M
Michael M.
Scout
ScoutTurkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Camping near Bristol, PA
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Camping options surrounding Bristol, Pennsylvania range from developed state park campgrounds to private RV parks, with multiple locations available within 30-40 miles of the city. The area includes established campgrounds like Wharton State Forest and French Creek State Park, which accommodate tent campers, RVs, and cabin stays. Several campgrounds in the New Jersey Pine Barrens offer water access, while others like Turkey Swamp Park and Brendan Byrne State Forest provide year-round camping opportunities with varying levels of amenities.
Access to campgrounds varies significantly by location and season, with some sites requiring reservations well in advance during peak summer months. Many campgrounds close or limit services between late October and April, though French Creek State Park and Brendan Byrne State Forest maintain year-round availability. One camper noted, "The campground is hilly which means that a fair number of sites are not level. Our site was level for our RV but the patio sloped downhill and we could not use our picnic table." Roads within some campgrounds may be narrow or unpaved, particularly in Wharton State Forest where visitors have reported "single car only, with a good amount of spots to pull off if you find yourself head to head with another vehicle."
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with several campgrounds offering sites adjacent to lakes or rivers. At Atsion Family Camp in Wharton State Forest, campers highlight the lakeside sites, with one visitor commenting, "I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake." Most state park campgrounds provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms, while private campgrounds typically offer more extensive facilities like electrical hookups, water connections, and shower buildings. The region tends to get crowded during summer weekends and holidays, with visitors recommending advance reservations, especially for waterfront sites. For those seeking solitude, weekday camping in spring or fall offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds at most campgrounds in the area.
Best Campgrounds near Bristol (112)
1. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
"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."
"I always look forward to going because it is consistently clean, great for riding bikes and taking pets for a walk and children for a stroll PLUS it is significant historically and it is enjoyable for"
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $100 / night
2. Brendan Byrne State Forest
"Campsite decent size, but some don't have clear boundaries to neighbors, and sometimes not optimally configured (e.g., the site next door's fire pit was placed on the edge of its site/right next to my"
"Sand roads crisscross the whole area and navigation can be a bit tricky the first time around. The campgrounds are clean and simple."
Check Availabilityfrom $3 - $60 / night
3. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
"It was a great location, closest site to the water with beautiful views. Super convenient if you're a Kayaker, you can launch right off that spot. Its a huge site, away from other sites."
"The campside was clean, spacious, includes the firepit and the table. While we were surrounded by other campers, we enjoyed how private it was!!! Will come back again!!!"
4. Timberland Lake Campground
"They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids. They have cool raffles!"
"As a kid - close to 6 flags where we had season passes... it was Jellystone yogi bear at the time. Very close to 6 flags great adventure."
5. Turkey Swamp Park
"Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose."
"Heavily wooded and supremely quiet, it’s located not far from anywhere you’d want to be. 30 minutes to the shore. Every site is a pull-through, large and spacious with great woodland views. 30amp and"
Check Availabilityfrom $42 - $79 / night
6. Alverthorpe Private Park
"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"
Check Availabilityfrom $1 - $100 / night
7. Fort Washington State Park Campground
"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"
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $28 - $72 / night
8. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA
"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"
9. Batona — Wharton State Forest
"I grew up near the pine barrens and would camp here many times with friends. If you want off the beaten path and not close to anyone... this is IT! You might even see the Jersey Devil :)"
"Best part about the campground is that it's right on the 50 mile Batona Trail so it's a great stop-over assuming you've made reservations. No first-come first-serve."
10. Lowe's - W Windsor
"Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye."
"Despite being conveniently located right off US1 and just 15 to 20 minutes west of I95 – as this retailer is located in a fairly normal-paced suburban location, you are going to like that yes, while there"
Drive Time
- 10 min from Trenton, NJ
- 16 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 1 hr 1 min from Vineland, NJ
- 1 hr 5 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Bristol, PA
259 Photos of 112 Bristol Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Timberland Lake Campground
Brendan Byrne State ForestL
Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)
Goshen Pond — Wharton State ForestA
Batona — Wharton State ForestM
Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Tohickon Valley County Park
Lower Forge Camp
Lower Forge — Wharton State Forest
Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOAM
Butterfly Camping Resort
Turkey Swamp ParkJ
Recent Reviews near Bristol, PA
776 Reviews of 112 Bristol Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Lowe's - W Windsor
Upscale Parking Paradise at This Home Fixer-Upper
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
- bbob J.
GuideAtsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Pine Barrens New Jersey
This campground is part of the Wharton State Forest and has several campgrounds in the area. Great wooded sites right on a lake. Pretty good separation between sites with good tree separation between sites. Some road noise not overly affecting site.
- DDiane M.Scout
Brendan Byrne State Forest
Just ok
Restrooms are filthy with mold and mildew.
Water puddled on the restroom floor.really gross.
Cabin was mostly clean. The windows were full of dirt and bugs on the tracks.mattresses were terrible.The fireplace was nice. Kitchen was clean.
Can t wait to move on to a cleaner park.
