Campsites near Ottsville, Pennsylvania dot the rugged terrain of Bucks County, where elevations range from 160 to 500 feet above sea level. The area receives around 48 inches of precipitation annually, creating lush woodlands that shelter many of the camping areas. Most campgrounds in this region operate from April through October due to the cold winter temperatures that regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Disc golf course exploration: Boulder Woods Campground offers an extensive disc golf course that attracts enthusiasts from throughout the region. "They also have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs. That's where we fell in love with disc golf," shares Erik W. from Boulder Woods Campground.
Visit Ringing Rocks County Park: Located just minutes from several campgrounds, this geological attraction features massive boulder fields. "Ringing Rocks county park... Some waterfalls to see and hiking to do. If you strike certain rocks with a metal hammer they ring, hence the name of the park!" explains Christina H. from Mountainview Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water bodies provide fishing options throughout the area. "We had a group site which was perfect for 6 campers. We went on Father's Day weekend and they had nice arts and crafts for the kids to do for dad," notes Shannon C., who visited Colonial Woods Family Resort and enjoyed their fishing pond.
Hiking trails: Tohickon Valley offers extensive trail networks for day hikes. "No 'camp store/features' but there's a local pool with swing sets within walking distance and lots of manageable trails along the cliffs," mentions Katharine T. about Tohickon Valley County Park.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded tent sites available at certain campgrounds. "Stayed at one of the primitive sites. Very clean and quite. Bath stalls and showers are basic but clean. Great spot for stargazing. Owners are very nice," says Scott A. about his experience at Mountainview Campground.
Water activities: The Delaware River region offers various water recreation options. "The campground is in the mountains of PA close enough to the Delaware River that we took a trip down using bucks County river tub company. We didn't have to go tubing because there was so much to do," reports Nicole S. from Colonial Woods Family Resort.
Scenic driving routes: The journey to some campgrounds is part of the appeal. "The drive up to this place was so breathtaking the entire way. Adorable little mountain houses, with bridges that go over a stream to get to their front door," writes Christina H. about the route to Ringing Rocks Family Campground.
Reasonable prices: Campers frequently mention the good value found at local campgrounds. "The price is good and there is electricity and a small shower and the surroundings are very quiet," notes Jin J. about Mountainview Campground's affordability.
What you should know
Site surfaces vary widely: From gravel to grass to forest floor, campsite surfaces differ significantly between locations. "Sites are very close together. Site numbers are on the back of the sites, very hard to see from the road," cautions Kim B. about Colonial Woods.
Weather preparedness: The area can get muddy after rain. "We had a great Halloween weekend but we were down by creek so it was very muddy. Everything else about this campground was great!" shares Shannon C. about Tohickon Family Campground.
Primitive camping considerations: Some locations offer more remote experiences. "The tent sites are very close together. Too Expensive for the small site you have," reports Shelby L. about Quakerwoods Campground, highlighting the importance of researching site specifications.
Alcohol policies: Rules regarding alcohol consumption vary by property. "It's a great place to take the kids for a night or two of lovely moderate hiking and outdoor experience. Except I don't have kids and the people I tagged along with didn't read the rules, so we brought a bunch of alcohol and had our selves a blast until the rangers showed up," warns Curran S. about Tohickon Valley County Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for scheduled activities: Family-oriented campgrounds offer organized events. "We went on Halloween weekend and they had so much for the kids to do! Friendly staff and clean sites!" recommends Shannon C. about Ringing Rocks Family Campground.
Consider amenities proximity: Bathroom accessibility matters with children. "The bathrooms are FAR and I highly doubt no one has ever peed outside at night instead of navigating through the night to them," explains Erika T. about Ringing Rocks Family Campground, noting the challenge for tent campers with children.
Check noise policies: Different campgrounds have varying enforcement of quiet hours. "We took it to Mountain View this weekend, with a little trepidation on how we were going to get the trailer backed into the space. Not to worry, they gave us a nice drive through space. Very friendly staff, quiet, wooded area, not that remote, but feels like a million miles away," shares Robert J. from Round Valley State Park Campground.
Kid-friendly outdoor options: Several locations have dedicated children's areas. "The pooL and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times," notes Nicole S. about Colonial Woods Family Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some properties have navigation difficulties for larger rigs. "The roads are very narrow, pretty sizable boulders on both sides, trees are very low and need to be trimmed (almost took my ac out with a huge limb)," cautions Brian C. about Colonial Woods Family Resort.
Hookup availability: Check what utilities are available before booking. "Our spot was #27 and pretty spacious. The showers were free and clean with hot water and decent pressure. The landing for the camper was even with gravel and the rest of the site was mostly even. The power station was well intact with 15/20, 30, and 50amp," reports Sarah about Mountainview Campground.
Seasonal restrictions: Most glamping options near Ottsville, Pennsylvania operate seasonally. "The pool is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult," notes Lee D. about Little Red Barn Campground, highlighting common seasonal limitations.