Shady Oak Campground
Easy access to Lancaster and Pennsylvania Dutch areas. Friendly, welcoming staff and plenty of colorful trees in the autumn. The only RV park in the area that is open year round.
6 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Campgrounds surrounding Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania provide a mix of developed facilities and natural settings within an hour's drive. French Creek State Park Campground offers accommodations for tents, RVs, cabins, and yurts with amenities including electric hookups and showers. Boulder Woods Campground, located near Green Lane, features tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping options with a range of facilities including electric and water hookups. Most established campgrounds in this region maintain dedicated camping areas with picnic tables and fire rings, while some private properties like Rolling Hills Retreats offer more secluded experiences.
Camping availability typically runs from April through October at many locations, though several campgrounds like French Creek State Park remain open year-round. "The park is lovely, but the camping facilities are subpar, primitive and lack any kind of privacy," noted one visitor about Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park, highlighting the varied camping experiences in the region. Road access to most established campgrounds is suitable for passenger vehicles, though RV sites may have specific size restrictions. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when facilities reach capacity. Weather conditions can be unpredictable in spring and fall, with temperatures ranging from cool evenings to warm days.
Camper reviews consistently mention privacy levels as a significant factor in site selection. One camper observed that at Green Lane Park, "the sites are lined up next to each other along the campground driveway and there are absolutely no trees or shrubs between them." Sites at French Creek State Park receive higher ratings for their spaciousness, with a visitor noting, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other." Disc golf enthusiasts particularly enjoy Boulder Woods Campground, which features an extensive course that attracts players from throughout the region. Several campgrounds offer water recreation opportunities, with nearby lakes supporting fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Family-friendly amenities vary considerably between locations, with some offering playgrounds and organized activities while others focus on providing a more natural setting.
"We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"
"Campground Review: French Creek State Park Campground is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $90 / night
"Nice place, a bit to close to the highways"
"It was quite muddy so we moved our set up into the grass field, we reserved the majority of the sites in this location so it worked well. The RV spots seem nice and large."
"Tucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting"
"If you find yourself careening around the picturesque country roads here in Bucks County you will discover Quakerwoods Campground (named of course after the previous tri-cornered hat-donning Quaker residents"
"Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails"
from $20 - $30 / night
"According to hikers on the AT, this is what they call Pennsylvania, as they hike through this section of the state. And Blue Rocks Campground doesn't dissapoint."
"Blue Rocks family campground is close to I78 however it is still off the beaten path. It is very peaceful to camp here as you have different types of environments."
"As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. "
"It rained the entire time I was there so we didn’t go in the pool but the campground is walkable, I was able to go running, there are things for kids to do, some animals to go visit on our walks, obviously"
from $40 - $60 / night
"It was a great place to walk with your dog and enjoy the Pennsylvania outdoors."
"Since he was 2 years old I’ve taken my son, and we always have an amazing time, either hiking the trails to wandering in the woods looking for “adventures”."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $43 / night
"Nothing bad about this place, I love that it's set far enough away from the main road that you don't get the noise."
"Great camping, great hiking, pretty close to stores if you need anything. Staff is incredible!! Very polite, helpful, and just all around awesome People!!!"
from $30 - $50 / night












Easy access to Lancaster and Pennsylvania Dutch areas. Friendly, welcoming staff and plenty of colorful trees in the autumn. The only RV park in the area that is open year round.
What a great place. So unique! Love the view, and a great experience! There are no hook ups, so be prepared but if you are looking for the dispersed camping experience you have found it. What a gem!
This is a large campground with a wide array of campsites so be careful attention when you book online, especially if you have a pet because some sites are not pet-friendly. Some are 50-amp full hook-up and some are primitive with no hook-ups.
There is a nice nature center with interesting interpretive exhibits and lots of informational brochures including ones about the hiking trails, bears, scat and tracks of local animals, and fishing. Our site was at the edge of the campground and backed up to Route 534 which resulted in a bit of road noise at our site. Other than the road noise the campground was pretty quiet and was not very crowded when we camped there in October.
Not all sites are level and we happened to book one that was not and we had to live with a slant for our stay. The roads in the park are gravel/dirt and since it rained the day we arrived the roads were a muddy mess which made the roads slippery and there were lots of potholes. Unfortunately, some campers were disrespectful and left bags of trash in the fire pit and scattered around their site which was totally unnecessary because there were dumpsters plenty of dumpsters in the campground. Since we camped at Hickory Run late in the season, there were no camp hosts and the trash never got picked up.
The campground is open from mid-April to mid-December; however, the shower facilities and dump station are not available after the third week of October so plan accordingly. We really like the hiking trails which are of varying degrees of difficulty and lengths. The Hawk Falls is a nice easy walk (1.4 miles round-trip) to a waterfall but is extremely popular so don’t think you will be admiring the falls alone. The parking lot at this trail head fills up fast so you better get there early if you want to get a spot.
You can enter the park from two different directions. If you have a big-rig, it is best to approach from the east side. We made the mistake of coming in from the west side as we dropped down from I-80 and came down 534 and the road was really windy with no shoulder. Luckily, there was very little traffic so we could go 10 mph and safely navigate the roads.
