Tent camping opportunities around Exton, Pennsylvania span mostly county and state park facilities within a 20-mile radius. Situated in Chester County at approximately 400 feet above sea level, this region experiences distinct seasonal changes with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Most campgrounds close from November through March due to freezing temperatures and occasional snowfall that makes tent camping impractical during winter months.
What to do
Hiking network access: Ridley Creek State Park provides multiple trail options for day hikes from camping areas. "We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back," notes Andrea R., while another camper shares that the park features "well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog."
Bird watching opportunities: Fort Washington State Park Campground offers specialized bird watching facilities. Stuart K. reports the park "sits opposite the main parking area that you will first encounter when arriving here to the park. Other birds include: Dark-eyed Junco, Common Loon, Blue Heron, Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, Bald Eagles, Great Horned & Barn Owls."
Disc golf course access: Green Lane Park provides a dedicated disc golf course alongside fishing and hiking trails. Benjamin C. describes it as having a "Phenomenal disc golf course, hiking, and fishing" making it suitable for campers seeking varied activities within walking distance of tent sites.
What campers like
Secluded wooded camping spots: Boulder Ridge Farm offers tent camping surrounded by natural rock formations. Jnear139 describes it as a "Great place to escape the stress of every day life. Plenty of fire wood, really cool huge rocks and waking up to owls was awesome."
Wildlife encounters: The best tent camping near Exton, Pennsylvania often includes opportunities to observe local fauna. Ashley F. from Boulder Ridge Farm notes "There is an abundance of wildlife and the property is covered in gorgeous boulders," while Stuart K. at Fort Washington mentions specific birds including "warblers, woodpeckers, various hawks and red thrushes."
Clean facilities despite rustic settings: Green Lane Park maintains clean restroom facilities even with minimal site amenities. Joe B. describes it as having "Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of open space!" while Tiffany B. notes "Bathrooms however are nice and clean with plenty of them around the park."
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Campgrounds near Exton offer widely different privacy levels. Ra F. writes about Green Lane Park: "Tent spots are just lined up against one another facing a service road," while Jen adds "The sites are large but there is NO privacy. The sites are lined up next to each other along the campground driveway and there are absolutely no trees or shrubs between them."
Fire ring limitations: Some campgrounds have unusual fire ring designs that affect wood consumption. Tara T. explains, "The fire rings are big and frustrating, the fire sits on a lifted grate so you go through wood like crazy."
Walking distance from parking: Several tent areas require hauling gear from parking areas. Chuck C. at Evansburg State Park Campground notes "only downside is having to haul gear by foot to the campsite. some are further than others" - an important consideration when packing equipment.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly fishing access: Several campgrounds have dedicated children's fishing ponds. Anna from Hibernia County Park reports "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," while John Z. adds "Great children's pond for 12 and under."
Playground availability: Hibernia County Park offers playground facilities near camping areas. Anna notes "The park ranger this weekend was the nicest and very helpful with directions to walk to the playground and indoor restrooms," making it easier for families to locate these amenities.
Reservations essential for weekends: Family-oriented sites fill quickly during peak season. Chelsea from Hibernia County Park recommends making reservations well in advance: "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."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV-suitable sites: While primarily tent-focused, some campgrounds near Exton can accommodate small RVs. Jennifer S. from Hibernia County Park explains, "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."
Water availability challenges: RVers should prepare for limited access to water. Jennifer S. further advises, "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. There is one spigot at the bathroom."
No dump stations on-site: RVers must plan for waste management away from most campgrounds. Jennifer S. notes "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."
