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Heidi Z.
Traveler
TravelerThe Loose Caboose Campground
Nice view
The owner is kind and knowledgeable a lot of live in / snowbirds . Some are very kind but some of the live in’s are crude .
Camping near Malvern, PA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Located between Philadelphia and Lancaster, Malvern, Pennsylvania provides access to several established campgrounds catering to tent, RV, and cabin campers. French Creek State Park Campground, about 15 miles west of Malvern, serves as a focal point for outdoor recreation with year-round availability and multiple accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. The Philadelphia-West Chester KOA in nearby Coatesville offers similar amenities with the addition of glamping options, while Ridley Creek State Park provides group camping facilities approximately 20 miles southeast of Malvern.
Campgrounds in the Malvern area typically operate from April through October, with some locations like French Creek State Park and Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA maintaining year-round operations. Most established sites require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity. The region's campgrounds generally provide electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Water access depends on the specific campground, with some offering drinking water and showers while others provide more primitive experiences. A camper noted, "We stayed 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!"
Camping experiences near Malvern blend convenience with natural settings despite the area's proximity to urban centers. Evansburg State Park, approximately 15 miles east, receives high marks from visitors who appreciate its extensive trail network and creek access. According to one reviewer, "Great place to creek hike, nice for horses, we did get a lot of ticks, but not deer ticks, thankfully." Several campgrounds in the region feature water proximity, whether creek-side or lake-adjacent settings. Families particularly value campgrounds with recreational amenities like playgrounds, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities. Many sites fill quickly during summer months and fall foliage season, making advance planning essential. Campers also mention the relative seclusion of some sites despite being within an hour of Philadelphia, offering a convenient outdoor escape from urban settings.
Best Campgrounds near Malvern (125)
1. French Creek State Park Campground
"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."
from $24 - $135 / night
Check Availability2. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park
"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"
from $57 / night
Check Availability3. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA
"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."
"Everything was within close walking distance and the staff were extremely helpful. Pool and bathrooms were very clean."
from $59 - $86 / night
Check Availability4. Evansburg State Park Campground
"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”."
from $43 / night
Check Availability5. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA
"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"
6. Hibernia County Park
"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."
from $15 - $50 / night
Check Availability7. Fort Washington State Park Campground
"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"
from $28 - $72 / night
Check Availability8. Brandywine Creek Campground
"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."
9. Lake-In-Wood Campground
"As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. "
"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"
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability10. Lums Pond State Park Campground
"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."
from $29 - $51 / night
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Drive Time
- 30 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 36 min from Reading, PA
- 42 min from Trenton, NJ
- 58 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Malvern, PA
264 Photos of 125 Malvern Campgrounds
J K.
Evansburg State Park Campground
Stephen S.
Philadelphia-West Chester KOA
Dave G.
Brandywine Creek Campground
Jennifer S.
Hibernia County Park
LaPlace T.
Tranquil Creekside Camp
Stephen W.
French Creek State Park Campground
Ra F.
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
Chanel B.
Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA
Karralee B.
Boulder Woods Campground
Jen R.
Lake In Wood Resort
Ricky R.
Lake-In-Wood Campground
Phinon W.
Spring Gulch Resort Campground
Recent Reviews near Malvern, PA
955 Reviews of 125 Malvern Campgrounds
Nadine R.
GuideAtsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Not my vibe
I personally did not like this campsite. First of all, our site tag was leftover from SEPTEMBER. Did no one look at any of these sites and leave someone else’s registration posted there for almost a year? Wild. Our campsite had trash leftover from previous campers. The whole campground was loud - from other campers to just the sounds from the nearby road. If you are looking for peace it is NOT here. If you’re looking to have loud music time all night with no repercussions as your kids ride around yelling and carrying on past midnight then you’ll have a blast. The pros of this campsite was supposed to be the access to Lake Atsion but we were turned away at the gate at 12:30 as they stated they were at capacity. Checking into our campsite they specifically asked if we would be utilizing the recreation area so we would have a pass for entry, but that’s seemingly not in their logistical headcount. I would not visit here again.
BGuideSusquehanna State Park Campground
A little noisy - park stuff, not campers
A beautiful, well maintained park with lots to do, great bathroom facilities and extremely nice people. The electric sites aren't all together, so you don't have RV's lined up but maybe annoying for folks who are tent camping. Avoid the locations in the mid-30's by the dumpster, both staff and campers start shaking the lid around 6:30. Between 5 AM and noon staff were driving big trucks and ATV's around with loud reverse horns, and slamming the fire pit grills, which they store sideways. Overall I had a really wonderful time, but that's largely down to good sound reduction inside the van. Almost zero cell service. I was able to get a couple of text messages in and out, but seemed to be a fluke.
