Several RV campgrounds within 25-40 miles of Downingtown offer year-round accommodations for travelers exploring southeastern Pennsylvania. The region features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 200-600 feet and a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winter temperatures typically range from 20-40°F, while summer averages 70-85°F with occasional humidity spikes that can make camping without hookups challenging.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake-In-Wood Campground features a catch-and-release lake where families can spend time fishing together. "Very nice and clean campground. Store, pool and cafe. Firewood and minature golf available. Some tight spots to navigate through. Nice fishing in the lake," reported Edward M. about his experience at Lake-In-Wood Campground.
Renaissance Fair visits: Pinch Pond Family Campground serves as a popular base for Renaissance Fair attendees in the fall months. "Stayed here 3x each time in October as they are very close to the PA Renaissance Fair. Easy to get to and beautiful setting, gorgeous trees and feels very woodsy," notes Michelle D. in her review of the campground, adding that there are "lots of activities for kids to do!!"
Local Amish exploration: When staying at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, visitors can explore authentic Amish communities. "Should you decide to leave 'the reservation' for any reason, you'll be engulfed by the incredibly rich, verdant countryside populated by incredibly rural residents who's ancestors settled this vast rich farmland a few hundred years ago," writes Stuart K., who visited in October 2024. The campground puts you "in the heart of one of the most picturesque natural landscapes anywhere in the Keystone State."
What campers like
Organized activities: At Appalachian Camping Resort, campers appreciate the structured entertainment options. "The campground had numerous activities set up all throughout the day and there was something for everyone," notes Melissa Y. "There was bingo, crafts, a vendor craft show, hot dog eating contest for adults and kids, candy scramble in the dark for adults and kids, a dj Saturday night and a live band Sunday night."
Unique accommodation options: Several campgrounds offer specialty lodging beyond traditional RV sites. At Thousand Trails Circle M, visitors can choose from various options. "Some of the cabins were recently added and are super clean inside. The one we stayed in had a set of bunk beds, a queen bed, and a fold out couch. It also had a bathroom with shower/tub and everything you would need except linens," explains Phinon W. about Spring Gulch.
Pool facilities: Many campers mention swimming options as a significant benefit. "The pool was very nice and refreshing. I liked how the kid area wrapped around and connected to the deeper end," notes Jen R. about Robin Hill Campground. Year-round swimming is available at some locations, with Kasey M. noting that Circle M has "an indoor pool and spa (spa closed due to Covid)."
What you should know
Variable site conditions: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring careful setup. At Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park, "Sites well maintained but ours wasn't level," reports Kathy L., who also mentions "noise from road and shooting range nearby" as potential drawbacks, though "fortunately our dog wasn't bothered by the sound of gunshots and it's only during the day."
Seasonal closures: Most RV parks in the region close between late October and early April. Thousand Trails Hershey operates from "April 14 to October 29," while Spring Gulch Resort Campground stays open slightly longer from "Mar 21 - Dec 1," offering a wider window for late fall camping.
Variable Wi-Fi access: Internet connectivity differs significantly between locations. At Village Scene Park, Stuart K. reports they offer "WiFi (albeit quite low speed)" throughout the campground. Sun Valley Campground reviews note "No internet. 2 bars LTE on T-Mobile" according to Lori, who stayed in the 700 loop.
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Plan around specific weekend events at family-friendly campgrounds. "We spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!! They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October," reports Kasey M. about Circle M, where "Putt putt is still open and fun, so is playground. Arcade was open."
Cabin options for beginners: For first-time campers, cabin rentals provide comfort while maintaining the camping experience. At Lake-In-Wood, one reviewer notes their unique accommodations: "There are a lot of really neat and different rentals here like a tree house, double decker bus, among others. Nice playground for the kids and a small arcade."
Noise considerations: When selecting a campground with children, account for external noise sources. Kathy L. shared that at Pinch Pond Family Campground, the "Main drawback is noise from road and shooting range nearby." Similarly, at Appalachian Camping Resort, Cat R. reported "VERY loud noise from the Interstate."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When camping at Thousand Trails properties, early arrival improves site options. "Thousand Trails sites are a first come, first serve. Meaning you have to arrive early in order to get the best spots," advises Yamileth K. about Thousand Trails Hershey. "For everyone complaining about driving around and not finding spots, if you get there early enough around 1 pm, you won't have a problem."
Leveling challenges: Many RVers report needing extra equipment for uneven sites. At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, Justin B. noted "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground. Many other sites were the same." Similarly, at Spring Gulch, Beth B. reported "Lots were a bit uneven, but pull through which was nice."
Dump station timing: Check specific hours for dump facilities when planning departure. At Village Scene Park, Stuart K. notes "there's a $20 flat dump fee, opened 9-4pm M-F, but closed on the weekends (to our chagrin, we found this out too late!)." This timing restriction can significantly impact weekend departure plans for RV campers near Downingtown.