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
Adeline M.GuideBrendan Byrne State Forest
Beautiful campground, loud campers
Beautiful campground but made the mistake of going on a holiday weekend, the campgrounds next to us were screaming and blasting music all day and throughout the night so we ended up leaving early. A beautiful campground when there aren’t noisy capers ruining it.
Guide to Bristol
Camping near Bristol, Pennsylvania offers secluded tent sites and developed campgrounds within 30-40 miles of the city. The region's relatively flat terrain includes pine forest areas with elevations under 400 feet, creating accessible camping conditions year-round. Winter camping options remain available at several locations, with temperatures typically ranging 10-15 degrees colder than Philadelphia proper.
What to do
Birdwatching opportunities: Fort Washington State Park features excellent hawk watching platforms where visitors can spot various species. "I was very impressed as from this very spot you can view the beautiful raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn," notes one visitor who enjoyed using the observation deck across from the main parking area.
Historical exploration: Washington Crossing State Park offers unique camping immersed in Revolutionary War history. "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," shares a camper who appreciated the educational aspect of their stay.
Water recreation: Brendan Byrne State Forest provides access to multiple water activities throughout the Pine Barrens. "Lots of good hiking trails, most the sites have pretty decent privacy from the other ones," mentions a frequent visitor who enjoys the combination of forest and water access.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Brendan Byrne State Forest earns praise for its private camping spots. "First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed! Made me feel super secluded and disconnected from the outside!" reports a camper who appreciated the remoteness.
Clean facilities: Turkey Swamp Park maintains well-kept restrooms and showers. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained," explains a camper who stayed at this year-round facility.
Group camping options: Fort Washington State Park specializes in group sites rather than individual camping. "There's at least two fire pits per camp ground. There's only group camping. They give you firewood—-if you bring your own, leave with any left over," notes one visitor who appreciated the sharing-oriented setup.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds have specific policies about advance booking, especially for group sites. "Clean, great bathroom and water access. Great trails. Easy to get to," writes a Fort Washington visitor, though noting the campground is "group camping by reservation only, not nightly camping for individuals."
Pet policies: French Creek State Park allows pets only in specific areas. "We have never stayed in Loop C before. This is the only loop that allows pets," explains a camper who was pleasantly surprised by the quiet environment despite being in the pet-friendly loop.
Tick concerns: Several campgrounds report significant tick activity, particularly in warmer months. "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper," warns a Turkey Swamp Park visitor who found it difficult to enjoy their stay.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Timberland Lake Campground features multiple play areas for children. "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids," shares an enthusiastic parent.
Educational opportunities: Washington Crossing offers historical programming ideal for school-aged children. "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," advises a visitor who attended with family.
Swimming options: Several parks offer swimming areas that complement hiking adventures. "There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming," reports a visitor to Turkey Swamp Park who appreciated the variety of water activities available for children.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Atsion Family Camp in Wharton State Forest requires careful site selection. "Size-wise, very spacious and open - which is good in some ways but I had to account for shade as well as a place to rig a ridgeline for my tarp," notes a visitor who found the open sites required strategic setup.
Road conditions: Access to campgrounds may involve navigating unpaved routes. "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle," advises a Batona Campground visitor who notes that while passable, the conditions may challenge some drivers.
Utility hookups: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA provides full service options within easy reach of the city. "We stayed here for 3 nights while visiting family In Philadelphia. It is a 20 minute ride into Philly and Uber was was quick and responsive," shares a camper who appreciated the convenience of staying connected while accessing urban amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Bristol?
What are the best campgrounds in Bristol?
The Bristol region offers several exceptional camping options. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA stands out as a premier campground located in beautiful Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills, though the access roads can be narrow and windy. For nature lovers, Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest provides a clean, spacious camping experience with private sites, fire pits, and tables. The G014 site is particularly desirable with waterfront views and kayak launch access. Both offer a great balance of natural setting and convenient amenities within driving distance of the Bristol area.
Are there any free camping areas in Bristol?
Are there any free camping areas in Bristol?
While traditional free camping is limited in the Bristol area, several businesses offer overnight parking options for self-contained RVs. Walmart — Hamilton Supercenter provides convenient overnight parking just minutes from I295. Similarly, Cracker Barrel — Clinton offers a sheltered roadside location for overnight stays. These locations typically allow free overnight parking for self-contained vehicles with no hookups, though it's always best to check with management upon arrival. Remember that these are not traditional campgrounds but rather courtesy parking areas for travelers, so practice leave-no-trace principles and patronize the businesses.
What amenities do Bristol campgrounds offer?
What amenities do Bristol campgrounds offer?
French Creek State Park Campground provides essential facilities including fire rings, tables, and clean restrooms, making it a popular choice for families. In contrast, Village Scene Park offers a unique experience in a suburban setting near Philadelphia with full hookup sites for RVs. Most campgrounds in the Bristol region feature standard amenities such as potable water, toilet facilities, and designated fire rings. Some parks also provide shower facilities, dump stations, and recreational opportunities like hiking trails, fishing areas, and boat launches.
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