Glamping near Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania encompasses approximately 2,500 wooded acres across eastern Pennsylvania's rolling hills, where summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F. Located within the Delaware Valley watershed, camping options range from rustic tent sites to modern glamping facilities with elevation variations between 200-600 feet above sea level, creating distinct microclimates throughout the region's camping areas.
What to do
Water recreation at Lums Pond: The 200-acre pond at Lums Pond State Park Campground offers fishing, kayaking and paddle sports with electric motors only. "Lots of boating, the lake is beautiful," reports one visitor, while another mentions "Great state park with lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more)."
Disc golf courses: Boulder Woods Campground features an extensive disc golf course popular with campers and day visitors. "They also have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs. That's where we fell in love with disc golf," explains a reviewer who stayed at the campground.
Explore historical sites: Visit nearby Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site adjacent to French Creek State Park. "Close by there is Hopewell National Furnace and St. Peter's Village with shops and restaurants and hiking trails as well," notes a camper. The area features 18th and 19th century industrial heritage sites within a short drive.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the generous sizing of spaces at several campgrounds, particularly the full hookup sites at Lums Pond State Park Campground. "The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun," writes one reviewer, while another notes, "Beautiful park setting with fantastic site—spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved."
Clean facilities: The bathhouses at Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park receive positive mentions for cleanliness. "Bathrooms were nice and clean with plenty of them around the park," states one camper, though another points out they're "basic but just basic."
Outdoor activities: Campers value the diverse recreation options available. "Nice area to walk with your dog and enjoy the Pennsylvania outdoors," notes a reviewer about Evansburg State Park Campground. Another mentions, "Great park to do everything outdoorsy including, hiking, horseback riding, hunting and fishing."
What you should know
Reservation planning: Many popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At French Creek State Park Campground, "Book early because it fills up fast!" advises one reviewer. Sites are often booked months in advance, especially for summer weekends and holidays.
Weather considerations: Prepare for mud after rainfall at several campgrounds. "It's more like a permanent RV park than a campground. The rain made the dirt in the tent campground turn to pure mud and the picnic table was unusable because it was in the middle of it," cautions a visitor at Tohickon Campground.
Alcohol policies: State parks typically prohibit alcohol, while private campgrounds allow it. "Since this is a State Park there is no alcohol allowed," notes a French Creek camper, adding that "The Park Rangers drive by regularly."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Boulder Woods Campground offers extensive children's facilities. "They have so much to do for kids!!" enthuses one reviewer. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, a visitor notes, "They also have pickleball, mini golf and a lovely pool. There are two different playground in the same area to accommodate kids of all ages."
Kid-friendly water features: Several campgrounds have swimming options. "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," describes a Philadelphia-West Chester KOA visitor.
Educational opportunities: Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest offers historical exploration alongside camping. "In the area there are historic buildings and ruins you get to by 'off roading' on all dirt roads," explains a camper. Another mentions "While camping at atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails)."
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some campgrounds have limited turning space for larger RVs. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, one RVer cautions, "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."
Site selection strategy: Choose locations based on specific needs. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze," writes a French Creek camper, while another advises, "If you have a large camper or 5th wheel you may need to double check what sites can accommodate your RV to ensure you have enough room."
Hook-up configurations: Pay attention to utility placement at certain campgrounds. "The site offered electric and water but they were on 2 different sides. This made it difficult to set up. Had to park the camper crooked to use both," warns a Lums Pond visitor about certain sites.
