Best Campgrounds near Coatesville, PA

Campgrounds near Coatesville, Pennsylvania range from full-service RV parks to rustic tent camping areas, with several options within a 20-mile radius of the city. The Philadelphia-West Chester KOA in Coatesville offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals along the Brandywine River, while Hidden Acres Camping Grounds provides a quieter experience with both tent and RV sites nestled in the surrounding farmland. French Creek State Park Campground, located about 15 miles north in Elverson, features over 200 campsites across four loops with various accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the region, with most private campgrounds operating from April through October or November. "This is a really nice KOA not too far from downtown Philly. 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," noted one visitor about the Philadelphia-West Chester KOA. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity. The terrain around Coatesville features rolling hills and farmland, with some campgrounds situated along creeks and rivers. Weather conditions are typically mild in summer, though thunderstorms are common, while spring and fall camping offers comfortable temperatures but occasional rain.

Campers consistently highlight the peaceful settings and natural surroundings as key attractions in the Coatesville area. Hidden Acres Camping Grounds receives praise for its tranquil environment, with one camper describing it as offering "peace and quiet nestled in farm land." The proximity to both natural attractions and cultural sites makes the region appealing to diverse camping interests. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of Coatesville-area campgrounds for accessing Philadelphia, Lancaster's Amish country, and Brandywine Valley attractions. Campground amenities vary widely, with some offering swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities, while others maintain a more rustic atmosphere. Water features, including the Brandywine River and various creeks, enhance many camping experiences in the region, providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and riverside relaxation.

Best Camping Sites Near Coatesville, Pennsylvania (122)

    1. French Creek State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    14 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
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 486-0447

    $59 - $86 / night

    "We spent the Memorial Day weekend at Philadelphia/ West Chester KOA Holiday in Coatesville, PA and had a good time.  We paid$135/night for Back-in Patio Site#25."

    "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."

    3. Spring Gulch Resort Campground

    16 Reviews
    Narvon, PA
    12 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."

    4. Lake-In-Wood Campground

    22 Reviews
    Narvon, PA
    16 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
    3 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. Lancaster-New Holland KOA

    12 Reviews
    Narvon, PA
    12 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."

    7. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville

    19 Reviews
    Quarryville, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 610-4505

    "We stayed here in November with beautiful weather which meant the large farm behind the campground was spraying manure over their fields. We could smell it."

    "The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees. It didn’t look like all sites had that much cover so be careful."

    8. Brandywine Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Coatesville, PA
    3 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."

    9. Beacon Hill Camping

    11 Reviews
    Concord, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 768-8775

    $57 - $70 / night

    "Located w/in walking distance of small town of Intercourse, PA, with plenty of shopping and Amish crafts. Very friendly people. Inexpensive stay."

    "Within walking distance are Amish shops, and guided tours into the Amish countryside. Restaurants are nearby. Clean and quiet area."

    10. Country Acres Campground

    11 Reviews
    Concord, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 983-3064

    "This is a great spot for visiting Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County and about a one-hour drive to Hersheypark.  Our site(# 837) was a good size for our motor home+ toad."

    "We stayed at one of the primitive tent sites with no hookups adjacent to the farm field. Watching a horse drawn equipment cutting grass while we cooked dinner was a joy."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 122 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Coatesville, PA

920 Reviews of 122 Coatesville Campgrounds


  • 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

    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!

  • R
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Tohickon Family Campground

    Wonderful campground!

    Great camping, great hiking, pretty close to stores if you need anything. Staff is incredible!! Very polite, helpful, and just all around awesome People!!! They make sure your stay is exactly what you’d want it to be.. getting here was a little tricky having to go around the covered bridge but not anything that would ever deter me and my family from coming back. Overall very impressed!! They even were able To get us in very last minute WITH full hook ups for my trailer!!!!


Guide to Coatesville

Camping near Coatesville, Pennsylvania provides access to several state parks and campgrounds within Chester County's rolling hills. The area sits at elevations ranging from 300-600 feet above sea level, with the Brandywine Creek cutting through the limestone-rich terrain. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping offers cooler nights with temperatures often dropping into the 40s.

What to do

Fishing options: French Creek State Park offers two lakes with diverse fishing opportunities. "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 a visitor to French Creek State Park Campground.

Historical exploration: 15 minutes drive to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site from several campgrounds. "Close by there is Hopewell National Furnace and St. Peter's Village with shops and restaurants and hiking trails as well," mentions a camper at French Creek State Park.

