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Best Campgrounds near Downingtown, PA

887 Reviews

Camping near Downingtown, Pennsylvania ranges from state parks to family-oriented private grounds. French Creek State Park Campground has good hiking trails where you'll likely spot local wildlife along the way. Campers who like water activities can head to Lums Pond State Park Campground for kayaking and fishing spots. Families tend to camp at Pinch Pond Family Campground because of their playgrounds and scheduled activities for kids. Remember to store your food properly since animals sometimes visit campsites in this part of Pennsylvania. Most of these places have basic bathrooms, shower buildings, and drinking water taps. You should book ahead of time, particularly from May through September when campgrounds fill up quickly. Spring and fall camping brings better temperatures and fewer people around Downingtown. Summers get crowded at all the local camping areas, so make your plans early. The Downingtown area works well for both families wanting amenities and people looking for more basic camping.

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Best Camping Sites Near Downingtown, Pennsylvania (124)

    1. French Creek State Park Campground

    75 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $20 - $75 / night

    "We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"

    "Campground Review: French Creek State Park Campground is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."

    2. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA

    17 Reviews
    Downingtown, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 486-0447

    $59 - $86 / night

    "The campground is located in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills which meant the roads getting there are narrow and windy."

    "Everything was within close walking distance and the staff were extremely helpful. Pool and bathrooms were very clean."

    3. Hibernia County Park

    8 Reviews
    Coatesville, PA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 383-3812

    $15 - $50 / night

    "This campground has 2 small loops, the Lake Loop and the Fiddler's Loop. Lake loop is the bigger of the two, however the “sites” are smaller and it's more open. It is popular with group tenters."

    "Large campsites at the Lake Loop. Map is a little deceiving- the sites are farther from the lake than I expected and there are no running water bathrooms. Very clean and wooded sites."

    4. Lake-In-Wood Campground

    22 Reviews
    Narvon, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 445-5525

    $40 - $60 / night

    "It rained the entire time I was there so we didn’t go in the pool but the campground is walkable, I was able to go running, there are things for kids to do, some animals to go visit on our walks, obviously"

    "You must try the family style restaurants in the area, delicious and close by as well. Overall a great experience and I would go again for sure :-)"

    5. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    10 Reviews
    Gradyville, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 892-3900

    $57 / night

    "well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."

    "We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back"

    6. Lancaster-New Holland KOA

    12 Reviews
    Narvon, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 354-7926

    "This is a great spot for visiting Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County and about a one-hour drive to Hersheypark. "

    "Not too close to each other. Has a great view of the valley and Amish farms. Everyone has been very friendly. No pool but the kids seem to enjoy the playground."

    7. Spring Gulch Resort Campground

    13 Reviews
    Narvon, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Site next to us had a pipe break, they had a maintenance crew come out immediately and fix it. Amish stores/attractions close by for some entertainment also."

    "Fishing pond is a joke and near by Gun Range can be annoying and tough on pets. But, over all, this place is pretty nice."

    8. Brandywine Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Coatesville, PA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 942-9950

    "Girlfriend and I stayed here while we visited nearby Longwood Gardens. The tent sites are spacious and they all border the creek which is a nice sound at night, as well as a good morning view."

    "Close to Valley Forge military park, and convenient to Philadelphia by train."

    9. Hidden Acres Camping Grounds

    3 Reviews
    Parkesburg, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 857-3990

    "include camp store with slushies, ice cream and firewood, full size basketball and volleyball courts, game room, pool, laundromat, pavilions, freshwater catch and release pond for sunnies and bass and nearby"

    "Beautiful wooded area, space in between sites for a bit of privacy, big field for kids to run around in and play."

    10. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 368-6989

    $22 / night

    "Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."

    "The camp loop is a nice walk but there are also trails. They were pretty muddy when we were there. Site 35 was quite spacious as were many of them."

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Recent Camping Photos near Downingtown, PA

291 Photos of 124 Downingtown Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Downingtown, PA

887 Reviews of 124 Downingtown Campgrounds

Guide to Downingtown

Camping near Downingtown, Pennsylvania, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: There are plenty of trails for hiking and biking. For example, at French Creek State Park Campground, visitors enjoy the scenic trails. One reviewer mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun."
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, Elk Neck State Park Campground is a great spot. A camper shared, "The Susquehanna river is full of every kind of fish imaginable!"
  • Exploring Local Attractions: Hersheypark Camping Resort is close to Hershey Park, making it easy to enjoy rides and chocolate-themed fun. One family noted, "The trolley was a great addition to getting to and from the Hershey attractions."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers at Blue Rocks Family Campground appreciate the roomy sites. A visitor said, "We ended up with a great spot with no hookups and pretty secluded."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers enjoy the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Great bath houses, always super clean."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Hershey RV and Camping Resort offer activities for families. A camper shared, "The campground has a ton of amenities that I imagine are great for long termers."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Susquehanna State Park Campground noted, "There wasn't really any enforcement of the quiet hours either night."
  • Site Selection: Choosing the right site is important. At Locust Lake State Park Campground, one camper advised, "If you want quiet and relaxation, don’t come here to camp."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Round Valley State Park Campground, have fewer amenities. A reviewer mentioned, "The primitive restrooms aren’t maintained at all."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. Elk Neck State Park Campground has a small playground that kids can enjoy. One parent said, "Our site was directly in front of a small playground with a slide, swings, and monkey bars."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids entertained. A camper at Blue Rocks Family Campground mentioned, "Lots of activities. Ice cream parlor was a bonus."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A visitor at Hersheypark Camping Resort noted, "The store has just about anything you would need while visiting."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Hershey RV and Camping Resort mentioned, "Sites were first come, first served which was a little weird for us but wasn’t a problem."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you prefer full hookups, check availability ahead of time. A camper at Lums Pond State Park Campground said, "Sites are paved and mostly level. Full hookups on all sites."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Susquehanna State Park Campground noted, "Stayed here recently for 2 nights, Thursday and Friday. That was a big mistake, as mid-day Friday cars came rolling in."

Camping near Downingtown, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for family fun, outdoor adventures, or a peaceful retreat, you'll find a campground that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Downingtown, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Downingtown, PA is French Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 75 reviews.

What parks are near Downingtown, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Downingtown, PA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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