Isabel Z.
ScoutElk Neck State Park Campground
Great for families
This campsite was amazing for our first tent camping experience. The park was a godsend for keeping our toddler occupied and we felt very safe overall. While the beach is pretty, be careful about the water condition. We were warned before entering and informed of the risks. They were very clear on the condition of the water that day which was a yellow, slight risk. But normally it should be okay. We would definitely camp here again.
- MMakylie P.Scout
Ringing Rocks Family Campground
incredible find
i stumbled on this searching for something almost immediately off the interstate, but with little-to-no booking available for a reasonable price elsewhere local. we detoured about 25 minutes to get here, and it is just incredible. the scenery is gorgeous, they have a camp store with oodles of stuff, there’s a huge playground, and the camping areas are dispersed well and offer beautiful scenic privacy. i wish i could make this place my home. amenities are well taken care of, they have showers in the bathroom, as well as an on-site laundry facility. they have complimentary wifi, which i appreciate with AT&T. signal is slim to none without it. overall, 5/5 stars from my family.
Carol C.ScoutOtter Creek Campground
Lovely tranquil campsites next to river
We stayed only one night in primitive tent site which was massive with a turnaround. It was great. There are fire pits and picnic tables and level ground. Very serene. We walked down to the river, breathtaking. Not sure of other amenities as we didn’t use them.
- JJohn S.Scout
Quakerwoods Campground
Great place. Friendliest people
The staff is the GREATEST. They are knowledgeable and helpful. The grounds are clean. The shower rooms are clean and large. Laundry room is perfect. They have pull-thrus, back ins and tent sites. Dog stations are placed throughout the park. The campers are also the friendliest. You can always tell the condition of the camp by the quality of the people staying there.. everyone was respectful, courteous and friendly. We stayed in July, 2026 and would DEFINITELY stay again next time we are thru PA.
Brian M.ScoutElk Neck State Park Campground
Good experience
Great campsite, plenty of space. It rained a lot and our campsite was a little muddy (not bad) but nearby campsites had large puddles
Matt S.
LegendFrench Creek State Park Campground
Quiet Park with a Tight Fit
We spent a weekend at French Creek State Park as our home base for the Chester County Balloon Festival. We stayed for 2 nights at a full-hookup paved site, which ran us $55.25 per night.
WHAT I LIKED:
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Peace& Quiet: The state park itself was lovely, serene, and felt nice and spacious.
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Prime Location: At just 30 minutes away from the balloon festival, this is the closest campground.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
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The"Leveling" Challenge: We were at site#C-241, which had a pretty significant slope. It took a few boards under the rear wheels and fully extended jacks just to get us anywhere near level.
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Tight Fit for Big Rigs: Even though there was plenty of open space behind our site, the actual driveway pad was too short to comfortably fit our motorhome and Jeep together. Compared to other state parks we’ve visited, the interior roads and layouts felt a bit on the tight side.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
- Probably. While the site geometry required a little extra setup muscle, it’s hard to beat the location if you're visiting the area or catching the balloon festival.
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Guide to Malvern
Camping spots near Malvern, Pennsylvania offer year-round options within a 20-mile radius of this Chester County community. Located at approximately 500 feet elevation in the Piedmont region, Malvern's campgrounds experience seasonal temperature variations with summer averages of 85°F and winter lows of 28°F. Spring and fall are typically the driest camping seasons, while summer thunderstorms can create muddy conditions at tent sites.
What to do
Creek exploration: 15 miles east at Evansburg State Park Campground, campers can access multiple water features. "Great place to creek hike, nice for horses, we did get a lot of ticks, but not deer ticks, thankfully," notes a visitor who enjoyed the extensive trail network that follows the water.
Disc golf: Available year-round with courses at multiple area campgrounds. At French Creek State Park Campground, the wooded course adds challenge. A camper mentioned: "There is also a frisbee golf course in the woods to make it even more interesting and competitive. The trees definitely make it harder!"
