Camping options near Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania range from secluded tent sites to full-service RV parks within a 30-mile radius of this Main Line suburb. The area sits at approximately 400 feet elevation with mild summers averaging 80°F and cold winters that can drop below 30°F, making April through October the prime camping season. Most campgrounds in the region experience highest occupancy on summer weekends, with reservations often required 3-6 months in advance.
What to do
Creek exploration: Ridley Creek State Park offers multiple hiking trails along the water. "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!" shares Mackenzie B., who appreciates the park's water access options beyond the standard trails.
Disc golf: French Creek State Park includes an 18-hole course set within the woods. "There is so much to do. There is a frisbee golf course in the woods to make it even more interesting and competitive. The trees definitely make it harder!" notes a visitor who found the wooded setting added challenge to the game.
Bird watching: Fort Washington State Park provides dedicated observation areas for spotting raptors. "You can view the beautiful raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn, wherein you can view their splendor from the wonderfully built Observation Deck," Stuart K. explains. The park maintains a hawk watching platform that attracts dedicated birders during migration seasons.
Fishing: Evansburg State Park offers accessible shoreline for catching various species. "Great park to do everything outdoorsy including, hiking, horseback riding, hunting and fishing. I caught a beautiful Brown Trout here a few weeks ago!" reports J K., who successfully practiced catch and release with healthy fish.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: French Creek State Park Campground provides natural separation. "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors," notes Jen R., highlighting the natural screening that creates a more secluded experience.
Waterfront locations: Philadelphia-West Chester KOA offers premium riverside camping. "The sites, particularly those on the Brandywine River, have amazing views. They are close enough for you to camp with a group, but most also have a small fence between each site to clearly delineate between the sites," Phinon W. explains about the riverside accommodations.
Urban accessibility: Village Scene Park provides camping within suburban neighborhoods. "You'll be driving down tree-lined, shady streets one moment and the very next, you'll happen across this unusual spot that seems to have carved itself years ago into the very suburban neighborhood that you'll find yourself in," Stuart K. observes about this unconventional camping location in Hatfield.
Year-round availability: Several campgrounds near Bryn Mawr remain open during winter months. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! The honor system of payment at the office makes it really easy to come in late and leave early," Galit P. notes about French Creek State Park's off-season accommodations.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Loop selection can significantly impact your experience. "We have stayed at French Creek in the past however, we have never stayed in Loop C before. This is the only loop that allows pets. I expected it to be much noisier than it was. All of the dogs were well behaved," reports Jen R. about French Creek State Park, highlighting differences between camping areas.
Reservation requirements: Group camping restrictions apply at some parks. "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," Kerri D. notes about Fort Washington State Park's policies.
Site terrain challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven or rocky grounds. "It was kind of hard to find a level and rock-free spot large enough for our tent, but we managed!" shares Katie M. about French Creek State Park, where site conditions vary considerably.
Local resident restrictions: Some private parks limit access. "Restricted to only residents. Looks nice, if you can actually stay here," warns Les R. about Alverthorpe Private Park, which limits camping to local residents despite its appealing setting.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Philadelphia-West Chester KOA offers multiple play areas. "The camp playground was brand new when we arrived and they had just broken ground. There are two different playground in the same area to accommodate kids of all ages. They also have pickleball, mini golf and a lovely pool," shares Phinon W., detailing the various recreation options available.
First-timer friendly spots: Some sites cater specifically to beginners. "This place is great for first time campers. I go camping here almost every year and they have a nice open field with two sites and two fire pits. They also have a tone of trails to hike on," David K. recommends about Ridley Creek State Park, noting its accessibility for newcomers.
Activity planning: Schedule around seasonal availability. "We went for a small hike around the lake. We were toting three kids, one of which was in a stroller," shares a French Creek visitor, demonstrating how even families with very young children can enjoy the trails when properly prepared.
Bathroom considerations: Facility quality varies widely. "The bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes," notes Jen R. about French Creek, while others mention less maintained facilities elsewhere, important for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA offers good RV access. "It was the closest campground to Philly so we called a Lyft to get us into the city. The staff was super friendly and helpful. We also filled our propane tank here. The restrooms were immaculate compared to most campgrounds," shares Rae M., highlighting its convenience for city exploration.
Backing challenges: Some sites require careful navigation. "I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow for a 45' motorhome to back in on a nearly 90-degree angle. So difficult, that I cracked the bottom of my front cap catching the grass and gravel beside the grave road," cautions Matt S. about Philadelphia West Chester KOA, suggesting trailers might have an advantage with their bend at the hitch.
Winter camping preparation: Year-round campgrounds require additional planning. "This does close for winter and reopens in April but call park for exact closure dates because they do change," advises Travyl Couple about Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, noting the importance of verifying seasonal operation schedules.
