Berwyn, Pennsylvania typically remain open from April through October, with most state park facilities closing during winter months. Located in Chester County at an elevation of around 500 feet, this area experiences hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters. The region's rolling hills and proximity to both the Brandywine Creek and Schuylkill River watersheds create diverse camping opportunities within a 30-mile radius of town.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Boulder Woods Campground offers an extensive disc golf course that draws enthusiasts from around the region. "This course is huge and brings in groups who play for the day. They sell disc golf things in the store as well," notes one visitor to Boulder Woods Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple stocked ponds and lake access provide year-round fishing at several campgrounds. At French Creek State Park Campground, "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."
Lighthouse hiking: Some parks offer unique historical features accessible by trail. At Elk Neck State Park, "the lighthouse trail is a must. It is about a five minute drive to get to the trail though, but is worth it! The lighthouse and the view are definitely worth it."
Urban glamping: For those wanting a unique experience, Philly Love Boats offers floating accommodations close to the city. "I am definitely going to give this a shot this looks very peaceful," notes one potential visitor considering this unconventional option.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds in the area provide well-separated camping areas. At French Creek State Park Campground, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers."
Year-round accessibility: Some campgrounds remain open during winter months. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby," reports a winter visitor to French Creek.
Amish country views: Several campgrounds offer cultural experiences unique to the region. At Lancaster-New Holland KOA, visitors appreciate the "unobstructed views of the Amish farmland" with one guest describing it as a "peaceful, serene, and a little slice of heaven with super clean bathrooms and friendly host."
Riverside camping: Water access enhances many camping experiences in the area. The Philadelphia-West Chester KOA features "amazing views" along the Brandywine River with sites that have "a small fence between each site to clearly delineate between the sites."
What you should know
Site accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds have terrain that can complicate setup. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, one camper with a large RV reported, "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."
Seasonal closures: Many facilities operate on limited schedules. According to a visitor at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, "this does close for winter and reopens in April but call park for exact closure dates because they do change."
Tent site conditions: Ground conditions vary significantly between campgrounds. At Quakerwoods Campground, "The tent spots are pretty much on top of each other, not much privacy. They deliver firewood to your site, and the staff is friendly."
Bathroom maintenance: Quality of facilities varies widely between locations. A visitor to Boulder Woods Campground noted, "The bathrooms were nice and clean, showers were nice. There are a few bath houses that make the large camp ground have easy access to the bathrooms."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Parks with multiple recreation facilities keep children engaged. At Elk Neck State Park Campground, "This campground is very family friendly. We saw so many children running around having a great time! They have fairly many camp sites with an amazing view."
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds invest in updated play areas. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA "had just broken ground (September 2020). There are two different playground in the same area to accommodate kids of all ages. They also have pickleball, mini golf and a lovely pool."
Digital disconnection: Limited connectivity can be beneficial for family time. One camper appreciates that Elk Neck State Park is "dog and family friendly, close to resources, but far enough that it's quiet and feels remote! No cell signal in the campground so the family is forced to disconnect."
Weather contingencies: Pennsylvania's variable conditions require preparation. A family camping at Boulder Woods noted, "We did a weekend trip with just adults, tent camping. It was quite muddy so we moved our set up into the grass field."
Tips from RVers
Campsite leveling: Many campsites feature improved pads for easier setup. At French Creek State Park, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze" while Elk Neck State Park offers "level gravel site[s] with asphalt parking."
Premium site options: Some campgrounds offer upgraded sites with additional amenities. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA features "patio furniture on a paver patio and seating around an upgraded fire pit. The landscaping made up for the tight squeeze."
Winter camping readiness: Off-season camping requires preparation but offers benefits. A winter camper at Elk Neck State Park noted they had "full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water."
Delivery services: Several campgrounds offer conveniences that enhance the RV experience. At Quakerwoods Campground, "they deliver firewood to your site" while other locations provide assistance with setup and parking for larger rigs.
