Tent camping near Concordville, Pennsylvania spans throughout Chester and Delaware counties, with elevations ranging from 200 to 400 feet above sea level in generally flat to gently rolling terrain. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer daytime temperatures averaging 80-85°F and spring/fall offering milder 60-70°F camping conditions. Most campgrounds in this area operate seasonally from April through October with many sites closing after Labor Day.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Ridley Creek State Park offers multiple well-marked trails suitable for beginning to intermediate hikers. "Easy hike. We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back," notes Andrea R., highlighting the accessible nature of the trails. The park features creek-side paths where "hiking along the creek was great," according to Sam H.
Bird watching: Fort Washington State Park provides excellent opportunities for spotting various species. The park includes hawk watching decks and designated observation areas. "Come for Militia Hill, hawk watching, cross country ski, or disc golf, and the trails along the Wissahickon Creek," suggests Sue C. The park's location makes it a prime spot for seasonal migrations.
Kayaking and fishing: Evansburg State Park allows access to waterways for paddling and angling. "Great park to do everything outdoorsy including, hiking, horseback riding, hunting and fishing. I caught a beautiful Brown Trout here," shares J K. The park requires fishing licenses with additional trout endorsement permits for trout fishing, currently priced at $9.90.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Blackbird State Forest Campground offers well-spaced sites that provide seclusion. "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room," explains Sarah M. Another camper mentioned, "The camp sites are spaced out a good amount so each site has good privacy."
Open field camping: Some tent campers prefer the group camping fields at Ridley Creek State Park. "I go camping here almost every year and they have a nice open field with two sites and two fire pits. They also have a ton of trails to hike on," reports David K. This setup works well for larger groups seeking to camp together.
Access to water features: Many campgrounds provide proximity to lakes or creeks. At Evansburg State Park, one reviewer notes it has "lots of tree cover running along a small running creek," while Hibernia County Park offers access to Chamber's Lake for fishing. Campsites near water tend to fill faster on weekends.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, particularly for weekend camping. Green Lane Park operates from April through October with limited sites. "Green Lane is a beautiful park with a small campground," notes Tara T., though she warns "the spaces are right on top of each other with no tree cover between spots."
Site amenities vary significantly: Many campgrounds offer only basic facilities. At Hibernia County Park, sites have fire rings with grills and picnic tables, but as one camper noted about Fiddler's Loop, "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV."
Campground accessibility: Some tent camping areas require walking from parking areas. Fort Washington State Park requires campers to "hike up past the restroom facilities where you'll find a paved road, but one that has been locked with a gate, so carry your gear with you."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hibernia County Park offers recreational facilities for children. "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," reports Anna. She adds that "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing."
Kid-friendly trails: Several parks feature shorter, manageable trails for young hikers. "We found a lot of really unique sites around the park," says one Ridley Creek State Park visitor. Trails under 2 miles are common throughout the region's parks.
Weather preparation: The area experiences occasional summer thunderstorms and temperature swings. Spring and fall nights can drop into the 40s, requiring adequate sleeping bags for children. Pack extra clothing layers for unpredictable weather patterns common in eastern Pennsylvania.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many campgrounds near Concordville have limited space for larger vehicles. At Hibernia County Park, a reviewer cautioned, "I wouldn't attempt to park an RV up there," referring to the Lake Loop, though they noted their 28-foot fifth wheel could fit in certain sites at Fiddler's Loop, specifically "sites #3, #17 & #18."
Dump station access: Plan accordingly as some campgrounds lack dump facilities. "There is NO DUMP STATION," warns one Hibernia County Park camper who explains, "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."
Water availability: RVers should arrive with full tanks at certain locations. One experienced camper advises, "If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank," noting that at some campgrounds "water is not easy to come by."