Rolling Hills Retreats provides secluded glamping accommodations in Oley Valley, just one hour from Philadelphia. The property features glamping yurts with drinking water, fires allowed, provided firewood, picnic tables, showers, toilets, and trash service. Unlike many conventional campsites, this glamping destination offers pet-friendly policies while maintaining privacy and comfort that traditional campgrounds often lack. French Creek State Park Campground in nearby Elverson also offers glamping options including yurts, with electric hookups, picnic tables, showers, and sanitary facilities. One guest shared, "Five of us went here for my best friend's birthday weekend. It rained the weekend we went but it didn't ruin our time whatsoever, somehow the fire was still roaring in downpouring rain - we were able to ground our energy from the earth which is hard to do in a concrete city."
The glamping sites connect visitors with natural surroundings while providing comfortable amenities. Blue Rocks Family Campground in Lenhartsville complements its glamping accommodations with access to a unique boulder field and hiking trails leading to scenic overlooks. Trails from the campground connect to the Appalachian Trail with access to Pinnacle Rock viewpoint. Lake-in-Wood Campground in Narvon offers yurt accommodations with full hookup capabilities including electric, water, and sewer connections. According to a camper, "Blue rocks is the best family campground within 5 hours of philadelphia. Hands down. They have everything you need from primitive sites to cabins to rent." Most glamping locations in the region operate seasonally from April through October or November, though Rolling Hills Retreats maintains year-round availability for those seeking glamping experiences during quieter winter months.
$20 - $90 / night
"No pets though. B and C loop felt like the spaces were very close to each other. A loop was closed at this point."
"Got there at 11pm and the D loop says no pets allowed."
"Blue Rocks family campground is close to I78 however it is still off the beaten path. It is very peaceful to camp here as you have different types of environments."
"Ice cream parlor was a bonus and general store was great, well stocked and good prices. The hiking trails near by are wonderful. The boulder feild is a must see!"
$40 - $60 / night
"There is a quarry close by so you could hear the trucks beeping and the noise from there but that was the only negative thing."
"My family and I stayed at Lake In Wood for 4 days. The campground is very well maintained , and the staff is very nice."
"Staff was friendly and helpful. Itās very secluded, no highway noise. Our spot backed up right to a creek and it was beautiful."
"Loved being right next to the stream. No fish in sight though. Sites were huge! Hiking trail was about a mile up and back but cool. Lots of pull through sites."
$160 - $380 / night
"completely over having no privacy, worrying about my reactive dog, feeling like we had to follow ridiculous rules when going camping so I came across the Dyrt then also found this spot only an hour away from"
"It was quite muddy so we moved our set up into the grass field, we reserved the majority of the sites in this location so it worked well. The RV spots seem nice and large."
"Great camp ground with very friendly staff. Lots of activities for kids. Stayed for a full week and will be returning"
"As for the campground, which is just off Exit 44 of PA Turnpike or Exit 60 & 60A off of I78, youāll encounter a destination offering up 170 mostly back-in slots with full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric"
"We have a pop-up with no bathroom so we use the bathhouses. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained. Plenty of activities. General store ia well-stocked. Plenty of things for kids to do."
$20 - $30 / night
"Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails"
"Staff was friendly, general vibe was low key. A lot of year round sites. Only complaint being not a lot for the kids to do aside from ride bike."
"Bathrooms were clean, spots had decent room, a lot of monthly residents, NO dog areas."
"The "pet loop" was clearly geared towards RVs etc. All of the sites are full electric and more than a few have very little space for a family size tent to be safely away from the fire ring."
"Site 365 at this time of year was very quiet and secluded. Cold it was, 15 degrees was a teeth chattering experience. However our A Liner Ranger kept me warm and cozy."
TravelerStarlite offers a wide variety of amenities such as a community pool, general store, snack bar, playground area, toilets, indoor shower stalls, daily activities, pets permitted, water/electric utilities and laundry units. Staff was very friendly! Loved the cleanliness and atmosphere as well!
LegendWashington 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 isnāt 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 youāre here for camaraderie and heritage, youāve 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 āleave no traceā 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 youāve stepped back in time.
Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, youāll find the visitor center, historic McConkeyās Ferry Inn, Bowmanās 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. Itās a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.
Insider Tips? Hereās a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) theyāre 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 sideās boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the parkās historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as itās easily the most memorable history lesson youāll ever get outdoors; and (6) When youāre done camping, fuel up at Itās Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Franciscoās on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.
Happy Camping!
