Dispersed camping near North Wales, Pennsylvania remains limited, with most options found within established campgrounds in the surrounding counties. The area sits at elevations between 300-500 feet in the gently rolling hills of Montgomery County, where summer camping temperatures typically range from 65-85°F. Tent sites generally require reservations 2-3 months in advance during peak summer season, with availability becoming slightly easier during spring and fall shoulder seasons.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Boulder Woods Campground offers an extensive disc golf course popular with enthusiasts. "We fell in love with disc golf. They also have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs," notes Erik W. The course attracts tournaments and regular players who come specifically for this activity.
Hiking with water views: At French Creek State Park Campground, trails connect to two lakes offering diverse outdoor experiences. "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish at, kayak, canoe or just relax by," writes Jen R. The park's extensive trail system provides options for all hiking abilities.
Bird watching excursions: The observation deck at Fort Washington State Park Campground offers prime viewing of seasonal migrations. "Should you call yourself a bird watcher, you'll be particularly interested as from this very spot you can view the beautiful raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn," reports Stuart K., noting specific species like "Dark-eyed Junco, Common Loon, Blue Heron, Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, Bald Eagles."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites at French Creek. "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," explains Jen R. in her review.
Year-round camping options: Unlike many seasonal facilities, some campgrounds remain open throughout winter. "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," reports Galit P. about her winter stay at French Creek.
Lakeside amenities: Nockamixon State Park Cabins provides water recreation alongside comfortable accommodations. "The cabins are full electric with heat and are well appointed. It was an excellent fall trip location for a family with young children," writes John S., who found the cabins perfect for cooler weather camping.
What you should know
Site surfaces vary significantly: Many campgrounds feature different terrain depending on loop and site number. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," notes Jen R. about French Creek, while Leah C. cautions about Tohickon Campground: "The rain made the dirt in the tent campground turn to pure mud and the picnic table was unusable."
Bathroom facilities quality fluctuates: Facility maintenance varies widely between campgrounds near North Wales. "Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes," reports Jen R. about French Creek, while at Boulder Woods Campground, Keith K. found "Bath house was relatively close and clean."
Weather impacts: Spring rain can create challenging conditions at some campsites near North Wales. "Don't come if your in a tent And It Has Been or will rain, It Becomes Flooded or turns into A mudPit," warns LU D. about Tohickon Campground, highlighting the importance of checking weather forecasts when tent camping in this region.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Evansburg State Park Campground offers family-friendly exploration opportunities. "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'," shares Andrew C., who found the park perfect for children despite sometimes muddy conditions.
Cabin options for easier family trips: Several parks offer cabins as alternatives to tent camping. "I am very happy with the fact that there are also two Yurts and one cabin available for rental as well," notes Jen R. about French Creek, providing options for families not ready for tent camping.
Multiple swimming options: Pools and lakes provide swimming variety during summer months. "There is a huge lake where you can rent canoes and kayaks. A huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake," describes Jen R. about French Creek, giving families options between natural and chlorinated swimming.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions and leveling: RV campers should research specific site dimensions before booking. "If you have a large camper or 5th wheel you may need to double check what sites can accommodate your RV to ensure you have enough room," advises Jen R. about French Creek, noting that many sites have "a flat paved area for your camper."
Hookup variations: Village Scene Park offers full hookups within a unique setting. "VSP is a hodge-podge of different living accommodations... Is this a 55+ retirement community? Yes, kind of. Trailer home park? Well, sort of. Is this a place where you can roll up for one night and anchor your RV? Yep, it still is," explains Stuart K., highlighting its "30/50 electrical amp on all sites, private mailboxes, public water and sewer hook-ups."
Seasonal accessibility: Many RV parks near North Wales operate on limited schedules. "Prices were standard at $46/night; $274/week and $595/month – not great, but not too terribly bad considering you are so near a major metro," notes Stuart K. about Village Scene Park, which operates year-round unlike many seasonal campgrounds in the region.
