Dog-Friendly Camping near Exton, PA

Camping areas surrounding Exton, Pennsylvania offer diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 200 to 600 feet above sea level in the piedmont region between the coastal plain and Appalachian Mountains. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F, making May through October the most popular camping months. Winter camping is available at select locations with temperatures often dropping below freezing.

What to do

Creek fishing: French Creek State Park has two lakes stocked with multiple fish species. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish. Ice fishing is also allowed at both lakes and the ice thickness is monitored," notes Jen R.

Horseback riding: Evansburg State Park Campground welcomes equestrians with dedicated trails. "Great place to creek hike, nice for horses, we did get a lot of ticks, but not deer ticks, thankfully," shares Meg F. The park maintains separate equestrian trails that loop around the property.

Kayaking: Lums Pond State Park Campground offers water activities on its 200-acre pond. "Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking. There's an off leash dog park, equestrian center and boat ramp," explains Ellen B. The park prohibits gas-powered motors on the water.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: At Hibernia County Park, the wooded sites provide natural separation. "Most sites are heavily wooded which means plenty of hammock hanging opportunities. The sites are mostly grass, and not very well defined which means the distance between you and your neighbor can vary depending on how you set up camp," says Jennifer S.

Clean facilities: Lancaster-New Holland KOA maintains its amenities well. "This place is very clean, nice spots with gravel and nice views. The store was stocked well with essentials, and the women running the store was very helpful and friendly. The campground is very well lit and can be navigated easily at night," reports Nicole S.

Countryside views: The Lancaster area campgrounds provide pastoral scenery. "Great no frills place to relax. No activities and not much open for touristy stuff due to Covid 19. But the daily views of fields, farmers plowing with horses or the buggys going by was great," writes April L. about her stay at Lancaster-New Holland KOA.

What you should know

Limited hookups: Many campgrounds have restricted services. At Hibernia County Park, "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank," warns Jennifer S. Some sites only offer primitive camping with no electrical or water connections.

Reservation requirements: Spring Gulch Resort Campground fills quickly during peak seasons. "This campground was very nice. They had a live band one evening. Activities though the day were fun. Clean bath houses and staff was friendly," mentions Dawn T. Many campgrounds require advance bookings, especially during summer months.

Pet restrictions: Dog friendly campgrounds near Exton sometimes limit which loops allow pets. At French Creek State Park, "Loop C is the only loop that allows pets. I expected it to be much noisier than it was. All of the dogs were well behaved, and we didn't have any problems as we took our walks around the loop," reports Ranger Jen.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several pet-friendly campsites near Exton offer play areas. At Hibernia County Park, "We loved the lake campground. 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. The park ranger this weekend was the nicest and very helpful with directions to walk to the playground and indoor restrooms," writes Anna.

Recreational options: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA provides numerous activities. "This campground was so well maintained. There was so much to do there a pool, lake, horseshoes, cornhole, playground, big pillow and even more. They offer so many activities during the day and text you so you don't forget," explains Nicole S.

Educational opportunities: Visit historic sites near camping areas. "We stayed for the weekend and loved it. The park is close to Hopewell National Furnace and St. Peter's Village with shops and restaurants and hiking trails as well," mentions a visitor to French Creek State Park. These sites often offer ranger-led programs on weekends.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Brandywine Creek Campground offers varying campsite options. "We are on the third week of a four week trip. Campground is well maintained, quiet. This was our home while exploring Philadelphia. Uber to Downgrown, Septa or Amtrak to town. Reverse to camp," reports Jackie M. RVers should call ahead for site dimensions.

Leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Spring Gulch, "The campsites available are primitive or have water and electric and bathhouses/restrooms are located in a few spots around the park. Fire rings are at each site, but appear to get moved a lot," notes Phinon W. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most locations.

Space constraints: Check campground layouts before arrival. Jennifer S. explains Hibernia County Park's configuration: "Fiddler's loop is where we always camp. There are 19 sites in Fiddlers loop... 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."