Best Campgrounds near Upper Darby, PA
State parks and private campgrounds surround Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, creating a ring of camping options within 20-45 minutes of this Philadelphia suburb. French Creek State Park, located about 40 miles northwest, offers 200 campsites across four loops with varying amenities from primitive tent sites to full RV hookups, plus cabins, yurts, and glamping options. Ridley Creek State Park provides group camping facilities just 8 miles west of Upper Darby. For those seeking commercial campgrounds, Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA in New Jersey and Philadelphia-West Chester KOA in Coatesville provide year-round access with amenities like swimming pools, camp stores, and organized activities. Tinicum Island offers a unique boat-in primitive camping experience on the Delaware River, just 5 miles south of Upper Darby.
Reservation requirements vary significantly by location, with state parks typically requiring bookings through Pennsylvania's DCNR reservation system up to 11 months in advance. As one camper noted about French Creek State Park, "The campground is hilly which means that a fair number of sites are not level. Our site was level for our RV but the patio sloped downhill." Highway noise affects some locations, particularly those near I-95 and the Philadelphia International Airport. Cell service remains reliable at most established campgrounds, though signal strength diminishes in more remote areas of state forests. Weather considerations include humid summers with occasional thunderstorms and mild winters where some campgrounds remain open year-round.
Waterfront access ranks highly among camper priorities in the region. A visitor to Wharton State Forest in nearby New Jersey reported, "Site #8 has an amazing view of the lake. While camping at Atsion Family Campground, you have free access to the recreation center." Many campgrounds feature fishing opportunities, with Evansburg State Park receiving praise for its trout fishing. Site privacy varies considerably, with French Creek's Loop C described as "very tightly spaced" while Loop B offers "more spacious sites with trees between them." Proximity to Philadelphia's cultural attractions serves as a major draw, with one KOA visitor noting, "It is a 20-minute ride into Philly and Uber was quick and responsive." Most campgrounds welcome pets in designated areas, though specific loops or sites may have restrictions.
