French Creek State Park Campground spans 7,526 acres in southeastern Pennsylvania with terrain ranging from densely wooded hiking trails to open recreational areas. Located 15 miles from Reading, the area offers year-round camping options with temperatures typically ranging from the low 30s in winter to mid-80s during summer. Sites feature level paved pads to accommodate both tent camping and RVs, with specific areas designated for glamping accommodations near Denver, Pennsylvania.
What to do
Fishing year-round: At French Creek State Park Campground, both lakes offer diverse fishing opportunities regardless of season. "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 reviewer Jen R.
Sunday worship services: For campers who want to maintain religious practices during their stay, French Creek offers outdoor services. "They hold a Sunday morning 'Church at the Park,' which we were planning to go to, but then it rained, and we didn't know there was a rain location (the park office)," shares Katie M.
Orienteering challenges: Experience competitive navigation activities at French Creek. "We have also attending an Orienteering event here which was nation wide and really exciting. People came from all over the country to attend which was really a great experience," explains a visitor.
Frisbee golf in wooded terrain: Challenge yourself on a unique course. "There is also a frisbee golf course in the woods to make it even more interesting and competitive. The trees definitely make it harder!" explains a reviewer.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Lake-In-Wood Campground offers secluded camping areas. "This is one campground I'd definitely go back too. We are tent campers but there are a lot of RVs and options for a couple of cute cabins as well... The campground is clean, a little noisy, but still has the secluded feel I want when camping," mentions Olivia M.
Primitive tent areas: Some campgrounds offer designated tent-only sections away from RVs. "IMHO the best campsite locations are actually the ones designated for primitive tents as they are all located in the rear of the property and therefore quieter and more removed from the rest of the somewhat crowded campground," reports a visitor at Pinch Pond.
Livestock viewpoints: Luxury glamping near Denver, Pennsylvania provides unique agricultural views. "We had a great time at this campground. Daily views of fields, farmers plowing with horses or the buggys going by was great," notes April L. about her stay at Lancaster-New Holland KOA.
Pet-friendly loops: French Creek designates specific areas for pets. "We have never stayed in Loop C before. This is the only loop that allows pets. I expected it to be much noisier than it was. All of the dogs were well behaved, and we didn't have any problems as we took our walks around the loop," explains Jen R.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the region operate with limited schedules. "We stayed over for one night in early December. 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," notes Galit P. about French Creek State Park.
Environmental factors: Be prepared for local farm aromas at Old Mill Stream Campground. "The overwhelming impression of this campground was the smell of cow manure from the nearby dairy farm feedlot. The smell was not present the first day or so we were there and we enjoyed sitting outside in the afternoon, but when the wind shifted the horrid smell drove us inside," reports Nancy W.
Shooting range proximity: Some campgrounds are located near shooting facilities. "The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner. If you're out and about, it won't be an issue. However if you enjoy sitting outside of your camper and relaxing this might be nerve wracking," explains Tara N.
Coin-operated amenities: Be prepared with change. "The bath houses were a little different, you have to pay $.25 to take a shower. We weren't expecting that!" shares Michelle E.
Tips for camping with families
Interactive livestock experiences: Starlite Camping Resort provides unique family activities with farm animals. "Huge pond for fishing, miniature gold, nice indoor and outdoor pool and a kiddie pool. Goats to pet and watch," mentions Jen R., highlighting attractions beyond typical camping amenities.
Pool options for various ages: Some campgrounds offer child-friendly pool designs. "The pool is new and has a sloped entrance so my two year old could play by himself and loved it," shares Megan T. about her family's experience with four young children.
Weekend entertainment: Check campground schedules for special events. "We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground," explains Leanne B. about her family's stay.
River floating activities: Consider water recreation options. "The campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river, bring tubes and kayaks! We didn't know but went and bought a tube and spent the day on the river!" advises Karla R.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: At Country Acres Campground, RV travelers appreciate the site preparation. "Inaugural trip with travel trailer. Pull-Thru site with all hookups in good working order. Site felt spacious with a nice grass strip," shares Jack B. about his first-time camping experience.
Early arrival options: Some campgrounds offer flexibility with timing. "While it irked me a bit that Pinch Pond likes to 'pinch pennies' by offering early arrivals/late departures for $3/hour, in a crunch, providing that accommodations are available, it's not the worst option to take advantage of if you need some extra time," notes a visitor.
Layout navigation challenges: Be prepared for tight turns in some campgrounds. "We stayed at Lake in Wood campground in July. The place was huge. The roads were very tight and you really had to watch how you drove through because of the trees," warns Mary C.
Seasonal site flooding: Select elevated camping spots when possible. "We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground," explains Kasey M., suggesting the importance of site selection for RVers.