Be aware alcohol is not allowed in PA state parks. This park does allow hunting in certain sections of the park. The no-hunting areas are clearly marked with white no hunting signs on trees and you can also pick up a brochure from the office that designates hunting and no-hunting sections.
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
Country Acres is a lovely, well maintained campground. Sites are level and bath house facilities clean and modern. Friendly staff in the office. Dog friendly. Local to all the Lancaster attractions. A complimentary farmland tour is offered by bus and it was great. They take you out into an area of Amish farms and shops and make a stop at 2 of these. The fresh Amish pretzels are amazing!
This is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
solid parking place for vans and RVs. road is dirt gravel but not terrible. nice hike nearby
Camping options near Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania include both seasonal and year-round locations situated in the gently rolling hills of southeastern Pennsylvania. The region sits at elevations between 200-600 feet above sea level, characterized by mixed deciduous forests and small waterways. Weather in this region can change rapidly in spring and fall, with average summer temperatures ranging from 65°F overnight to 85°F during daytime.
Disc golf courses: Boulder Woods Campground features an extensive disc golf course that attracts enthusiasts from across the region. "They have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs. That's where we fell in love with disc golf," notes one visitor to Boulder Woods Campground. The course winds through wooded terrain, providing both challenge and scenic play.
Fishing opportunities: Several campsites near Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania offer fishing in stocked ponds and lakes. At French Creek State Park Campground, "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," according to a review. Most fishing locations require a Pennsylvania fishing license, which can be purchased online or at local sporting goods stores.
Hiking trails: The area offers numerous hiking options of varying difficulty. "The park is lovely...with several well marked trails for hiking," mentions a camper about Green Lane Park. Some trails connect directly to campgrounds, making for convenient day hikes without driving. For more experienced hikers, Blue Rocks Family Campground provides "super easy access to Appalachian trail. Trail heads begin inside the campsite."
Private, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate sites with natural barriers between neighbors. One camper at Lake-In-Wood Campground noted, "The campground is very large and I would recommend renting a golf cart. They have a big lawn in the middle which rolls down to the lake." The natural settings allow for more peaceful camping experiences away from neighboring sites.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are consistently mentioned in positive reviews. A camper at Tohickon Family Campground mentioned, "Nice Bathrooms, Quiet and Peaceful, Accessible, Nice Pool." Bathroom cleanliness and shower quality vary considerably between locations, with some offering more updated facilities than others.
Seasonal activities: Campsites in the region offer various scheduled events throughout their operating season. At Blue Rocks Family Campground, "The campground has a great community calendar, and although I personally have never participated, I know that other campers have a wonderful time." Seasonal activities typically include hayrides, themed weekends, and outdoor movies during summer months.
Tent site conditions: Tent campers should research specific site conditions before booking. At Tohickon Family Campground, one camper warned, "Don't come if you're in a tent and it has been or will rain. It becomes flooded or turns into a mud pit." Other campgrounds have rocky areas that make tent setup challenging, with a visitor to Quakerwoods Campground noting, "The tent spots are pretty much on top of each other, not much privacy."
Off-season considerations: Several campgrounds operate year-round or have extended seasons. A December visitor to French Creek State Park observed, "Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby." Winter camping requires additional preparation as water systems may be winterized at some locations.
Reservation timing: During peak summer months (June-August), securing reservations well in advance is essential, particularly for weekend stays. Most campgrounds in the region allow bookings 6-12 months ahead, with holiday weekends filling fastest. Many campgrounds use online reservation systems, making it easier to check availability and secure sites.
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. A visitor to Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park noted, "It's a beautiful park in a beautiful area but even with it being so close to home, I'd never stay there because I like some privacy." When selecting a family-friendly site, check if playgrounds are centrally located or require crossing roads or camping areas.
Swimming facilities: During summer months, swimming provides welcome relief from heat. At French Creek State Park, a camper observed, "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish, kayak, canoe or just relax by." Most pool facilities typically operate from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds schedule family-oriented events during summer weekends. A visitor to Boulder Woods Campground commented, "Nice place, a bit too close to the highways," which can be important for families concerned about noise levels. Some campgrounds offer activity schedules posted online or available upon check-in.
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads or tight maneuvering spaces. A camper at Boulder Woods noted, "The spots are tight to get into but the staff will offer to park your camper using your vehicle. I let them park mine and I'm really glad I did. It was super tight." Many campgrounds post maximum RV length restrictions on their websites or reservation platforms.
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites often book quickly during peak season. At Lake-In-Wood Campground, "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." Some campgrounds offer partial hookups at lower rates, with water fill and dump stations available for shared use.
Leveling considerations: Site grading varies considerably between and within campgrounds. One RVer mentioned about French Creek State Park, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze." Bringing additional leveling blocks is recommended for most locations, as many sites have slight slopes that can affect comfort in larger rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Gilbertsville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gilbertsville, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 162 campgrounds and RV parks near Gilbertsville, PA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Gilbertsville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gilbertsville, PA is French Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 84 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gilbertsville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Gilbertsville, PA.
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