M
Michael M.
Scout
ScoutTurkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Camping near Cheltenham, PA
5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Campgrounds around Cheltenham, Pennsylvania offer a mix of urban-adjacent and rural camping experiences within an hour's drive of Philadelphia. Fort Washington State Park Campground provides tent sites with electric hookups and fire rings just minutes from Cheltenham's town center, while Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, about 25 miles south, features tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Other options include Philly Love Boats at Pier 5 Marina offering urban glamping experiences, and Evansburg State Park Campground with tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options approximately 12 miles northwest of Cheltenham.
Seasonal considerations affect availability throughout the region, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. A review noted that "Washington Crossing State Park is temporarily closed for 2024," highlighting the importance of checking current status before planning a trip. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially for weekend stays during summer months. Full-hookup sites for RVs are limited, primarily available at KOAs and select state parks like French Creek State Park, which offers "a mix of no hookups, water/electric, and full hookups" according to one visitor. The terrain varies from flat, developed sites to more rugged, less-level options, particularly in state parks where rocks and uneven ground can affect tent placement.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors exploring the region. At Atsion Family Camp in Wharton State Forest, campers appreciate lakeside locations, with one visitor recommending "site #8" for its "amazing view of the lake." Several campgrounds offer water recreation opportunities, including fishing, kayaking, and swimming during summer months. Privacy between sites varies significantly across campgrounds, with some visitors noting that certain areas can feel crowded, particularly in pet-friendly loops. State park campgrounds like French Creek provide hiking trails, boat rentals, and seasonal pools, though amenities may require driving from the campground area. Urban camping options like Alverthorpe Private Park provide unique experiences in suburban settings, though reviews indicate facilities may need maintenance and local residency requirements can limit access.
Best Campgrounds near Cheltenham (120)
1. Fort Washington State Park Campground
"It's almost 500 acres filled with trails, woods,and river. I usually go to the parking right off of Militia hill rd.and Skippack Pike intersection."
"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"
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $28 - $72 / night
2. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA
"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"
3. Alverthorpe Private Park
"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"
Check Availabilityfrom $1 - $100 / night
4. Philly Love Boats at Pier 5 Marina: Urban Glamping
Check Availabilityfrom $120 - $145 / night
5. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park
"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"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $57 / night
6. French Creek State Park Campground
"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."
5 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $90 / night
7. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
"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."
"I always look forward to going because it is consistently clean, great for riding bikes and taking pets for a walk and children for a stroll PLUS it is significant historically and it is enjoyable for"
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $100 / night
8. Evansburg State Park Campground
"It was a great place to walk with your dog and enjoy the Pennsylvania outdoors."
"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”."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $43 / night
9. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
"It was a great location, closest site to the water with beautiful views. Super convenient if you're a Kayaker, you can launch right off that spot. Its a huge site, away from other sites."
"The campside was clean, spacious, includes the firepit and the table. While we were surrounded by other campers, we enjoyed how private it was!!! Will come back again!!!"
10. Village Scene Park
"We’ve stayed here a couple times in past Have family in the area Grew up in this area so very comfortable and easy access to lots of places! This visit we stayed six months may to October"
Check Availabilityfrom $48 / night
Drive Time
- 14 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 31 min from Trenton, NJ
- 59 min from Vineland, NJ
- 1 hr 1 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Cheltenham, PA
265 Photos of 120 Cheltenham Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Evansburg State Park Campground
Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOAM
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
Tohickon Valley County Park
Boulder Woods Campground
Goshen Pond — Wharton State ForestA
Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Little Red Barn Campground
Tohickon Family Campground
Old Cedar CampgroundS
Tinicum Park Camping
Batona — Wharton State ForestM
Recent Reviews near Cheltenham, PA
844 Reviews of 120 Cheltenham Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Lowe's - W Windsor
Upscale Parking Paradise at This Home Fixer-Upper
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
- bbob J.
GuideAtsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Pine Barrens New Jersey
This campground is part of the Wharton State Forest and has several campgrounds in the area. Great wooded sites right on a lake. Pretty good separation between sites with good tree separation between sites. Some road noise not overly affecting site.
- DDiane M.Scout
Brendan Byrne State Forest
Just ok
Restrooms are filthy with mold and mildew.
Water puddled on the restroom floor.really gross.
Cabin was mostly clean. The windows were full of dirt and bugs on the tracks.mattresses were terrible.The fireplace was nice. Kitchen was clean.
Can t wait to move on to a cleaner park.
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
Adeline M.GuideBrendan Byrne State Forest
Beautiful campground, loud campers
Beautiful campground but made the mistake of going on a holiday weekend, the campgrounds next to us were screaming and blasting music all day and throughout the night so we ended up leaving early. A beautiful campground when there aren’t noisy capers ruining it.
Kelvin R.ScoutTohickon Valley County Park
First time camping
As far as experience it was good. The main issue was the campsite where we were was uneven and caused many of the sleeping arrangements that we had to be not level. This seems to be a specific issue to the group campsite number two as when we went inwards it seemed like everything else was much better.
