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Best Campgrounds near Garnet Valley, PA

889 Reviews

Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania sits within a diverse camping landscape that spans three states, with options ranging from full-service KOA campgrounds to primitive sites in state forests. Within a 45-minute drive, campers can access Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA in New Jersey and Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, both offering amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and full hookups for RVs. Ridley Creek State Park provides group camping facilities closer to town, while more natural settings can be found at French Creek State Park, which features 200 campsites across four loops with varying levels of amenities. For those seeking water-based recreation, Lums Pond State Park in Delaware offers spacious sites near a pond suitable for kayaking and fishing.

Reservations are essential during peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day, particularly for waterfront sites and those with full hookups. Many campgrounds in the region experience significant seasonal variations in availability and amenities, with some facilities closing entirely during winter months. As one camper noted about Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, "The campground is located in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills which meant the roads getting there are narrow and windy." Road conditions can be challenging after heavy rains, with occasional flooding reported at lower elevation sites. Cell service varies considerably, with stronger coverage at KOAs and campgrounds closer to Philadelphia, while more remote locations may have limited connectivity.

Water access represents a significant draw for many campsites in the region. At Wharton State Forest's Atsion Family Campground, visitors highlight the lakeside sites: "I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake. While camping at Atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center." Site selection proves crucial for privacy and comfort, with many reviewers noting significant differences between loops and individual sites. French Creek State Park receives mixed reviews regarding site spacing, with some loops described as "tightly spaced" while others offer more separation between campers. The proximity to Philadelphia makes these campgrounds popular with urban residents seeking weekend escapes, with one reviewer describing French Creek as "the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes."

Map showing campgrounds near Garnet Valley, PennsylvaniaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania (123)

    1. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 423-6677

    "They also have a catch and release pond and we found a pickleball court at a nearby city park."

    "In addition to the peaceful vibe, the people are friendly, the little office store has everything you forgot to pack, and if you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods"

    2. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    10 Reviews
    Gradyville, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 892-3900

    $57 / night

    "well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."

    "We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back"

    3. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 368-6989

    $22 - $40 / night

    "Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."

    "The camp loop is a nice walk but there are also trails. They were pretty muddy when we were there. Site 35 was quite spacious as were many of them."

    4. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA

    17 Reviews
    Downingtown, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 486-0447

    $59 - $86 / night

    "The campground is located in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills which meant the roads getting there are narrow and windy."

    "Everything was within close walking distance and the staff were extremely helpful. Pool and bathrooms were very clean."

    5. French Creek State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $20 - $75 / night

    "We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"

    "Campground Review: French Creek State Park Campground is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."

    6. Old Cedar Campground

    11 Reviews
    Monroeville, NJ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 358-4881

    $31 - $50 / night

    "This row of sites lacked the trees for shade and privacy found at most other sites around the campground.  The pool was nice and clean."

    "Not close off the highway, but wooden sites. Seems as though people spend their summers there. Pool was beautiful and looked new. Mini golf was decrepit and looked abandoned. Store was nice."

    7. Tinicum Island

    1 Review
    Essington, PA
    9 miles
    Website

    8. Four Seasons Family Campground

    8 Reviews
    Pilesgrove, NJ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 769-3635

    $50 - $150 / night

    "They have many amenities form a lake to swim or fish, to playgrounds,theres a convenient store and even an arcade, and the best part is all the farms around."

    9. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 287-5333

    $21 - $55 / night

    "I didn't notice it when I was in my tent, but I did as I was walking around.
    The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints. "

    "Surrounding area
    There are lots of tails for hiking in walking distance and also a playground for kids."

    10. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer

    10 Reviews
    Elmer, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 451-7479

    "They are new-ish Shasta campers, queen bed, 1 slide, rear bunks, 2 entrances. Very clean. Water area is great, splash pad is very fun so is the large blow up slide and pool area."

    "I think the lale could use a little cleanup with the amount of bobbers, string and mess left behind by people. There have ao many cabins its crazy and alot of seasonal rentals."

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Recent Camping Photos near Garnet Valley, PA

287 Photos of 123 Garnet Valley Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Garnet Valley, PA

889 Reviews of 123 Garnet Valley Campgrounds

  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Country Acres Campground

    Nice park

    This was a great campground. Very convenient for local sites, food, and shopping. Super clean, a large pool, and all well maintained.

  • M
    Oct. 6, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Hard with a large group

    Harder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Dog owners read!

    There’s four loops. All connected A through D. We just needed a place to park and sleep so I got D011. Got there at 11pm and the D loop says no pets allowed. Not sure why when they are at every other loop but we had no where else to go and the area is pretty far off from anywhere else so the ol lab stayed in the camper. The bathrooms are tile and really nice with showers. And it was really quiet and chilly so a nice fall camp site. Just know ahead of time if you’re a dog owner!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Village Scene Park

    Tucked-Away Community Vibe

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated insights, additional photos and a quick breakdown of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet; (2) Full-hookup RV sites with 30 / 50 amp, water, and sewer; (3) Affordable rates compared to other campgrounds in the region; (4) Smaller, tight-knit atmosphere with friendly long-term residents; (5) Pet-friendly, with walking areas and green space; and (6) Nearby restaurants include Franconi’s Pizzeria for classic pies and cheesesteaks and Appalachian Brewing Company with pub fare and house-brewed beers. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Sites are narrow and can feel cramped, so don’t expect big pull-throughs; (2) Limited amenities with no pool, clubhouse, or playground; (3) Grounds feel more like a residential mobile home park than a campground; (4) Some infrastructure is dated and could use upgrades; and (5) Not much in the way of natural scenery because, um, this is urban camping. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Fort Washington State Park Campground

    Where George Washington Would've Ditched His Tent PPE

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly 500 acres of lush forest that is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike; (2) Potable water and non-flush restrooms available year-round, because even Revolutionary War re-enactors need coffee breaks; (3) Over 3.5 miles of trails leading to Hawk Watch observation decks, which birders will marvel at and the rest of us will simply appreciate the vista; (4) Group tenting area that fits 20 to 100 people that is ideal for clans, clubs or covert woodland think tanks; and (5) Convenient to Philly (25 min), great for escaping crowds while still being able to Uber for donuts.

