RV camping near Chester, Pennsylvania offers year-round options within a 30-mile radius. The region features mostly flat terrain with occasional rolling hills, making it accessible for larger motorhomes and trailers. Campsites in this area frequently have gravel or stone pads that can become challenging during wet weather, especially in spring when rainfall averages 3-4 inches per month.
What to do
Water recreation at Lake-In-Wood Campground: Located in Narvon, this campground features fishing ponds and swimming options for visitors. "There is a pond for swimming and there were dead fish. There was a craft show in the barn which was nice," noted one camper who stayed over Memorial Day weekend.
Miniature golf courses: Multiple campgrounds offer mini-golf, though maintenance varies by location. At Spring Gulch Resort Campground, a visitor observed, "Mini golf was fun but need to be regreened….several holes needed maintenance."
Seasonal events and activities: Weekend programming is common at larger RV parks from April through October. "They had a live band one evening. Activities though the day were fun," reported a visitor at Spring Gulch, mentioning music performances that occur regularly.
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds maintain small farm animals for visitors. At Lake-In-Wood, one reviewer mentioned, "Goats to pet and watch," providing a simple activity for younger campers interested in animals.
What campers like
Spacious premium sites: Some campgrounds offer upgraded site options with more room. At Lake-In-Wood Campground, a visitor noted, "The Prime Sites are very spacious," though they also mentioned that a nearby gun range "can be annoying and tough on pets."
Entertainment options: Larger resort-style parks maintain extensive recreation facilities. "Heated spa/pool in upper area are a bonus. Lots of sports gear available for free to use within park," reported one camper about Spring Gulch Resort.
Weekend entertainment: Many campgrounds schedule regular weekend activities, particularly during peak season. "This campground was very nice. They had a live band one evening. Activities through the day were fun," wrote a visitor about their experience.
Swimming facilities: Multiple locations feature swimming pools or natural swimming areas. One reviewer at Mays Landing Resort appreciated that "It has a nice playground for the little kids," showing family-oriented amenities.
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring careful leveling. "The spots were tight and when our neighbor parked his truck in his spot, my chair could almost touch it," reported one camper at Mays Landing Resort.
Seasonal population: Several parks host primarily long-term or seasonal residents. "90% of the people here are full time," noted a visitor to Sun Valley Campground, which operates from April to November.
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds experience water issues, particularly during peak usage. "The water stank and was straight brown," reported one camper at a Jellystone Park in the region.
Maintenance inconsistencies: Facility upkeep can vary significantly between locations and seasons. "Upper showers were much better, no bugs and water was hotter," noted one reviewer comparing facilities within the same campground.
Tips for camping with families
Check age restrictions: Height requirements exist for some water attractions. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, "you needed to be at least 42 inches to go on the slide or bounce house," according to a parent who visited.
Consider rental options: Many parks offer cabin accommodations as alternatives to RV camping. "Cabin rentals are everywhere and have replaced a lot of transient camper sites," noted one visitor about changes to Jellystone Park.
Budget for activities: Additional costs for recreation may apply beyond site fees. "Lots of sports gear available for free to use within park, has to be returned by 5 when main office closes," mentioned one family about Spring Gulch's policies.
Weather contingencies: Heavy rain can significantly impact site conditions, even at developed campgrounds. "It poured and hailed for 1 hr and it still made a swamp," reported a family camper about their site despite having a gravel base.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: When booking, request specific areas within campgrounds. At Village Scene Park, "Sites are narrow and can feel cramped, so don't expect big pull-throughs," advised one RVer who stayed there.
Dump station hours: Operating times for sanitary facilities vary significantly. Village Scene Park charges "$20 flat dump fee, opened 9-4pm M-F, but closed on the weekends," a limitation that affected weekend travelers.
Road conditions: Internal campground roads can present navigation challenges for larger vehicles. "The roads were very tight and you really had to watch how you drove through because of the trees," cautioned one RVer about Lake-In-Wood Campground.
Leveling preparation: Many sites require significant leveling equipment. "Lots were a bit uneven, but pull through which was nice," noted one RVer about their experience, suggesting that pull-through convenience may offset some leveling challenges.
