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.

Best Camping Sites Near Jenkintown, Pennsylvania (112)

    1. Fort Washington State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ambler, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 591-5250

    $28 - $72 / night

    "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"

    2. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 423-6677

    "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"

    3. Alverthorpe Private Park

    4 Reviews
    Jenkintown, PA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (215) 884-6538

    $1 - $100 / night

    "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"

    4. French Creek State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $20 - $75 / night

    "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."

    5. Evansburg State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Skippack, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 409-1150

    $43 / night

    "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”."

    6. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    10 Reviews
    Gradyville, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 892-3900

    $57 / night

    "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"

    8. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    9 Reviews
    Titusville, NJ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 737-0623

    $50 - $100 / night

    "Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history."

    "I always look forward to going because it is consistently clean, great for riding bikes and taking pets for a walk and children for a stroll PLUS it is significant  historically and it is enjoyable for"

    9. Village Scene Park

    4 Reviews
    Hatfield, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 362-6030

    $48 / night

    "We’ve stayed here a couple times in past Have family in the area Grew up in this area so very comfortable and easy access to lots of places! This visit we stayed six months may to October"

    10. Tohickon Family Campground

    16 Reviews
    Richlandtown, PA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 536-7951

    "Nothing bad about this place, I love that it's set far enough away from the main road that you don't get the noise."

    "Great camping, great hiking, pretty close to stores if you need anything. Staff is incredible!! Very polite, helpful, and just all around awesome People!!!"

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Recent Reviews near Jenkintown, PA

806 Reviews of 112 Jenkintown Campgrounds


  • M
    Oct. 6, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Hard with a large group

    Harder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Dog owners read!

    There’s four loops. All connected A through D. We just needed a place to park and sleep so I got D011. Got there at 11pm and the D loop says no pets allowed. Not sure why when they are at every other loop but we had no where else to go and the area is pretty far off from anywhere else so the ol lab stayed in the camper. The bathrooms are tile and really nice with showers. And it was really quiet and chilly so a nice fall camp site. Just know ahead of time if you’re a dog owner!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Village Scene Park

    Tucked-Away Community Vibe

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated insights, additional photos and a quick breakdown of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet; (2) Full-hookup RV sites with 30 / 50 amp, water, and sewer; (3) Affordable rates compared to other campgrounds in the region; (4) Smaller, tight-knit atmosphere with friendly long-term residents; (5) Pet-friendly, with walking areas and green space; and (6) Nearby restaurants include Franconi’s Pizzeria for classic pies and cheesesteaks and Appalachian Brewing Company with pub fare and house-brewed beers. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Sites are narrow and can feel cramped, so don’t expect big pull-throughs; (2) Limited amenities with no pool, clubhouse, or playground; (3) Grounds feel more like a residential mobile home park than a campground; (4) Some infrastructure is dated and could use upgrades; and (5) Not much in the way of natural scenery because, um, this is urban camping. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Fort Washington State Park Campground

    Where George Washington Would've Ditched His Tent PPE

    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 500 acres of lush forest that is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike; (2) Potable water and non-flush restrooms available year-round, because even Revolutionary War re-enactors need coffee breaks; (3) Over 3.5 miles of trails leading to Hawk Watch observation decks, which birders will marvel at and the rest of us will simply appreciate the vista; (4) Group tenting area that fits 20 to 100 people that is ideal for clans, clubs or covert woodland think tanks; and (5) Convenient to Philly (25 min), great for escaping crowds while still being able to Uber for donuts.

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No RV or tent-by-the-river solo camping: group-only policy means solo adventurers need to carpool or carry heavy guilt; (2) Bathrooms are primitive and non-flush, so BYOTP as it’s campground chic here, not hotel lobby convenient; (3) Carry-in / carry-out trash policy means becoming one with your garbage until civilization or squirrels show up; (4) Cell service is ‘iffy’ at best, depending on how hard the woods are trying to keep you offline; and (5) No campfire tales about campers as noise is limited and so are late-night s'mores sessions.

    Happy Camping!

  • S
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Private wooded sites

    Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Batona — Wharton State Forest

    Good spot to sleep

    The camp road was kinda hard to get around direction wise you couldn’t tell what was a road and what was a campsite. It was Saturday night and only two other campers but one was a huge group but thankfully not too loud. Two pit toilets that was pretty bad shape but we are used to disperse camping without toilets so we didn’t complain.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. 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. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Alverthorpe Private Park

    Urban Camping Bliss

    I’m following up on my review from over a 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 just outside Philly that is serene enough to reset your social media–addled brain; (2) Flat, open terrain scattered with tall shade trees makes pitching your tent feel practically pastoral; (3) Surprisingly solid cell signal (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T all wave hello), which is rare in inner-density camping and handy for emergency pizza delivery orders; (4) Short walk to a quaint lake and four-sided chimney for marshmallow toasting that offers low-key charm with built-in ambiance; and (5) Tons of shade completely shroud the entire campground area, so no need to bring those pesky shelters for added coverage. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No restroom drama on the way in, but once you’re past the control building, basic camping reality bites; (2) Ancient shelter and group pavilion are charming in a ‘needs new plumbing’ sort of way; (3) Reaching the camping area involves navigating uneven steps as you won’t be able to drive to your actual campsite, which is great for adventure, but bad for sprained ankles; (4) Feels like a weekend-only myth where the park closes on holidays and deals in ‘control building hours’; and (5) This place is known to be full of litter and in dire need of some ground maintenance, so you might just want to bring an extra garbage bag and a rake to help out.

