K
Karen G.
Scout
ScoutElk Neck State Park Campground
Clean bathrooms and hot showers, great hiking and beautiful sites.
Tent Camping near Glen Riddle Lima, PA
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Several tent camping options surround Glen Riddle Lima, Pennsylvania, with Ridley Creek State Park offering the closest established tent sites. Located about 5 miles from Glen Riddle Lima, this park features group camping facilities with amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and toilet facilities. Fort Washington State Park Campground and Evansburg State Park also provide tent sites within a 25-mile radius, though each has different reservation requirements and seasonal availability.
Most tent campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, particularly for group sites. Surface conditions typically consist of cleared, level ground with surrounding forest cover. Ridley Creek State Park provides fire pits at its tent sites with two fire rings per campground area. A camper noted, "There's at least two fire pits per camp ground. They give you firewood—if you bring your own, leave with any left over." Toilet facilities vary by location, with primitive non-flush restrooms at Fort Washington and more developed facilities at other parks. Many tent sites enforce a carry-in, carry-out trash policy, requiring campers to pack out all waste.
Tent camping experiences in this region offer varying levels of seclusion despite proximity to suburban Philadelphia. Areas like Evansburg State Park provide wooded tent sites with creek access, though some require gear to be carried from parking areas. A visitor commented that Evansburg is "a hidden gem of a campground" but noted "the only downside is having to haul gear by foot to the campsite." Ridley Creek State Park features open field camping with good trail access, making it particularly suitable for first-time tent campers. Several reviewers mention the quality of hiking trails as a highlight for tent campers, with multiple trail systems connecting directly to camping areas. During spring and fall, hawk watching opportunities enhance the camping experience at Fort Washington, where an observation deck provides views of seasonal raptor migrations.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Glen Riddle Lima (26)
1. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park
"Terrific space for exploring"
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $57 / night
2. Tinicum Island
3. Fort Washington State Park Campground
"I’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"
"The give you firewood—-if you bring your own, leave with any left over."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $28 - $72 / night
4. Evansburg State Park Campground
"Lots of tree cover running along a small running creek"
"You need a license to fish, and if you plan on catching Trout you need the Trout endorsement on the fishing licence, currently$9.90.The restroom facilities we're clean."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $43 / night
5. Hibernia County Park
"Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground."
"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. Very quiet at night."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $50 / night
6. Alverthorpe Private Park
"year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked"
Check Availabilityfrom $1 - $100 / night
7. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
"Clean restrooms, lots of open space!"
"Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails"
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $30 / night
8. Batona — Wharton State Forest
"Bears frequent this campground so be bear aware and practice proper food storage. "
"The Batona Campground is in the northern area of the Wharton State Forest and is a bit removed from most trails and other campgrounds in the park."
9. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
"The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping."
"The areas for that seemed well groomed, bathrooms were acceptable, and there was plenty of space. Some nice trees not too close allowed for good shade, without feeling like in a forest."
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $100 / night
10. Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest
"I like campgrounds which have you park off and walk in to your site. There is more foot traffic, but you don't hear as many cars coming and going and driving past your site all the time."
"The boyfriend and I stayed for a weekend at one of the primitive tent sites. Our site was private and secluded. We had a great time."
Drive Time
- 28 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 49 min from Trenton, NJ
- 51 min from Reading, PA
- 57 min from Vineland, NJ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Glen Riddle Lima, PA
27 Photos of 26 Glen Riddle Lima Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Evansburg State Park Campground
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
Blueberry Morning
Goshen Pond — Wharton State ForestA
Blackbird State Forest Campground
Rolling Hills RetreatsA
Mullica River — Wharton State ForestR
Lower Forge Camp
Batona — Wharton State ForestM
Mill Creek Camping Area
Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest
Tent Camping Reviews near Glen Riddle Lima, PA
836 Reviews of 26 Glen Riddle Lima Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
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!
Peggy C.
TravelerCountry Acres Campground
Lovely campground!
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!
- LLynn C.Scout
Old Mill Stream Campground
Never Again
The advertisements for Olde Mill Campground were disingenuous. The campsite was 20 yards from a roller coaster. The NOISE of the roller coaster and children on it screaming was as relentless and unnerving as any train we have ever slept near. There was no quiet until almost midnight. The “pull-through” site left my truck almost in the road and our 25’ Airstream slightly over the road on the backside. The site was not level. The sites were close enough to hear a neighbor’s snoring.
- bbob J.
GuideAtsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Pine Barrens New Jersey
This campground is part of the Wharton State Forest and has several campgrounds in the area. Great wooded sites right on a lake. Pretty good separation between sites with good tree separation between sites. Some road noise not overly affecting site.
- DDiane M.Scout
Brendan Byrne State Forest
Just ok
Restrooms are filthy with mold and mildew.
Water puddled on the restroom floor.really gross.
Cabin was mostly clean. The windows were full of dirt and bugs on the tracks.mattresses were terrible.The fireplace was nice. Kitchen was clean.
