Tent campsites near Delta, Pennsylvania are situated in the rolling hills of southeastern Pennsylvania where elevations range from 300 to 700 feet. The area experiences hot summers with average highs around 85Ā°F and mild winters with temperatures rarely dropping below 20Ā°F. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with limited availability during winter months.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Patapsco Valley State Park (30 minutes from Delta), trails offer scenic river views. "There are some pretty cool Bridges, old houses, and a water fall. I recommend this to any beginner hikers," notes Anthony S.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Hibernia County Park features a dedicated fishing area for younger anglers. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," mentions Anna, who camped with children ages 3-12.
Biking on trails: Several parks offer biking opportunities on established trails. At Susquehannock State Park, "There's a great bike trail to the Conowingo dam which is a nice place to visit, and a great place to see lots of eagles. There are amazing wildflowers on that trail. You can bike to the trail from the campground. All downhill. So be ready for the climb back up," advises David G.
What campers like
Hammock camping opportunities: Hibernia County Park offers heavily wooded sites perfect for hammock setup. "Most sites are heavily wooded which means plenty of hammock hanging opportunities. The sites are mostly grass, and not very well defined which means the distance between you and your neighbor can vary depending on how you set up camp," explains Jennifer S.
Creek-side cooling: Lancaster County's Mill Creek Camping Area provides natural temperature control. "The stream is refreshing and the site stays fairly cool. When it's hits the high temperatures a quick dip in the water is amazing," shares Philip B.
Diverse wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the region offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Patapsco Valley State Park, campers report seeing diverse wildlife throughout the area. "We had a nice stay overlooking the marsh. The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh," describes Caleb S.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Most campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak season. At Hibernia County Park, reservations can be made online through the Chester County website.
Campsite spacing: Privacy levels vary significantly between campgrounds. Blackbird State Forest Campground offers more secluded sites. "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room," reports Sarah M.
Restroom availability: Facilities range from modern bathhouses to primitive options. "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," notes Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.
Trail access considerations: Some campgrounds have hiking trails running directly through camping areas. "The campground is ON the hiking trail so everyone doing the loop walks along the sites. Including people with dogs off leash," warns Abi D. about one camping area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Ridley Creek State Park offers family-friendly amenities. "It also has a greag picnic area with grills," mentions Mackenzie B.
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature centers and interpretive programs. Patapsco Valley State Park features kid-focused amenities. "It seem like this area is, possibly unintentionally, geared toward children. There is a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center," observes Sean M.
Protected swimming areas: While not all campgrounds permit swimming, some offer designated areas for water play. Patapsco Valley Park has water access points where families can cool off safely during hot summer days.
Beginner-friendly trails: Many parks feature short, manageable trails ideal for children. "The Hilton entrance of Patapsco Valley Park is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park," recommends Angel G.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: At Hibernia County Park, certain sites can accommodate larger vehicles. "As I said in the first paragraph, we mostly camp in a 28ft 5th wheel and though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18," advises Jennifer S.
Water access planning: Most primitive tent campsites near Delta require RVers to arrive with full water tanks. "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," notes a camper at Hibernia County Park.
Dump station availability: Few campgrounds in the immediate area offer dump stations. "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," warns Jennifer S.
