Cabin Camping near Malvern, PA

French Creek State Park offers cabin accommodations in Elverson, Pennsylvania, 30 minutes from Malvern. The park spans 7,526 acres across Chester and Berks Counties with elevations ranging from 300 to 520 feet. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this region, with summer highs typically reaching 85-90°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing.

What to Do

Hiking options: At French Creek State Park Campground, numerous trails accommodate various skill levels. "We loved our stay at this park, and plan to return. There is lots of hiking, the lake is beautiful, at least two playgrounds (perfect for our kids), the bathrooms were well maintained," one visitor shared.

Disc golf course: Boulder Woods Campground maintains a complete disc golf course for visitors. "This course is huge and brings in groups who play for the day. They sell disc golf things in the store as well," according to a camper. The wooded course offers added challenge compared to open field layouts.

Fishing opportunities: Scott's Run Lake and Hopewell Lake at French Creek contain multiple fish species. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish. Ice fishing is also allowed at both lakes and the ice thickness is monitored," notes one reviewer.

What Campers Like

Private, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites. "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors," one French Creek visitor mentioned.

River views: Waterfront locations are highly rated by guests at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA. "The sites, particularly those on the Brandywine River, have amazing views. They are close enough for you to camp with a group, but most also have a small fence between each site to clearly delineate between the sites," according to a camper.

Clean facilities: Bathhouse maintenance receives consistent praise. At Lancaster-New Holland KOA, "The campground is very clean, nice spots with gravel and nice views. The bathhouse was clean and only 1 bout of cold water why showering but a quick on and off of the water did the trick," a reviewer stated.

What You Should Know

Weather preparation: Cabins have varying heating and cooling capabilities. At French Creek, sites are paved but may need leveling adjustments. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," according to one review.

Bathhouse conditions: Facilities vary significantly between parks. A reviewer at Evansburg State Park Campground noted: "The restroom facilities were clean. There were plenty of maps and brochures available at the different parking areas. It was a great place to walk with your dog and enjoy the Pennsylvania outdoors."

Site selection tips: Research specific site dimensions when booking, especially for RVs. "Our site was a level full hook up. The road on the FHU loop is narrow and hilly. Our site was uphill and at a difficult angle. Plenty of bigger TTs and 5th wheels were camping," shared a reviewer at Elk Neck State Park.

Tips for Camping with Families

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "The camp playground was brand new when we arrived and they had just broken ground. There are two different playground in the same area to accommodate kids of all ages. They also have pickleball, mini golf and a lovely pool," reported a visitor to Philadelphia-West Chester KOA.

Water activities: Lakes and swimming options keep children entertained. "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," mentioned one family at French Creek.

Family entertainment: Spring Gulch Resort Campground offers organized activities. "They had a live band one evening. Activities though the day were fun. Clean bath houses and staff was friendly," according to one family's experience.

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility: Large rigs require careful navigation at some parks. "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," warned one RVer at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA.

Hookup availability: Full-service sites book quickly during peak season. At Elk Neck State Park Campground, "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water. Nice clean bathhouses."

Seasonal considerations: Operating dates vary by location. "We spent the Memorial Day weekend at Philadelphia/West Chester KOA Holiday in Coatesville, PA and had a good time. We paid $135/night for Back-in Patio Site #25. A bit pricey considering the lack of elbow room, but it's a great site and everything is well-kept."