111 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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"
from $50 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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!"
from $3 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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!!!"
"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."
"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"
from $1 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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"
"Water is more than 40 feet away from your parking so 25' hose if not enough. If you have GFIC in your RV, ask for a non-GFIC site, or it will trip on you."
from $42 - $79 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $28 - $72 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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."
"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."
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability
GuideBasic clean older campground. No hookups. Water dump flush toilets and showers available. Very limited on campsites allowing dogs. Nice setting but traffic noise can be heard. Calms down later in evening. Generators ok and our quieter than road noise. Lots of mosquitos and bugs so bring your spray!
ScoutWe needed a pit stop….as a pit stop it serves its purpose…..would not stay here more than a night. Lots of seasonal run down campers. Tarps over campers. Bathrooms are neglected. Agree with previous reviewer that they have given into the seasonal camper.
ScoutChoose another campground unless you are certain you can arrive before 4pm. Otherwise, you'll not be allowed in. Owner is belligerent on this point, and from other comments, belligerent on other issues also.
We strongly recommend the nearby French Creek State Park campground.
TravelerThe camp site was amazing. Everything is neat and clean and really beautiful place so quiet.
ScoutNice site. Neighbor not to close. Bring extra water hose. The connection is not very close.
ScoutWe stopped here overnight on our way down south. Very convenient location, nice large lawn with beautiful tall shade trees, bathroom was extremely clean and you can see were just recently renovated. They had a pool and some basic playground equipment. Pet friendly. You have to enter the camping area by driving through an RV and truck storage area first. We would stay here again .
LegendTucked just off Route 309 north of Quakertown, Melody Lakes Country Estate feels far less like a traditional campground and much more like a quiet, semi-permanent residential community, with a small pocket of opportunity for the occasional overnight RV stay if you happen to time it right.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Peaceful, tucked-away setting surrounded by wooded acreage that gives the property a calm, removed feel from nearby roads;(2) Access to a range of community-style amenities including a pool, clubhouse, playground, and small fishing ponds;(3) Proximity to Quakertown makes it relatively easy to access groceries, restaurants, and basic supplies within a short drive;(4) Nearby outdoor options like the Upper Bucks Rail Trail provide a great outlet for hiking and biking;(5) Close to local gems like Kathy’s Country Kitchen, which is well worth the stop if you’re passing through.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Extremely limited RV availability, with only a handful of spots, making it unreliable for spontaneous overnight stays;(2) Not a true campground experience, as the majority of the property is made up of semi-permanent or seasonal residences;(3) No tent camping options whatsoever, limiting flexibility for different types of campers;(4) Entrance is easy to miss with minimal signage, requiring careful navigation or prior knowledge to find;(5) Unclear availability of full hookups due to the limited number of transient sites and lack of consistent turnover.
Happy Camping!
LegendTucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting with wide-open skies, neighboring hay fields, rustic barns and charming small towns that feel pulled straight from a New England travel guide. With roughly 170 RV sites, a small collection of tent sites and several rental campers, the campground strikes a balance between peaceful rural escape and full-featured family campground energy.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Gorgeous pastoral setting with surrounding farmland, rolling hills and a distinctly peaceful countryside atmosphere;(2) Excellent full-hookup RV infrastructure with mostly back-in sites offering 30/50 amp electric, water and sewer, along with flat pads, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings;(3) Exceptionally strong amenity package including adult and kids swimming pools, mini golf, baseball field, RC track, shuffleboard, fishing pond, game room, playgrounds, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, cornhole, themed weekends, bingo and Saturday wagon rides;(4) Clean and plentiful facilities including four well-kept restroom and shower buildings, laundry, camp store, dump stations, water stations, propane refills and ice sales; and(5) Outstanding access to regional attractions including Nockamixon State Park for kayaking and canoeing, plus great nearby dining at Brick Tavern Inn, McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn and Sage Alley Brewery.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Interior sections of the campground offer less tree cover and privacy compared to the wooded perimeter sites;(2) Tent camping is limited in number and clustered separately, which may feel slightly isolated to some campers;(3) Restaurant options are not immediately adjacent, requiring a short drive for dining;(4) Weekend popularity and themed events can increase noise and traffic levels; and(5) RV rates trend toward the higher end during peak season.
Happy Camping!
ScoutThis is our 3rd time at this park, it is one of our favorites. Well maintained, very quiet. We stay in Loop A (full hookup) pet friendly. Sites are spacious, generally large but they are all back-in sites.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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?
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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