121 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options in the Glen Mills area of Pennsylvania encompass established campgrounds like Philadelphia-West Chester KOA and Ridley Creek State Park, within easy driving distance of Philadelphia. Travelers can choose from sites accommodating tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping facilities. Notably, both French Creek State Park and Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA remain open year-round, providing camping access regardless of season. Most campgrounds in the region are located within 30 miles of Glen Mills, offering varying levels of amenities from primitive tent sites to fully serviced RV hookups.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended for weekend camping, particularly during summer months when campgrounds fill quickly. Several parks offer both electric and non-electric sites, with full hookups available at locations like Philadelphia-West Chester KOA and French Creek State Park. "This is a really nice KOA not too far from downtown Philly. The campground is located in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills which meant the roads getting there are narrow and windy," noted one visitor about the West Chester location. The terrain throughout the region is generally flat to gently rolling, making most sites accessible without specialized vehicles, though some roads leading to campgrounds can be narrow and winding. While some campgrounds close seasonally, particularly in winter, others maintain year-round operations with varying amenities.
Waterfront camping generates consistently positive feedback, with locations near rivers and lakes receiving higher ratings. Lums Pond State Park Campground and Hibernia County Park offer water access that campers frequently highlight in reviews. The regional campgrounds provide good proximity to natural attractions, historic sites, and urban amenities, creating versatile basecamp options. Many sites feature ample tree cover, offering shade during hot summer months. As one camper observed about French Creek State Park, "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." Campers also appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, fishing spots, and water activities available at many locations throughout the area.
"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."
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability"well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."
"We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back"
from $57 / night
Check Availability"The campground is located in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills which meant the roads getting there are narrow and windy."
"Everything was within close walking distance and the staff were extremely helpful. Pool and bathrooms were very clean."
from $59 - $86 / night
Check Availability"They also have a catch and release pond and we found a pickleball court at a nearby city park."
"In addition to the peaceful vibe, the people are friendly, the little office store has everything you forgot to pack, and if you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods"
"Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."
"The camp loop is a nice walk but there are also trails. They were pretty muddy when we were there. Site 35 was quite spacious as were many of them."
from $22 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Girlfriend and I stayed here while we visited nearby Longwood Gardens. The tent sites are spacious and they all border the creek which is a nice sound at night, as well as a good morning view."
"Close to Valley Forge military park, and convenient to Philadelphia by train."
"This campground has 2 small loops, the Lake Loop and the Fiddler's Loop. Lake loop is the bigger of the two, however the “sites” are smaller and it's more open. It is popular with group tenters."
"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. Very clean and wooded sites."
from $15 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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”."
from $43 / night
Check Availability"It's almost 500 acres filled with trails, woods,and river. I usually go to the parking right off of Militia hill rd.and Skippack Pike intersection."
"m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly"
from $28 - $72 / night
Check Availability
ScoutChoose another campground unless you are certain you can arrive before 4pm. Otherwise, you'll not be allowed in. Owner is belligerent on this point, and from other comments, belligerent on other issues also.
We strongly recommend the nearby French Creek State Park campground.
LegendOverall, this is a nice, small (about 65 sites) state park with plenty of recreational opportunities inside the park. There is nice separation between sites so you don’t feel like you are on top of your neighbor. Tall trees are scattered about which provide shade at some sites but overall, the park is pretty open. Roads getting to the park are easy to navigate with any size RV. Within the park, roads are paved and free of potholes and there are no low hanging branches. Since the roads are one-way they are not very wide so backing in big-rigs can be a little tight and you might have to run over the grass.
All RV sites are full hook-up and there is a separate area for tents and there is one canvas yurt for rent. The tent sites are nice in that they are tucked along the wood line slightly away from RVs with more privacy and shade. The only downside is that they are pretty far away from the centrally located bathroom and showers. The bathroom has separate rooms for showers which is nice and private. They were tended to daily and very clean. Also, located in the center of the campground is a playground, camp store and laundry. The dumpsters and recycle bins are located in a separate area on the way out of the campground and were frequently full and overflowing. Campsites are paved and some have wide enough that the patio is paved but others have a narrow pad for the RV and gravel patio. We discovered that most sites are level but a few are not (like 22 and 24). The campground is very clean and camp hosts were diligent about picking up trash and cleaning out fire pits every day.
Across the pond (north of the campground) is where most of the amenities are located such as concessions, ball fields, horseshoe pits, disk golf, and more. For those wanting to fish there is a pier in the campground and a self-serve vending machine with bait in it. There are additional fishing piers located in other parts of the park and there are boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for rent. We stopped in at the Nature Center but it was a bust– just a few taxidermy specimens and not much information. One of the most popular areas of the park is Go Ape which is a ropes/zip line course through the canopy (which does require admission fee). There are nice trails that leave right from the campground– some 17 miles in all. There is a boat launch about a quarter mile from the campground entrance which is suitable for trailerable boats and paddle craft but there are no docks so you can’t leave your boat tied up there. There is an off-leash dog area but it is located far from the campground so it’s best to drive.
ScoutBathrooms are clean and staff is nice
TravelerThe camp site was amazing. Everything is neat and clean and really beautiful place so quiet.
ScoutNice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
GuideThis campground has everything. Conveniently located, short drive to Dover, Wilmington, Annapolis and Baltimore. The sites were very large and spacious. Sites can accommodate any type of trailer or vehicle. Plenty of site hookups, areas for tents. There is a camp store, several washer and dryers. The best private, individual shower booths and even a pond to go fishing in.
