K
Karen G.
Scout
ScoutElk Neck State Park Campground
Clean bathrooms and hot showers, great hiking and beautiful sites.
Camping near Malvern, PA
5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Search destinations
Add dates
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 (126)
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."
5 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $90 / night
2. 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"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $57 / night
3. 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."
Check Availabilityfrom $59 - $86 / night
4. 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"
5. 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”."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $43 / night
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."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $50 / night
7. 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"
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $28 - $72 / night
8. 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"
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $60 / night
10. 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."
1 Site AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $27 - $45 / night
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 126 Malvern Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Evansburg State Park Campground
Philadelphia-West Chester KOAR
Brandywine Creek Campground
Hibernia County ParkJ
Tranquil Creekside Camp
French Creek State Park Campground
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOAM
Boulder Woods Campground
Lake In Wood Resort
Lake-In-Wood Campground
Spring Gulch Resort Campground
Recent Reviews near Malvern, PA
967 Reviews of 126 Malvern Campgrounds
- s
sorcha A.
TravelerShady Oak Campground
Easy access to Lancaster and Pennsylvania Dutch areas. Friendly, welcoming staff and plenty of colorful trees in the autumn. The only RV park in the area that is open year round.
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Lowe's - W Windsor
Upscale Parking Paradise at This Home Fixer-Upper
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
Peggy C.TravelerCountry Acres Campground
Lovely campground!
Country Acres is a lovely, well maintained campground. Sites are level and bath house facilities clean and modern. Friendly staff in the office. Dog friendly. Local to all the Lancaster attractions. A complimentary farmland tour is offered by bus and it was great. They take you out into an area of Amish farms and shops and make a stop at 2 of these. The fresh Amish pretzels are amazing!
- LLynn C.Scout
Old Mill Stream Campground
Never Again
The advertisements for Olde Mill Campground were disingenuous. The campsite was 20 yards from a roller coaster. The NOISE of the roller coaster and children on it screaming was as relentless and unnerving as any train we have ever slept near. There was no quiet until almost midnight. The “pull-through” site left my truck almost in the road and our 25’ Airstream slightly over the road on the backside. The site was not level. The sites were close enough to hear a neighbor’s snoring.
- bbob J.
GuideAtsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Pine Barrens New Jersey
This campground is part of the Wharton State Forest and has several campgrounds in the area. Great wooded sites right on a lake. Pretty good separation between sites with good tree separation between sites. Some road noise not overly affecting site.
Adam and Suzanne B.GuideBeacon Hill Camping
Great location
We stayed here to go to the Hershey RV show—about 55 min drive. Right in the center of Amish country. Campground is adults only. It was very clean. The bathrooms were very clean with great water pressure. The roads are tight for getting into sites. Site 5 was not level side to side. We met great people there.
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
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.
Keep Exploring