H
Heidi Z.
Traveler
TravelerThe Loose Caboose Campground
Nice view
The owner is kind and knowledgeable a lot of live in / snowbirds . Some are very kind but some of the live in’s are crude .
Camping near Chester, PA
128 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Chester, Pennsylvania range from full-hookup RV parks to primitive waterfront campsites, with several properties offering cabin accommodations. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, located across the Delaware River in New Jersey, provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals approximately 20 minutes from Chester. Tinicum Island offers primitive boat-in camping for those seeking a more secluded experience. The region includes both private campgrounds like the Philadelphia-West Chester KOA in Coatesville and state park facilities such as Ridley Creek State Park and Lums Pond State Park, which lies just across the state line in Delaware.
Many campgrounds in the Chester area remain open year-round, though amenities and access vary seasonally. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA maintains full operation throughout the winter, while others like Philadelphia-West Chester KOA operate from April through November. As one camper noted, "Staff were very friendly. Large campground but doesn't feel like it. Easy access to main roads, downtown Philly and Jersey Shore." Road access to most established campgrounds is straightforward, with paved routes suitable for both passenger vehicles and larger RVs. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though some waterfront areas may have limited coverage.
Developed campgrounds near Chester typically provide full hookups for RVs, including electric, water, and sewer connections. Several facilities feature recreational amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and fishing ponds. A visitor to Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA shared, "The bathrooms were the cleanest I've ever seen on any campgrounds ever. Sparkling." Proximity to Philadelphia represents a significant advantage for campers, with multiple reviewers noting the convenience of using these campgrounds as a base for exploring the city. Noise levels vary by location, with campgrounds closer to I-95 experiencing more traffic sound, while state park campgrounds generally offer a quieter setting. For those seeking water activities, Lums Pond State Park Campground provides boat-in access and waterfront camping with accommodations for tents, RVs, and yurts.
Best Campgrounds near Chester (128)
1. 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"
2. 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"
from $57 / night
Check Availability3. Lums Pond State Park Campground
"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."
from $29 - $51 / night
Check Availability4. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA
"West Chester KOA This is a really nice KOA not too far from downtown Philly."
"Stayed here for a weekend checking out west Chester. Nice playground and jump pad for kids. Nice camp store. Only downside was walnuts loudly hitting our roof at night!"
from $59 - $86 / night
Check Availability5. 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."
from $24 - $135 / night
Check Availability6. Old Cedar Campground
"This row of sites lacked the trees for shade and privacy found at most other sites around the campground. The pool was nice and clean."
"Not close off the highway, but wooden sites. Seems as though people spend their summers there. Pool was beautiful and looked new. Mini golf was decrepit and looked abandoned. Store was nice."
from $31 - $50 / night
Check Availability7. Tinicum Island
8. Four Seasons Family Campground
"They have many amenities form a lake to swim or fish, to playgrounds,theres a convenient store and even an arcade, and the best part is all the farms around."
from $50 - $150 / night
Check Availability9. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer
"They are new-ish Shasta campers, queen bed, 1 slide, rear bunks, 2 entrances. Very clean. Water area is great, splash pad is very fun so is the large blow up slide and pool area."
"I think the lale could use a little cleanup with the amount of bobbers, string and mess left behind by people. There have ao many cabins its crazy and alot of seasonal rentals."
10. Philly Love Boats at Pier 5 Marina: Urban Glamping
from $120 - $145 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 19 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 45 min from Trenton, NJ
- 46 min from Vineland, NJ
- 59 min from Reading, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Chester, PA
249 Photos of 128 Chester Campgrounds
Chanel B.
Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA
Paul Q.
Four Seasons Family Campground
Stacy D.
Old Cedar Campground
Stephen S.
Philadelphia-West Chester KOA
Debbie W.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer
Dave G.
Brandywine Creek Campground
J K.
Evansburg State Park Campground
William W.
Parvin State Park Campground
Barbara W.
Lums Pond State Park Campground
Jennifer S.
Hibernia County Park
Denise P.
Hospitality Creek Campground
LaPlace T.
Tranquil Creekside Camp
Recent Reviews near Chester, PA
890 Reviews of 128 Chester Campgrounds
Nadine R.
GuideAtsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Not my vibe
I personally did not like this campsite. First of all, our site tag was leftover from SEPTEMBER. Did no one look at any of these sites and leave someone else’s registration posted there for almost a year? Wild. Our campsite had trash leftover from previous campers. The whole campground was loud - from other campers to just the sounds from the nearby road. If you are looking for peace it is NOT here. If you’re looking to have loud music time all night with no repercussions as your kids ride around yelling and carrying on past midnight then you’ll have a blast. The pros of this campsite was supposed to be the access to Lake Atsion but we were turned away at the gate at 12:30 as they stated they were at capacity. Checking into our campsite they specifically asked if we would be utilizing the recreation area so we would have a pass for entry, but that’s seemingly not in their logistical headcount. I would not visit here again.
