French Creek State Park and Evansburg State Park offer tent camping alternatives near Collegeville, Pennsylvania for those seeking outdoor experiences beyond glamping options. The area sits within the Piedmont Plateau region with elevations ranging from 200-500 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons feature cooler nights dropping into the 40-50°F range.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Green Lane Park features a popular course that attracts enthusiasts. "Phenomenal disc golf course, hiking, and fishing," notes one reviewer at Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park. The course offers 18 holes through varied terrain with both wooded and open fairways.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes provide year-round fishing access. "We spent Saturday afternoon fishing but not catching anything at Scott's Run. It's a beautiful location and it was still a fun way to spend the day with the kids away from the site," shares a camper from French Creek State Park Campground. The lakes contain warm water fish including northern pike and bass.
Creek exploration: Several parks feature shallow waterways perfect for wading. "Great place to creek hike, nice for horses, we did get a lot of ticks, but not deer ticks, thankfully," reports a visitor at Evansburg State Park. Most creeks maintain safe water levels from late spring through early fall.
What campers like
Level camping pads: Many sites feature improved surfaces for easier tent setup. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," reports a French Creek State Park camper. These improved sites reduce drainage issues during wet weather.
Wooded privacy: Tree coverage creates natural separation between campsites at select locations. "There is a lot of shade and the campground is laid out well," notes a reviewer from Boulder Woods Campground. The dense forest canopy helps maintain cooler temperatures during summer months.
Proximity to water features: Lakeside camping provides scenic views and easy recreation access. "The river sites are great but can be muddy and there is a big hill to get up and out," shares a camper at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA. Waterfront sites typically book 3-4 months in advance during peak summer season.
What you should know
Site drainage concerns: Heavy rains can affect campsite conditions at certain parks. "Don't come if you're in a tent and it has been or will rain, it becomes flooded or turns into a mudpit," warns a camper at Tohickon Family Campground. Sites at lower elevations typically experience more drainage issues.
Bathroom maintenance: Facility cleanliness varies widely between parks and seasons. "The bathroom at the campground is very nice and new however it is a little on the dirty side," notes a French Creek visitor. Most facilities include flush toilets and hot showers with varying levels of upkeep.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns significantly impact camping conditions. "We stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great!" reports a winter camper at French Creek State Park. Many campgrounds reduce services or close entirely between November and March.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature updated play equipment. "Very 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," describes a French Creek reviewer. Most playgrounds accommodate children ages 5-12.
Kid-friendly amenities: Water features provide entertainment for younger campers. "Nice playground and jump pad for kids. Nice camp store. Only downside was walnuts loudly hitting our roof at night!" shares a visitor at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA. Seasonal programming often includes organized activities on weekends.
Safety considerations: Park layouts affect security for families with young children. "I am a women in my thirties traveling alone and I felt very safe here," notes a French Creek camper. Most family-oriented campgrounds feature regular ranger patrols and well-lit common areas.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Backing into spaces requires careful navigation at some locations. "The roads were very tight and you really had to watch how you drove through because of the trees," warns a camper at Lake-In-Wood Campground. Most parks accommodate RVs up to 30 feet, but larger rigs face limitations.
Hookup variations: Electric and water connections vary between campgrounds. "We had electric however no water or sewer hookup. There was a spigot for water at the next site over from us, so we didn't have to walk far to get fresh water," explains a French Creek visitor. Full hookup sites typically cost $10-15 more per night than partial hookup options.
Winter camping options: Year-round RV camping remains available at select parks. "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," notes a winter camper at French Creek State Park. Winter sites typically offer electric hookups but may have seasonal water restrictions.
