Glamping sites near Downingtown, Pennsylvania sit within Chester County's rolling hills at elevations ranging from 300-600 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching 85°F and winter nights often below freezing. Most glamping locations remain open April through October, with a handful offering year-round accommodations that include heating systems for the colder months.
What to do
Hiking trails access: 7 miles of paths at Hibernia County Park connect campers to Chamber's Lake. "Walking/hiking trails and the lake were super peaceful," notes Chelsea, who found the "campsites at the Lake Loop" particularly spacious despite being "farther from the lake than expected."
Fishing options: Children's pond offers a dedicated fishing experience for younger anglers. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," writes Anna, who enjoyed Hibernia's family-friendly atmosphere and clean facilities during her stay.
Equestrian activities: Horse trails wind throughout the grounds at Evansburg State Park Campground. "Great park to do everything outdoorsy including, hiking, horseback riding, hunting and fishing," shares J K., who "caught a beautiful Brown Trout" during their visit. Note that fishing requires proper licensing with a trout endorsement (currently $9.90).
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Natural separation between camping spots creates secluded outdoor experiences. "There is a lot of shade and the campground is laid out well," notes Jen R. about French Creek State Park Campground. "The campsites are not right on top of one another. There is a lot of shade and the campground is laid out well."
Indoor-outdoor pool access: Year-round swimming facilities appeal to families regardless of weather. "The water park is super fun for adults and kids. The entire campground is clean and very well maintained," shares Ashley S. about Jellystone Park™ Quarryville, which also features extensive amenities for children.
Amish countryside views: Unobstructed sightlines across farmland create peaceful settings at several locations. "The sites are nice and level. Not too close to each other. Has a great view of the valley and Amish farms," writes Michele K. about Lancaster-New Holland KOA, where the layout provides ample space between camping areas.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Quality and cleanliness differ significantly between parks. "The bathhouse is absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," reports Mark about Lums Pond State Park Campground, highlighting exceptional maintenance standards.
Reservation requirements: Peak weekends fill months in advance, especially during summer and Halloween events. "We do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations," Ellen B. advises, adding that visitors should "book early because it fills up fast!"
Quiet hours enforcement: Park rangers and camp hosts actively monitor noise levels. "All of the dogs were well behaved, and we didn't have any problems as we took our walks around the loop," Jen R. observed at French Creek's pet-friendly Loop C, noting the unexpectedly peaceful atmosphere.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Request sites near play areas for easier supervision of children. "The park 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," explains Phinon W. about Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, which offers multiple recreational areas.
Weekend activity schedules: Check event calendars before booking as many parks offer organized family programming. "They offer so many activities during the day and text you so you don't forget," shares Nicole S. about Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, appreciating their communication about campground events.
Kid-friendly fishing spots: Several locations maintain stocked ponds specifically for younger anglers. "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground," John Z. notes about Hibernia County Park's fishing areas that cater specifically to children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose level areas to minimize setup challenges. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze," Jen R. explains about French Creek State Park Campground, where the concrete pads simplify positioning recreational vehicles.
Utility placement considerations: Check water and electric hookup locations before arrival. "Beautiful park setting with fantastic site—spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved," Matt S. reports about Lums Pond State Park Campground, emphasizing the well-designed layout.
Full hookup availability: Premium sites with complete services tend to book quickly. "Pull-Thru site with all hookups in good working order. Site felt spacious with a nice grass strip," Jack B. shares about Country Acres Campground, which maintains high standards for RV accommodations.
