Best Campgrounds near Chadds Ford, PA

The camping landscape surrounding Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania features both developed campgrounds and private RV parks within a 30-mile radius. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA in Coatesville offers full-service amenities with tent sites, RV hookups, and camping cabins, while French Creek State Park Campground provides a more natural setting with various accommodation types including yurts and cabins. These mixed-use campgrounds represent the spectrum of options in southeastern Pennsylvania, from privately managed facilities to state-managed public lands, all situated within an hour's drive of Philadelphia.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. French Creek State Park remains open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when facilities frequently reach capacity. The terrain throughout the area is characterized by rolling hills and wooded landscapes, with many campgrounds situated near water features like lakes and creeks. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though coverage may vary in more remote sections of state parks. According to one visitor at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, "This is a really nice KOA not too far from downtown Philly. The campground is located in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills which meant the roads getting there are narrow and windy."

Campers consistently mention the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty found at camping areas throughout Chester County and surrounding regions. Several visitors highlight the convenient location for exploring both urban attractions in Philadelphia and rural countryside experiences. Water access represents a significant draw for many campgrounds, with sites near lakes or creeks typically booking fastest. A review of French Creek State Park noted, "35 miles of hiking trails. Be aware that the Hopewell Lake Loop is not very well marked although blazes on trees are abundant for most trails." Campground layouts vary considerably, with some facilities offering spacious, private sites and others featuring more densely arranged camping areas. Many campgrounds provide recreational amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and hiking trails, enhancing the overall camping experience for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Best Camping Sites Near Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania (114)

    1. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA

    17 Reviews
    Downingtown, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 486-0447

    $59 - $86 / night

    "The campground is located in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills which meant the roads getting there are narrow and windy."

    "Everything was within close walking distance and the staff were extremely helpful. Pool and bathrooms were very clean."

    2. French Creek State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $20 - $75 / night

    "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."

    3. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    10 Reviews
    Gradyville, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 892-3900

    $57 / night

    "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! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."

    "We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back"

    4. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 368-6989

    $22 - $40 / night

    "Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."

    "The camp loop is a nice walk but there are also trails. They were pretty muddy when we were there. Site 35 was quite spacious as were many of them."

    5. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 423-6677

    "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"

    6. Brandywine Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Coatesville, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 942-9950

    "Girlfriend and I stayed here while we visited nearby Longwood Gardens. 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."

    "Close to Valley Forge military park, and convenient to Philadelphia by train."

    7. Hibernia County Park

    8 Reviews
    Coatesville, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 383-3812

    $15 - $50 / night

    "This campground has 2 small loops, the Lake Loop and the Fiddler's Loop. Lake loop is the bigger of the two, however the “sites” are smaller and it's more open. It is popular with group tenters."

    "Large campsites at the Lake Loop. Map is a little deceiving- the sites are farther from the lake than I expected and there are no running water bathrooms. Very clean and wooded sites."

    8. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 287-5333

    $21 - $55 / night

    "I didn't notice it when I was in my tent, but I did as I was walking around.
    The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints. "

    "Surrounding area
    There are lots of tails for hiking in walking distance and also a playground for kids."

    9. Spring Gulch Resort Campground

    16 Reviews
    Narvon, PA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Site next to us had a pipe break, they had a maintenance crew come out immediately and fix it. Amish stores/attractions close by for some entertainment also."

    "Fishing pond is a joke and near by Gun Range can be annoying and tough on pets. But, over all, this place is pretty nice."

    10. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville

    19 Reviews
    Quarryville, PA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 610-4505

    "We stayed here in November with beautiful weather which meant the large farm behind the campground was spraying manure over their fields. We could smell it."

    "The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees. It didn’t look like all sites had that much cover so be careful."

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Recent Reviews near Chadds Ford, PA

817 Reviews of 114 Chadds Ford Campgrounds


  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Country Acres Campground

    Nice park

    This was a great campground. Very convenient for local sites, food, and shopping. Super clean, a large pool, and all well maintained.

  • M
    Oct. 6, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Hard with a large group

    Harder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Dog owners read!

