Tent camping sites near Kimberton, Pennsylvania range from secluded walk-in experiences to established family-friendly areas, all situated within the rolling terrain of Chester County. The region's mixed hardwood forests provide seasonal camping conditions that vary significantly, with spring and fall offering optimal temperatures between 50-75°F for tent campers. Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October when overnight temperatures remain above freezing.
What to do
Hiking along creeks: At Evansburg State Park Campground, visitors can explore wooded trails alongside water features. One camper noted, "Great place to creek hike, nice for horses, we did get a lot of ticks, but not deer ticks, thankfully." The park contains numerous marked paths with moderate difficulty levels suitable for day hikes.
Fishing opportunities: Chamber's Lake at Hibernia County Park offers fishing without gas-powered motors. A visitor mentioned, "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing." Licenses are required, with a special trout endorsement needed for certain catches.
Disc golf courses: Multiple parks feature disc golf options, particularly at Green Lane Park. A camper shared, "Phenomenal disc golf course, hiking, and fishing" as activities that made their stay enjoyable. The course layout accommodates both beginners and experienced players with varied terrain challenges.
Bird watching excursions: The observation deck at Fort Washington State Park Campground provides excellent raptor viewing opportunities. According to one visitor, the park is great for "bird viewing" with "easy commute" access. Species include "warblers, woodpeckers, various hawks and red thrushes" according to another review.
What campers like
Natural rock formations: At Boulder Ridge Farm, the distinctive geological features create unique camping spots. A visitor mentioned, "Great place to escape the stress of every day life. Plenty of fire wood, really cool huge rocks and waking up to owls was awesome." The boulders throughout the property provide natural windbreaks and privacy barriers.
Waterfront access: Multiple campgrounds offer proximity to water bodies. One camper at Green Lane Park observed the park has "Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails" with water access. The waterfront sites allow for fishing and non-motorized boating opportunities.
Wildlife encounters: Campers frequently report wildlife sightings across various campgrounds. At Boulder Ridge Farm, one guest experienced being "Lulled to sleep by boo-book owls!" The property features "an abundance of wildlife and the property is covered in gorgeous boulders." Early morning hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Historical elements: Several campgrounds incorporate historical structures. Fort Washington State Park includes Revolutionary War significance where "it housed troops led by then General George Washington on the way to Valley Forge." Walking trails connect to historical buildings including Mather's Mill and the Historical Society Building.
What you should know
Limited hookup options: Most tent sites lack electrical and water connections. At Green Lane Park, one camper noted the "camping facilities are subpar, primitive and lack any kind of privacy." The reviewer added, "The only potable water was from a near-broken water fountain at the public rest rooms and no electrical connection to recharge electronics."
Weekend-only operations: Several campgrounds operate limited schedules. Hibernia County Park runs "only open on the weekends, in season" with self-registration available for first-come, first-served sites outside reservation periods. Advanced planning for weekend stays is essential, especially during summer months.
Variable site spacing: Privacy between sites varies considerably. A Green Lane Park visitor observed, "The sites are lined up next to each other along the campground driveway and there are absolutely no trees or shrubs between them." Another noted, "The spaces are right on top of each other with no tree cover between spots."
Restroom limitations: Bathroom facilities range from primitive to basic. Hibernia County Park features "only pit toilets in Fiddler's loop, however there is a bathroom with running water, flush toilets and electric outlets (no shower) within walking distance." Several campgrounds lack shower facilities entirely, requiring alternative planning.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Several parks feature dedicated children's areas. A visitor to Hibernia County Park mentioned, "Great for families. We are already planning our next trip." Another noted, "The park ranger this weekend was the nicest and very helpful with directions to walk to the playground and indoor restrooms."
Child-friendly fishing spots: Dedicated fishing areas for younger anglers exist at select locations. One Hibernia County Park visitor shared, "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing." This spot is specifically designated for children under 12 years old.
Educational opportunities: Rolling Hills Retreats and similar sites provide natural learning environments. A visitor appreciated that their group was "able to ground our energy from the earth which is hard to do in a concrete city." These settings allow children to interact directly with nature through guided and self-directed exploration.
Muddy conditions planning: Pack appropriate footwear as wet conditions are common. Experienced campers note that Evansburg State Park can be "the muddiest State Park I've every experienced; I always bring a pair of sneakers to change out of my hiking boots, as well as a shoes and change of clothes for the little guy."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations for larger vehicles: Many campgrounds have restrictions on RV size. At Hibernia County Park, Lake Loop is described as smaller and more open, where a reviewer "wouldn't attempt to park an RV up there." The same reviewer clarified that Fiddler's Loop can accommodate some RVs: "there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18."
Water supply planning: RVers should arrive with full tanks at most locations. A Hibernia County Park visitor advised, "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."
Dump station accessibility: Most campgrounds lack on-site dump facilities. A Hibernia County Park visitor cautioned, "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home."
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven parking surfaces. Regarding Hibernia County Park, one reviewer noted the sites "aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix." Bring leveling blocks or other equipment to ensure comfortable parking and sleeping conditions.
