Many RV campgrounds near Lincoln University, Pennsylvania are situated within the rolling Brandywine Valley at elevations ranging from 300-500 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes, with warm, humid summers and moderate winters that affect camping availability. Fall camping is particularly popular as tree canopies throughout Lancaster and Chester counties transform with vibrant autumn colors, creating ideal conditions for seasonal weekend getaways.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 2 miles from Lake-In-Wood Campground offers a stocked pond for campers. "Huge pond for fishing, miniature gold, nice indoor and outdoor pool and a kiddie pool. Goats to pet and watch," notes Jen R., who enjoyed the diverse activities despite mentioning "a quarry close by so you could hear the trucks beeping."
Golfing: 5-minute walk at Thousand Trails Circle M provides a par-3 course for casual players. "There is a par 3 golf course, indoor pool, mini golf, basketball, and that is in the fall. They also do canoeing in the warmer months and will shuttle you," shares Norm F., highlighting the year-round recreation options.
Target practice: 10-minute drive from Pinch Pond connects to local shooting ranges. "The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner," explains Tara N., offering a practical warning about noise levels during daylight hours.
What campers like
Modern cabin accommodations: Spring Gulch Resort Campground offers recently renovated options. "Some of the cabins were recently added and are super clean inside. The one we stayed in had a set of bunk beds, a queen bed, and a fold out couch. It also had a bathroom with shower/tub and everything you would need except linens," reports Phinon W., describing the upscale lodging options.
Entertainment schedules: Weekend activities at Appalachian Camping Resort keep families engaged. "The campground had numerous activities set up all throughout the day and there was something for everyone. There was bingo, crafts, a vendor craft show, hot dog eating contest for adults and kids, candy scramble in the dark for adults and kids, a dj Saturday night and a live band Sunday night," shares Melissa Y., highlighting the diverse programming.
Amish countryside access: Sun Valley Campground provides cultural exploration opportunities. "The minute you walk into the office you get that 'aha' moment. The office greets you with a smile and 'Welcome to Sun Valley, how can I help you,'" according to Scott J., who appreciates the welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country.
What you should know
Site levelness issues: Across several campgrounds, uneven terrain presents challenges. "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground. Many other sites were the same," reports Justin B. about Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, suggesting bringing extra leveling blocks.
Seasonal fluctuations: Most RV parks operate from April through October. "We went for Halloween, they had plenty for kids to do and was a pretty nice park," notes Jwalker about Spring Gulch, which remains open until December 1, longer than most facilities in the area.
Noise considerations: Highway and activity noise affects several locations. "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," explains Jen R. about Lake-In-Wood Campground, highlighting the importance of site selection.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access timing: Many campground pools have limited hours on weekdays. "Staff was nice but not enough staffing to keep amenities like pool open after 5 during the week," notes Beth B. about Spring Gulch, suggesting planning afternoon activities accordingly.
Age-appropriate activities: Look for campgrounds with diverse programming. "I find that a lot of campground activities tend to be centered around small children and with my kids being 13 and 12, they're usually left out of the fun. There was bingo, crafts, a vendor craft show, hot dog eating contest for adults and kids," shares Melissa Y., who found Appalachian Camping Resort particularly accommodating for tweens.
Free recreation options: Several campgrounds offer no-cost entertainment. "Some sports gear available for free to use within park, has to be returned by 5 when main office closes," explains Beth B., noting that equipment borrowing can reduce packing needs.
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Some parks have complex layouts that can be difficult to navigate. "This campground is huge but you're not stacked on top of your neighbor like the others. They have 4 different sections to stay in, we were in D," explains Sammii D. about Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, recommending careful site selection when checking in.
Big rig considerations: Site dimensions vary significantly. "Many sites seemed tight and while ours wasn't, it was the smallest we've had in a while," reports Luis B. about Appalachian Camping Resort, suggesting calling ahead to confirm accommodations for larger vehicles.
Utility connections: Placement and quality of hookups varies by park. "The water hookup access was on the ground. It was raining and the area was saturated with no where to drain," explains Elvira A. about Bar Harbor RV Park, highlighting the importance of bringing extension hoses and connector protection.
