French Creek State Park offers camping options within 15 miles of Coatesville, Pennsylvania in Chester County. The park contains 7,526 acres of protected land between urban centers with hiking and equestrian trails throughout its forested terrain. Sites have paved areas with varying levels of hookups. Several campgrounds near Coatesville accommodate tents, RVs, and some provide facilities for horse owners looking for outdoor recreation opportunities.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: French Creek State Park has extensive trails suitable for horseback riding through forested areas. According to Katie M., "There is lots of hiking, the lake is beautiful, at least two playgrounds (perfect for our kids), the bathrooms were well maintained." The park offers diverse terrain for riders of various skill levels.
Water activities: Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and canoeing at Lums Pond State Park Campground, located within driving distance of Coatesville. Ellen B. notes, "Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking." The park allows only electric motors on the pond, making it peaceful for paddlers.
Orienteering: French Creek hosts organized orienteering events that attract participants from across the country. One reviewer mentioned, "We have also attending an Orienteering event here which was nation wide and really exciting. People came from all over the country to attend which was really a great experience." The park's varied terrain makes it ideal for this navigational sport.
Frisbee golf: The wooded setting at French Creek adds challenge to the frisbee golf course. "There is also a frisbee golf course in the woods to make it even more interesting and competitive. The trees definitely make it harder!" This activity provides a different way to experience the park's natural environment.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Starlite Camping Resort, campers appreciate the spacious layout. Craig F. reports, "Overall the sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy. Too often private campgrounds attempt to squeeze as many sites as possible and end up with campers on top of their neighbors, but at Starlight, the sites felt very secluded."
Clean facilities: The bathhouse facilities at many campgrounds in the region receive positive reviews. At French Creek, Cheryl K. observed, "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 so you have to be very careful so as not to get your stuff wet during the shower."
Wooded campsites: Blackbird State Forest Campground provides secluded sites with natural surroundings. As Sarah M. describes, "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return! No running water- only port a potties but they were clean." The forest setting offers a true nature experience for those seeking equestrian camping near Coatesville.
What you should know
Limited hookups: At Hibernia County Park, Jennifer S. points out, "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank. There is one spigot at the bathroom." Plan accordingly if visiting with an RV.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Lums Pond, Ellen B. advises, "Book early because it fills up fast!" Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis while others require advance reservations.
Bathroom facilities vary: Facility quality differs significantly between campgrounds. At French Creek, Jen R. found "Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes." However, Hibernia Park offers more rustic options with "only pit toilets in Fiddler's loop, however there is a bathroom with running water, flush toilets and electric outlets (no shower) within walking distance."
Site terrain challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain that can affect setup. Jennifer S. notes about Hibernia, "They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix." This is particularly important for horse owners looking for level sites to set up temporary corrals.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area offers group camping facilities with nearby recreation options. At similar facilities like French Creek, Katie M. shares, "There is lots of hiking, the lake is beautiful, at least two playgrounds (perfect for our kids), the bathrooms were well maintained."
Fishing opportunities: Anna at Hibernia County Park recommends, "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing." This provides a dedicated area for younger anglers to practice their skills with higher chances of success.
Swimming options: During summer months, check which parks offer swimming facilities. One camper at French Creek mentioned, "There is a pool and another playground near the park office," though they noted that "the pool was closed" during their October visit.
Hiking with kids: Many parks offer shorter trail options suitable for families. Katie M. shares about French Creek, "We loved our stay at this park, and plan to return. We tented in loop D... There is lots of hiking, the lake is beautiful, at least two playgrounds (perfect for our kids)."
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: At French Creek, Cheryl K. advises, "We were in the D loop which is rustic with no hookups. Quiet, very few people mid-week. Spacious sites." Knowing which loops accommodate larger rigs helps with planning.
Level parking areas: Most campgrounds near Coatesville offer at least some sites suitable for RVs. Jen R. notes about French Creek State Park, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other."
Electric service information: For campers requiring hookups, check amperage availability. At Starlite Camping Resort, Timothy T. mentions the campground is "clean and spacious sites" and they offer water and electric hookups, with some full hookup sites available.
Water access for RVs: At Hibernia County Park, Jennifer S. cautions, "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank. There is one spigot at the bathroom." This practical information helps RV owners plan water usage during their stay.
