Glamping near Glen Riddle Lima, Pennsylvania offers visitors a mix of convenient locations within the Delaware River Valley, just 20-30 minutes from Philadelphia. The regional terrain combines low-lying wetlands and forested hills with elevations ranging from 200-500 feet above sea level. Campsites in the area remain open through various weather conditions, with many parks maintaining year-round availability despite eastern Pennsylvania's seasonal temperature fluctuations.
What to do
Lake activities: French Creek State Park features two lakes for diverse water recreation. One visitor mentioned, "We spent Saturday afternoon fishing but not catching anything at Scott's Run. It's a beautiful location and it was still a fun way to spend the day with the kids away from the site." The park's Hopewell and Scott's Run lakes contain several warm water fish species including northern pike and bass.
Hiking trails: Lums Pond State Park offers flat, accessible trails suitable for all skill levels. "The trails were well marked, and the day we took a hike, we ended up on the equestrian trail that runs all the way around the pond. It was a long, but easy hike," notes one camper. The park's relatively flat terrain makes it ideal for families with young children or those seeking less strenuous walking routes.
Riverside recreation: At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, the Brandywine River provides unique opportunities for water activities. A camper shared, "Being on the Brandywine, you can fish and rent canoes. The river is usually very calm and good for a float." The camp also provides pickleball courts, mini golf facilities and a swimming pool with organized activities during peak seasons.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Hibernia County Park receives praise for its well-maintained sites and bathrooms. One visitor mentioned, "The park ranger this weekend was the nicest and very helpful with directions to walk to the playground and indoor restrooms. The porta potties are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp." The park charges only $15 per night, offering exceptional value for budget-conscious campers.
Spacious sites: French Creek State Park campsites provide ample separation between neighbors. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," reports a satisfied camper. The campground layouts include several loops with varying levels of privacy and amenity access.
Convenient location: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA offers proximity to urban attractions while maintaining a natural setting. "This is a very nice KOA, just over the Delaware River from Philly. The park is clean, quiet, full of families. It's easy to navigate to the park from the interstate, and big rigs fit easily," explains one reviewer. Many campers use this location as a base camp for Philadelphia day trips.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Many parks have limited winter availability. At Parvin State Park, "The actual beach is gated and you have to pay an additional fee," according to one reviewer. Visitors should verify which amenities remain operational during their planned visit dates.
Reservation requirements: Due to popularity, early booking is essential at many locations. For Lums Pond State Park, one camper advised, "Book early because it fills up fast!" Most parks allow reservations 6-12 months in advance.
Water quality concerns: Parvin State Park has issues with iron content in water. "The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing. Most of the showers were out of order. The toilets were clean but had the orange staining from the iron in the water," notes a recent visitor. Bringing additional water for drinking and hygiene is recommended.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly attractions: Lake-In-Wood Campground provides unique accommodations that children enjoy. A visitor mentioned, "We had a great time at this campground. There is a quarry close by so you could hear the trucks beeping and the noise from there but that was the only negative thing. Huge pond for fishing, miniature golf, nice indoor and outdoor pool and a kiddie pool. Goats to pet and watch." The themed cabins include options like treehouses that appeal particularly to families.
Playground access: When selecting sites at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, consider proximity to activity areas. "Nice playground and jump pad for kids. Nice camp store. Only downside was walnuts loudly hitting our roof at night!" shares one camper. Many campgrounds offer dedicated play structures away from quiet zones.
Swimming options: Old Cedar Campground maintains a clean pool area specifically for younger visitors. "The pool was clean - they had a few items that they could borrow - fishing was great - playground was adequate. Mini golf was fun for all. There was also activities for the younger kids - making slime," notes a family visitor. Weekend activity schedules often include organized games and crafts during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: Hibernia County Park has limited services for larger rigs. "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," advises an RVer. The lack of on-site hookups means coming with full water tanks and empty waste tanks.
Maneuvering challenges: Access roads at some campgrounds can be difficult for larger vehicles. At Parvin State Park, "Very narrow roads to sites, so not big rig friendly there but most sites are quite large. No gravel or pads on sites, just bare ground. My rig is 31 ft class C and it was fine for me but a larger rig may have a tough time maneuvering the narrow roads." Calling ahead to verify site dimensions is recommended.
Site surface conditions: The terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. At Old Cedar Campground, "Our site was gravel with a small concrete patio and decently sized. All hookups worked as required so no complaints there." RVers should bring leveling blocks for unpaved sites, especially after rain.