Seasonal birding: Fall migration season brings excellent hawk watching opportunities. A visitor to Fort Washington State Park reported seeing diverse species including "Dark-eyed Junco, Common Loon, Blue Heron, Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, Bald Eagles, Great Horned & Barn Owls, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-eyed Vireo, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Rusty Blackbird, Red-wings Blackbird."
What campers like
Large campsite spacing: French Creek State Park offers more privacy than many Philadelphia-area campgrounds. A 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."
Water access: Brandywine Creek at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA provides riverside camping with recreation options. "This was the first KOA we visited and I can't begin to say enough wonderful things about the whole campground. The sites, particularly those on the Brandywine River, have amazing views," a camper shared.
Group camping facilities: Perfect for organizations seeking collective outdoor experiences. Ridley Creek State Park specializes in group accommodations. A camper reported: "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 tone of trails to hike on."
What you should know
Campground seasonality varies significantly across the Malvern area. While some operate year-round, others close for winter. At Hibernia County Park, a reviewer clarified: "This campground is only open on the weekends, in season. Sites can be reserved online, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration."
Bathroom facilities differ dramatically between campgrounds. Some provide full facilities while others offer minimal services. A camper at Green Lane Park observed: "The only potable water was from a near-broken water fountain at the public rest rooms and no electrical connection to recharge electronics."
Site privacy levels vary widely depending on location and loop selection. Campers seeking seclusion should research specific sites. A reviewer at Hibernia County Park noted: "Most sites are heavily wooded which means plenty of hammock hanging opportunities. The sites are mostly grass, and not very well defined which means the distance between you and your neighbor can vary."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple options for keeping children entertained at campgrounds. An assessment of Lake-In-Wood Campground: "Huge pond for fishing, miniature golf, nice indoor and outdoor pool and a kiddie pool. Goats to pet and watch... Nice playground for the kids and a small arcade."
Kid-specific fishing areas: Hibernia County Park maintains a dedicated children's fishing pond. A parent reported: "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing. My kids are age 3-12. The lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails."
Family activity scheduling: Consider campgrounds with organized events for children. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA includes "pickleball, mini golf and a lovely pool" according to one visitor, while another mentioned: "They have activities like mini golf, pedal carts, jump pillow and a pool."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Consider maneuverability when booking specific sites. A motorhome owner at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA warned: "I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow for a 45' motorhome to back in on a nearly 90-degree angle. So difficult, that I cracked the bottom of my front cap catching the grass and gravel beside the grave road."
Hookup availability: Check specific loops for appropriate connections. A visitor to French Creek State Park explained: "Loop C is the only loop that allows pets. I expected it to be much noisier than it was. All of the dogs were well behaved."
Winter camping considerations: Limited options exist for cold-weather RV camping. A December camper at French Creek State Park shared: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent an RV in Malvern, Pennsylvania?
Can I rent an RV in Malvern, Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can rent an RV in the Malvern area, though you'll need to use rental services in nearby towns. Most rentals require advance booking, especially during peak season. After securing your rental, several locations offer convenient overnight parking options. Village Scene Park is located in suburban Philly and accommodates RVs. For budget-friendly overnight stays while traveling, Cracker Barrel — Ridley offers convenient access from I-95 near Philadelphia International Airport. Local RV rental companies typically provide orientation sessions and roadside assistance for first-time RV drivers.
What campgrounds are available near Malvern, PA?
What campgrounds are available near Malvern, PA?
The Malvern area offers several quality camping options. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA is located in the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills, providing easy access to downtown Philadelphia despite the narrow, windy roads. For nature enthusiasts, French Creek State Park Campground offers excellent facilities in a serene forest setting. Other nearby options include Hibernia County Park near Coatesville and Brandywine Creek Campground, both offering water access and reservable sites. Village Scene Park provides an unusual camping spot in the suburban Philadelphia area for those wanting proximity to urban amenities while still enjoying outdoor recreation.
What are the best seasons for camping around Malvern?
What are the best seasons for camping around Malvern?
Late spring through early fall offers the best camping conditions around Malvern, with May through October being ideal. Summer provides perfect weather for water activities, particularly at Pequea Creek Campground, which offers river tubing opportunities and beautiful, tree-filled spots. Fall is spectacular with vibrant foliage, especially at Blue Rocks Family Campground, which sits in woods and rolling hills near the Appalachian Trail. Spring brings wildflowers but can be rainy. Winter camping is possible at some year-round facilities, but many campgrounds close seasonally. Check specific campground websites for seasonal operation dates and weather-related closures before planning your trip.
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