BGuideSusquehanna State Park Campground
A little noisy - park stuff, not campers
A beautiful, well maintained park with lots to do, great bathroom facilities and extremely nice people. The electric sites aren't all together, so you don't have RV's lined up but maybe annoying for folks who are tent camping. Avoid the locations in the mid-30's by the dumpster, both staff and campers start shaking the lid around 6:30. Between 5 AM and noon staff were driving big trucks and ATV's around with loud reverse horns, and slamming the fire pit grills, which they store sideways. Overall I had a really wonderful time, but that's largely down to good sound reduction inside the van. Almost zero cell service. I was able to get a couple of text messages in and out, but seemed to be a fluke.
Isabel Z.
ScoutElk Neck State Park Campground
Great for families
This campsite was amazing for our first tent camping experience. The park was a godsend for keeping our toddler occupied and we felt very safe overall. While the beach is pretty, be careful about the water condition. We were warned before entering and informed of the risks. They were very clear on the condition of the water that day which was a yellow, slight risk. But normally it should be okay. We would definitely camp here again.
John L.ScoutWading Pines Camping Resort
Poor sites
I recently stayed at Site 36, and unfortunately, my experience was very disappointing. The biggest issue was the campsite itself. Site 36 is extremely small, with neighboring campers only about 5 feet away on one side and roughly 12 feet behind the site. There was very little privacy, which made it difficult to relax. Many of the nearby sites appeared to be occupied by long-term or permanent residents. Several had large amounts of personal belongings stored under tarps, giving the area an unkempt appearance. In addition, the neighboring campsite had children's bikes, large toys, and other miscellaneous items overflowing onto the site I had rented, making it feel even more cramped. Another major concern was the constant cigarette and marijuana smoke. It was noticeable throughout much of the day, and because of the smoke, I couldn't comfortably leave my camper windows open. At over $110 per night for a full hookup site, I expected a much better experience. I understand the campground told me there were no other sites available, although I did notice a few empty sites during my stay. Whether those sites were reserved or unavailable for another reason, I can't say, but Site 346 should not be rented at this price given its condition and lack of privacy. Overall, I would not stay here again and cannot recommend to anyone looking for a relaxing camping experience. Its great for daily tubing but as a camper they lock the fence that gets you to the bridge so you have to take a long walk around although non campers can pull right up, it makes no sense to have a pass through that's locked.
Laura W.ScoutPomona RV Park and Campground
Small
Pulled in like noooo it’s super small tight but here for a week in a cabin kids had a great time nice people pool and weekend activities. We would come back
ryan H.ScoutGodfrey Bridge — Wharton State Forest
Primitive, vehicle accessible campground
$10/night for out of staters. About 30 well spaced sites. Every site has fire ring, some places half shaded. Pit toilets spaced around the campground. No water. Great cell service (5G) with Verizon
- TTroli R.Guide
Aberdeen Proving Ground RV Park
Bougie sites; AWFUL reservation system
BASE ACCESS REQUIRED!
Electric/Water/Sewer hookup sites for $56 a night! (2 night minimum) Which is a great full hookup price, even though it's gone up $6 since last year. Weekly and monthly pricing available as well.
The sites are neat, well maintained, level, and sunny with concrete pads and paved campground roads. Centrally located laundry facilities and airconditioned bath house. Playground, boat launch, beach volleyball court, disk golf, basketball court, and outdoor pool all within walking distance. Other base amenities include: commissary, gas station, bowling, BBQ, Dunkin', and Greek restaurants, and golf. (I'm sure I'm forgetting something.)
Note: in July it is very buggy - the biting flies are the worst. So bring bug spray or a screened in tent to eat in.
The downside: the reservation system is a major PITA. You have to download a PDF packet, fill it out, and EMAIL it in. When you get your confirmation, it doesn't include a specific site number. You get assigned one when they call you the week of your scheduled check-in for payment completion.
Don't miss out on: the water! My advice would be to reserve one of their boats at the same time you reserve your campsite. The water in this area is great - no jellyfish, low waves. You can SUP, kayak, pontoon boat. Whatever your preference. There are large flats of grasses - which you'd want to avoid with a motor but are so much fun to paddle over. Also check out the Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge island. You can't go inland, but you can anchor off shore, jump in and wade around the shallows.
Also very driveable to an off-base movie theater, Baltimore, and Havre de Grace.
