Best Campgrounds near Chester Heights, PA

The camping landscape around Chester Heights, Pennsylvania encompasses a mix of established campgrounds and recreational areas within driving distance of Philadelphia. Ridley Creek State Park offers group camping facilities with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, while Philadelphia-West Chester KOA provides more developed options including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. French Creek State Park, located about 30 miles northwest, features year-round camping with a variety of accommodation types including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and yurts. The region includes several state parks and private campgrounds that cater to different camping preferences, from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks with amenities.

Access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with most facilities operating from spring through fall, though some like French Creek State Park remain open year-round. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. The Philadelphia-West Chester KOA operates from April through November, while other private campgrounds have varying seasonal schedules. Weather conditions can impact camping experiences, with summer offering warm temperatures ideal for swimming and outdoor activities, while spring and fall provide more moderate temperatures but occasional rainfall. As one visitor noted about French Creek State Park, "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."

Campers report high satisfaction with the variety of natural settings available near Chester Heights. Several visitors mentioned the peaceful atmosphere and proximity to water features as highlights of their stays. At Ridley Creek State Park, the group camping area provides a natural retreat despite being close to urban areas. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA receives positive reviews for its amenities and location, with one camper describing it as "a really nice KOA not too far from downtown Philly" situated "in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills." The campground's proximity to historical sites in Philadelphia, Valley Forge, and Amish country makes it a convenient base for exploring the region. Some campgrounds like French Creek State Park offer extensive recreational opportunities including hiking trails, fishing, and seasonal swimming facilities, though recent reviews indicate some amenities may no longer be operational.

Best Camping Sites Near Chester Heights, Pennsylvania (120)

    1. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    10 Reviews
    Gradyville, PA
    4 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"

    2. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    14 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"

    3. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA

    17 Reviews
    Downingtown, PA
    14 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."

    4. French Creek State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    27 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."

    5. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    27 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."

    7. Brandywine Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Coatesville, PA
    17 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."

    8. Old Cedar Campground

    11 Reviews
    Monroeville, NJ
    24 miles
    Website
    +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."

    9. Four Seasons Family Campground

    8 Reviews
    Pilesgrove, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +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."

    10. Hibernia County Park

    8 Reviews
    Coatesville, PA
    22 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."

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Recent Reviews near Chester Heights, PA

841 Reviews of 120 Chester Heights 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!

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Batona — Wharton State Forest

    Good spot to sleep

    The camp road was kinda hard to get around direction wise you couldn’t tell what was a road and what was a campsite. It was Saturday night and only two other campers but one was a huge group but thankfully not too loud. Two pit toilets that was pretty bad shape but we are used to disperse camping without toilets so we didn’t complain.

  • 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 Chester Heights

Camping near Chester Heights, Pennsylvania offers primitive tent sites to full-service yurts within a 30-mile radius. The region sits along the Brandywine River watershed, with elevations ranging from 230 to 400 feet above sea level and an average summer temperature of 85°F. Winter camping remains available at select locations including French Creek State Park, where primitive sites stay open when temperatures frequently drop below freezing.

What to do

Hiking trails: French Creek State Park offers extensive trail networks for all ability levels. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," with options for both shoreline and boat fishing. The park features "two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish at, kayak, canoe or just relax by."

Kayaking and canoeing: Philadelphia-West Chester KOA provides water recreation along the Brandywine River. "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." The camp's river access allows paddlers to enjoy "gorgeous river views" where "you can fish and rent canoes. The river is usually very calm and good for a float."

Wildlife viewing: Ridley Creek State Park offers natural spaces for animal spotting. "Beautiful area to explore and the campground is fairly nice. Bonus points for accepting four legged friends!" Visitors report seeing various wildlife, and as one camper mentioned, "we found a lot of really unique sites around the park."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Hibernia County Park provides wooded camping areas with natural separation. "Most sites are heavily wooded which means plenty of hammock hanging opportunities. The sites are mostly grass, and not very well defined which means the distance between you and your neighbor can vary depending on how you set up camp." Campers appreciate that "it's tiny, it's quiet, it's heavily wooded."

Clean facilities: Lums Pond State Park maintains modern amenities. "The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms." Visitors frequently comment on the upkeep, noting the park is "a gem, even among nice state parks" with "fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved."

Swimming options: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA offers water recreation during summer months. "There is a pool that is open Memorial Day- Labor Day. They also have a catch and release pond." Campers appreciate that "this is a very nice KOA, just over the Delaware River from Philly. The park is clean, quiet, full of families."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Old Cedar Campground and most nearby campgrounds fill quickly in summer. "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." Many campgrounds have specific booking windows, with one visitor noting "we paid $135/night for Back-in Patio Site#25. A bit pricey considering the lack of elbow room."

Weather considerations: Winter camping requires preparation as temperatures can drop into the 20s. "We were here about 10-15 yrs ago and swore we'd never go back. I'm glad we did. They've added a pool and are working on a mini golf area." Seasonal facilities often close after October, with one camper mentioning they "stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great!"

Water access limitations: Some campgrounds have shared hookups or limited water stations. "The water hookups are shared every other site. I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses." During peak summer months, water levels at lakes and ponds may be lower, affecting swimming and boating options.

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: Elk Neck State Park offers family-centered sites. "This campground is very family friendly. We saw so many children running around having a great time!" The park includes "a camp store, boat ramp, swimming, fishing and lots of great hiking," making it convenient for families needing supplies or activities.

Pet-friendly loops: When traveling with pets, choose designated pet areas. "Loop C is the only loop that allows pets. I expected it to be much noisier than it was. All of the dogs were well behaved, and we didn't have any problems as we took our walks around the loop." Some campgrounds provide dedicated pet exercise areas.

Activity scheduling: Plan around scheduled campground events for kids. "Every Saturday they had an organized activity for the kids.... EVERYONE was extremely friendly." Many campgrounds offer weekend programming during summer months, including nature walks, crafts, and outdoor games.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategies: Four Seasons Family Campground works best for specific rig types. "This place is great for rvs. They have many amenities from a lake to swim or fish, to playgrounds, theres a convenient store and even an arcade." When booking, check site length and width specifications carefully, as "many spots had trees but we couldn't get one as they stated our rig would not fit."

Leveling considerations: Bring adequate leveling blocks for uneven sites. "The sites, particularly those on the Brandywine River, have amazing views. They are close enough for you to camp with a group, but most also have a small fence between each site to clearly delineate between the sites." RVers should note that "the sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun."

Hook-up accessibility: Verify hookup locations before arrival. "A bit difficult to set up because the road is too narrow for a 45' motorhome to back in on a nearly 90-degree angle." Some campers report that "there was just barely enough room for the motorhome and Jeep Wrangler. I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Chester Heights, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chester Heights, PA is Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.