French Creek State Park Campground occupies 7,526 acres in the rolling hills of southeastern Pennsylvania, approximately 15 miles southeast of Reading. The park features two lakes, Hopewell and Scotts Run, offering year-round fishing opportunities for species including northern pike, bass, and walleye. Winter temperatures in this region typically range from 20-40°F, while summer months see temperatures between 70-90°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: French Creek State Park provides year-round fishing at both Hopewell and Scotts Run Lakes. According to a camper, "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."
Frisbee golf course: Try the challenging frisbee golf course at French Creek State Park Campground. "There is also a frisbee golf course in the woods to make it even more interesting and competitive. The trees definitely make it harder!" notes a reviewer.
Orienteering events: French Creek hosts regional and national orienteering competitions. One visitor shared, "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."
Canoe and paddleboat rentals: Take to the water at Thousand Trails Circle M, where river activities are a highlight. "The campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river, bring tubes and kayaks! We didn't know but went and bought a tube and spent the day on the river!" mentions a reviewer.
What campers like
Spacious, well-designed sites: French Creek State Park offers thoughtfully arranged camping areas. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," shares one camper. Another notes, "There are three separate loops to camp at, Loop C is the only loop that allows pets, plus an area for large group camping which can accommodate anywhere from 30 to 60 people."
Cultural immersion: Lancaster-New Holland KOA provides authentic cultural experiences. One visitor states, "Great spot to write. Super quiet," while another mentions, "Daily views of fields, farmers plowing with horses or the buggys going by was great."
Clean facilities: Country Acres Campground maintains exceptional standards. A camper reports, "This campground is probably the most well maintained campground we have ever stayed at. The grounds are beautiful, facilities above and beyond the expected." Another adds, "Bath house was immaculate."
Primitive camping options: For those seeking a more rustic experience near Narvon, Hibernia County Park offers basic sites at affordable prices. "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too."
What you should know
Pet policies vary widely: Only specific loops at some campgrounds allow pets. At French Creek State Park, "Loop C is the only loop that allows pets," while at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, pets aren't allowed at all.
Winter camping options are limited: While French Creek offers year-round camping, a visitor notes, "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, make sure you have cash on you."
Primitive sites have limited facilities: At Hibernia County Park, "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.'"
Farm smells can affect experience: At Old Mill Stream Campground, a reviewer warns, "The overwhelming impression of this campground was the smell of cow manure from the nearby dairy farm feedlot. The smell was not present the first day or so we were there and we enjoyed sitting outside in the afternoon, but when the wind shifted the horrid smell drove us inside."
Tips for camping with families
Multi-generational activities: Dutch Cousin Campground offers relaxed activities for all ages. "Easy access and a great central location to TONS of antique shops. Very clean and very friendly," says one visitor. Another notes, "Very helpful for finding a safe place to stay."
Playground options: Jellystone Park™ Quarryville provides extensive child-friendly amenities. "The water park is super fun for adults and kids. The entire campground is clean and very well maintained," reports one family. Another visitor adds, "Fun fun and more fun loads of activities for the kids! Breakfast with Yogi!"
Free area attractions: Many local parks have complementary features. At Hibernia County Park, visitors enjoy "a huge playground" and a reviewer notes, "Great children's pond for 12 and under."
Pack for water activities: When glamping near Narvon, Pennsylvania, water activities are popular at multiple parks. One visitor to Thousand Trails Circle M suggests, "The campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river, bring tubes and kayaks!" while another advises, "Bug spray is a must and lower sites are muddy."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, one RVer recommends, "If you can manage without full hookups, choose the spots down by the creek. The views are the best in the place. Just a little muddy. Otherwise the upper spots are pretty close to each other and in direct sun."
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require preparation for uneven terrain. At French Creek, a camper notes, "They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix," while another at Lancaster-New Holland KOA appreciates that "sites are nice and level."
Water access planning: When camping in the Narvon area with limited hookups, plan accordingly. A visitor to Hibernia County Park advises, "If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank. There is one spigot at the 'bathroom.'"
Site size considerations: Country Acres Campground offers well-designed RV spaces. "Pull-Thru site will all hookups in good working order. Site felt spacious with a nice grass strip," writes a first-time RVer, who also notes it's "Newbie Friendly."
