Campgrounds near West Chester, Pennsylvania range from state parks to private facilities, with both developed and primitive options available throughout the region. French Creek State Park Campground, located about 15 miles northwest of West Chester, offers tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and yurts with various hookup options. The Philadelphia-West Chester KOA in Coatesville provides similar accommodation types with additional amenities such as electric and water hookups. Hibernia County Park and Ridley Creek State Park round out the public land options, while several private campgrounds extend the variety of camping experiences in Chester County and surrounding areas.
Road access to most campgrounds is generally good, though some sites require navigation along narrow, winding roads through the Pennsylvania countryside. "This is a nice KOA not too far from downtown Philly. The campground is located in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills which meant the roads getting there are narrow and windy," noted one camper about the Philadelphia-West Chester KOA. The camping season typically runs from April through October or November for most facilities, though some remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when facilities reach capacity. Many campgrounds in the region are situated along waterways like the Brandywine River, which can occasionally lead to muddy conditions after rainfall.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly at the Philadelphia-West Chester KOA along the Brandywine River. Campers report these sites offer scenic views but note they can get muddy during wet weather. The terrain throughout the region features rolling hills with mixed forest cover providing natural shade at many campgrounds. Several visitors mentioned that facilities are generally well-maintained with clean bathrooms and showers. As one reviewer noted, "We had a scenic site along the Brandywine River. We had a great couple of families stay next to us and our kids made quick friends with theirs." Group campsites at Ridley Creek State Park receive praise for their accessibility and well-marked hiking trails, making them popular for family outings and first-time campers. Most campgrounds in the area provide fire rings, picnic tables, and basic amenities, with premium sites at some locations offering upgraded features like paved patios and special fire pits.
$20 - $90 / 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."
$59 - $86 / night
"Stayed here for a weekend checking out west Chester. Nice playground and jump pad for kids. Nice camp store. Only downside was walnuts loudly hitting our roof at night!"
"West Chester KOA This is a really nice KOA not too far from downtown Philly."
$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"
$15 - $50 / night
"This campground has 2 small loops, the Lake Loop and the Fiddler's Loop. Lake loop is the bigger of the two, however the “sites” are smaller and it's more open. It is popular with group tenters."
"Large campsites at the Lake Loop. Map is a little deceiving- the sites are farther from the lake than I expected and there are no running water bathrooms. Very clean and wooded sites."
"Girlfriend and I stayed here while we visited nearby Longwood Gardens. The tent sites are spacious and they all border the creek which is a nice sound at night, as well as a good morning view."
"Close to Valley Forge military park, and convenient to Philadelphia by train."
$17 - $32 / night
"Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."
"The camp loop is a nice walk but there are also trails. They were pretty muddy when we were there. Site 35 was quite spacious as were many of them."
"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"
$40 - $60 / night
"It rained the entire time I was there so we didn’t go in the pool but the campground is walkable, I was able to go running, there are things for kids to do, some animals to go visit on our walks, obviously"
"You must try the family style restaurants in the area, delicious and close by as well. Overall a great experience and I would go again for sure :-)"
"Site next to us had a pipe break, they had a maintenance crew come out immediately and fix it. Amish stores/attractions close by for some entertainment also."
"Fishing pond is a joke and near by Gun Range can be annoying and tough on pets. But, over all, this place is pretty nice."
"This is a great spot for visiting Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County and about a one-hour drive to Hersheypark. "
"Not too close to each other. Has a great view of the valley and Amish farms. Everyone has been very friendly. No pool but the kids seem to enjoy the playground."
ScoutSmall family owed for 50 plus years. They care about their guests and treat everyone like they are part of the family. The only thing about this campground is that it doesn't allow tents. Only RVs and pull behind.
ScoutI got really into camping this year and this was a lovely place really close to my house and I love how easy it is to access and the fact that even if I wasn’t there on time for a check-in, I could still go to my site. Everything’s really easily accessible in terms of water and the bathrooms. I do a lot of car camping so I don’t necessarily do the hike in options, but they also had a bunch of different family locations and there’s a beach that’s really close by if that’s a part of the park, I believe.
