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Camping near Exton, Pennsylvania encompasses a mix of state parks, private campgrounds, and RV resorts within easy reach of both Philadelphia and Lancaster County. Campgrounds near Exton range from primitive tent sites to full hookup RV spots, giving campers flexible options across the region. French Creek State Park Campground, located in nearby Elverson, serves as one of the region's primary public camping destinations with 200 individual sites across four loops, offering everything from primitive tent sites to full hookup RV spots and rental cabins. Other notable options include Philadelphia-West Chester KOA in Coatesville and Brandywine Creek Campground in Lyndell, both providing access to the scenic Brandywine River. Hibernia County Park offers a more rustic camping experience from May through October, while Evansburg State Park Campground to the east provides boat-in access options.
Most campgrounds in the Exton area operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October, though French Creek State Park remains open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity. The region experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers where temperatures regularly exceed 85°F and moderately cold winters. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable camping conditions with mild temperatures and colorful landscapes. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with AT&T and Cricket reported to have strong coverage at French Creek State Park.
The camping options near Exton reflect the area's position between urban Philadelphia and rural Amish Country. According to reviews, Philadelphia-West Chester KOA offers "a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills," though the campground itself is described as "hilly which means that a fair number of sites are not level." French Creek State Park provides extensive recreational opportunities with 35 miles of hiking trails, two lakes for fishing, and seasonal boat rentals. Visitors note that Loop C is the only dog-friendly electric loop, while Loop B offers more spacious sites with better privacy. The Exton area campgrounds provide an ideal base for exploring southeastern Pennsylvania's natural landscapes and historical sites throughout the year. The park's proximity to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site adds historical interest for campers looking to explore beyond their campsite.
"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."
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $59 - $86 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $57 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 - $50 / night
Check Availability"As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. "
"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"
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
"It was a great place to walk with your dog and enjoy the Pennsylvania outdoors."
"Since he was 2 years old I’ve taken my son, and we always have an amazing time, either hiking the trails to wandering in the woods looking for “adventures”."
from $43 / night
Check Availability"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"
"Only RVs and pull behind."
ScoutChoose another campground unless you are certain you can arrive before 4pm. Otherwise, you'll not be allowed in. Owner is belligerent on this point, and from other comments, belligerent on other issues also.
We strongly recommend the nearby French Creek State Park campground.
LegendOverall, this is a nice, small (about 65 sites) state park with plenty of recreational opportunities inside the park. There is nice separation between sites so you don’t feel like you are on top of your neighbor. Tall trees are scattered about which provide shade at some sites but overall, the park is pretty open. Roads getting to the park are easy to navigate with any size RV. Within the park, roads are paved and free of potholes and there are no low hanging branches. Since the roads are one-way they are not very wide so backing in big-rigs can be a little tight and you might have to run over the grass.
All RV sites are full hook-up and there is a separate area for tents and there is one canvas yurt for rent. The tent sites are nice in that they are tucked along the wood line slightly away from RVs with more privacy and shade. The only downside is that they are pretty far away from the centrally located bathroom and showers. The bathroom has separate rooms for showers which is nice and private. They were tended to daily and very clean. Also, located in the center of the campground is a playground, camp store and laundry. The dumpsters and recycle bins are located in a separate area on the way out of the campground and were frequently full and overflowing. Campsites are paved and some have wide enough that the patio is paved but others have a narrow pad for the RV and gravel patio. We discovered that most sites are level but a few are not (like 22 and 24). The campground is very clean and camp hosts were diligent about picking up trash and cleaning out fire pits every day.
Across the pond (north of the campground) is where most of the amenities are located such as concessions, ball fields, horseshoe pits, disk golf, and more. For those wanting to fish there is a pier in the campground and a self-serve vending machine with bait in it. There are additional fishing piers located in other parts of the park and there are boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for rent. We stopped in at the Nature Center but it was a bust– just a few taxidermy specimens and not much information. One of the most popular areas of the park is Go Ape which is a ropes/zip line course through the canopy (which does require admission fee). There are nice trails that leave right from the campground– some 17 miles in all. There is a boat launch about a quarter mile from the campground entrance which is suitable for trailerable boats and paddle craft but there are no docks so you can’t leave your boat tied up there. There is an off-leash dog area but it is located far from the campground so it’s best to drive.
