French Creek State Park Campground, located approximately 15 miles southeast of Reading, offers tent and RV camping options near Mertztown, Pennsylvania. The 7,526-acre park spans across Chester and Berks counties, providing a convenient base for exploring the region's natural beauty. At an elevation ranging from 500-800 feet, the park experiences moderate temperatures with summer averages in the mid-80s and winter lows around 20°F.
What to do
Disc golf course access: At Boulder Woods Campground, the 18-hole disc golf course attracts many enthusiasts. "This course is huge and brings in groups who play for the day. They sell disc golf things in the store as well," notes Karralee B., who enjoyed the convenient layout of the course adjacent to camping areas.
Fishing in multiple lakes: French Creek State Park Campground features two lakes stocked with diverse fish species. "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish at, kayak, canoe or just relax by," writes Dan X. The lakes contain "northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish."
Hiking opportunities: Deep Creek Campground offers multiple marked trails for day hikes. "Green Lane Park is a lovely park with several well marked trails for hiking," mentions Katrina Z. In addition to designated trails, many campers appreciate the ability to access trails directly from campsites.
What campers like
Natural rock features: Blue Rocks Family Campground offers a unique geological attraction with its boulder field. "Our children loved to climb all over the rocks, that is where they spent most of the time," says Terri S. The campground also provides "access to a lot of amenities, all the while keeping a 'primative' feel," according to Amy C.
Creek-side sites: Several campgrounds offer water-adjacent camping spots. Matt R. from Allentown KOA shares, "Our spot backed up right to a creek and it was beautiful. It's very secluded, no highway noise." Similarly, at Tohickon Family Campground, Harry L. mentions the "beautiful rustic setting" with "a large stream with fishing."
Spacious, level sites: At Pine Hill RV Park, campers appreciate the well-maintained areas. "The campsites are nice, the park is clean, and convenient to I-78. Roads and campsites are gravel and very easy for RVs of any size to navigate," notes Nancy W. The park's rural setting "surrounded by fields and pastures makes for a peaceful setting."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Rain can significantly impact tent camping experiences. At Tohickon Family Campground, LU D. warns, "Don't come if you're in a tent And It Has Been or will rain, It Becomes Flooded or turns into A mudPit." Similarly, Leah C. mentions that "rain made the dirt in the tent campground turn to pure mud."
Bathroom quality varies: Facility cleanliness differs between campgrounds. Cheryl K. at French Creek State Park notes, "Bathrooms were just okay. Muddy floors - don't know how often floors are cleaned. Showers were odd - one large stall but no separate dressing area."
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer more seclusion than others. Jen from Deep Creek Campground cautions, "The sites are large but there is NO privacy. The sites are lined up next to each other along the campground driveway and there are absolutely no trees or shrubs between them."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Robin Hill Campground offers multiple recreation options for children. "There is a pool, playground, arcade, fishing pond, glacier rock field to explore and hiking trials. Not to mention a great place for bike riding as well," explains Jen R., noting the variety of activities available.
Kid-friendly water features: Allentown KOA provides swimming options that appeal to families. Kelly J. says, "Loved being right next to the stream... Bathrooms very clean and stocked with stuff you might need." Becky M. adds that it "has many kid friendly amenities as well as being very relaxing."
Family-oriented activities: Boulder Woods Campground organizes regular events for younger campers. "This is a great campground. Bill and Kate are friendly and helpful. They have so much to do for kids!!" Shannon C. enthuses about the structured activities that keep children entertained throughout their stay.
Tips for RVers
Site accessibility: For those with larger rigs, site access can be challenging at some locations. At Boulder Woods Campground, Erik W. advises, "The spots are tight to get into but the staff will offer to park your camper using your vehicle. I let them park mine and I'm really glad I did. It was super tight."
Hookup considerations: When choosing pet friendly camping near Mertztown, Pennsylvania, electrical options vary by campground. At Rolling Hills Retreats, primitive camping means no electrical hookups, which may affect pet owners needing climate control. Meanwhile, French Creek State Park offers limited electric sites, with Katie M. noting, "Loop C provides the only dog-friendly electric sites in the park."
Seasonal site restrictions: Age limitations exist for long-term stays at some facilities. Caryn I. shares her experience at Boulder Woods: "They only allow seasonal campers to be 10 years old or newer. Ours is 13. Very disappointed. But for a weekend away, it's a great place."
Scout