ScoutI used to visit this campground when I was younger, and I finally got the chance to camp here as an adult. I love that it offers a little bit of everything; fishing, trails, hiking, nature walks, playgrounds, swimming, and more. I had a great time. The people camping near us were really friendly; they mentioned they had been staying there for about six weeks. If a long stay is worth it, their experience definitely proved it.
GuideLots of seasonal parked campers and only a few campers here. Nice peaceful quiet stay. Our site was very spacious. Level side to side. Gravel site with plenty of room for our truck n trailer.
ScoutThis place was great! We stayed here for 5 weeks while working in the area. It’s a clean, well kept space, completely surrounded by state forest, very close to shore access along the rivers/bay, hiking/biking trails right out of the campground. Half of it is long term residents, half for short term.
TravelerBeen here many times always in the fall. Never been here in summer so have never used the pool. Great little store and small grill restaurant. The trails and the rocks are nice. Our site was very rocky and on an incline so hard to get the camper level. It was a “pop up/tent” site and we were in a small travel trailer so it’s understandable. Only criticism is the it’s very pricey for what you get. And there online booking system isn’t very accurate as it said they were sold out and there was many open sites all weekend. Would be much better it they made more sites have even basic electric.
ScoutExcellent stay. We spent 2 nights and had 2 sites. Big sites very quiet and the staff I’d exceptional. Even better is the amazing price!
TravelerBeautiful park. Looks like only 2 of the spots are for campers, rest are full time residents. The farther back you go in the park the worse condition the rv are. At time of visit the closest bathroom was under repair, it happens. Aggravating issues: Dump station has no water. People walk their dogs right thru your camp site and then don’t pick up after them.
But yea, beautiful place
TravelerThis was a great campground. Very convenient for local sites, food, and shopping. Super clean, a large pool, and all well maintained.
Camping spots near West Chester, Pennsylvania range from rustic tent sites to full-hookup RV parks within a 20-mile radius. The region sits in the Brandywine Valley watershed with elevations between 200-500 feet and typical summer high temperatures of 80-85°F. Most campgrounds experience seasonal closures from November through March, with limited year-round options for winter camping.
Hiking trails access: French Creek State Park Campground offers multiple trail options with varying difficulty levels. "Great state park with so many wonderful activities. There really is something for everyone here and if you can't find it you aren't looking very hard," noted one visitor who enjoyed the park's extensive trail system.
Fishing opportunities: At Hibernia County Park, Chamber's Lake provides catch-and-release fishing in a serene setting. A visitor mentioned, "The lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails. Each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring with a built in grill. Plenty of firewood to be found."
Specialty camping experiences: For families seeking unique accommodations, Lake-In-Wood Campground offers themed lodging options. "There are a lot of really neat and different rentals here like a tree house, double decker bus, among others. Nice playground for the kids and a small arcade," reported a camper who enjoyed these distinctive options.
Level sites with infrastructure: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained sites at French Creek. One reviewer noted, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers."
Farm views: The Lancaster-New Holland KOA receives consistent praise for its agricultural vistas. "Had a really great RV experience at the Lancaster KOA. We selected an executive 1st row which gave us unobstructed views of the Amish farmland and lots of room," shared one satisfied visitor.
Wooded privacy: Tent campers often seek the secluded sites at Hibernia Park for their natural setting. "It's tiny (19 sites in Fiddlers loop), it's quiet, it's heavily wooded. There is NOTHING to do except walk or bike the beautiful trails, spend time on Chamber's Lake, spend time in the hammock and stare at the fire," described one camper who appreciated the simple pleasures.
Site limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. At Hibernia, "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," advised one experienced camper.
