Cabin camping opportunities near Havertown, Pennsylvania range from rustic group sites to premium riverside accommodations. Located in the Piedmont Uplands region with elevations between 200-500 feet, this area experiences moderate precipitation year-round with summer highs averaging 86°F and winter lows around 26°F. Winter camping requires preparation as nighttime temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Fishing at Lums Pond State Park: Just 32 miles from Havertown, this park offers year-round fishing with multiple warm water species. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," notes one frequent visitor to Lums Pond State Park Campground. The pond requires electric motors only and a fishing license.
Hiking at Evansburg State Park: Located 16 miles from Havertown, this park offers moderate trails through wooded areas. A camper reports, "I've spent countless hours hiking and fishing in Evansburg. Since he was 2 years old I've taken my son, and we always have an amazing time, either hiking the trails to wandering in the woods looking for 'adventures'." Evansburg State Park Campground follows a carry-in, carry-out policy for trash.
Canoeing at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA: This campground sits on the Brandywine River, providing water recreation opportunities 25 miles from Havertown. "This campground is right on a creek with availability to use canoes," mentions one reviewer at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA. The river is typically calm enough for beginners, with rental options available on-site during peak season.
What campers like
Private sites at French Creek: Campers consistently praise the secluded nature of sites at this state park. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers," shares one visitor to French Creek State Park Campground. The park maintains four separate camping loops with varying levels of privacy.
River views at Brandywine KOA: Premium riverside sites offer direct water access and natural separation. "The sites, particularly those on the Brandywine River, have amazing views. They are close enough for you to camp with a group, but most also have a small fence between each site to clearly delineate between the sites," reports a camper at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA. These premium sites cost $80-95 per night during peak season.
Clean facilities at state parks: Multiple parks maintain well-serviced restrooms and common areas. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," notes a camper at Lums Pond State Park. Most state park facilities include hot showers and outdoor dishwashing stations.
What you should know
Limited boat access camping: Tinicum Island offers the only completely boat-in camping option near Havertown. "A great place to stay if you have a watercraft," confirms a visitor to Tinicum Island. The island maintains a primitive camping policy with no facilities, requiring complete self-sufficiency for overnight stays.
Seasonal closures affect availability: Several campgrounds operate limited schedules. "This does close for winter and reopens in April but call park for exact closure dates because they do change," advises a Philadelphia South KOA camper. Always check current operating schedules, especially from November through March.
Group camping restrictions: Some parks limit camping to organized groups only. Fort Washington State Park allows "group camping by reservation only, not nightly camping for individuals," explains a reviewer. These restrictions typically require minimum group sizes of 20-30 people and advance reservations.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds for different ages: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "The camp playground was brand new when we arrived and they had just broken ground. There are two different playground in the same area to accommodate kids of all ages," shares a visitor about Fort Washington State Park Campground. Most playgrounds are centrally located near bath houses.
Kid-friendly trails: Several parks maintain trails suitable for young hikers. "Easy hike. We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back," mentions a visitor to Ridley Creek State Park. Look for loop trails under 2 miles with minimal elevation changes for best results with children.
Activities beyond hiking: Many campgrounds offer structured recreation options. "They have activities like mini golf, pedal carts, jump pillow and a pool. Being on the Brandywine, you can fish and rent canoes," notes a camper at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA. Most organized activities operate weekends only during peak season.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Premium sites may pose access challenges at some campgrounds. "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," warns a visitor at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA. Call ahead to confirm turning radius and approach angles for sites when bringing rigs over 35 feet.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer comprehensive services. "We paid $46 per night plus fees for a FHU 50 Amp Back-in site. This place is a gem, even among nice state parks," reports a camper at Lums Pond State Park. Reservation systems typically allow filtering by electrical amperage and hookup type.
Proximity to urban necessities: Most campgrounds in the area provide easy access to supplies. "Close to shopping if needed," mentions a Lums Pond camper. Most of the best places to camp near Havertown, Pennsylvania are within 15 minutes of groceries, pharmacies, and basic supplies.
