Best Campgrounds near Paoli, PA

Camping options near Paoli, Pennsylvania range from established state parks to privately operated facilities with diverse accommodation types. French Creek State Park Campground, approximately 13 miles northwest of Paoli, serves as a cornerstone camping destination with 200 individual sites spread across four loops. The park accommodates tent camping, RVs, cabins, and even glamping in yurts. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, located in Coatesville, provides another developed option with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, positioned in the rolling Pennsylvania countryside.

Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with most facilities fully open from April through October. "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," noted one camper about the Philadelphia-West Chester KOA. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when family-friendly campgrounds reach capacity. Several campgrounds, including French Creek State Park, designate specific loops for pets, making advance research essential for travelers with animals. Weather varies significantly with hot, humid summers and cold winters that limit camping options during off-season months.

The camping experience near Paoli balances natural settings with proximity to urban attractions. Multiple reviewers highlight the convenience of these campgrounds for visiting Philadelphia while staying in more natural surroundings. "This is a great location for exploring Philadelphia," mentioned one visitor about the Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA. French Creek State Park receives particular praise for its extensive trail system, with 35 miles of hiking paths and two lakes for fishing and boating. Campground amenities vary significantly—from basic tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings to full-hookup RV sites with electric, water, and sewer connections. Most developed campgrounds provide shower facilities and restrooms, though quality and cleanliness vary by location. Families appreciate recreation options like swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities available at the KOA locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Paoli, Pennsylvania (124)

    1. French Creek State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    19 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."

    2. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    10 Reviews
    Gradyville, PA
    7 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. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA

    17 Reviews
    Downingtown, PA
    15 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."

    4. Evansburg State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Skippack, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 409-1150

    $43 / night

    "It was a great place to walk with your dog and enjoy the Pennsylvania outdoors."

    "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”."

    5. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    21 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"

    6. Fort Washington State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ambler, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 591-5250

    $28 - $72 / night

    "It's almost 500 acres filled with trails, woods,and river. I usually go to the parking right off of Militia hill rd.and Skippack Pike intersection."

    "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"

    7. Hibernia County Park

    8 Reviews
    Coatesville, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 383-3812

    $15 - $50 / night

    "This campground has 2 small loops, the Lake Loop and the Fiddler's Loop. Lake loop is the bigger of the two, however the “sites” are smaller and it's more open. It is popular with group tenters."

    "Large campsites at the Lake Loop. Map is a little deceiving- the sites are farther from the lake than I expected and there are no running water bathrooms. Very clean and wooded sites."

    8. Brandywine Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Coatesville, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 942-9950

    "Girlfriend and I stayed here while we visited nearby Longwood Gardens. The tent sites are spacious and they all border the creek which is a nice sound at night, as well as a good morning view."

    "Close to Valley Forge military park, and convenient to Philadelphia by train."

    9. Lake-In-Wood Campground

    22 Reviews
    Narvon, PA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 445-5525

    $40 - $60 / night

    "It rained the entire time I was there so we didn’t go in the pool but the campground is walkable, I was able to go running, there are things for kids to do, some animals to go visit on our walks, obviously"

    "You must try the family style restaurants in the area, delicious and close by as well. Overall a great experience and I would go again for sure :-)"

    10. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park

    8 Reviews
    Perkiomenville, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 234-4528

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 124 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Paoli, PA

910 Reviews of 124 Paoli Campgrounds


  • Ali P.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Homestead Campground

    Here for a week

    Beautiful park. Looks like only 2 of the spots are for campers, rest are full time residents. The farther back you go in the park the worse condition the rv are. At time of visit the closest bathroom was under repair, it happens. Aggravating issues: Dump station has no water. People walk their dogs right thru your camp site and then don’t pick up after them.

    But yea, beautiful place

  • 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!


Guide to Paoli

Camping near Paoli, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds, like French Creek State Park Campground, have great trails. One visitor mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun," highlighting the outdoor activities available.
  • Fishing and Tubing: At Susquehanna State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and tubing. A reviewer noted, "Has access to Susquehanna River, nice hiking trails. Can picnic on Deer Creek and go tubing."
  • Exploring Local Attractions: Campers often visit nearby attractions. One family shared, "We went on a hike to check out the lighthouse," while staying at Elk Neck State Park Campground.

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Blue Rocks Family Campground. One visitor said, "Nice smaller campground with large spacious sites."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-kept grounds are a big plus. A reviewer from Lums Pond State Park Campground mentioned, "Great bath houses, always super clean."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park said, "Peaceful family campground. Lake for kayaking and paddle boats to rent."

What you should know:

  • Site Selection: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor at Hershey RV and Camping Resort noted, "This campground does not reserve your site...you need to drive through the very crowded campground to locate an open spot."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for noise, especially on weekends. A camper at Susquehanna State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are well kept and the tent pads are in great shape...but the sites are fairly small and some of them are right on top of each other."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities. A reviewer at Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest said, "The restroom/shower facility was very clean...but it’s not exactly clear how this campground is managed."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A visitor at Turkey Swamp Park mentioned, "There's a nice playground in the campground."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Elk Neck State Park Campground enjoyed hiking and visiting local attractions.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A camper at Lums Pond State Park Campground noted, "We tried to rent kayaks but there were no doubles available."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Hershey RV and Camping Resort said, "I was stuck with a water and electric which is the same price as full hookup apparently."
  • Be Prepared for Muddy Roads: Some campgrounds have unpaved roads. A visitor at Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest mentioned, "The roads are soft sand and can get rough after a rain storm."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure a good experience for everyone. A camper at Susquehanna State Park Campground noted, "I just never understand people who watch movies and TVs when they camp."

Camping near Paoli, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Paoli, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Paoli, PA is French Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 81 reviews.