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."
