Best Campgrounds near Chester Springs, PA

Camping options near Chester Springs, Pennsylvania range from established state parks to private campgrounds offering a variety of accommodations. French Creek State Park, about 10 miles west of Chester Springs, features 200 campsites across four distinct loops with options for tent campers, RV users, and those seeking cabins or yurts. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, located in Coatesville, provides developed camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals in a setting along the Brandywine River. The region includes several mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both primitive tent camping and full-hookup RV sites, with many facilities remaining open year-round.

Access and amenities vary significantly across camping areas in southeastern Pennsylvania. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during the peak summer months when facilities like swimming pools and boat rentals are operational. French Creek State Park offers electric hookups, water connections, and full-service sites in some loops, while others maintain a more primitive camping experience. Most camping areas near Chester Springs provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities, though amenities differ between public and private operations. Sites with hookups typically range from $40-70 per night, while primitive tent sites generally cost $25-55. A camper noted that French Creek State Park "feels crowded" in certain loops, particularly the dog-friendly electric area, but offers "abundant trees separating the sites" in other sections.

The camping experience near Chester Springs benefits from proximity to both natural areas and cultural attractions. Campers frequently mention the convenience of accessing Philadelphia while still enjoying wooded camping environments. Several visitors highlight the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside surrounding campgrounds like Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, describing it as "rolling hills in a plush countryside punctuated by massive rolled bays of hay." Water features enhance many camping experiences, with lakes at French Creek State Park offering fishing and seasonal boating opportunities. Family-friendly amenities appear consistently in reviews, with multiple campgrounds providing swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities. Proximity to hiking trails ranks as a significant advantage, with French Creek State Park offering 35 miles of trails through forested terrain, though one reviewer cautions that most are labeled as "more difficult."

Best Camping Sites Near Chester Springs, Pennsylvania (133)

    1. French Creek State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    12 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."

    2. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA

    17 Reviews
    Downingtown, PA
    13 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."

    3. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    10 Reviews
    Gradyville, PA
    13 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"

    4. Lake-In-Wood Campground

    22 Reviews
    Narvon, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 445-5525

    $40 - $60 / night

    "It rained the entire time I was there so we didn’t go in the pool but the campground is walkable, I was able to go running, there are things for kids to do, some animals to go visit on our walks, obviously"

    "You must try the family style restaurants in the area, delicious and close by as well. Overall a great experience and I would go again for sure :-)"

    5. Hibernia County Park

    8 Reviews
    Coatesville, PA
    13 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."

    6. Evansburg State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Skippack, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 409-1150

    $43 / night

    "It was a great place to walk with your dog and enjoy the Pennsylvania outdoors."

    "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”."

    7. Brandywine Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Coatesville, PA
    12 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. Spring Gulch Resort Campground

    16 Reviews
    Narvon, PA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Site next to us had a pipe break, they had a maintenance crew come out immediately and fix it. Amish stores/attractions close by for some entertainment also."

    "Fishing pond is a joke and near by Gun Range can be annoying and tough on pets. But, over all, this place is pretty nice."

    9. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park

    8 Reviews
    Perkiomenville, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 234-4528

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails"

    10. Lancaster-New Holland KOA

    12 Reviews
    Narvon, PA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 354-7926

    "This is a great spot for visiting Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County and about a one-hour drive to Hersheypark. "

    "Not too close to each other. Has a great view of the valley and Amish farms. Everyone has been very friendly. No pool but the kids seem to enjoy the playground."

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Recent Reviews near Chester Springs, PA

922 Reviews of 133 Chester Springs 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

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Stoevers Dam Park

    Park is closed. We were kicked out.

    LThe park is a beautiful city park. There are 7 small, level, back-in sites with electric, a picnic table and fire pit. We arrived in a Sunday and you have to call for a permit, but the office is only open on M-F during working hours. At 8 pm, a police officer told us the park was closed because of a bear, but that they had not gotten around to putting up signs. Wound up in a Walmart instead.

  • 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!

  • 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 Springs

Camping near Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. At French Creek State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun." The park has a variety of trails for all skill levels.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing opportunities at Elk Neck State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The Susquehanna river is full of every kind of fish imaginable!" This makes it a great spot for anglers.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: If you're into water sports, Lums Pond State Park Campground has a ramp for easy access to the water. One camper noted, "The lake has fishing & boat rentals."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers at Blue Rocks Family Campground appreciate the roomy sites. A review highlighted, "Very level and spaced apart from neighbor if you pick the right spots."
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the bathrooms. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, one camper said, "The bathrooms were clean and large."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Turkey Swamp Park are noted for their family-friendly vibe. A reviewer mentioned, "Peaceful family campground. Lake for kayaking and paddle boats to rent."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Susquehanna State Park Campground noted, "The sites are well kept and the tent pads are in great shape...but the sites are fairly small and some of them are right on top of each other."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Round Valley State Park Campground lacks electric hookups and showers, which some campers found challenging.
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially at campgrounds like Locust Lake State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "There was a fair amount of poison ivy though and we had to keep the dogs on tight leashes."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. Elk Neck State Park Campground has a small playground that kids can enjoy.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for family fun. A camper at Lums Pond State Park Campground mentioned, "Had a nice time camping for two nights," highlighting the park's recreational options.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. One family at Hersheypark Camping Resort enjoyed the convenience of the on-site store, saying, "The store has just about anything you would need while visiting."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to choose a site that fits your RV. A reviewer at Blue Rocks Family Campground noted, "We ended up with a great spot with no hookups and pretty secluded."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort mentioned, "The ONLY good thing this RV park has going is the Hershey park bus that runs all day back and forth."
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Many sites are unlevel, so having leveling blocks is essential. A visitor at Locust Lake State Park Campground said, "It was an effort to get our travel trailer close to level."

Camping near Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a fun family trip, there's something for you in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Chester Springs, PA?

The Philadelphia-West Chester KOA stands out as one of the best options near Chester Springs, offering a beautiful setting in Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills. This KOA provides convenient access to downtown Philadelphia while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. Another excellent choice is French Creek State Park Campground, located just a short drive from Chester Springs. The park offers wooded campsites, hiking trails, and recreational activities. For those seeking alternatives, Hibernia County Park and Brandywine Creek Campground are also within reasonable driving distance and provide quality camping experiences in Chester County.

Are there RV parks or campgrounds in Chester Springs with full hookups?

Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country provides full hookup RV sites in the nearby Amish country region, offering a resort-style experience with modern amenities. The park is well-maintained and gives RVers a comfortable base to explore the Chester Springs area. Another option is Village Scene Park, located in the suburban Philadelphia area, providing full hookup sites in a convenient location. For RVers seeking additional choices, Spring Gulch Resort Campground and Lancaster-New Holland KOA both offer full hookup sites within driving distance of Chester Springs, with amenities tailored to larger rigs and long-term stays.

Where can I find tent camping sites in Chester Springs?

Blue Rocks Family Campground offers excellent tent camping options in a wooded setting near the Appalachian Trail. This large campground features tent sites nestled among the rocks and rolling hills that Pennsylvania is known for. Another great option is Pequea Creek Campground, which provides picturesque tent sites with ample trees and a quiet atmosphere. For tent campers seeking additional choices, consider Group Camp at Ridley Creek State Park or Hibernia County Park, both offering tent-friendly sites with basic amenities like toilets and water access within reasonable driving distance from Chester Springs.