Best Campgrounds near Media, PA

The area surrounding Media, Pennsylvania provides a range of established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, from state parks to private facilities. Ridley Creek State Park, located in Media itself, offers group camping with tent sites and hiking trails. Several KOA campgrounds serve the region, including Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA in nearby New Jersey and Philadelphia West-Chester KOA, both providing tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Tinicum Island, accessible only by boat, offers a more remote camping experience for those seeking solitude near water.

Reservations are essential at most developed campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends when facilities fill quickly. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, including French Creek State Park and the KOAs, though services may be limited in winter. "I love camping at Ridley creek. Very peaceful," noted one visitor about the group camping facilities. Road access varies across the region, with most established campgrounds offering paved entrance roads suitable for all vehicles. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area given the proximity to Philadelphia, though coverage may be spotty in more remote locations like Tinicum Island. Parking can be limited at some of the smaller facilities, so arriving early is recommended.

Campers consistently praise the hiking opportunities available at Ridley Creek State Park, with trails rated highly for their scenic value and accessibility. A reviewer highlighted that the park has "well marked trails great for hiking. Pet friendly! We love walking here with our dog." The Philadelphia-area KOAs receive positive feedback for their amenities, particularly the clean facilities and family-friendly atmospheres. Visitors appreciate the convenient location of these campgrounds for exploring Philadelphia, with some sites offering easy access to public transportation. Several reviews mention the unexpected natural settings despite proximity to urban areas. Water activities are available at locations like Lums Pond State Park, which offers boating access and is known for its yurt accommodations as an alternative to traditional camping.

Best Camping Sites Near Media, Pennsylvania (117)

    1. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 423-6677

    "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"

    2. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    10 Reviews
    Gradyville, PA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 892-3900

    $57 / night

    "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"

    3. French Creek State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $20 - $75 / night

    "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."

    4. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA

    17 Reviews
    Downingtown, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 486-0447

    $59 - $86 / night

    "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."

    6. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 368-6989

    $22 - $40 / night

    "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."

    7. Fort Washington State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ambler, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 591-5250

    $28 - $72 / night

    "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"

    8. Evansburg State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Skippack, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 409-1150

    $43 / night

    "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”."

    9. Old Cedar Campground

    11 Reviews
    Monroeville, NJ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 358-4881

    $31 - $50 / night

    "This row of sites lacked the trees for shade and privacy found at most other sites around the campground.  The pool was nice and clean."

    "Not close off the highway, but wooden sites. Seems as though people spend their summers there. Pool was beautiful and looked new. Mini golf was decrepit and looked abandoned. Store was nice."

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Recent Reviews near Media, PA

846 Reviews of 117 Media Campgrounds


  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Country Acres Campground

    Nice park

    This was a great campground. Very convenient for local sites, food, and shopping. Super clean, a large pool, and all well maintained.

  • M
    Oct. 6, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Hard with a large group

    Harder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Dog owners read!

    There’s four loops. All connected A through D. We just needed a place to park and sleep so I got D011. Got there at 11pm and the D loop says no pets allowed. Not sure why when they are at every other loop but we had no where else to go and the area is pretty far off from anywhere else so the ol lab stayed in the camper. The bathrooms are tile and really nice with showers. And it was really quiet and chilly so a nice fall camp site. Just know ahead of time if you’re a dog owner!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Village Scene Park

    Tucked-Away Community Vibe

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated insights, additional photos and a quick breakdown of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet; (2) Full-hookup RV sites with 30 / 50 amp, water, and sewer; (3) Affordable rates compared to other campgrounds in the region; (4) Smaller, tight-knit atmosphere with friendly long-term residents; (5) Pet-friendly, with walking areas and green space; and (6) Nearby restaurants include Franconi’s Pizzeria for classic pies and cheesesteaks and Appalachian Brewing Company with pub fare and house-brewed beers. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Sites are narrow and can feel cramped, so don’t expect big pull-throughs; (2) Limited amenities with no pool, clubhouse, or playground; (3) Grounds feel more like a residential mobile home park than a campground; (4) Some infrastructure is dated and could use upgrades; and (5) Not much in the way of natural scenery because, um, this is urban camping. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Fort Washington State Park Campground

    Where George Washington Would've Ditched His Tent PPE

    I’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 500 acres of lush forest that is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike; (2) Potable water and non-flush restrooms available year-round, because even Revolutionary War re-enactors need coffee breaks; (3) Over 3.5 miles of trails leading to Hawk Watch observation decks, which birders will marvel at and the rest of us will simply appreciate the vista; (4) Group tenting area that fits 20 to 100 people that is ideal for clans, clubs or covert woodland think tanks; and (5) Convenient to Philly (25 min), great for escaping crowds while still being able to Uber for donuts.

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No RV or tent-by-the-river solo camping: group-only policy means solo adventurers need to carpool or carry heavy guilt; (2) Bathrooms are primitive and non-flush, so BYOTP as it’s campground chic here, not hotel lobby convenient; (3) Carry-in / carry-out trash policy means becoming one with your garbage until civilization or squirrels show up; (4) Cell service is ‘iffy’ at best, depending on how hard the woods are trying to keep you offline; and (5) No campfire tales about campers as noise is limited and so are late-night s'mores sessions.

    Happy Camping!