Can t wait to move on to a cleaner park.
Adam and Suzanne B.GuideBeacon Hill Camping
Great location
We stayed here to go to the Hershey RV show—about 55 min drive. Right in the center of Amish country. Campground is adults only. It was very clean. The bathrooms were very clean with great water pressure. The roads are tight for getting into sites. Site 5 was not level side to side. We met great people there.
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
Brian T.ScoutCountry Acres Campground
Excellent But.
The campground is in excellent condition. The facilities are top notch. The excellence and care of the campground is evident. The 4 stars is only due to the road noise and many of the sites are on top of each other. You feel like your neighbor is at your camp fire.
Guide to Glen Riddle Lima
Tent campsites near Glen Riddle Lima, Pennsylvania sit within the rolling Piedmont region, characterized by gentle slopes and mixed deciduous forest. The area typically receives 45 inches of annual rainfall with average summer temperatures of 75-85°F. Most tent sites feature sandy or clay soil bases which can retain moisture after rain, making ground tarps essential for comfortable camping.
What to Do
Paddling opportunities: Tinicum Island offers boat-in camping access for those with watercraft. "A great place to stay if you have a watercraft," notes Bobby S. at Tinicum Island, making it ideal for kayakers and canoeists looking for a more remote tent camping experience.
Birdwatching: The regional parks feature significant seasonal bird migrations. At Fort Washington State Park Campground, an observation deck provides excellent viewing areas. "You can view beautiful raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both Spring and Autumn," according to Stuart K., who adds that species include "Dark-eyed Junco, Common Loon, Blue Heron, Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, Bald Eagles."
Fishing: Multiple waterways near Glen Riddle Lima support fishing activities. "I caught a beautiful Brown Trout here a few weeks ago," reports J K. at Evansburg State Park, noting that "you need a license to fish, and if you plan on catching Trout you need the Trout endorsement on the fishing license, currently $9.90."
What Campers Like
Private woodland settings: For campers seeking seclusion, several parks offer more isolated sites. "This hidden gem of a campground is beautiful. There is plenty of hiking trails," notes Chuck C. about Evansburg State Park Campground. The woodland setting provides natural privacy at many sites.
Creek access: Water features enhance many tent camping locations. Meg F. at Evansburg State Park describes, "Great place to creek hike, nice for horses," though she warns, "we did get a lot of ticks, but not deer ticks, thankfully." These creekside camping options provide both recreational opportunities and natural cooling during summer months.
Well-marked trail systems: Hibernia County Park features accessible trails directly from campsites. Anna notes, "The lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails," and adds that "each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring with a built in grill" with "plenty of firewood to be found."
What You Should Know
Seasonal access: Most campgrounds in the region have limited operating seasons. Washington Crossing State Park operates from "April 1 to October 31," while Hibernia County Park runs from "May to October" according to their official listings. Green Lane Park also maintains an "April - October" season.
Carry-in policies: Several sites require hauling gear from parking areas. At Wharton State Forest, Elliott B. explains, "I like campgrounds which have you park off and walk in to your site. There is more foot traffic, but you don't hear as many cars coming and going."
Group camping restrictions: Some parks primarily serve groups rather than individual campers. Stuart K. notes that Fort Washington State Park provides "group tenting area that fits 20 to 100 people that is ideal for clans, clubs or covert woodland think tanks," but warns of "no RV or tent-by-the-river solo camping: group-only policy means solo adventurers need to carpool or carry heavy guilt."
Toilet facilities: Restroom quality varies significantly between locations. Washington Crossing State Park has "basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings and stand-up BBQ grill" with "a few scattered water spigots and drinking fountains," according to a reviewer. Meanwhile, meghan G. describes Batona Campground facilities as "very basic" with "fresh water pump located at entrance to campground."
Tips for Camping with Families
Child-friendly fishing ponds: Hibernia offers designated fishing areas for younger anglers. John Z. highlights "inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under." Anna adds that "the children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing."
Playground access: Several parks feature play equipment near camping areas. Hibernia County Park offers a "great playground" according to John Z., making it suitable for families with younger children who need recreational options beyond hiking and water activities.
First-time friendly sites: Group Camp at Ridley Creek State Park provides excellent options for camping novices. "This place is great for first time campers," reports David K., who adds, "I go camping here almost every year and they have a nice open field with two sites and two fire pits. They also have a tone of trails to hike on."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Most tent sites near Glen Riddle Lima have vehicle restrictions. At Wharton State Forest's Batona Campground, meghan G. notes, "Sites are suitable for tents or small campers. The unpaved road into the site is narrow and tree lined. A larger RV would not fit."
Ground conditions: Terrain varies considerably between campgrounds. Jennifer S. reports that at Hibernia County Park, "sites aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix" and that "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Glen Riddle Lima, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Glen Riddle Lima, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Glen Riddle Lima, PA is Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Glen Riddle Lima, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Glen Riddle Lima, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Glen Riddle Lima, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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