Tent camping around Glen Mills, Pennsylvania centers on several county and state parks within a 25-mile radius. The region features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 180 to 500 feet above sea level, with camping areas typically situated in woodland environments. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions that many campers consider ideal for outdoor activities.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: At Ridley Creek State Park, trails are clearly marked and accommodate different skill levels. "Easy hike. We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back," notes one visitor who awarded the park five stars. Another camper mentions that the park has "well marked trails great for hiking. Pet friendly! We love walking here with our dog."
Bird watching: Fort Washington State Park Campground offers exceptional bird watching from specially designed observation areas. "Bird viewing" is noted as easily accessible with an "easy commute." The park is particularly known for seasonal hawk watching, with one reviewer pointing out that visitors can "come for Militia Hill, hawk watching, cross country ski, or disc golf, and the trails along the Wissahickon Creek."
Fishing access: Several area campgrounds provide access to stocked fishing waters. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," writes a camper about Hibernia County Park. The area's streams and ponds offer opportunities for casual fishing, with some locations requiring Pennsylvania fishing licenses.
What campers like
Natural features: Campers consistently mention the wooded environments and water features. At Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park, visitors appreciate the "beautiful scenery" with "large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails." The park provides a "lovely" setting with sites under tree cover.
Quiet atmosphere: The camping areas near Glen Mills generally offer peaceful environments away from urban noise. At Evansburg State Park Campground, one visitor describes it as "a hidden gem of a campground" where families can enjoy the quiet natural setting. Another reviewer notes that despite some camping limitations, they've "spent countless hours hiking and fishing in Evansburg."
Wildlife encounters: Morning and evening wildlife viewing enhances the camping experience. "Waking up to owls was awesome," writes a visitor to Boulder Ridge Farm. The wooded camping areas provide habitat for various species, allowing campers to observe local wildlife during their stay.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most camping areas require advance reservations, especially during peak seasons. For Hibernia County Park, a reviewer notes: "Sites can be reserved on line, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration. Hibernia annually hosts the (super fun!) 'Old Fiddlers Picnic'... This is the only weekend that you are REQUIRED to call in to reserve."
Campsite layouts: Site configurations vary significantly between campgrounds. At Green Lane Park, some campers note the lack of privacy: "The sites are right on top of each other with no tree cover between spots, so you'll definitely be right up on your neighbors." Understanding the layout helps in selecting appropriate sites.
Group camping focus: Several parks prioritize group camping over individual sites. Fort Washington State Park accommodates "group camping by reservation only, not nightly camping for individuals." Another reviewer clarifies that "there is only group tenting here," which affects planning for smaller parties or solo campers.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds for younger campers. Hibernia County Park has "a great playground" according to reviewers, giving children supervised recreation options between hiking and other activities.
Educational opportunities: Historical parks provide learning experiences alongside camping. At Tinicum Island, accessible primarily by boat, families can combine camping with exploration of the surrounding waterways. One visitor simply notes it's "a great place to stay if you have a watercraft."
Child-friendly fishing: Dedicated fishing areas for younger anglers exist at select parks. A visitor to Hibernia County Park mentions "the children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," making it ideal for teaching fishing basics to children in a controlled environment.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most camping areas near Glen Mills offer minimal RV amenities. At Hibernia County Park, one RVer advises: "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." Understanding these limitations helps RV campers prepare accordingly.
Site size constraints: RV campers should verify site dimensions before booking. While Hibernia County Park "mostly grass, and not very well defined" sites don't immediately appear suitable for larger vehicles, the same reviewer notes that "there are a few sites that will [fit an RV], including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper."
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks as most tent camping areas aren't designed for RVs. "They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix," reports an RVer who successfully set up at Hibernia County Park despite the primarily tent-focused facilities.
