The region surrounding Chester Springs, Pennsylvania combines dense deciduous forest with rolling hills and farmland at elevations between 400-700 feet. Summer camping temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, with cooler nights in spring and fall. Campers will find a mix of public and private campground options within a 20-mile radius of Chester Springs, with several locations open year-round but requiring advance reservations during peak season.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Test your angling skills at French Creek State Park Campground, where two lakes contain multiple fish species. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish. Ice fishing is also allowed at both lakes and the ice thickness is monitored," notes reviewer Jen R.
Playground access: Many camping sites near Chester Springs, Pennsylvania include family-friendly play areas. "Nice playground situated conveniently between the loops of the campground. It had some slides, a bridge, lots of monkey bars, ladders to climb on and the best feature was the zip line," comments Jen R. about French Creek State Park.
Creek exploration: Bring water shoes to wade in local waterways. At Hibernia County Park, "The lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails. Each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring with a built in grill. The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," mentions Anna.
Trail network access: Seek out multi-use paths for walking or biking near your campsite. "There is a huge lake where you can rent canoes and kayaks. A huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake. There are trails for mountain biking or hiking, a frisbee golf course, playground at the campground and at the lake," explains Jen R. regarding Hibernia County Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers value separation from neighbors at campsites in the Chester Springs area. At Brandywine Creek Campground, "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. Each site comes with fire pit and picnic table," explains Dave G.
Amish countryside views: Several campgrounds offer scenic agricultural vistas. The Lancaster-New Holland KOA features "unobstructed views of the Amish farmland and lots of room. Place is spotless, great help at front desk," according to Doreen C. Another camper adds, "Peaceful, beautiful valley views of Amish country."
Water features: Campers consistently mention enjoying waterways near camping areas. "The sites are right on top of each other with no tree cover between spots, so you'll definitely be right up on your neighbors. The fire rings are big and frustrating, the fire sits on a lifted grate so you go through wood like crazy. Lovely park, lovely rangers," explains Tara T. about camping at Green Lane Park.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers matter to campers. At Spring Gulch Resort Campground, "The bathhouse had individual bathrooms and showers. Each was pretty clean and spacious," notes Phinon W., who also mentions the "pretty good camp store" among the amenities.
What you should know
Site dimensions vary significantly: Campsite sizes differ dramatically across the region. At French Creek State Park, "Many of the sites surrounding ours were very rocky and left little option for a larger than normal sized tent so keep this in mind if you have a large family sized tent," warns Ellen C.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts camping experiences year-round. One winter camper at French Creek notes, "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! 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."
Weekend-only operations: Some camping options have limited availability. A reviewer explains, "This campground is only open on the weekends, in season. Sites can be reserved online, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration."
Hookup limitations: Many sites lack full amenities. "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank. There is one spigot at the bathroom," advises Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for multi-activity options: Select campgrounds offering diverse entertainment. The Philadelphia-West Chester KOA provides "pickleball, mini golf and a lovely pool. The camp store is well stocked and has delicious ice cream. Nearby are great places to go hiking as well as a canoe and rafting outfit," according to Phinon W.
Kid-friendly water access: Choose sites with safe water play areas. "The lake campground. 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. Very quiet at night," shares Anna about Hibernia County Park.
Playground proximity: Consider campsite location relative to play areas. One family camper notes, "They have two different playground in the same area to accommodate kids of all ages. They also have pickleball, mini golf and a lovely pool."
Weather preparation: Pack for variable conditions, especially in spring and fall. "We stayed in Loop C, which is the only dog friendly loop in the campground, on sites 35, 37, 39,& 40. Thankfully, a short walk to the bathroom facilities for us tent campers," explains Ellen C., who experienced a thunderstorm during their stay at French Creek.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Consider access limitations when booking. A camper with a 45-foot motorhome at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA warns, "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. Don't stay in this site in a big motorhome."
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain. At Spring Gulch, "Most of the campsite options are fairly level, but are very rocky, so this is something to keep in mind if you are tent camping. We have heavy duty solid steel pegs and still had trouble pegging everything down," reports Phinon W.
Dump station access: Plan ahead for waste disposal. "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," advises Jennifer S. about camping near Chester Springs.
Water management: Arrive with full tanks at primitive sites. "If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank. There is one spigot at the bathroom," explains a reviewer who stayed at Hibernia County Park.
