The Pennsylvania countryside surrounding Atglen offers campers a rolling landscape with elevations ranging from 250 to 600 feet above sea level. Located in a transition zone between the Piedmont and Ridge Valley regions, the area experiences moderate seasonal weather with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Most campgrounds near Atglen remain open from April through October, with some sites featuring modified winter operations.
What to Do
Fishing at multiple lakes: French Creek State Park provides two fishing options at Hopewell and Scotts Run lakes with species including "northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish." Both lakes allow ice fishing during winter months with monitored ice thickness.
Hiking trail networks: Philadelphia-West Chester KOA offers access to the Brandywine River trails, with one camper noting, "Nearby are great places to go hiking as well as a canoe and rafting outfit. We choose to do both on this trip and weren't disappointed with either."
Seasonal activities: At Hibernia County Park, visitors can participate in organized events like the Old Fiddlers Picnic in August. "Hibernia annually hosts the (super fun!) 'Old Fiddlers Picnic' (Folk/Americana/Bluegrass etc. music & arts, beginner to pro!) the second weekend in August," shares one camper.
Historical sites exploration: Country Acres Campground provides free tickets to local cultural experiences, with a reviewer mentioning, "There are free tickets available for the Amish Farmland Bus Tour," allowing visitors to learn about local farming practices and traditions.
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation at French Creek State Park Campground, where "the campsites are not right on top of one another. There is a lot of shade and the campground is laid out well." Another visitor noted sites "were not on top of each other. Sites were spacious."
Clean facilities: Reviewers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and showers, with one Country Acres Campground visitor stating, "This campground is probably the most well maintained campground we have ever stayed at. The grounds are beautiful, facilities above and beyond the expected."
Scenic valley views: Lancaster-New Holland KOA campers repeatedly mention the Amish countryside views as a highlight. One visitor described the campground as "Peaceful, serene, and a little slice of heaven with super clean bathrooms and friendly host."
Unique accommodations: For those interested in yurt camping near Atglen, Pennsylvania, several options exist including Lake-In-Wood Campground which features specialized glamping structures. "There are a lot of really neat and different rentals here like a tree house, double decker bus, among others," reports one visitor.
What You Should Know
Seasonal variation in occupancy: Weekends fill quickly during summer months. One camper at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA advised, "It gets very full on the weekends here," particularly during Halloween weekends in October when special activities draw larger crowds.
Agricultural smells: Being in farm country means occasional agricultural odors, as one Old Mill Stream Campground visitor noted: "The overwhelming impression of this campground was the smell of cow manure from the nearby dairy farm feedlot. The smell was not present the first day or so we were there and we enjoyed sitting outside in the afternoon, but when the wind shifted the horrid smell drove us inside."
Limited winter operations: Most campgrounds operate seasonally with reduced services in colder months. When staying at French Creek State Park in December, one camper mentioned: "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! The honor system of payment at the office makes it really easy to come in late and leave early."
Site selection considerations: Level sites can be challenging at some locations. A French Creek visitor warned, "it was kind of hard to find a level and rock-free spot large enough for our tent, but we managed!"
Tips for Camping with Families
Age-appropriate campgrounds: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Quarryville specializes in children's programming but consider the age range. One visitor cautioned: "We had stayed in this campground about 5 years ago and we loved it. We returned this year with my 12 and 14 year olds and a 12 year old friend. The kids were bored."
Water activities for children: Several locations offer kid-friendly water options. At Hibernia County Park, "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," and another family mentioned, "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."
Cost-saving options: Hibernia County Park offers budget-friendly primitive camping at $15 per night. "Super great price at $15/night as well," noted one parent, making it an affordable weekend option for families watching their budget.
Bathroom considerations: For families with young children, bathroom quality and proximity matter. One camper at Country Acres Campground commented, "The new bathhouse has better restrooms than my own home! Everything is clean and well managed."
Tips from RVers
Maneuverability challenges: Some campgrounds have tight turning areas. A Philadelphia-West Chester KOA camper reported: "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."
Site dimensions: When considering yurt camping or RV camping around Atglen, Pennsylvania, be aware of site limitations. At Lake-In-Wood Campground, an RVer noted, "The roads were very tight and you really had to watch how you drove through because of the trees. Our site was a drive-through but slanted. There wasn't much room on our site to do anything else."
Levelness varies by campground: Many Lancaster area campgrounds require leveling equipment. At French Creek State Park "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze," while at other locations, guests may need blocks and leveling systems.
Hookup availability: Research utility connections before arrival as they vary widely. 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."
