Camping spots near Edgemont, Pennsylvania sit within the Brandywine Valley region at elevations between 300-600 feet. The area experiences moderate temperatures with summer averages around 85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally between April and October, though winter camping options exist with varying levels of facilities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At French Creek State Park Campground, anglers can target multiple fish species. "I cought a beautiful Brown Trout here a few weeks ago! Great park. (I put the Trout back in, it was very healthy and I managed to get the hook out quickly, otherwise he would have been dinner!) You need a license to fish, and if you plan on catching Trout you need the Trout endorsement on the fishing licence, currently $9.90," notes a visitor to Evansburg State Park.
Disc golf courses: Boulder Woods Campground maintains an extensive course that draws dedicated players. "They also have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs. That's where we fell in love with disc golf," shares one camper. Weekend tournaments frequently occur, making advance site reservations advisable during competition days.
Paddling experiences: At Lums Pond State Park, kayakers can explore the 200-acre pond with rentals available on-site. "There is a huge pond that you can rent canoes and kayaks. A huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake," explains one visitor. Electric motors are permitted, but gas engines are prohibited on most water bodies in the region.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Hibernia County Park offers secluded tent camping. "Quiet. The sites are wooded and have ample space between sites. My kids are age 3-12. There's running water available, porta potties are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp. Very quiet at night," reports one family.
Modern bathroom facilities: Lums Pond State Park Campground receives praise for its updated amenities. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," shares a camper. Individual shower rooms provide privacy not commonly found at state parks.
Year-round camping options: Several spots remain open during winter months. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby. I'm a women in my thirties traveling alone and I felt very safe here," notes a visitor to French Creek State Park.
What you should know
Site reservations: Lake-In-Wood Campground requires advance booking, especially for their unique accommodations. "There are a lot of really neat and different rentals here like a tree house, double decker bus, among others," explains a camper. Weekend bookings should be made 2-3 months ahead during summer.
Campground noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some sites. "A nice primitive campground - good for a quick trip away. The campground is a county run one that works on a first come first serve basis, which is fine if there are others close by," notes a visitor to Hibernia County Park. Sites further from main roads provide quieter experiences.
Pet policies vary: Not all glamping sites welcome pets. "This state park is close to Philly but has some wonderful tent sites. There are also cabins and yurts but they aren't dog friendly," reports a visitor to French Creek State Park. Check individual campground restrictions before booking.
Tips for camping with families
Playground amenities: Philadelphia-West Chester KOA offers multiple play areas. "Nice playground and jump pad for kids. Nice camp store. Only downside was walnuts loudly hitting our roof at night!" shares one family. The campground recently upgraded facilities with separate play zones for different age groups.
Kid-friendly fishing spots: Dedicated areas for young anglers exist at several parks. "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground," notes a visitor to Hibernia County Park. These ponds are typically stocked more frequently than main lakes.
Activity planning: Many campgrounds schedule weekend programs. "Families and outdoor enthusiasts alike will find Lake-In-Wood Campground to be an exceptional getaway. It is ideal for a leisurely weekend or longer getaway because it combines enjoyment, comfort, and the beauty of nature," explains a reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA provides full-service sites. "I stayed here as a first trip for my new Class C RV, as a shakedown trip for the rig. The campground is quiet, well-kept, and relatively clean. The hookups were fine, cable was good, wifi was fairly fast but was prone to disconnects," reports an RVer.
Site dimensions: Some campgrounds have tight turns for larger rigs. "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," warns a visitor to Philadelphia-West Chester KOA. Request site measurements before booking.
Winter camping preparations: RVers staying during colder months should prepare accordingly. "It was cold so we asked to be put close to bathrooms so we could leave camper winterized. They accommodated us nicely," notes a visitor to Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA. Off-season camping often comes with reduced rates but limited amenities.
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