LegendThis campground has a little something for everyone, from full hook up sites neatly stacked next to each other, to quiet patches of grass next to the river. After spending two nights up in the electrical hook-up area closest to the train tracks, we decided that we needed a better nightās sleep. Yes, the trains run all night long, and no, we donāt have air conditioning so couldn't just close the windows. So, we moved down to one of the primitive sites next to the river and enjoyed ourselves much more, plus all the solar we needed.Ā
With all the options within this resort, I can understand why it is so popular. Plus, thereās the whole Hershey Park with shuttles running to and from the campground all day long. So, itās got that going for it. As a campground resort this park aims to serve everyone. If you need your trash picked up, just leave the garbage bag in front of your site, and someone will be along soon enough to collect it. The bathrooms are immaculate, air conditioned, but many of the showers had wonky temperature controls so check it out before you commit.Ā Each bathroom building also offers laundry machines to take care of those necessities as well. The campground has a large playground, game room, gift shop and a large outdoor pool.Ā
Nearby, closer than you might even want, you can find food, groceries, gas, booze and traffic (at least during convention center event weekends). But there are also some really cool mom and pop restaurants, some craft beverage drinkeries, and places to walk, bike and get into some disc golf. This is close enough to be a bedroom community of Harrisburg, so the park is basically located in a tucked away corner of suburbia. If you have the time, go to the Grandview Winery nearby they have a lovely selection of vintages which really hold up to this wine snobās approval.Ā
The campsites are well spaces apart, unless within the central loop, and give the allure of being tucked away in the forest. Water is well spaced and is close by. The walk to the bathroom however, can be a stretch depending on where you park so plan according to your needs. But the woods provide an easy way to answer the call! : )
GuideNo electrical and no pets allowed in camp sites. But plenty of trees and huge fire rings in each spot. An RV would have a tough time but for car camping itās great. The Delaware Canal is nearby with the tow path for biking. That makes this a nice Bikepacking stop.
LegendWest Chester KOA This is a really nice KOA not too far from downtown Philly. 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. A bridge nearby the campground was washed out earlier by a hurricane so we had to take an alternative route going about thirty minutes out of our way. (Make sure you check their website for directions!) There is a lot to do in the surrounding area like visiting the historical sites in downtown Philadelphia, Valley Forge, or exploring Amish country.Ā
This is a typical KOA with lots of amenities and activities for kidsā swimming pool, jump pad, miniature golf, volleyball, butterfly garden, gem mining, playground, store, dog park, nature trail, etc. There is a large pool area with pavilion but it was closed during our stay since we were there early in the season. The campground is right on the Brandywine River which is a slow meandering pretty river that is great to get your feet wet or go for a paddle. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent if you have time and as there is very little current in the river you can paddle out and back without any trouble. There is a nice, short nature trail which was nice to walk our dog and she enjoyed getting wet in the river.Ā
The campground is hilly which means that a fair number of sites are not level. Our site (#27) was level for our RV but the patio sloped downhill and we could not use our picnic table or find a level spot for our chairs. Some sites are āpremiumsā with paved patios, Adirondack chairs, fancy firepits, BBQ grill, and tables and chairs with an umbrella. These sites are really nice, but you pay a lot more for them. Some sites are located adjacent to the river with nice waterfront views, but beware some might be muddy. There are lots of camping cabins and a couple of glamping tents.Ā
Overall, the campground is very clean with no trash lying around and the grass was mowed and trimmed. The 50-amp electric was good as was the water pressure. The sewer connection uphill from our site so it did not drain properly. There is basic cable but since you are so close to Philly there are plenty of over-the-air channels. The Wi-Fi at our site worked well. Garbage is picked up at your site. The surrounding area has plenty of restaurants, shopping, and interesting things to see and do.
