Camping options near Paoli, Pennsylvania include tent sites, RV spots, cabins and yurts within a 30-mile radius. The rolling hills of Chester County sit at elevations between 400-700 feet, creating pockets of fog in spring and fall mornings. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February, with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Hibernia County Park, visitors can access Chambers Lake and the children's pond, which is specially stocked for young anglers. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," notes Anna.
Disc golf courses: Green Lane Park features "a phenomenal disc golf course," according to Benjamin C., making it a popular spot for campers looking for activities beyond hiking and swimming.
Bird watching: Fort Washington State Park offers excellent bird watching from their dedicated observation deck. "You can view the beautiful raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn," mentions Stuart K., who observed numerous species including "Dark-eyed Junco, Common Loon, Blue Heron, Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, Bald Eagles."
Horseback riding trails: Evansburg State Park accommodates equestrians with dedicated trails. As one reviewer noted, the park is "great to do everything outdoorsy including, hiking, horseback riding, hunting and fishing."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At French Creek State Park Campground, campers appreciate the natural separation between spots. "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," writes Jen R.
Full hookup options: Lums Pond State Park Campground offers concrete pads with modern amenities. "Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer," reports Ellen B., who visits twice yearly when reservations are available.
Unique accommodations: Lake-In-Wood Campground offers distinctive lodging options beyond traditional sites. One reviewer mentioned, "There are a lot of really neat and different rentals here like a tree house, double decker bus, among others."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds throughout the region maintain high standards for bathrooms and common areas. One camper at Green Lane Park noted, "Bathrooms however are nice and clean with plenty of them around the park."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular loops at dog friendly campgrounds fill quickly, especially in summer. For Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, one visitor advised it "is a very nice KOA, just over the Delaware River from Philly. The park is clean, quiet, full of families."
Winter closures: Some parks operate seasonally. "This does close for winter and reopens in April but call park for exact closure dates because they do change," notes one camper about the Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA.
Site limitations: Many campgrounds have size or terrain restrictions. At Hibernia County Park, "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," warns Jennifer S.
Alcohol policies: County and state parks typically prohibit alcohol, unlike private campgrounds. Green Lane Park, Fort Washington State Park, and French Creek State Park all maintain no-alcohol policies that rangers actively enforce.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Ridley Creek State Park provides excellent facilities for children. "It also has a great picnic area with grills," mentions Mackenzie B., and another camper added it's "great for first time campers" with "a nice open field with two sites."
Kid-friendly fishing: Hibernia County Park features a dedicated children's fishing pond. "The children's pond is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails," notes Anna, adding it's "great for families."
Recreational activities: Lake-In-Wood Campground offers numerous facilities for young campers. "Huge pond for fishing, miniature gold, nice indoor and outdoor pool and a kiddie pool. Goats to pet and watch," writes Jen R., mentioning the "nice playground for the kids and a small arcade."
Trail difficulty considerations: When hiking with children at French Creek, be aware that many trails are rated "more difficult." Look for the easier trails around Hopewell Lake which offer gentler terrain for younger hikers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At French Creek State Park, RVers should choose carefully. "If you have a large camper or 5th wheel you may need to double check what sites can accommodate your RV to ensure you have enough room," advises Jen R., noting that sites #3, #17 and #18 can fit larger rigs.
Water access planning: Hibernia's Fiddler's Loop requires water conservation. "There is one spigot at the 'bathroom'," explains Jennifer S., recommending campers "come with a full water tank."
Dump station availability: Several parks lack on-site dump stations. "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee," notes a reviewer about Hibernia County Park.
Electric service variations: While Lake-In-Wood Campground offers power hookups, roads can be challenging. "The roads were very tight and you really had to watch how you drove through because of the trees," cautions Mary C., adding that sites are often slanted, requiring careful leveling.
Legend
