Glamping opportunities surround the Chester Heights area with options ranging from basic accommodations to full-service luxury sites. The region sits at the edge of Pennsylvania's Piedmont plateau, characterized by rolling hills and stream valleys with elevations around 400 feet. Spring and fall camping seasons offer mild temperatures in the 60-70°F range, with summer humidity increasing toward July and August.
What to do
Fishing access: 3 miles from Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA is a catch-and-release pond where campers can spend quiet mornings. A camper noted, "The campground is clean, quiet, full of families. The staff are friendly and welcoming. It's easy to navigate to the park from the interstate, and big rigs fit easily."
Hiking trails: French Creek State Park Campground offers multiple marked paths through Pennsylvania woodlands. "There are lots of hiking, the lake is beautiful, at least two playgrounds (perfect for our kids), the bathrooms were well maintained," shared one visitor who found plenty of outdoor activities beyond the campsite itself.
Pickleball courts: Near Lums Pond State Park Campground, visitors can find courts at nearby city parks. "We took her older cousins to the fishing pier, and we didn't even get a nibble, but I think it was too cold for panfish that close to shore. 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."
Wildlife viewing: Walk nature trails surrounding Hibernia County Park to spot local birds and wildlife. "The park itself is beautiful. The walking/hiking trails and the lake were super peaceful," reported a visitor who enjoyed the natural setting despite having some issues with the campsite layout.
What campers like
Level sites: Recent upgrades at several area campgrounds have improved site quality. At Lums Pond, a reviewer experienced "Beautiful park setting with fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved. Friendly and helpful staff. Great state park with lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more)."
Clean facilities: Bathhouses receive regular maintenance at most locations. One camper at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA shared, "Clean and level gravel site with well-maintained utility hook-ups. The whole park is quiet and well-maintained."
Proximity to attractions: Easy access to both natural areas and urban amenities makes this region appealing. As one visitor to Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA mentioned, "This is a very nice KOA, just over the Delaware River from Philly. 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."
Unique glamping options: Beyond traditional tents, Chester Heights area offers distinctive luxury camping experiences. A visitor to Lake-In-Wood Campground reported, "There are a lot of really neat and different rentals here like a tree house, double decker bus, among others. Nice playground for the kids and a small arcade."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Operating dates vary significantly between campgrounds. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, a visitor warned, "This does close for winter and reopens in April but call park for exact closure dates because they do change."
Site selection tips: Research carefully when booking glamping sites near Chester Heights. A visitor to Old Cedar Campground advised, "The water hookups are shared every other site (at least in the Fence Loop). I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses."
Accessibility challenges: Some sites have difficult approaches for larger vehicles. One camper at French Creek State Park reported, "If you have a large camper or 5th wheel you may need to double check what sites can accommodate your RV to ensure you have enough room."
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons, securing spots can be challenging. A frequent visitor to Lums Pond explained, "I understand why it is so difficult to get a reservation at Lums Pond. Book early because it fills up fast!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Multiple play areas at some locations accommodate different age groups. A visitor to French Creek shared, "Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean."
Swimming facilities: Pool access varies by location. At Old Cedar Campground, a visitor noted, "Pool was beautiful and looked new. Mini golf was decrepit and looked abandoned. Store was nice. Very nice welcome. Lots of kids."
Kid-friendly activities: Scheduled events keep younger campers entertained. One visitor to Lancaster-New Holland KOA observed, "The campground is very clean, nice spots with gravel and nice views. No activities and not much open for touristy stuff due to Covid 19. But the daily views of fields, farmers plowing with horses or the buggys going by was great."
Fishing opportunities: Stocked ponds provide easy fishing access for beginners. A parent visiting Hibernia County Park mentioned, "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing. My kids are age 3-12. There's running water available, porta potties are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Water and electric options differ significantly between sites. A camper at Lancaster-New Holland KOA described, "We have a 35 ft class A with a tow and selected an executive 1st row which gave us unobstructed views of the Amish farmland and lots of room (no shade). Place is spotless, great help at front desk."
Dump station access: Not all parks offer on-site dumping facilities. At Hibernia County Park, a visitor warned, "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home."
Maneuverability considerations: Tight turns and narrow roads can challenge larger rigs. An RVer at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA described their experience: "I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow for a 45' motorhome to back in on a nearly 90-degree angle. So difficult, that I cracked the bottom of my front cap catching the grass and gravel beside the grave road."