ScoutBathrooms are clean and staff is nice
TravelerThe camp site was amazing. Everything is neat and clean and really beautiful place so quiet.
ScoutNice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
GuideThis campground has everything. Conveniently located, short drive to Dover, Wilmington, Annapolis and Baltimore. The sites were very large and spacious. Sites can accommodate any type of trailer or vehicle. Plenty of site hookups, areas for tents. There is a camp store, several washer and dryers. The best private, individual shower booths and even a pond to go fishing in.
GuideWe camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
LegendLike always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster. As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck. We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.
The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up. We choose a really wooded site. It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck. It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place. I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose. They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy. You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.
They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine. The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on. I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down. The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long. I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.
The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly. The store was fully stocked with everything you could want. The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water. We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area. We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock. The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.
I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there. It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing. People were very respectful and friendly.
LegendTucked just off Route 309 north of Quakertown, Melody Lakes Country Estate feels far less like a traditional campground and much more like a quiet, semi-permanent residential community, with a small pocket of opportunity for the occasional overnight RV stay if you happen to time it right.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Peaceful, tucked-away setting surrounded by wooded acreage that gives the property a calm, removed feel from nearby roads;(2) Access to a range of community-style amenities including a pool, clubhouse, playground, and small fishing ponds;(3) Proximity to Quakertown makes it relatively easy to access groceries, restaurants, and basic supplies within a short drive;(4) Nearby outdoor options like the Upper Bucks Rail Trail provide a great outlet for hiking and biking;(5) Close to local gems like Kathy’s Country Kitchen, which is well worth the stop if you’re passing through.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Extremely limited RV availability, with only a handful of spots, making it unreliable for spontaneous overnight stays;(2) Not a true campground experience, as the majority of the property is made up of semi-permanent or seasonal residences;(3) No tent camping options whatsoever, limiting flexibility for different types of campers;(4) Entrance is easy to miss with minimal signage, requiring careful navigation or prior knowledge to find;(5) Unclear availability of full hookups due to the limited number of transient sites and lack of consistent turnover.
Happy Camping!
Camping sites near Exton, Pennsylvania offer access to both the rural landscapes of Chester County and nearby Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. The region sits at approximately 500 feet above sea level with rolling terrain and several tributaries of the Brandywine River running through the area. During fall months, overnight temperatures can drop below 40°F, requiring campers to pack additional layers and appropriate sleeping gear.
Hiking trails at French Creek State Park: The park offers 35 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels. A camper notes, "We went for a small hike around the lake - we were toting three kids, one of which was in a stroller. I was able to fit 5 diapers, a large bottle of suntan lotion, a pack of wipes, snack container, travel changing pad, Matador large NanoDry towel, Matador droplet wet bag and a bottle of milk on the side in the drink pocket."
Fishing at Hibernia County Park: This park offers a dedicated children's fishing pond for young anglers. One visitor mentioned, "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," while another added, "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too."
Canoe rentals at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA: Located on the Brandywine River, this campground offers canoe rentals and river access. A camper shared, "Being on the Brandywine, you can fish and rent canoes. The river is usually very calm and good for a float." Another mentioned, "This campground is right on a creek with availability to use canoes."
Mini golf at Spring Gulch Resort: Take a break from hiking with family-friendly mini golf. A review notes, "Mini golf was fun but need to be regreened….several holes needed maintenance." Another camper mentioned the campground has "Activities though the day were fun" and "They had a live band one evening."
Private wooded sites at French Creek State Park: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites. One reviewer noted, "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors." Another mentioned, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other."
Amish country views at Lancaster-New Holland KOA: This campground offers unique cultural views. A camper described it as a "Beautiful peaceful place" with "Peaceful, serene, and a little slice of heaven with super clean bathrooms and friendly host." Another mentioned, "Great views of the valley and Amish farms. Everyone has been very friendly."
