MBOL 
Scout
ScoutSusquehanna State Park Campground
Great time with kids
Nice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
Top-Rated Campsites Near Chester, Pennsylvania
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 Camping Sites Near Chester, Pennsylvania (128)
1. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA
21 ReviewsPaulsboro, NJ8 milesWebsite+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"
2. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park
10 ReviewsGradyville, PA8 milesWebsite+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"
3. Lums Pond State Park Campground
50 ReviewsKirkwood, DE27 milesWebsite+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."
4. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA
17 ReviewsDowningtown, PA20 milesWebsite+1 (610) 486-0447$59 - $86 / night
"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!"
5. French Creek State Park Campground
82 ReviewsGeigertown, PA33 milesWebsite+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."
6. Old Cedar Campground
11 ReviewsMonroeville, NJ18 milesWebsite+1 (856) 358-4881$31 - $50 / night
"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."
7. Tinicum Island
1 ReviewEssington, PA5 milesWebsite8. Four Seasons Family Campground
8 ReviewsPilesgrove, NJ17 milesWebsite+1 (856) 769-3635$50 - $150 / night
"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."
9. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer
10 ReviewsElmer, NJ22 milesWebsite+1 (856) 451-7479"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
1 ReviewCamden, NJ14 milesWebsite$120 - $145 / night
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
Phinon W.
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
875 Reviews of 128 Chester Campgrounds
- S
Sarah G.
GuideLums Pond State Park Campground
Spacious, Well Maintained, and Top Notch
This campground has everything. Conveniently located, short drive to Dover, Wilmington, Annapolis and Baltimore. The sites were very large and spacious. Sites can accommodate any type of trailer or vehicle. Plenty of site hookups, areas for tents. There is a camp store, several washer and dryers. The best private, individual shower booths and even a pond to go fishing in.
Stephen W.GuideMill Bridge Village & Camp Resort
Great olacevto camp in Lancaster County
We camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Nicole S.
LegendLake-In-Wood Campground
Sun Retreats Lancaster County - Easter Weekend
Like always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster. As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck. We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.
The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up. We choose a really wooded site. It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck. It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place. I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose. They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy. You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.
They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine. The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on. I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down. The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long. I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.
The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly. The store was fully stocked with everything you could want. The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water. We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area. We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock. The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.
I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there. It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing. People were very respectful and friendly.
Stuart K.LegendMelody Lakes Country Estates
More Community Living Than Campground Stay
Tucked just off Route 309 north of Quakertown, Melody Lakes Country Estate feels far less like a traditional campground and much more like a quiet, semi-permanent residential community, with a small pocket of opportunity for the occasional overnight RV stay if you happen to time it right.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Peaceful, tucked-away setting surrounded by wooded acreage that gives the property a calm, removed feel from nearby roads;(2) Access to a range of community-style amenities including a pool, clubhouse, playground, and small fishing ponds;(3) Proximity to Quakertown makes it relatively easy to access groceries, restaurants, and basic supplies within a short drive;(4) Nearby outdoor options like the Upper Bucks Rail Trail provide a great outlet for hiking and biking;(5) Close to local gems like Kathy’s Country Kitchen, which is well worth the stop if you’re passing through.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Extremely limited RV availability, with only a handful of spots, making it unreliable for spontaneous overnight stays;(2) Not a true campground experience, as the majority of the property is made up of semi-permanent or seasonal residences;(3) No tent camping options whatsoever, limiting flexibility for different types of campers;(4) Entrance is easy to miss with minimal signage, requiring careful navigation or prior knowledge to find;(5) Unclear availability of full hookups due to the limited number of transient sites and lack of consistent turnover.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Quakerwoods Campground
Quaint Country Camping in Classic Bucks County
Tucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting with wide-open skies, neighboring hay fields, rustic barns and charming small towns that feel pulled straight from a New England travel guide. With roughly 170 RV sites, a small collection of tent sites and several rental campers, the campground strikes a balance between peaceful rural escape and full-featured family campground energy.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Gorgeous pastoral setting with surrounding farmland, rolling hills and a distinctly peaceful countryside atmosphere;(2) Excellent full-hookup RV infrastructure with mostly back-in sites offering 30/50 amp electric, water and sewer, along with flat pads, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings;(3) Exceptionally strong amenity package including adult and kids swimming pools, mini golf, baseball field, RC track, shuffleboard, fishing pond, game room, playgrounds, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, cornhole, themed weekends, bingo and Saturday wagon rides;(4) Clean and plentiful facilities including four well-kept restroom and shower buildings, laundry, camp store, dump stations, water stations, propane refills and ice sales; and(5) Outstanding access to regional attractions including Nockamixon State Park for kayaking and canoeing, plus great nearby dining at Brick Tavern Inn, McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn and Sage Alley Brewery.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Interior sections of the campground offer less tree cover and privacy compared to the wooded perimeter sites;(2) Tent camping is limited in number and clustered separately, which may feel slightly isolated to some campers;(3) Restaurant options are not immediately adjacent, requiring a short drive for dining;(4) Weekend popularity and themed events can increase noise and traffic levels; and(5) RV rates trend toward the higher end during peak season.
Happy Camping!
- RRandy L.Scout
French Creek State Park Campground
French Creek State Park
This is our 3rd time at this park, it is one of our favorites. Well maintained, very quiet. We stay in Loop A (full hookup) pet friendly. Sites are spacious, generally large but they are all back-in sites.
- CCatherine M.
TravelerLums Pond State Park Campground
You want peace ??
This is the most quietest campground. Perfect when you need to go somewhere to think. The people here are very nice. The wildlife is amazing
- DDeanie S.Scout
Delaware Motel and RV Park
Thoughts
Okay so I haven't actually been here yet I am looking for somewhere to put my rv long term. I guess I was just wondering why the other person made this place sound so horrible. Is it because of the people who can only afford to survive long term at this campsite or was this another time that stigma took over instead of knowledge or is the place a real dangerous dump. I guess I need to check this place out for myself.
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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