Guide to Cheltenham
Camping sites near Cheltenham, Pennsylvania dot the suburban landscape surrounding Philadelphia, typically set within state park systems or private facilities. The region sits in the Piedmont uplands with elevations between 100-500 feet, creating a mix of rolling terrain and creek valleys. Most campgrounds operate year-round with summer humidity levels reaching 70-80% and winter temperatures averaging 25-35°F from December through February.
What to do
Hiking varied terrain: At Ridley Creek State Park, trails offer diverse experiences for all skill levels. "Easy hike. We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back," shares Andrea R., who gave the park five stars. The park features well-maintained paths along waterways, with Mackenzie B. noting they're "well marked trails great for hiking. Pet friendly! We love walking here with our dog."
Bird watching opportunities: French Creek State Park attracts numerous bird species throughout the year. Stuart K. at Village Scene Park recommends "heading over to nearby Peace Valley Nature Center, which is only about 10 minutes away from here and features good walking trails near a small lake." Serious birders should visit Fort Washington State Park where, according to a visitor, you can "view the beautiful raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn" from the observation deck.
Historical exploration: Washington Crossing State Park offers educational experiences beyond camping. "Washington's crossing is beautiful and historic. We often bike along the canal there. There are farms and animals to see, hikes along the Delaware river, Bowman's tower with a great view of the surrounding area," explains Olivia M. The park commemorates Washington's famous Delaware River crossing with annual reenactments.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At French Creek State Park Campground, campers appreciate the spacious layout. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," reports Jen R. Another visitor notes, "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."
Waterfront access: Atsion Family Camp in Wharton State Forest offers prime lakeside camping. Alexa L. shares, "LOVE!!!! I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake." Another camper adds, "My friends and I stayed at Atsion during Cotopaxi's Questival in 2017. It was great! Very accessible, and Wharton State Forest was a beautiful backyard for a night!"
Versatile accommodations: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA provides options beyond standard tent sites. "My husband and I stayed for a week in one of the glamping tents. The staff was very friendly and the tents were more glamorous than we had tried before, but definitely had a good combination of woodsy and comfort," writes Jaquiline D. The KOA also features cabins, as Joshua B. mentions: "A small koa but very nice, I stayed in a cabin for my MTB race weekend."
What you should know
Access limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted entry. At Alverthorpe Private Park, visitors face residency requirements. "Restricted to only residents. Looks nice, if you can actually stay here," notes Les R. Stuart K. adds that "you'll need to be a resident in order to camp here, which was a major bummer to learn."
Bathroom conditions vary: Facility quality fluctuates between parks. At French Creek, a camper observed, "I was very disappointed in the cleanliness of the women's bathroom. Let me just say I went one time and didn't go back." In contrast, at Clarksboro KOA, Jim G. found "the showers were clean with some nice hot water but very small and difficult to change in."
Site terrain challenges: Finding level ground can be difficult at certain parks. One French Creek visitor explained, "We tented in loop D…the only bad part was that it was kind of hard to find a level and rock-free spot large enough for our tent, but we managed!" At Evansburg State Park Campground, Chuck C. warns about terrain issues: "Only downside is having to haul gear by foot to the campsite. Some are further than others."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Philly Love Boats at Pier 5 Marina offers unique urban glamping experiences. Stuart K. suggests that "Should you need to let the kids unwind for a bit to run around and explore, I would suggest a trip over to Legoland Discovery Center, which will let you and the kids build with the famous toy bricks to your heart's content." At Clarksboro KOA, Nicole S. reports, "This campground was so well maintained. There was so much to do there a pool, lake, horseshoes, cornhole, playground, big pillow and even more."
Teaching moments: Evansburg State Park provides learning opportunities in nature. Andrew C. shares, "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'." Many parks in the region include historical elements that children find engaging, like Washington Crossing State Park's reenactments.
Mud preparation: Pack extra clothes and shoes for children. Andrew C. warns that Evansburg can be "the muddiest State Park I've every experienced; I always bring a pair of sneakers to change out of my hiking boots, as well as a shoes and change of clothes for the little guy." After rain, many local camping areas develop significant mud patches that can challenge families with small children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Village Scene Park, Stuart K. advises, "There's about 2 dozen or so slots, albeit there's a decent amount of vacant land adjacent to the 2-3 strips of parallel running pavement pathways where you'll see RV's lined up on either side. So my first bit of advice would be to certainly call ahead to ensure that there's adequate 'room at the inn' here."
Hookup variations: French Creek State Park offers different utility options. A visitor notes, "There are three separate loops to camp at, Loop C is the only loop that allows pets, plus an area for large group camping which can accommodate anywhere from 30 to 60 people. All sites do not have a water hook up but there is water available and some sites have electric."
Urban access considerations: Clarksboro KOA works well as a base for Philadelphia visits. "This is a very nice KOA, just over the Delaware River from Philly. The park is clean, quiet, full of families. It's easy to navigate to the park from the interstate, and big rigs fit easily," explains Jason E. Another visitor adds, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Cheltenham, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Cheltenham, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cheltenham, PA is Fort Washington State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 7 reviews.
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