Tent campsites near Gladwyne, Pennsylvania range from primitive wilderness sites accessible only by boat to organized group camping areas within county parks. The region sits at the intersection of the Piedmont Plateau and Atlantic Coastal Plain, creating diverse camping landscapes with elevations between 200-500 feet. Most tent-only sites remain operational from April through October, with many parks implementing seasonal closures during winter months due to freezing conditions and limited maintenance.
What to do
Creek exploration: Round Valley Recreation Area features clear water that's perfect for kayaking alongside your campsite. As one camper notes, "Really nice spot to camp very peaceful and quiet. Gorgeous sunset, beautiful views. Really helpful people at the office."
Disc golf: Green Lane Park maintains a full course that draws enthusiasts year-round. "Phenomenal disc golf course, hiking, and fishing," writes one visitor who found the park offers more activities than just camping.
Historical immersion: At Washington Crossing State Park, campers can walk through Revolutionary War landscapes. "Washington Crossing is beautiful and historic. We often bike along the canal there. There are farms and animals to see, hikes along the Delaware river, Bowman's tower with a great view of the surrounding area," reports a regular visitor.
Wildlife watching: The primitive tent sites at Tinicum Island allow campers to observe wetland ecosystems. This boat-access-only campground receives high marks from water-based campers, with one noting it's "A great place to stay if you have a watercraft."
What campers like
Peaceful seclusion: Despite being close to urban areas, Boulder Ridge Farm delivers unexpected quiet. According to one camper, "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."
Water access: Hibernia County Park combines camping with fishing opportunities. "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 lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails," notes a family visitor.
Natural features: The landscape at Evansburg State Park creates distinctive camping experiences. One visitor described it as "this hidden gem of a campground is beautiful. There is plenty of hiking trails," highlighting the park's combination of woodlands and waterways.
Open field camping: Several parks offer unshaded sites that appeal to stargazers. Green Lane Park features this arrangement, though campers should note: "The spaces are right on top of each other with no tree cover between spots, so you'll definitely be right up on your neighbors."
What you should know
Resident-only restrictions: Some nearby private parks limit camping to local residents. At Alverthorpe Private Park, a disappointed traveler reports, "Restricted to only residents. Looks nice, if you can actually stay here."
Primitive facilities: Many tent sites near Gladwyne operate with minimal amenities. Round Valley Recreation Area campsites require significant effort to reach: "It's a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort! If you get a site on the water, you can take a boat across to your site."
Group-only camping: Several parks restrict individual camping. At Fort Washington State Park, "There's at least two fire pits per camp ground. There's only group camping. They give you firewood—if you bring your own, leave with any left over."
Walk-in requirements: Most tent sites require carrying gear from parking areas. "Having to haul gear by foot to the campsite" at Evansburg State Park can be challenging since "some are further than others."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly fishing: Designated youth fishing areas create safe experiences. One parent at Hibernia County Park shared, "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground."
Playgrounds near campsites: Several parks feature play equipment within walking distance of tent sites. A visitor to Evansburg State Park mentioned, "I've taken my son, and we always have an amazing time, either hiking the trails to wandering in the woods looking for 'adventures'."
Educational programs: Historical parks offer family learning opportunities. At Washington Crossing State Park, "Every year, they re-enact Washington's troops crossing the Delaware!" which one visitor called a memorable experience despite the cold.
Safety precautions: Parents should be aware of specific hazards. Round Valley Recreation Area requires special attention as "The reservoir can turn into the Bermuda Triangle at any moment—be careful."
Tips for RVers
Limited RV access: Few campgrounds near Gladwyne accommodate larger RVs. At Hibernia County Park, a camper with a 28-foot fifth wheel advises, "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."
No hookup camping: RVers should prepare for dry camping. Green Lane Park gets mixed reviews from RVers, with one noting, "No electrical connection to recharge electronics" and "the only potable water was from a near-broken water fountain."
Leveling challenges: Uneven terrain requires preparation. A Hibernia County Park visitor warns that sites "aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Size restrictions: Most tent campgrounds near Gladwyne have strict limitations on RV length. Fort Washington State Park specifically notes it's "not a campground for RVs" with only tent camping permitted in designated areas.