LegendPROSĀ
Reserved 328 days prior to arriving
$13.50 senior discountĀ
Immediately greeted by Loop C camp host who was extremely friendly and helpfulĀ
Site C3 parking pad level asphaltĀ
Metal frame wooden picnic table that was moveableĀ
One hook lantern poleĀ
Metal fire pit which was cleaned out upon our arrivalĀ
Some vegetation between sites provided a bit of privacy from neighbors sitesĀ
Park is 21 miles from Valley Forge National Historical Park. Catch National Park Service 90 minute trolley tour at the Visitor Center.Ā
Shady Maple Smorgasbord...authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cookingā¦largest buffet in the USAā¦16 miles from French Creek SPĀ
CONS
$6.50 reservation fee for making my own on-line reservationĀ
Horrible signage along PA-345. Never saw very small sign when we where intensely searchingĀ
Such a large overall park, but camping loop sites are jammed together
Pitiful low water pressure Ā in Loop C
Site sewer connection is high; needs to be knocked down to ground levelĀ
Short length of site caused creative tow vehicle parkingĀ
Loop C womenās toilet/shower building a big nasty mess SaturdayĀ
Trash dumpsters are on the main road near the campground check-in station (not walkable)Ā
Noisy campground; 9pm quiet hour not enforced
Lots of barking dogsĀ
No wood sales in parkĀ
No WiFiĀ
1 bar Verizon
GuideFirst time camping at this park and it was perfect. Even though it rained all weekend, we explored the area by car, even tried some fishing off the pier and we got to get some much needed rest and relaxation in. D Loop seemed like the best loop (for tent campers such as us). Pretty spacious between sites. No pets though. B and C loop felt like the spaces were very close to each other. A loop was closed at this point. Bathhouses can use an upgrade but has flush toilets and hot showers which is all you need.
RangerWe stayed here for 3 nights while visiting family In Philadelphia. It is a 20 minute ride into Philly and Uber was was quick and responsive.
*note- this does close for winter and reopens in April but call park for exact closure dates because they do change.
This is a nice KOA with full hook ups, tent sites,cabins, and even glamping cabins. There is a pool that is open Memorial Day- Labor Day. They also have a catch and release pond and we found a pickleball court at a nearby city park.
We did Chinatown and walked part of the Schuylkill River trail which we accessed by parking near Fairmount Park. This is a great area to explore with gorgeous views and easy access to the River trail. (There are rentals for everything here- kayaks/bikes etc)
IF we had a car with us- we would have considered taking the ferry from Camdenās Ferry Terminal next to Wiggins Park to Philly. (This is also near the Adventure Aquarium and the battleship New Jersey) Here is a link to information about the ferry-
https://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com/places/riverlink-ferry
This is a great location for exploring Philadelphia.
Happy Camping! Pamela and Keith
GuideI arrived on a Tuesday a few days after they closed the pool, and by Wednesday I had the whole row of tent sites to myself. Maybe that's why it was so peaceful, but every night after my cacophonous conference in Philadelphia, I couldn't wait to turn down Timberlane Road and see that little KOA sign glowing in the darkness. 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, you will find wonderful native plants like blueberry, viburnum, clethra, and meadow beauty.
French Creek State Park Campground in Elverson operates year-round with 200 sites across four loops. The park connects directly to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and provides camping options about 15 miles from Oley, Pennsylvania. Winter temperatures can drop to 15Ā°F, making it important to plan for cold weather if glamping close to Oley during off-season months. The region offers a mix of wooded sites and open areas with variable terrain.
Hiking and trail access: At Blue Rocks Family Campground, trails lead directly to the Appalachian Trail from inside the property. "Trail heads begin inside the campsite. Lovely camp site with access to a lot of amenities, all the while keeping a 'primative' feel," notes Amy C. The campground sits at the base of the popular Pinnacle Trail with hiking options for various skill levels.
Disc golf course: Boulder Woods Campground features an extensive disc golf course that attracts tournament players. "The camp ground has a very large golf disc course and they seem to have tournaments. They sell disc golf things in the store as well. This course is huge and brings in groups who play for the day," according to Karralee B. The course weaves through the wooded property and is suitable for beginners and advanced players.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes in the region support various fish species. At Hickory Run Family Camping Resort, "My kids went fishing and every cast they caught a fish, some were small... but hey the kids had fun," shares Michelle E. The limestone trout streams near the campground provide more challenging fishing for experienced anglers.
Privacy between sites: Site layout at many campgrounds provides natural separation. "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," according to Jen R. about French Creek State Park Campground. This natural screening creates more intimate camping experiences.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At Allentown KOA, "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," notes Cheryl K. This illustrates the variability in facility quality across different sites.
Boulder field exploration: The distinctive rock formations provide unique natural features. "Our children loved to climb all over the rocks, that is where they spent most of the time," shares Terri S. about Blue Rocks Family Campground. These geological features create natural playgrounds that captivate children and adults alike.
Seasonal operations: Most glamping facilities close during winter months. At Lake-In-Wood Campground, operations typically run April through October. During winter camping at French Creek, "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.
Site selection considerations: Campground terrain varies significantly across the region. "Site 365 at this time of year was very quiet and secluded. Electric sites are scattered around an open field, I am never happy being up against a large RV," explains Ed P. about Hickory Run. Some locations have rocky ground that makes tent setup challenging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Oley, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Oley, PA is French Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 81 reviews.
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