- JJohn S.Scout
Quakerwoods Campground
Great place. Friendliest people
The staff is the GREATEST. They are knowledgeable and helpful. The grounds are clean. The shower rooms are clean and large. Laundry room is perfect. They have pull-thrus, back ins and tent sites. Dog stations are placed throughout the park. The campers are also the friendliest. You can always tell the condition of the camp by the quality of the people staying there.. everyone was respectful, courteous and friendly. We stayed in July, 2026 and would DEFINITELY stay again next time we are thru PA.
Guide to Chester
The Delaware River Valley area surrounding Chester provides diverse camping options within a 30-mile radius. Most campgrounds near Chester sit at elevations below 400 feet, with the terrain gradually rising toward western sites like French Creek State Park, which reaches elevations near 800 feet. The region typically experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures averaging 85-90°F from June through August, while spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures in the 60-70°F range.
What to do
Water activities on Lums Pond: 100-acre freshwater pond with electric-only motors. Visitors to Lums Pond State Park Campground can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and paddling. "There are two lakes in French Creek, Hopewell and Scott's Run and each contain many species of fish. We spent Saturday afternoon fishing but not catching anything at Scott's Run. It's a beautiful location and it was still a fun way to spend the day with the kids away from the site," noted one visitor to nearby French Creek State Park.
Horseback riding: BYO horse only. French Creek State Park offers designated equestrian trails. A visitor commented: "The trails were well marked, and the day we took a hike, we ended up on the equestrian trail that runs all the way around the pond. It was a long, but easy hike."
Off-leash dog parks: Lums Pond offers dedicated pet areas. "There's an off leash dog park, equestrian center and boat ramp. Book early because it fills up fast!" advised one camper. The park's pet-friendly areas provide space for dogs to run while maintaining dedicated zones for other activities.
What campers like
Spacious sites at state parks: Premium sites feature concrete pads. At French Creek State Park Campground, "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. Very nice playground area and clean." State park campgrounds generally offer more space between sites than private campgrounds.
Clean facilities: Bath houses regularly maintained. Campers frequently mention the clean facilities at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA: "The bathrooms were immaculate compared to most campgrounds." Facility cleanliness varies by campground, with state parks sometimes receiving mixed reviews on bathroom maintenance.
Proximity to Philadelphia attractions: Multiple options for city exploration. When staying at Ridley Creek State Park, visitors appreciate the easy access to urban attractions. The park's group camping area is especially popular for organized outings: "This place is great for first time campers. I go camping here almost every year and they a nice open field with two sites and two fire pits."
What you should know
Limited cell service in some areas: Coverage gaps at certain campgrounds. While most established campgrounds maintain reliable service, some waterfront areas experience limited connectivity. For reliable service, Philadelphia-West Chester KOA offers "fairly fast but was prone to disconnects" wifi according to visitors.
Reservation requirements: Book well in advance for popular times. "Book early because it fills up fast!" warns one camper about Lums Pond. Most campgrounds within 30 miles of Chester require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays.
Seasonal availability: Limited winter options near Chester. While Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA remains open year-round, other campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park operate only from April through October. One winter camper at French Creek noted: "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid-friendly amenities: Multiple options for children. Old Cedar Campground offers various activities: "Friendly campground with plenty of things to do for the kids. Beautiful pool, very nice playground and arcade. The fishing was good everytime we've went." Many campgrounds in the Chester area feature playgrounds, pools, and organized activities.
Safety considerations: Choose campgrounds with controlled access. Old Cedar Campground employs strict rules that enhance safety. "The website, posted signs, confirmation email, and check-in instructions all included a list of strict rules regarding conduct while on property and everyone seemed to abide by them during our stay."
Educational opportunities: History and nature programs. Families can combine camping with educational experiences at parks near historical sites. At French Creek State Park, visitors can access nearby Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, which offers living history programs on weekends during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Premium sites with comprehensive amenities. Tinicum Island offers a unique contrast to the RV-friendly options nearby, as it's only accessible by boat. For RVers, Lums Pond State Park Campground provides excellent full hookup sites: "Beautiful park setting with fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved."
Big rig accessibility: Site selection crucial for larger vehicles. When visiting with larger motorhomes, careful site selection is essential. One RVer warned: "Heads up, big rig owners! Tight squeeze into Site 25. Get cozy, the sites are quite small and tightly packed together." Always check length restrictions before booking.
Seasonal considerations: Limited winter operations. Most RV parks near Chester close seasonally. For winter camping options, one camper noted at French Creek State Park: "The honor system of payment at the office makes it really easy to come in late and leave early, make sure you have cash on you as it was unclear if checks were accepted."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Chester, PA?
What camping is available near Chester, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Chester, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 128 campgrounds and RV parks near Chester, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Chester, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Chester, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chester, PA is Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chester, PA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chester, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Chester, PA.
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