Winter camping: Year-round access at select parks when most others close. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby," reports a solo female traveler about her off-season experience.

Canoeing: Direct river access available at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA. "Being on the Brandywine, you can fish and rent canoes. The river is usually very calm and good for a float," explains a visitor at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation at certain campgrounds. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," notes a camper at French Creek State Park.

Clean facilities: Bathhouses receive consistent praise at several parks. "The bathhouse had individual bathrooms and showers. Each was pretty clean and spacious," writes a visitor at Spring Gulch Resort Campground, adding details about the comfort level.

Variety of accommodation options: Beyond traditional tent and RV sites. "There are a lot of really neat and different rentals here like a tree house, double decker bus, among others," observes a camper about Lake-In-Wood Campground, highlighting the unique lodging opportunities.

Riverside camping: Sites adjacent to moving water create peaceful atmospheres. "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," reports a camper at Brandywine Creek Campground.

What you should know

Site surfaces vary greatly: From gravel to grass to rocky terrain. "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," warns a visitor at Spring Gulch.

Limited shower facilities: Some parks offer basic bathrooms without showers. "There are only pit toilets in Fiddler's loop, however there is a bathroom with running water, flush toilets and electric outlets (no shower) within walking distance of the loop," explains a camper at Hibernia County Park.

Reservation timing: Demand fluctuates seasonally and for special events. "Hibernia annually hosts the (super fun!) 'Old Fiddlers Picnic' the second weekend in August. This is the only weekend that you are REQUIRED to call in to reserve," notes one reviewer.

Noise considerations: Both natural and human sources affect the camping experience. "The only negative thing was that it was kind of hard to find a level and rock-free spot large enough for our tent, but we managed!" reports a tent camper.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Some parks focus heavily on children's activities. "Very family friendly park. Cabins, RV, Tent - full amenities. Lots of things to do. A little pricy, but worth it especially with kids," writes a visitor about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Quarryville.

Playground access: Check proximity to play areas when booking sites. "We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12. The park ranger this weekend was the nicest and very helpful with directions to walk to the playground and indoor restrooms," notes a family staying at Hibernia County Park.

Swimming options: Pools and natural water features vary widely. "The pool is new and has a sloped entrance so my two year old could play by himself and loved it," shares a mother of four at Country Acres Campground.

Age-appropriate campgrounds: Some parks better suit specific age groups. "The water park is super fun for adults and kids. The entire campground is clean and very well maintained," reports a family about Jellystone Park, while another noted, "We returned this year with my 12 and 14 year olds and a 12 year old friend. The kids were bored."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling equipment. "They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix," advises an RVer at Hibernia County Park about accommodating their 28-foot fifth wheel.

Water access planning: Not all parks offer convenient hookups. "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," recommends an experienced camper.

Dump station availability: Check for onsite services before arrival. "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," explains a reviewer.

Narrow interior roads: Large rigs face navigation challenges in some parks. "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," cautions a motorhome owner, suggesting trailers might have an easier time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any lake camping options near Coatesville, PA?

While Coatesville itself has limited lake camping, nearby options include Hibernia County Park which offers camping near Chambers Lake with swimming and fishing opportunities. About 30 minutes away, French Creek State Park Campground provides lakeside camping at Hopewell and Scotts Run Lakes with boating, fishing, and swimming facilities. Both parks offer a mix of wooded sites and water recreation, making them popular destinations during summer months. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend stays during peak season.

Where can I rent an RV or camper in Coatesville?

While there aren't dedicated RV rental facilities directly in Coatesville, several options exist in the greater area. Many campers find success using peer-to-peer rental platforms that connect RV owners with renters throughout Pennsylvania. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park and Village Scene Park sometimes offer rental units, though availability varies seasonally. For those looking to try before buying, the Philadelphia RV Show typically features vendors who provide rental opportunities. It's advisable to book rentals 2-3 months in advance during peak camping season (May-September).

What campgrounds are available in Coatesville, PA?

Coatesville and its surrounding area offer several quality camping options. Hidden Acres Camping Grounds is nestled in Coatesville's farmland, providing peaceful campsites at reasonable prices. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA offers well-maintained patio sites, though spacing can be tight during busy periods. Other nearby options include Pequea Creek Campground with its picturesque setting and river tubing access, and Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, which puts you in the heart of Amish country. Most campgrounds in the area provide water and electric hookups, with some offering full facilities for RVs.