Camping options near Edgemont, Pennsylvania showcase the rolling Piedmont landscape with elevations ranging from 300 to 500 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching 85-90°F and winters dropping below freezing. Most sites sit on clay-rich soils that can become muddy after rainfall, so campers often recommend bringing extra tarps and ground covers.
What to do
Zip line adventures: At French Creek State Park Campground, families can enjoy outdoor thrills beyond standard camping activities. "The only downside, I've ever experienced is I find Evansburg to be the muddiest State Park I've every experienced; I always bring a pair of sneakers to change out of my hiking boots," notes one visitor who frequently hikes the trails with children.
Watercraft rentals: Chamber's Lake at Hibernia County Park offers peaceful paddling opportunities with restrictions on motors. "The lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails. Each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring with a built in grill. Plenty of firewood to be found," explains a camper who visited with children aged 3-12.
Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds feature wooded disc golf layouts that provide an extra recreational option. According to a Fort Washington State Park visitor, "There's at least two fire pits per camp ground. There's only group camping. The give you firewood—if you bring your own, leave with any left over."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural screening between campsites at Evansburg State Park Campground. "This hidden gem of a campground is beautiful. there is plenty of hiking trails. only downside is having to haul gear by foot to the campsite. some are further than others," explains one reviewer who enjoys the secluded feeling.
Level camping pads: Several campgrounds provide improved tent and RV pads for easier setup. At French Creek State Park, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes," notes a 5-star reviewer.
Waterfront options: Brandywine Creek Campground offers sites along flowing water that enhance the camping experience. "The tent sites are spacious and they all border the creek which is a nice sound at night, as well as a good morning view. Each site comes with fire pit and picnic table," reports a visitor who stayed there while visiting nearby Longwood Gardens.
What you should know
Campground layouts: Not all sites accommodate larger RVs or tents. At Hibernia County Park, "Though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper. They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Reservation systems: Most campgrounds require advance planning, especially for summer weekends. "This campground is only open on the weekends, in season. Sites can be reserved on line, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration," explains a Hibernia County Park camper.
Park regulations: Some state parks restrict alcohol consumption. At Hibernia, a camper notes "A nice primitive campground - good for a quick trip away. The campground is a county run one that works on a first come first serve basis, which is fine if there are others close by. The park is dry, no alcohol."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Philadelphia-West Chester KOA offers multiple play areas for different age groups. "The camp playground was brand new when we arrived and they had just broken ground (September 2020). 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."
Fishing spots: Children's ponds with stocked fish provide beginner-friendly angling opportunities. At Hibernia County Park, a visitor highlighted "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground."
Kid-friendly trails: Several parks offer shorter, less challenging paths suitable for young hikers. "I've spent countless hours hiking and fishing in Evansburg. Since he was 2 years old I've taken my son, and we always have an amazing time, either hiking the trails to wandering in the woods looking for 'adventures,'" shares a regular visitor to Evansburg State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: The best places to camp near Edgemont, Pennsylvania for RVs vary in hookup options. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, "Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer. There are some equestrian and tent sites as well."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for proper RV setup. "The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back. That was a bonus," reports a Lums Pond visitor who appreciated the well-designed sites.
Driving access: Some parks have narrow roads that make maneuvering difficult. "I had 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," warns a Philadelphia-West Chester KOA visitor who recommends trailers/5th wheels as better options for certain sites.
