Fort Washington, Pennsylvania sits at approximately 200 feet above sea level in the Piedmont region characterized by rolling hills, deciduous forests, and small creeks. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers reaching into the 90s and winter lows regularly dropping below freezing from December through February. Camping options range from primitive group sites to full-service RV facilities within 30 miles of Fort Washington.
What to do
Hiking trails for dogs: At Evansburg State Park Campground, trails offer creek-side walks where "lots of tree cover running along a small running creek" provides shade during summer months, as noted by Gary O. Another visitor mentions it's "great for horses, we did get a lot of ticks, but not deer ticks, thankfully" - important information for dog owners checking their pets after hikes.
Frisbee golf course: Boulder Woods Campground features an extensive disc golf course that attracts serious players. One visitor noted, "The disc golf course is huge and brings in groups who play for the day," while another camper mentioned, "That's where we fell in love with disc golf" and appreciated that "they rent and sell discs" for newcomers wanting to try the activity.
Bird watching opportunities: Hawk watching is popular at Fort Washington State Park, where visitors can view "raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn" from "the wonderfully built Observation Deck." According to one reviewer, bird species include "Dark-eyed Junco, Common Loon, Blue Heron, Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, Bald Eagles" and many others.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: French Creek State Park Campground receives praise for its site layout, with a camper noting "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other." Another visitor appreciates that "there is a lot of shade and the campground is laid out well" with "three separate loops to camp at."
Clean facilities: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Fort Washington maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. One camper at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA reported "The restrooms were immaculate compared to most campgrounds" while another mentioned the campground was "so well maintained" with staff who are "so friendly and helpful."
Group camping options: For those camping with multiple families and their dogs, Fort Washington State Park offers dedicated group sites. A visitor notes the park has a "Group tenting area that fits 20 to 100 people that is ideal for clans, clubs or covert woodland think tanks" and mentions "There's at least two fire pits per camp ground" with firewood sometimes provided.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, particularly for weekend stays. French Creek State Park allows online reservations through a "very easy to use" website, or campers can "call a phone number and they can help you book your stay at any State Park."
Seasonal access limitations: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. Tohickon Family Campground runs from "April 1 to October 31," while Washington Crossing State Park has the same seasonal window but notes it's "TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024" according to current information.
Tick prevalence: Several campgrounds report tick issues, particularly in warmer months. At Evansburg State Park, a visitor mentioned, "we did get a lot of ticks, but not deer ticks, thankfully" - critical information for dog owners to prepare with appropriate preventative treatments before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Ridley Creek State Park offers "a great picnic area with grills" and recreational areas for children. Boulder Woods Campground has "Lots of activities for kids" according to a reviewer, while French Creek features "a very nice playground situated conveniently between the loops of the campground" with a zipline that kids particularly enjoy.
Consider accessibility: Some campgrounds require carrying gear to reach sites. At Evansburg, a visitor noted the "only downside is having to haul gear by foot to the campsite. some are further than others," which can be challenging with young children and dogs.
Kid-friendly water features: Several parks offer creek access for splashing. At Ridley Creek State Park, a reviewer mentioned "I had the best time here hiking up and down the mini mountains. The water was clear and beautiful," making it an ideal spot for families to cool off during hot summer days.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions matter: Village Scene Park has sites that "are narrow and can feel cramped, so don't expect big pull-throughs," according to one reviewer. Another mentioned that French Creek has sites that may be too small for larger rigs, recommending to "double check what sites can accommodate your RV to ensure you have enough room."
Full hookup availability: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of service. At Tohickon Family Campground, a visitor appreciated the "nice new gravel and hook ups" and "spacious sites," while noting "WiFi good. ATT poor" for connectivity considerations.
Consider proximity to civilization: For RVers wanting easy access to Philadelphia, Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA provides a good base. A camper noted it's "a 20 minute ride into Philly and Uber was was quick and responsive," while another mentioned it's "just over the Delaware River from Philly" and "big rigs fit easily."