Exton, Pennsylvania sits within Chester County at an elevation of 371 feet, providing moderate temperatures ideal for year-round camping. The region features rolling hills and woodland areas, with several waterways including the Brandywine Creek offering water recreation opportunities. The camping season typically runs April through October with sites requiring advance bookings during summer weekends.
What to do
Hiking trails through varied terrain: French Creek State Park Campground features over 35 miles of marked trails ranging from easy to difficult. A camper noted, "There are lots of nice trails. If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby" and the park's natural setting provides ample wildlife viewing opportunities.
Fishing in stocked waters: At Hibernia County Park, anglers can access both Chambers Lake and a dedicated children's fishing pond. One visitor mentioned, "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing" and another stated, "Phenomenal disc golf course, hiking, and fishing" making it a versatile destination.
Go-karts and recreational activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers extensive family activities beyond just camping. A guest observed, "The go carts are old. The air pillow was flat. They took out the pool table," indicating the activities may need updating but remain popular with younger children.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural screening between sites at French Creek State Park. One reviewer stated, "The sites are not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean."
Full hookup options: At Lake-In-Wood Campground, campers enjoy modernized sites with utilities. A visitor reported, "Very nice campground, well kept, paved roads, plenty to do," highlighting the convenience of having well-maintained infrastructure for a comfortable camping experience.
Amish countryside views: The Lancaster-New Holland KOA offers scenic rural vistas. A recent guest shared, "We had a really great RV experience at the Lancaster KOA. We have a 35 ft class A with a tow and selected an executive 1st row which gave us unobstructed views of the Amish farmland and lots of room."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites near Exton require advance booking, particularly during peak season. A camper at Deep Creek noted, "Almost all 30 sites were filled Saturday night," indicating the popularity of these locations.
Limited privacy at some sites: Not all campgrounds provide secluded camping experiences. A review of Deep Creek Campground warned, "Campground is as basic as they get. Sites are close to each other with absolutely no privacy. Bathrooms however are nice and clean with plenty of them around the park."
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Facility quality differs between parks. One camper at Hibernia County Park explained, "Porta potties are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp. Very quiet at night. The park ranger this weekend was the nicest and very helpful with directions."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with dedicated play areas: Families benefit from built-in entertainment options. A visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park shared, "The water park is super fun for adults and kids. The entire campground is clean and very well maintained," making it ideal for multi-day family stays.
Look for educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs. As one French Creek visitor mentioned, "We loved our stay at this park, and plan to return. We tented in loop D...the lake is beautiful, at least two playgrounds (perfect for our kids), the bathrooms were well maintained."
Consider glamping options for beginners: Luxury camping near Exton provides an entry point for families new to outdoor experiences. A guest at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA reported, "My husband and I stayed for a week in one of the glamping tents. The staff was very friendly and the tents were more glamorous than we had tried before, but definitely had a good combination of woodsy and comfort."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Large RVs may encounter challenges at some locations. A Lancaster-New Holland KOA guest advised, "Sites are nice and level. Not too close to each other. Has a great view of the valley and Amish farms."
Consider seasonal closures: Not all facilities operate year-round. A Lums Pond visitor noted, "In February, about 1/4 of the sites were occupied. It was very quiet. The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern."
Reserve premium sites when available: Premium sites offer significant advantages. A Philadelphia-West Chester KOA camper mentioned, "We only stayed one night and most of the activities were closed due to it being November. Will definitely try this campground again when it's a bit warmer. Open sites not many with privacy all though they did have a few premium sites with a paver patio."
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