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No RV or tent-by-the-river solo camping: group-only policy means solo adventurers need to carpool or carry heavy guilt; (2) Bathrooms are primitive and non-flush, so BYOTP as it’s campground chic here, not hotel lobby convenient; (3) Carry-in / carry-out trash policy means becoming one with your garbage until civilization or squirrels show up; (4) Cell service is ‘iffy’ at best, depending on how hard the woods are trying to keep you offline; and (5) No campfire tales about campers as noise is limited and so are late-night s'mores sessions.

    Happy Camping!

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Batona — Wharton State Forest

    Good spot to sleep

    The camp road was kinda hard to get around direction wise you couldn’t tell what was a road and what was a campsite. It was Saturday night and only two other campers but one was a huge group but thankfully not too loud. Two pit toilets that was pretty bad shape but we are used to disperse camping without toilets so we didn’t complain.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Great place to stay!

    This Campground is in the town of Lancaster, close to everything. A little complicated getting in, you need to turn in at the Cartoon Network Hotel driveway. Nice showers & friendly staff. Our site was asphalt, that was a treat, tho not all of them were...

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Alverthorpe Private Park

    Urban Camping Bliss

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked just outside Philly that is serene enough to reset your social media–addled brain; (2) Flat, open terrain scattered with tall shade trees makes pitching your tent feel practically pastoral; (3) Surprisingly solid cell signal (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T all wave hello), which is rare in inner-density camping and handy for emergency pizza delivery orders; (4) Short walk to a quaint lake and four-sided chimney for marshmallow toasting that offers low-key charm with built-in ambiance; and (5) Tons of shade completely shroud the entire campground area, so no need to bring those pesky shelters for added coverage. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No restroom drama on the way in, but once you’re past the control building, basic camping reality bites; (2) Ancient shelter and group pavilion are charming in a ‘needs new plumbing’ sort of way; (3) Reaching the camping area involves navigating uneven steps as you won’t be able to drive to your actual campsite, which is great for adventure, but bad for sprained ankles; (4) Feels like a weekend-only myth where the park closes on holidays and deals in ‘control building hours’; and (5) This place is known to be full of litter and in dire need of some ground maintenance, so you might just want to bring an extra garbage bag and a rake to help out.

    Happy Camping!

Guide to Garnet Valley

Camping near Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From family-friendly campgrounds to serene spots for RVers, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at French Creek State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun. It's a great place to camp and enjoy downtime!"
  • Fishing: Enjoy some fishing at Lake-In-Wood Campground. A visitor noted, "Nice fishing in the lake," making it a great spot for anglers.
  • Mini Golf and Pools: Families can have a blast at Spring Gulch Resort Campground, where one camper said, "Tons of amenities for families including mini golf, an arcade, pools, fishing ponds, etc."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA. One review stated, "The bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve ever seen on any campgrounds ever. Sparkling."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors rave about the helpful staff at Lancaster-New Holland KOA. A guest shared, "The women running the store was very helpful and friendly."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Lums Pond State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Nice smaller campground with large spacious sites."

What you should know:

  • Limited Activities in Off-Season: Some campgrounds, like Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville, may have fewer activities available during the off-season. A visitor noted, "Not much going on for activities in March."
  • Water Availability: At French Creek State Park Campground, water is turned off in winter, so plan accordingly. One camper mentioned, "In winter only a couple loops open and water is turned off."
  • Site Proximity: Some sites can be close together, as noted by a reviewer at Spring Gulch Resort Campground: "Sites I thought were a little close together."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville, which offers a water park and playground. A parent shared, "Kids enjoy the water park and nighttime laser tag parties."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Since some campgrounds may have limited amenities, pack outdoor games to keep the kids entertained. One family at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA enjoyed the "playground, pool area with 2 pools, a water park, and 2 hot tubs."
  • Check for Family Events: Many campgrounds host seasonal events. For example, Lancaster-New Holland KOA had an Easter egg hunt, which was a hit with families.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be level, so check reviews before booking. A visitor at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA mentioned, "The campground is hilly which means that a fair number of sites are not level."
  • Wi-Fi Availability: If you need internet access, check the Wi-Fi situation at your chosen campground. One camper at Hospitality Creek Campground noted, "The park’s wifi didn’t work most of the time."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds, like Lums Pond State Park Campground, may not have stores nearby. A visitor advised, "Grocery stores close by like Walmart about 20 minutes away."

Camping near Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, has a lot to offer, whether you're looking for family fun or a peaceful retreat. Just remember to plan ahead and check out the specific campgrounds for the best experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Garnet Valley, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Garnet Valley, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 123 campgrounds and RV parks near Garnet Valley, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Garnet Valley, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Garnet Valley, PA is Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 20 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Garnet Valley, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Garnet Valley, PA.

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