Year-round availability: Some campgrounds in the region remain open during winter months. A camper at French Creek State Park noted, "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." This makes the area suitable for off-season camping when crowds are smaller.
Good cell coverage: Unlike more remote areas, campgrounds near Exton typically have reliable cell service. A visitor to French Creek State Park mentioned, "Stopped over for a night on a drive, good cell service and lots of foliage between sites keeps them pretty private."
Limited shower facilities at some parks: Hibernia County Park has minimal facilities. A camper noted, "There are only pit toilets in Fiddler's loop, however there is a bathroom with running water, flush toilets and electric outlets (no shower) within walking distance of the loop."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. At Spring Gulch Resort Campground, one visitor mentioned, "Lots were a bit uneven, but pull through which was nice." Another camper at Hibernia noted, "They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Weekend-only operations: Some campgrounds have limited seasonal availability. A Hibernia County Park visitor explained, "This campground is only open on the weekends, in season. Sites can be reserved on line, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration."
Dump station limitations: Not all campgrounds offer this amenity. At Hibernia County Park, a reviewer warned, "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home."
Choose Loop A at French Creek for easier tent camping: This area offers better terrain for family setups. A camper observed, "We also checked out the other loops for future use and found Loop A to have very spacious, less rocky sites, however, there was little shrubbery between each site, making them less private than the sites in Loop C."
Bring entertainment for rainy days: Some campgrounds have limited indoor options. A visitor to Lancaster-New Holland KOA mentioned, "The only downfall for us was the limited things to do with a child. They have a swinger but nothing else. It's hard to entertain on rainy days."
Consider cabin options for convenience: Several campgrounds offer cabin rentals for families new to camping. At Lake-In-Wood Campground, a visitor shared, "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."
Pack for muddy conditions: Several parks in the area can get quite muddy after rain. A visitor to Evansburg State Park advised, "The only downside, I've ever experienced is I find Evansburg to be the muddiest State Park I've every experienced; I always bring a pair of sneakers to change out of my hiking boots, as well as a shoes and change of clothes for the little guy."
Reserve premium sites at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA: These offer better amenities but at a higher price point. A reviewer noted, "We paid $135/night for Back-in Patio Site#25. A bit pricey considering the lack of elbow room, but it's a great site and everything is well-kept."
Be cautious with larger rigs on narrow roads: Some campgrounds have challenging access. One RVer at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA explained, "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."
Look for full hookup options at Lums Pond State Park: Though slightly further from Exton, this park offers excellent RV amenities. A camper praised, "We paid $46 per night plus fees for a FHU 50 Amp Back-in site(#56). This place is a gem, even among nice state parks." Another mentioned, "Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer."
Consider specific site recommendations: At Hibernia County Park, an experienced camper advised, "As I said in the first paragraph, we mostly camp in a 28ft 5th wheel and though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Exton, PA?
The best campgrounds near Exton include French Creek State Park Campground, just a short drive away with great car camping spots, nice easy hikes, and a lake. It's perfect for those wanting to escape the city without going too far. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA is another excellent option located in the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills. Despite some narrow, windy roads leading to it, this KOA offers a convenient base for exploring downtown Philly while still enjoying a peaceful rural setting.
Are there any campgrounds with cabins near Exton, PA?
Yes, several campgrounds with cabins are available near Exton. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country offers cabin accommodations in the heart of Amish country, providing a unique cultural experience alongside comfortable lodging options. Lake-In-Wood Campground near Narvon also features cabin rentals in a resort-like setting with various amenities. These options provide the camping experience without requiring you to bring your own tent or RV, making them perfect for travelers seeking more comfortable accommodations while still enjoying the outdoors.
What lake campgrounds are available near Exton, PA?
Blue Rocks Family Campground offers water recreation opportunities and is situated in the woods and rolling hills just below the Appalachian Trail. This huge campground provides a scenic setting for lake camping activities. Pequea Creek Campground is another picturesque option with water access, featuring large spots and plenty of trees. The campground is quiet yet close enough to Lancaster for shopping, with river tubing available nearby. Both locations offer beautiful natural settings with water features that enhance the camping experience.
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