Camping near Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania offers a mix of county, state, and private facilities within 30 miles of the Brandywine Valley. The area sits at approximately 200 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate that brings warm summers and cold winters. Camping facilities in this area typically feature wooded sites that provide natural shade during summer months when temperatures can reach the upper 80s.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, the Brandywine River provides excellent paddling options. "We spent the Memorial Day weekend at Philadelphia/ West Chester KOA Holiday in Coatesville, PA and had a good time... Being on the Brandywine, you can fish and rent canoes. The river is usually very calm and good for a float," notes Jim N.
Fishing spots: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing opportunities, particularly for families with children. A visitor at Hibernia County Park shared, "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing." The park provides accessible fishing areas specifically designed for younger anglers.
Hiking networks: Trail systems throughout the region range from easy to moderate difficulty. At French Creek State Park Campground, visitors can access extensive hiking options. One camper noted, "There is a huge lake where you can rent canoes and kayaks. A huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake. There are trails for mountain biking or hiking, a frisbee golf course, playground at the campground and at the lake."
What campers like
Spacious camping areas: Many campgrounds in the region offer generous sites that don't feel crowded. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, just 30 minutes from Chadds Ford, campers appreciate the room to spread out. "The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms," reports Adam and Suzanne B.
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned across reviews is the quality of bathhouses and amenities. A camper at Lums Pond noted, "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease."
Accessibility to urban attractions: The campgrounds surrounding Chadds Ford provide an ideal base for exploring both natural and urban environments. At Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, one visitor shared, "We stayed here for 3 nights while visiting family In Philadelphia. It is a 20 minute ride into Philly and Uber was was quick and responsive." This location allows campers to enjoy countryside camping while maintaining easy access to city attractions.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Due to popularity, many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during summer months and weekends. "Book early because it fills up fast!" warns a visitor to Lums Pond State Park Campground. Most sites can be reserved 6-12 months in advance.
Seasonal considerations: While the camping season primarily runs April through October, several parks offer year-round options. A visitor at Elk Neck State Park Campground noted, "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water."
Site selection: Each campground has varying site layouts and conditions. At French Creek State Park, one camper advised, "If you have a large family sized tent...many of the sites surrounding ours were very rocky and left little option for a larger than normal sized tent so keep this in mind."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Families consistently mention water features as highlights for children. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, a visitor shared, "The camp playground was brand new when we arrived and they had just broken ground (September 2020). There are two different playground in the same area to accommodate kids of all ages. They also have pickleball, mini golf and a lovely pool."
Educational opportunities: The region offers numerous historical and environmental education opportunities near camping areas. "There is the Reading and Berks County Visitors Bureau and Chester County Visitors Bureau, State Game Lands 43, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and Daniel Boone Homestead," explained a visitor to French Creek State Park.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature modern playground equipment for different age groups. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Quarryville, a camper reported, "The water park was GREAT for kids and adults. Super clean. Lots to do. Well worth a week."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RV campers should be prepared for varying site conditions. At Hibernia County Park, a reviewer noted, "The sites are not level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Hookup locations: Pay attention to utility placement when selecting sites. At French Creek State Park, one RVer mentioned, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other."
Maneuvering challenges: Some campgrounds present navigation challenges for larger rigs. A visitor to Philadelphia-West Chester KOA shared, "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. So difficult, that I cracked the bottom of my front cap catching the grass and gravel beside the grave road."
