Tent camping in the Berwyn area of Pennsylvania offers wooded sites within 25 miles of the city. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, with average summer temperatures reaching 85°F. Terrain varies from lakeside settings to more heavily wooded areas, with most tent sites situated on natural surfaces including grass, dirt, and gravel.
What to do
Hiking trails with varying difficulty: At Ridley Creek State Park, campers can explore well-marked paths throughout the natural area. "Easy hike. We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back," notes Andrea R. The park features both wooded trails and waterside paths.
Fishing opportunities: Several parks offer fishing in stocked lakes and streams. "I cought a beautiful Brown Trout here a few weeks ago! Great park," reports J K. about Evansburg State Park. Fishing licenses are required, with trout fishing requiring an additional endorsement currently priced at $9.90.
Wildlife viewing: Bird watchers can spot various species at local parks. "This very place lies in significance from the Revolutionary War when it housed troops led by then General George Washington on the way to Valley Forge," writes Stuart K. about Fort Washington State Park, adding that visitors can view "beautiful raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn" from the observation deck.
What campers like
Privacy levels vary significantly: Hibernia County Park receives praise for its wooded sites. "The park itself is beautiful," says Abi D., though noting "there is absolutely no privacy. The campsites are right next to each other with hardly any trees." For weekend trips, the park charges just $15 per night for basic sites.
Water access: Several campsites offer proximity to lakes or streams. "My kids are age 3-12. We loved the lake campground," reports Anna about Hibernia County Park. "The lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails. Each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring with a built in grill."
Clean facilities: Despite primitive accommodations, several campgrounds maintain clean facilities. "Campground is as basic as they get. Sites are close to each other with absolutely no privacy. Bathrooms however are nice and clean with plenty of them around the park," notes Tiffany B. about Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park.
What you should know
Tent site layouts: Many campgrounds feature open designs with limited privacy. "The spaces are lined up next to each other along the campground driveway and there are absolutely no trees or shrubs between them," Jen reports about Green Lane Park. This layout creates community-style camping rather than secluded experiences.
Seasonal operations: Most tent camping areas have limited availability. "This campground is only open on the weekends, in season," states Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park, adding that the annual "Old Fiddlers Picnic" during the second weekend in August requires reservations for both Friday and Saturday nights.
Varying amenities: Fort Washington State Park Campground offers basic facilities but few luxuries. "There's at least two fire pits per camp ground. There's only group camping. The give you firewood—-if you bring your own, leave with any left over," explains Kerri D. Many parks require campers to bring their own drinking water.
Tips for camping with families
Children's fishing areas: Certain parks designate fishing spots specifically for younger anglers. "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground," shares John Z. about Hibernia County Park.
Hiking difficulty considerations: Paths range from easy to moderately challenging. "Lots of tree cover running along a small running creek," says Gary O. about trails at Evansburg State Park, making them accessible for most children and families.
Site selection for groups: Ridley Creek State Park provides options for family gatherings. "I go camping here almost every year and they a nice open field with two sites and two fire pits. They also have a tone of trails to hike on," says David K., who notes the area is "great for first time campers."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: RV campers should arrive prepared for primitive camping. "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank," warns Jennifer S. about camping at Hibernia County Park.
Site access challenges: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles. "Most sites are heavily wooded which means plenty of hammock hanging opportunities. The sites are mostly grass, and not very well defined," shares Jennifer S., though noting sites #3, #17, and #18 at Hibernia can fit a 28-foot fifth wheel with creative positioning.
Dump station planning: Plan ahead for waste disposal. "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home," advises Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.