    There’s four loops. All connected A through D. We just needed a place to park and sleep so I got D011. Got there at 11pm and the D loop says no pets allowed. Not sure why when they are at every other loop but we had no where else to go and the area is pretty far off from anywhere else so the ol lab stayed in the camper. The bathrooms are tile and really nice with showers. And it was really quiet and chilly so a nice fall camp site. Just know ahead of time if you’re a dog owner!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Village Scene Park

    Tucked-Away Community Vibe

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated insights, additional photos and a quick breakdown of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet; (2) Full-hookup RV sites with 30 / 50 amp, water, and sewer; (3) Affordable rates compared to other campgrounds in the region; (4) Smaller, tight-knit atmosphere with friendly long-term residents; (5) Pet-friendly, with walking areas and green space; and (6) Nearby restaurants include Franconi’s Pizzeria for classic pies and cheesesteaks and Appalachian Brewing Company with pub fare and house-brewed beers. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Sites are narrow and can feel cramped, so don’t expect big pull-throughs; (2) Limited amenities with no pool, clubhouse, or playground; (3) Grounds feel more like a residential mobile home park than a campground; (4) Some infrastructure is dated and could use upgrades; and (5) Not much in the way of natural scenery because, um, this is urban camping. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Fort Washington State Park Campground

    Where George Washington Would've Ditched His Tent PPE

    I’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 500 acres of lush forest that is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike; (2) Potable water and non-flush restrooms available year-round, because even Revolutionary War re-enactors need coffee breaks; (3) Over 3.5 miles of trails leading to Hawk Watch observation decks, which birders will marvel at and the rest of us will simply appreciate the vista; (4) Group tenting area that fits 20 to 100 people that is ideal for clans, clubs or covert woodland think tanks; and (5) Convenient to Philly (25 min), great for escaping crowds while still being able to Uber for donuts.

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No RV or tent-by-the-river solo camping: group-only policy means solo adventurers need to carpool or carry heavy guilt; (2) Bathrooms are primitive and non-flush, so BYOTP as it’s campground chic here, not hotel lobby convenient; (3) Carry-in / carry-out trash policy means becoming one with your garbage until civilization or squirrels show up; (4) Cell service is ‘iffy’ at best, depending on how hard the woods are trying to keep you offline; and (5) No campfire tales about campers as noise is limited and so are late-night s'mores sessions.

    Happy Camping!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Great place to stay!

    This Campground is in the town of Lancaster, close to everything. A little complicated getting in, you need to turn in at the Cartoon Network Hotel driveway. Nice showers & friendly staff. Our site was asphalt, that was a treat, tho not all of them were...

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    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. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) 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; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Alverthorpe Private Park

    Urban Camping Bliss

    I’m following up on my review from over a 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 just outside Philly that is serene enough to reset your social media–addled brain; (2) Flat, open terrain scattered with tall shade trees makes pitching your tent feel practically pastoral; (3) Surprisingly solid cell signal (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T all wave hello), which is rare in inner-density camping and handy for emergency pizza delivery orders; (4) Short walk to a quaint lake and four-sided chimney for marshmallow toasting that offers low-key charm with built-in ambiance; and (5) Tons of shade completely shroud the entire campground area, so no need to bring those pesky shelters for added coverage. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No restroom drama on the way in, but once you’re past the control building, basic camping reality bites; (2) Ancient shelter and group pavilion are charming in a ‘needs new plumbing’ sort of way; (3) Reaching the camping area involves navigating uneven steps as you won’t be able to drive to your actual campsite, which is great for adventure, but bad for sprained ankles; (4) Feels like a weekend-only myth where the park closes on holidays and deals in ‘control building hours’; and (5) This place is known to be full of litter and in dire need of some ground maintenance, so you might just want to bring an extra garbage bag and a rake to help out.

    Happy Camping!


Guide to Chadds Ford

Camping near Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania offers a mix of county, state, and private facilities within 30 miles of the Brandywine Valley. The area sits at approximately 200 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate that brings warm summers and cold winters. Camping facilities in this area typically feature wooded sites that provide natural shade during summer months when temperatures can reach the upper 80s.