    Happy Camping!

  • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Great Place

    Really enjoyed everything about this place. Kayaks. Camping. All of it. Clean and friendly.


Guide to Jenkintown

Camping near Jenkintown provides access to diverse outdoor experiences within the Philadelphia region, where elevations range from 200-400 feet above sea level. The area receives approximately 47 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush woodland environments at many campgrounds. Fall camping season typically extends through late October with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 40s, requiring appropriate sleeping gear for comfort.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: 7.5 miles northwest at Evansburg State Park Campground offers multiple fishing spots. "Great park to do everything outdoorsy including, hiking, horseback riding, hunting and fishing. I caught a beautiful Brown Trout here a few weeks ago!" notes a camper. The park contains northern pike, chain pickerel and various panfish.

Historical exploration: 45 minutes northeast in New Jersey at Washington Crossing State Park combines camping with Revolutionary War history. "Visit the park's historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it's easily the most memorable history lesson you'll ever get outdoors," explains one visitor. The park features museums, historic buildings and interpretive programs.

Urban kayaking: Less than 30 minutes south from central Jenkintown, the Delaware River provides waterfront recreation. "We did take our inflatable kayak out on the water, and it was lovely! There is also a nice picnic area with grills and picnic tables right by the boat landing, where we picnicked and hung out for an afternoon," shares a visitor to French Creek State Park.

What campers like

Private wooded sites: 35 miles west at French Creek State Park Campground offers secluded camping spots. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," notes one camper. Another mentions, "We LOVE camping here as the campsites are not right on top of one another. There is a lot of shade and the campground is laid out well."

Well-maintained facilities: Campgrounds in the region generally provide clean bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes," reports a camper about French Creek State Park. At Fort Washington, visitors appreciate the "water and modern restrooms (complete with sky lights)."

Accessibility to Philadelphia: 20 minutes east in New Jersey, Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA provides convenient city access. "This is a very nice KOA, just over the Delaware River from Philly. The park is clean, quiet, full of families," notes a reviewer. Another camper adds, "It is a 20 minute ride into Philly and Uber was was quick and responsive."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer and weekends. Tohickon Family Campground advises calling ahead as there are limited sites. "We were able to get us in very last minute WITH full hook ups for my trailer!" reports one fortunate camper.

Ground conditions: Several campgrounds experience drainage issues during rainy periods. "Don't come if you're in a tent and it has been or will rain. It becomes flooded or turns into a mud pit," warns a visitor to Tohickon Family Campground. Similar conditions affect other area campgrounds during wet weather.

Seasonal limitations: Most state parks have restricted camping seasons. Washington Crossing State Park is closed for 2024, while others operate from April through October. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great!" noted a winter camper at French Creek, one of the few year-round facilities.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature kid-friendly amenities. "There is a very nice playground situated conveniently between the loops of the campground. It had some slides, a bridge, lots of monkey bars, ladders to climb on and the best feature was the zip line," shares a parent from French Creek State Park.

Group camping options: For family reunions or large gatherings, Ridley Creek State Park offers dedicated group sites. "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 ton of trails to hike on," reports a regular visitor. The sites accommodate larger groups with amenities for communal activities.

Water activities: Families appreciate water recreation opportunities. At the KOA in Clarksboro, "This campground was so well maintained. There was so much to do there a pool, lake, horseshoes, cornhole, playground, big pillow and even more. They offer so many activities during the day and text you so you don't forget."

Tips from RVers

Urban RV options: 22 miles north of Jenkintown, Village Scene Park provides year-round RV access with full hookups. "Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet with full-hookup RV sites with 30/50 amp, water, and sewer," notes one visitor. The park offers a more residential feel compared to traditional campgrounds.

Big rig accommodations: Several campgrounds can accommodate larger RVs but require planning. "If you have a large camper or 5th wheel you may need to double check what sites can accommodate your RV to ensure you have enough room," advises a camper from Fort Washington. French Creek State Park has designated loops better suited for larger vehicles.

Off-season camping: RVers seeking quieter experiences should consider weekday or shoulder season visits. "I arrived on a Tuesday a few days after they closed the pool, and by Wednesday I had the whole row of tent sites to myself," reports a camper who stayed at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA in September, noting the peaceful atmosphere compared to peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Jenkintown, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Jenkintown, PA is Fort Washington State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 7 reviews.