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Batona — Wharton State Forest

    Good spot to sleep

    The camp road was kinda hard to get around direction wise you couldn’t tell what was a road and what was a campsite. It was Saturday night and only two other campers but one was a huge group but thankfully not too loud. Two pit toilets that was pretty bad shape but we are used to disperse camping without toilets so we didn’t complain.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Great place to stay!

    This Campground is in the town of Lancaster, close to everything. A little complicated getting in, you need to turn in at the Cartoon Network Hotel driveway. Nice showers & friendly staff. Our site was asphalt, that was a treat, tho not all of them were...

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Alverthorpe Private Park

    Urban Camping Bliss

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked just outside Philly that is serene enough to reset your social media–addled brain; (2) Flat, open terrain scattered with tall shade trees makes pitching your tent feel practically pastoral; (3) Surprisingly solid cell signal (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T all wave hello), which is rare in inner-density camping and handy for emergency pizza delivery orders; (4) Short walk to a quaint lake and four-sided chimney for marshmallow toasting that offers low-key charm with built-in ambiance; and (5) Tons of shade completely shroud the entire campground area, so no need to bring those pesky shelters for added coverage. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No restroom drama on the way in, but once you’re past the control building, basic camping reality bites; (2) Ancient shelter and group pavilion are charming in a ‘needs new plumbing’ sort of way; (3) Reaching the camping area involves navigating uneven steps as you won’t be able to drive to your actual campsite, which is great for adventure, but bad for sprained ankles; (4) Feels like a weekend-only myth where the park closes on holidays and deals in ‘control building hours’; and (5) This place is known to be full of litter and in dire need of some ground maintenance, so you might just want to bring an extra garbage bag and a rake to help out.

    Happy Camping!


Guide to Media

Camping near Media, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at French Creek State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun," highlighting the great outdoor activities available.
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At Elk Neck State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A reviewer shared, "The lake has fishing & boat rentals," making it a perfect spot for water activities.
  • Playgrounds and Family Activities: Families will appreciate the amenities at Blue Rocks Family Campground. One camper noted, "The playground was great. Lots of activities," making it a hit for kids.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers at Lums Pond State Park Campground rave about the cleanliness. A reviewer stated, "Great bath houses, always super clean," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Lake-In-Wood Campground. One visitor said, "The sites appeared to all be a very good size," making it comfortable for families and groups.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate the helpful staff at Turkey Swamp Park. A reviewer mentioned, "The ranger were really nice," which adds to the welcoming atmosphere.

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Allowed: If you’re planning to visit Elk Neck State Park Campground, keep in mind that alcohol is not permitted. A camper pointed out, "NO alcohol allowed," so plan accordingly.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Round Valley State Park Campground, have fewer amenities. A visitor noted, "There are no showers, no toilets," which might be a dealbreaker for some.
  • Crowded on Weekends: Expect busy weekends at Susquehanna State Park Campground. One camper said, "That was a big mistake, as mid day Friday cars came rolling in," indicating it can get quite crowded.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Blue Rocks Family Campground that offer playgrounds and activities. A parent mentioned, "The ice cream parlor was a bonus," which is always a hit with kids.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family enjoyed the "hiking trails near by" at Lake-In-Wood Campground, which kept everyone entertained.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks handy is essential. A camper at Lums Pond State Park Campground mentioned, "We tried to rent kayaks but there were no doubles available," so being prepared can help avoid disappointment.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers should pay attention to site sizes. A visitor at Turkey Swamp Park noted, "The sites are all pullthrough," which is great for larger vehicles.
  • Be Prepared for Muddy Conditions: Some campgrounds, like Wharton State Forest - Atsion Recreation Area, can get muddy. A reviewer mentioned, "The roads are soft sand and can get rough after a rain storm," so plan accordingly.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: It’s wise to have extra supplies on hand. A camper at Susquehanna State Park Campground said, "The trails were overgrown," indicating that some areas might need a little more attention.

Camping near Media, Pennsylvania, has a lot to offer, whether you're looking for family fun, outdoor adventures, or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities does the Media Camping Center offer?

The Media area offers various camping facilities with different amenities. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA is a well-appointed campground located in the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills. It provides easy access to downtown Philadelphia while offering typical KOA amenities in a scenic setting. For those looking for overnight parking options, Cracker Barrel — Ridley provides a convenient stopover location near I-95 and Philadelphia International Airport. While not a traditional camping center, it offers a place for RVers to park overnight while traveling through the area.

Are there resort accommodations available in Media, PA for campers?

While Media doesn't have luxury camping resorts directly in town, there are upscale options nearby. Alverthorpe Private Park is a hidden gem tucked into a forested area just outside Philadelphia, offering a more exclusive camping experience in a leafy suburban setting. For those seeking true resort-style accommodations, Walmart — Eddystone Store offers overnight parking just off I-95, though it lacks resort amenities. For glamping options, consider Philly Love Boats at Pier 5 Marina which offers urban glamping experiences within reach of Media, providing a unique alternative to traditional camping accommodations.

What campgrounds are available near Media, PA?

The Media area offers several camping options within a short drive. Village Scene Park is located in the heart of suburban Philly, offering a convenient RV park setting. For nature lovers, French Creek State Park Campground provides car camping spots, hiking trails, and a lake - perfect for those seeking a nature retreat not far from the city. Other nearby options include Group Camp at Ridley Creek State Park and Fort Washington State Park Campground. For those willing to drive a bit further, Atsion Family Camp in Wharton State Forest offers spacious sites with water views, approximately an hour away.