Camping near Oaks, Pennsylvania offers year-round opportunities in the rolling hills of Chester County, where elevations range from 200 to 450 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s°F and winter lows around 30°F. Most campgrounds in this area sit within mixed hardwood forests dominated by oak, maple, and hickory trees, creating varied terrain for both tent and yurt camping.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: French Creek State Park provides two fishing spots—Hopewell Lake and Scotts Run Lake—stocked with various warm-water species. A camper noted, "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish."
Disc golf tournaments: Boulder Woods Campground has a championship disc golf course that attracts serious players. One visitor shared, "They do allow golf carts we saw gas and powered. Nice and quite. We had a great time and it's on our list as a successful tent camping location for us."
Hiking varied terrain: Hibernia County Park offers multiple trail options for various skill levels. A visitor mentioned, "Walking/hiking trails and the lake were super peaceful," while another added, "There are a half dozen, easy trails, the longest is around 2 miles."
Horseback riding trails: Evansburg State Park offers equestrian-friendly paths through wooded areas. One reviewer stated, "Great park to do everything outdoorsy including, hiking, horseback riding, hunting and fishing."
What campers like
Clean, accessible facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and amenities. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, a visitor noted, "Clean and level gravel site with well-maintained utility hook-ups. Close to Longwood Gardens; Wilmington, Delaware; and a handful of local museums and gardens."
Spacious, private sites: At French Creek State Park, the layout allows for personal space. A camper stated, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other."
Seasonal variety: The region offers different experiences throughout the year. A winter visitor to French Creek observed, "Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby. The honor system of payment at the office makes it really easy to come in late and leave early."
Water activities beyond swimming: Lakes and streams provide recreation options. At Lake-In-Wood Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Huge pond for fishing, miniature gold, nice indoor and outdoor pool and a kiddie pool. Goats to pet and watch."
What you should know
Variable site conditions: Terrain can impact your camping experience. At Tohickon Family Campground, one camper warned, "Don't come if your in a tent And It Has Been or will rain, It Becomes Flooded or turns into A mudPit."
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for special events. At Hibernia County Park, "Hibernia annually hosts the (super fun!) 'Old Fiddlers Picnic' the second weekend in August. This is the only weekend that you are REQUIRED to call in to reserve."
Limited hookups: Some parks offer minimal amenities. A camper at Hibernia noted, "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."
Noise considerations: Proximity to highways affects some sites. At Boulder Woods, a visitor mentioned, "A little loud at times with the turnpike right there."
Tips for camping with families
Look for specialized play areas: Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park offers dedicated recreation spaces. A visitor mentioned, "Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails."
Consider fishing opportunities: Children's fishing areas are available at some parks. At Hibernia, a parent noted, "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," while another shared, "My kids are age 3-12...The lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails."
Check unique accommodations: Yurt camping near Oaks, Pennsylvania offers weatherproof options for families new to camping. At Lake-In-Wood, "There are a lot of really neat and different rentals here like a tree house, double decker bus, among others."
Verify bathroom proximity: For families with young children, bathroom access matters. A parent at Hibernia mentioned, "Porta potties are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp."
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Large rigs may struggle at some campgrounds. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, an RV owner warned, "I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow for a 45' motorhome to back on a nearly 90-degree angle."
RV size restrictions: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA accommodates larger vehicles but with limitations. A visitor noted, "The entire park itself is fairly small as well. The staff is excellent, very friendly and helpful."
Dump station availability: Plan ahead for waste disposal. At Hibernia, "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee."
Site leveling needs: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. A camper at Hibernia observed, "They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix," while another at Quakerwoods noted, "The camp sites are very close together. Too Expensive for the small site you have."