What to do

Paddling opportunities: At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, the Brandywine River provides excellent paddling options. "We spent the Memorial Day weekend at Philadelphia/ West Chester KOA Holiday in Coatesville, PA and had a good time... Being on the Brandywine, you can fish and rent canoes. The river is usually very calm and good for a float," notes Jim N.

Fishing spots: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing opportunities, particularly for families with children. A visitor at Hibernia County Park shared, "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing." The park provides accessible fishing areas specifically designed for younger anglers.

Hiking networks: Trail systems throughout the region range from easy to moderate difficulty. At French Creek State Park Campground, visitors can access extensive hiking options. One camper noted, "There is a huge lake where you can rent canoes and kayaks. A huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake. There are trails for mountain biking or hiking, a frisbee golf course, playground at the campground and at the lake."

What campers like

Spacious camping areas: Many campgrounds in the region offer generous sites that don't feel crowded. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, just 30 minutes from Chadds Ford, campers appreciate the room to spread out. "The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms," reports Adam and Suzanne B.

Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned across reviews is the quality of bathhouses and amenities. A camper at Lums Pond noted, "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease."

Accessibility to urban attractions: The campgrounds surrounding Chadds Ford provide an ideal base for exploring both natural and urban environments. At Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, one visitor shared, "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." This location allows campers to enjoy countryside camping while maintaining easy access to city attractions.

What you should know

Reservation timing: Due to popularity, many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during summer months and weekends. "Book early because it fills up fast!" warns a visitor to Lums Pond State Park Campground. Most sites can be reserved 6-12 months in advance.

Seasonal considerations: While the camping season primarily runs April through October, several parks offer year-round options. A visitor at Elk Neck State Park Campground noted, "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water."

Site selection: Each campground has varying site layouts and conditions. At French Creek State Park, one camper advised, "If you have a large family sized tent...many of the sites surrounding ours were very rocky and left little option for a larger than normal sized tent so keep this in mind."

Tips for camping with families

Water activities: Families consistently mention water features as highlights for children. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, a visitor shared, "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."

Educational opportunities: The region offers numerous historical and environmental education opportunities near camping areas. "There is the Reading and Berks County Visitors Bureau and Chester County Visitors Bureau, State Game Lands 43, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and Daniel Boone Homestead," explained a visitor to French Creek State Park.

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature modern playground equipment for different age groups. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Quarryville, a camper reported, "The water park was GREAT for kids and adults. Super clean. Lots to do. Well worth a week."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: RV campers should be prepared for varying site conditions. At Hibernia County Park, a reviewer noted, "The sites are not level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."

Hookup locations: Pay attention to utility placement when selecting sites. At French Creek State Park, one RVer mentioned, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other."

Maneuvering challenges: Some campgrounds present navigation challenges for larger rigs. A visitor to Philadelphia-West Chester KOA shared, "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."

Frequently Asked Questions

What RV campgrounds are available near Chadds Ford?

RV campers near Chadds Ford have several good options. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA offers a quality campground experience in beautiful Pennsylvania countryside, with convenient access to Philadelphia despite the narrow, winding approach roads. Pequea Creek Campground features large, picturesque sites with plenty of trees and quiet surroundings. It's close to Lancaster for shopping and near covered bridges and river tubing opportunities. For those needing overnight parking, several retail locations permit RV stays, though these are best for brief stopovers rather than extended camping experiences.

Where are the best camping spots near Chadds Ford, PA?

The best camping spots near Chadds Ford include French Creek State Park Campground, offering spacious car camping spots, hiking trails, a lake, and a public pool. It's perfect for escaping city life while staying close to urban amenities. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest is another excellent option with clean, spacious sites that include fire pits and tables. The lakeside sites are ideal for kayakers, with direct water access. Both campgrounds provide a peaceful outdoor experience within reasonable driving distance of Chadds Ford.

What camping is available near Chadds Ford, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Chadds Ford, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 114 campgrounds and RV parks near Chadds Ford, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Chadds Ford, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chadds Ford, PA is Philadelphia-West Chester KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 17 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chadds Ford, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Chadds Ford, PA.