Tent and RV camping options near Cheltenham, Pennsylvania offer access to the Wissahickon Creek watershed and rolling Piedmont terrain. Most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations between 200-500 feet with heavily wooded sites that provide shade during the humid summer months when temperatures typically reach 85-90°F. Seasonal rainfall can create muddy conditions at several locations, particularly along creek-side trails.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Boulder Woods Campground has a highly rated course that winds through wooded terrain. "They also have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs. That's where we fell in love with disc golf," explains one visitor who discovered a new hobby while camping.
Kayaking access points: Atsion Family Camp offers direct water access for paddlers. "Campsite G014 was awesome! 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," notes a reviewer who appreciated the convenience.
Historical exploration: Visit the nearby Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site from French Creek State Park Campground for a glimpse into early American industry. The park's proximity to historical sites makes it ideal for educational day trips as noted by a camper: "In the event that you are up for some decent späzierengehen (German for a very good, long walk), then follow the multi-purpose trail that parallels the Wissahickon Creek."
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: French Creek State Park Campground offers separation between campsites. "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," writes one camper who appreciated the thoughtful layout.
Lake views: Several reviewers praise the waterfront options at Ridley Creek State Park for their scenic settings. "I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake. While camping at atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails)," shares a regular visitor.
Proximity to Philadelphia: Village Scene Park provides a suburban base for city exploration. "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!" mentions a long-term visitor who used the location as a home base for six months.
What you should know
Site terrain challenges: Boulder Woods presents some navigational difficulties according to reviews. "The spots are tight to get into but the staff will offer to park your camper using your vehicle. I let them park mine and I'm really glad I did. It was super tight," warns a camper who appreciated the staff assistance.
Bathroom maintenance varies: Facility upkeep differs between campgrounds and seasons. "The bathrooms were nice and clean, showers were nice. There are a few bath houses that make the large camp ground have easy access to the bathrooms which I appreciated," noted one Boulder Woods camper, while others mentioned less consistent conditions.
Group camping restrictions: Some parks limit individual camping opportunities. "Great historical park along Washington's route to Valley Forge - however, camping is group camping by reservation only, not nightly camping for individuals," clarifies a visitor to Fort Washington State Park who discovered this limitation during their visit.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Evansburg State Park Campground offers unique adventures for young explorers. "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 parent who found the park ideal for family outings.
Pack extra cleaning supplies: Weather conditions impact trail conditions at several dog friendly campgrounds near Cheltenham. "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, as well as shoes and change of clothes for the little guy," advises a regular visitor.
Tick prevention essential: Several parks require additional precautions. "We did get a lot of ticks, but not deer ticks, thankfully," reports one camper about their experience at Evansburg State Park, highlighting the importance of appropriate prevention measures when visiting with children or pets.
Tips from RVers
Public transportation access: Village Scene Park offers convenient city access without driving. "Nearby there's a SEPTA Doylestown / Landsdale regional rail line stop that will pretty much give you all of the direct access to the city without having to bother with driving through any of the traffic to enjoy Philly," notes a visitor who appreciated the pet-friendly campground's strategic location.
Dump station schedules: Check operating hours for waste disposal. "Oh, and there's a $20 flat dump fee, opened 9-4pm M-F, but closed on the weekends (to our chagrin, we found this out too late!)," warns a camper at Village Scene Park who experienced an unexpected limitation.
Site leveling advantages: French Creek's design simplifies setup for RVers. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze," shares a camper who found the infrastructure particularly helpful when arriving with their RV, allowing for quick and easy stabilization without additional equipment.
Guide