Seasonal challenges: Weather impacts camping experiences year-round. At French Creek State Park Campground, one winter camper noted, "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! The honor system of payment at the office makes it really easy to come in late and leave early, make sure you have cash on you."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Lums Pond State Park, a camper advised, "We do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations. Book early because it fills up fast!"
Playground access: Philadelphia-West Chester KOA offers multiple play areas for different age groups. "The camp playground was brand new when we arrived and they had just broken ground. There are two different playground in the same area to accommodate kids of all ages," shared a family who enjoyed the facilities.
Children's fishing pond: Hibernia County Park has a dedicated fishing spot for younger anglers. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," noted a parent who camped with children ages 3-12.
Group camping options: At Ridley Creek State Park, families can reserve designated group sites. "I go camping here almost every year and they a nice open field with two sites and two fire pits. They also have a tone of trails to hike on," mentioned a regular visitor who found the setup ideal for families.
Site selection strategy: At Spring Gulch Resort Campground, experienced RVers recommend choosing carefully. "We were in site 50 for this trip, however if you have a decent sized rig I would steer clear of this row. The road for this row is narrow and there is a fence that makes backing in more difficult, especially for a 30+ ft travel trailer," advised one RVer.
Backing assistance: The Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA offers practical help for arrivals. One camper appreciated that "they brought you to your site with the golfcart and the guy was so helpful with helping my husband back up (a fight to avoid lol) they also would deliver firewood to your fire ring."
Hookup configurations: Some campgrounds have unusual utility setups. One camper at Lums Pond State Park mentioned, "The site offered electric and water but they were on 2 different sides. This made it difficult to set up. Had to park the camper crooked to use both."
Frequently Asked Questions
What weekend camping trip options are available near West Chester?
The West Chester area offers diverse weekend camping experiences within easy driving distance. Pequea Creek Campground provides a picturesque setting with large, tree-covered spots, river tubing nearby, and proximity to Lancaster's covered bridges and shopping. For those seeking a unique experience in Amish country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country is worth considering. Other weekend options include French Creek State Park for hiking enthusiasts, Blue Rocks Family Campground for those who enjoy woodland settings, and Brandywine Creek Campground for water activities. Most locations are within a 30-45 minute drive from West Chester, making them ideal for quick weekend getaways without extensive travel time.
Where is the West Chester KOA located and what camping options does it offer?
Philadelphia-West Chester KOA is located in Coatesville, PA, nestled in the rolling hills of the Pennsylvania countryside. The campground is situated in a beautiful rural setting with narrow, windy access roads. Despite being called West Chester KOA, it's positioned to provide convenient access to both West Chester and Philadelphia. The KOA offers various camping options including back-in patio sites, pull-through RV sites, and tent camping areas. Amenities include a playground, jump pad for kids, and a well-stocked camp store. The campground is family-friendly with organized activities, particularly during holiday weekends like Memorial Day. While sites are well-maintained, they can be somewhat close together, offering limited privacy.
What amenities and swimming facilities are available at campgrounds near West Chester?
Campgrounds near West Chester offer a range of water-based amenities. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park features swimming facilities as its name suggests. Lums Pond State Park Campground offers water access for boating and swimming. Many area campgrounds provide additional amenities like playgrounds, camp stores, and organized activities such as music bingo. Several locations have modern bathroom facilities with hot showers and flush toilets. For those seeking more extensive water recreation, campgrounds near the Brandywine Creek offer tubing and fishing opportunities. Most swimming facilities are seasonal, typically operating from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, with some extending their season depending on weather conditions.
How much does it cost to stay at campgrounds in the West Chester area?
Camping costs in the West Chester area vary by site type and amenities. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, back-in patio sites run around $135/night, which is on the higher end but includes well-maintained facilities. For more budget-friendly options, Hibernia County Park offers sites at lower rates. Prices typically increase during holiday weekends and peak summer months. Most campgrounds require a two-night minimum stay on weekends, and many charge additional fees for extra vehicles, pets, or premium amenities. Reservation fees and deposits are standard at most locations, with cancellation policies varying by campground.
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