Cabin camping near Broomall, Pennsylvania offers proximity to the Brandywine Valley's rolling hills and watersheds, with elevations ranging from 200-500 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in this area have seasonal availability from April through October, with some locations maintaining winter operations. The region's hardwood forests create significant shade coverage at many campgrounds, affecting both temperature and ground conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Try the multiple catch and release ponds at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, which features well-stocked fishing areas throughout the property. "I arrived on a Tuesday a few days after they closed the pool, and by Wednesday I had the whole row of tent sites to myself... if you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods, you will find wonderful native plants like blueberry, viburnum, clethra, and meadow beauty," notes one visitor who appreciated the natural features beyond fishing.
Disc golf: The 18-hole course at Boulder Woods Campground draws enthusiasts from across the region. "The camp ground has a very large golf disc course and they seem to have tournaments. They sell disc golf things in the store as well. This course is huge and brings in groups who play for the day," explains a camper. The course winds through wooded terrain, offering a challenging layout for all skill levels.
Lighthouse hike: Walk the 1.9-mile Turkey Point Lighthouse trail at Elk Neck State Park for panoramic Chesapeake Bay views. "The lighthouse and the view are definitely worth it," shares a visitor. The trail is well-marked with interpretive signs explaining the area's maritime history, making it educational for hikers of all ages.
What campers like
Quiet surroundings: Evansburg State Park Campground provides peaceful sites away from urban noise despite proximity to Philadelphia. "This hidden gem of a campground is beautiful. There is plenty of hiking trails," notes a visitor. The campsites are spaced to maximize privacy, with natural vegetation acting as sound barriers between sites.
Unique accommodation: The boat cabins at Philly Love Boats offer urban glamping experiences with water views. "I am definitely going to give this a shot this looks very peaceful," comments a potential visitor. These floating cabins include electricity and compact kitchenettes while providing direct access to Philadelphia's waterfront attractions.
Level sites: Most campgrounds prioritize flat camping areas for easier tent and RV setup. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," reports a French Creek State Park visitor. This thoughtful site design helps reduce setup time and prevents equipment from sliding during overnight stays.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Many cabin rentals close during winter months. The cabins at French Creek State Park Campground operate year-round, which is uncommon in the region. "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," shares a winter camper. Check reservation websites for specific closure dates before planning off-season trips.
Advance reservations: Weekend dates fill quickly, especially for cabins. "On visiting the office the staff was very accommodating and helpful. The two ladies had a greater handle on the operations of the very nice facility," notes a visitor to Village Scene Park. Most campgrounds use Reserve America or their own online booking systems with reservations available 6-11 months in advance.
Pet restrictions: Not all cabins allow pets. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA prohibits pets in their cabins completely. Old Cedar Campground allows pets with a deposit but restricts certain breeds. Carefully review pet policies when booking, as fees typically range from $10-25 per stay for approved animals.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Old Cedar Campground offers multiple play areas strategically located throughout the grounds. "My grandchildren loved visiting us, pool was clean - they had a few items that they could borrow - fishing was great - playground was adequate. Mini golf was fun for all," shares a grandparent. The campground also schedules regular weekend activities specifically for children.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with organized weekend events. "Every Saturday they had an organized activity for the kids," notes a camper at Old Cedar Campground. Activities often include crafts, nature education, and seasonal celebrations from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Cabin size considerations: Many park cabins accommodate 4-6 people comfortably. "A small koa but very nice, I stayed in a cabin for my MTB race weekend. Great! Pool is a tad small. Restrooms very clean and good looking tent sites," reports a visitor to Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA. When booking, check specific cabin dimensions and bed configurations to ensure adequate space for your family size.
Tips from RVers
Site access: Some loops have challenging angles for larger vehicles. "The road on the FHU loop is narrow and hilly. Our site was uphill and at a difficult angle," notes an Elk Neck State Park visitor with a larger RV. When booking, call the campground directly to discuss site dimensions and entry approaches for vehicles over 30 feet.
Hookup locations: Water connections may require extra-long hoses. "The water hookups are shared every other site. I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses," advises a camper at Old Cedar Campground. A 50-75 foot drinking water-safe hose ensures access regardless of hookup placement.
Winter capability: Limited full-hookup options remain available during colder months. Boulder Woods Campground maintains year-round operations with frost-protected water connections at select sites. Four Seasons Family Campground stays open from February through December with heated comfort stations in main camping areas.
