Best Campgrounds near Garnet Valley, PA

Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania sits within a diverse camping landscape that spans three states, with options ranging from full-service KOA campgrounds to primitive sites in state forests. Within a 45-minute drive, campers can access Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA in New Jersey and Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, both offering amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and full hookups for RVs. Ridley Creek State Park provides group camping facilities closer to town, while more natural settings can be found at French Creek State Park, which features 200 campsites across four loops with varying levels of amenities. For those seeking water-based recreation, Lums Pond State Park in Delaware offers spacious sites near a pond suitable for kayaking and fishing.

Reservations are essential during peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day, particularly for waterfront sites and those with full hookups. Many campgrounds in the region experience significant seasonal variations in availability and amenities, with some facilities closing entirely during winter months. As one camper noted about Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, "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." Road conditions can be challenging after heavy rains, with occasional flooding reported at lower elevation sites. Cell service varies considerably, with stronger coverage at KOAs and campgrounds closer to Philadelphia, while more remote locations may have limited connectivity.

Water access represents a significant draw for many campsites in the region. At Wharton State Forest's Atsion Family Campground, visitors highlight the lakeside sites: "I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake. While camping at Atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center." Site selection proves crucial for privacy and comfort, with many reviewers noting significant differences between loops and individual sites. French Creek State Park receives mixed reviews regarding site spacing, with some loops described as "tightly spaced" while others offer more separation between campers. The proximity to Philadelphia makes these campgrounds popular with urban residents seeking weekend escapes, with one reviewer describing French Creek as "the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes."

Best Camping Sites Near Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania (124)

    1. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    11 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
    8 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. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 368-6989

    $29 - $51 / 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."

    4. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA

    17 Reviews
    Downingtown, PA
    17 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."

    5. French Creek State Park Campground

    76 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $24 - $135 / 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."

    6. Old Cedar Campground

    11 Reviews
    Monroeville, NJ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 358-4881

    $31 - $50 / night

    "This row of sites lacked the trees for shade and privacy found at most other sites around the campground. 

    The pool was nice and clean."

    "Not close off the highway, but wooden sites. Seems as though people spend their summers there. Pool was beautiful and looked new. Mini golf was decrepit and looked abandoned. Store was nice."

    8. Four Seasons Family Campground

    8 Reviews
    Pilesgrove, NJ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 769-3635

    $50 - $150 / night

    "They have many amenities form a lake to swim or fish, to playgrounds,theres a convenient store and even an arcade, and the best part is all the farms around."

    9. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    59 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 287-5333

    $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."

    10. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer

    10 Reviews
    Elmer, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 451-7479

    "They are new-ish Shasta campers, queen bed, 1 slide, rear bunks, 2 entrances. Very clean. Water area is great, splash pad is very fun so is the large blow up slide and pool area."

    "I think the lale could use a little cleanup with the amount of bobbers, string and mess left behind by people. There have ao many cabins its crazy and alot of seasonal rentals."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 124 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Garnet Valley, PA

863 Reviews of 124 Garnet Valley Campgrounds



Guide to Garnet Valley

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

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at French Creek State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun. It's a great place to camp and enjoy downtime!"
  • Fishing: Enjoy some fishing at Lake-In-Wood Campground. A visitor noted, "Nice fishing in the lake," making it a great spot for anglers.
  • Mini Golf and Pools: Families can have a blast at Spring Gulch Resort Campground, where one camper said, "Tons of amenities for families including mini golf, an arcade, pools, fishing ponds, etc."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA. One review stated, "The bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve ever seen on any campgrounds ever. Sparkling."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors rave about the helpful staff at Lancaster-New Holland KOA. A guest shared, "The women running the store was very helpful and friendly."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Lums Pond State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Nice smaller campground with large spacious sites."

What you should know:

  • Limited Activities in Off-Season: Some campgrounds, like Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville, may have fewer activities available during the off-season. A visitor noted, "Not much going on for activities in March."
  • Water Availability: At French Creek State Park Campground, water is turned off in winter, so plan accordingly. One camper mentioned, "In winter only a couple loops open and water is turned off."
  • Site Proximity: Some sites can be close together, as noted by a reviewer at Spring Gulch Resort Campground: "Sites I thought were a little close together."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville, which offers a water park and playground. A parent shared, "Kids enjoy the water park and nighttime laser tag parties."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Since some campgrounds may have limited amenities, pack outdoor games to keep the kids entertained. One family at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA enjoyed the "playground, pool area with 2 pools, a water park, and 2 hot tubs."
  • Check for Family Events: Many campgrounds host seasonal events. For example, Lancaster-New Holland KOA had an Easter egg hunt, which was a hit with families.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be level, so check reviews before booking. A visitor at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA mentioned, "The campground is hilly which means that a fair number of sites are not level."
  • Wi-Fi Availability: If you need internet access, check the Wi-Fi situation at your chosen campground. One camper at Hospitality Creek Campground noted, "The park’s wifi didn’t work most of the time."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds, like Lums Pond State Park Campground, may not have stores nearby. A visitor advised, "Grocery stores close by like Walmart about 20 minutes away."

Camping near Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, has a lot to offer, whether you're looking for family fun or a peaceful retreat. Just remember to plan ahead and check out the specific campgrounds for the best experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Garnet Valley, PA?

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

What parks are near Garnet Valley, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Garnet Valley, PA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.