GuideWe camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
LegendLike always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster. As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck. We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.
The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up. We choose a really wooded site. It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck. It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place. I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose. They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy. You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.
They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine. The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on. I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down. The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long. I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.
The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly. The store was fully stocked with everything you could want. The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water. We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area. We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock. The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.
I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there. It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing. People were very respectful and friendly.
LegendTucked just off Route 309 north of Quakertown, Melody Lakes Country Estate feels far less like a traditional campground and much more like a quiet, semi-permanent residential community, with a small pocket of opportunity for the occasional overnight RV stay if you happen to time it right.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Peaceful, tucked-away setting surrounded by wooded acreage that gives the property a calm, removed feel from nearby roads;(2) Access to a range of community-style amenities including a pool, clubhouse, playground, and small fishing ponds;(3) Proximity to Quakertown makes it relatively easy to access groceries, restaurants, and basic supplies within a short drive;(4) Nearby outdoor options like the Upper Bucks Rail Trail provide a great outlet for hiking and biking;(5) Close to local gems like Kathy’s Country Kitchen, which is well worth the stop if you’re passing through.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Extremely limited RV availability, with only a handful of spots, making it unreliable for spontaneous overnight stays;(2) Not a true campground experience, as the majority of the property is made up of semi-permanent or seasonal residences;(3) No tent camping options whatsoever, limiting flexibility for different types of campers;(4) Entrance is easy to miss with minimal signage, requiring careful navigation or prior knowledge to find;(5) Unclear availability of full hookups due to the limited number of transient sites and lack of consistent turnover.
Happy Camping!
Camping spots near Glen Mills, Pennsylvania range from primitive tent sites to full-service RV campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 400 feet above sea level in the Brandywine Valley, where summer temperatures average 75-85°F with moderate humidity. Winter camping is available at select locations, with temperatures typically falling to 25-35°F between December and February.
Fishing opportunities: 5-acre Scotts Run Lake at French Creek State Park Campground offers multiple species including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, and muskellunge. "I took her older cousins to the fishing pier, and we didn't get a nibble, but I think it was too cold for panfish that close to shore," notes one visitor about early season fishing conditions.
Lighthouse hiking: Turkey Point Lighthouse Trail at Elk Neck State Park Campground provides scenic views of Chesapeake Bay after a moderate 1.6-mile hike. "The lighthouse trail is a must. It is about a five minute drive to get to the trail though, but is worth it!" explains a camper who visited the park. The lighthouse itself is typically open for tours on weekends.
Water recreation: Brandywine River at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA provides calm waters for kayaking and canoeing. "This campground is right on a creek with availability to use canoes," reports one visitor. The river's gentle current makes it suitable for beginners and families with children.
Private, wooded sites: Sites at Hibernia County Park offer natural separation and hammock opportunities. "Most sites are heavily wooded which means plenty of hammock hanging opportunities. The sites are mostly grass, and not very well defined which means the distance between you and your neighbor can vary depending on how you set up camp," explains one experienced camper who visits frequently.
Clean, modern facilities: Lums Pond State Park Campground receives high marks for its updated bathhouses. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," shares one visitor. Another adds, "The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms."
Group camping: Ridley Creek State Park accommodates larger camping parties with dedicated group sites. "I go camping here almost every year and they have a nice open field with two sites and two fire pits," reports a regular visitor. Another notes, "There is only group tenting here. I would stay over in a heartbeat though as I'm always here!"
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially on summer weekends. At French Creek State Park, "Sites can be reserved online, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration." For popular weekends, some parks require specific booking procedures: "Hibernia annually hosts the 'Old Fiddlers Picnic' the second weekend in August. This is the only weekend that you are REQUIRED to call in to reserve."
Site challenges: RV positioning at Brandywine Creek Campground can be tricky. One camper with a larger motorhome 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."
Winter camping: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA operates year-round but with limited services in winter. "We stayed here for 3 nights while visiting family in Philadelphia. It is a 20 minute ride into Philly and Uber was quick and responsive. Note - this does close for winter and reopens in April but call park for exact closure dates because they do change."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature multiple play areas for different age groups. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, "The camp playground was brand new when we arrived. There are two different playground in the same area to accommodate kids of all ages. They also have pickleball, mini golf and a lovely pool."
Family-friendly hiking: Ridley Creek State Park offers gentle trails suitable for young children. "Easy hike. We found a lot of really unique sites around the park," notes one parent. Another family mentions: "I had the best time here hiking up and down the mini mountains. The water was clear and beautiful and I absolutely loved it."
Budget-friendly options: Hibernia County Park provides affordable camping close to Glen Mills. "Great price at $15/night as well. The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," reports a family who visited with children ages 3-12. "The park ranger this weekend was the nicest and very helpful with directions to walk to the playground and indoor restrooms."
Site leveling: French Creek State Park offers relatively level RV pads. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," explains one RVer. Another notes, "The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back. That was a bonus."
Utility positioning: Some campgrounds have unusual utility hookup arrangements. "The site offered electric and water but they were on 2 different sides. This made it difficult to set up. Had to park the camper crooked to use both," reported one RVer about their experience.
Premium sites: Some campgrounds offer upgraded sites with additional amenities. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, premium sites include "patio furniture on a paver patio and seating around an upgraded fire pit. The landscaping made up for the tight squeeze." These premium sites often cost $25-35 more per night than standard sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Glen Mills, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Glen Mills, PA is French Creek State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 83 reviews.
Keep Exploring
