Best Campgrounds near Jenkintown, PA
State parks and private campgrounds surround Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, creating a diverse camping landscape within an hour's drive of this Philadelphia suburb. Fort Washington State Park, located just 5 miles northwest, offers tent camping with electric hookups and picnic tables in a wooded setting. Evansburg State Park Campground, approximately 15 miles northwest, provides more extensive facilities with full hookups for RVs, boat-in access, and cabin options. For those seeking year-round camping, Village Scene Park in nearby Hatfield accommodates RVs with 30/50 amp electrical service, while Boulder Woods Campground in Green Lane features tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping accommodations with lake access. The Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, though across the Delaware River in New Jersey, remains popular for its proximity to Philadelphia attractions.
Camping reservations become essential during summer months, particularly at state parks where sites fill quickly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Most state park campgrounds in the region enforce quiet hours beginning at 10 PM, with ranger patrols common during peak season. As one camper noted at French Creek State Park, "It was quiet and our neighbors were respectful of the quiet hours and our space." Highway noise affects some campgrounds closer to major routes like I-95 and I-476. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with stronger signals at campgrounds closer to Philadelphia. Weather conditions remain relatively mild from April through October, though summer humidity can be challenging, especially at lower elevation sites near water.
Waterfront sites at locations like Wharton State Forest's Atsion Family Camp receive consistently high ratings from visitors. "Site #8 has an amazing view of the lake," reported one camper, who appreciated the "free access to the recreation center with beach and trails." French Creek State Park, though farther from Jenkintown at about 35 miles west, offers 200 campsites across four loops with varying levels of privacy and hookups. Campers frequently mention the park's hiking trails and fishing opportunities at Hopewell and Scott's Run lakes. Several reviewers note that Loop C tends to feel more crowded than other areas, particularly on summer weekends. For urban camping experiences, Philadelphia-West Chester KOA provides convenient access to downtown Philadelphia while offering amenities like swimming pools and river access.
