French Creek State Park Campground and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Quarryville offer upscale glamping experiences within reach of Parkesburg, Pennsylvania. Both parks provide yurt accommodations with comfortable amenities for those seeking a blend of outdoor connection and modern comfort. French Creek State Park features well-appointed yurts nestled in wooded surroundings, while Jellystone Park's glamping options include both yurts and safari-style canvas tents with premium features. One guest noted, "The campground is very clean, nice spots with gravel and nice views. The store was stocked well with essentials, and the women running the store was very helpful and friendly." These boutique camping options typically include real beds with linens, electricity, climate control options, and private outdoor spaces where guests can enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort.
Lake-In-Wood Campground houses distinctive glamping options with unique accommodations including yurts that provide an elevated camping experience. The property boasts scenic woodland surroundings while maintaining proximity to Lancaster County attractions. Amenities at these glamping sites include furnished interiors, climate control, and access to campground facilities like showers and recreation areas. According to a camper, "It was very nice! Canoeing schedule could need some organizing? Had a blast! Will be back." Hibernia County Park also provides glamping accommodations with more rustic appeal, situated near Chambers Lake with access to fishing, hiking trails, and a children's fishing pond. Seasonal considerations apply, as most glamping accommodations in the area operate from spring through fall, with some sites requiring advance reservations during peak summer months and special events.
$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."
$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."
"I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow for a 45’ motorhome to back in on a nearly 90-degree angle."
"We stayed here in November with beautiful weather which meant the large farm behind the campground was spraying manure over their fields. We could smell it."
"Staff is always friendly and the store well stocked. Kids enjoy the water park and nigh time laser tag parties and hay rides. "
"The store was stocked well with essentials, and the women running the store was very helpful and friendly. The campground is very well lit and can be navigated easily at night."
"The road for this row is narrow and there is a fence that makes backing in more difficult, especially for a 30+ ft travel trailer."
$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."
"We stayed at one of the primitive tent sites with no hookups adjacent to the farm field. Watching a horse drawn equipment cutting grass while we cooked dinner was a joy."
"Nice bath houses. Well maintained with friendly staff. Reasonably priced and great location."
$15 - $50 / night
"We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12. There’s running water available, porta potties are very clean and don’t smell and are lit with a street lamp. Very quiet at night."
"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."
"Tent sites are lined up along the water which is great for fishing (especially when you need to stay close to the littles sleeping in the tent). Lots of benches lined up along the water."
"The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground. We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus."
"We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground. We moved to a full hookup on the Delaware section."
"I got an amazingly large site with a nice fire pit and picnic table. The site was very level so that was great! Nice indoor and outdoor pools! Cable TV isn't free, but I never use it anyway."
$17 - $32 / night
"The site itself was set back some, and felt secluded while still being near the parking area. Walk to bathrooms and camp store was on the longer side."
"Great secluded campground, peaceful. Great bath houses, always super clean. Some engineering genious put the bath houses furthest from the people that need them most."
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!
GuideWhat a wonderful place! The resort is spacious, scattered throughout the woods. The RV sites are comfortable with all the amenities. And the customer service is impeccable.
We stayed during a few weekdays in October and we almost had the whole place to ourselves. We stayed in one of the cabins, which had 2 beds and a bunk bed, sink and toilet, refrigerator, microwave, dining table and sofa. There was also a front porch with picnic table and fire pit.
Honestly, the beds were not very comfortable and way too small for a couple to sleep in one. It was a VERY dark walk to get to the bathhouse for showers. And the fire pit had no grill, so we ended up having to use the stoves of some RV camping friends for meals. Otherwise the stay was great.
I would strongly recommend camping there in the summer months or during weekends in the shoulder season if you have social kids like mine. There were tons of things to do there for adults and kids alike. The activities — such as putt-putt, jump zone and the playground ended up being kinda boring for them without others to share it with. Obviously that would change with crowds. And advance reservations are a must — this place books up fast!
I would highly recommend staying at Merry Meadows, especially if you have an RV and a group of friends to join you!
GuideI was able to book my site the day before the trip. The site itself was set back some, and felt secluded while still being near the parking area.
Walk to bathrooms and camp store was on the longer side. Firewood was $5 a bundle, but the register wasn't working and they could only take cash.
The hiking in the immediate area was beautiful, lots of fun trails and wildlife. Fishing, kayaking, zip lining, tons of great activities.
The firepits have grates over one half, so campfire cooking is a breeze. Cook up and use the provided picnic table for an easy dinner set up.
The park itself is very dog friendly and most sites had dogs. There is also an off leash dog park at Lum's pond and dog water dishes outside the camp store.
The showers and bathrooms were incredibly well kept with hot water and stocked supplies. If you didn't feel like walking so far, the tents had a spiget with running water near the parking areas.
Reception for Verizon was spotty, t mobile was pretty great. Wish there was an ATM on site though I don't think the cash only situation is a normal one for this campground.
All in all an amazing trip, and I'll be back as soon as possible.
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 night’s sleep. Yes, the trains run all night long, and no, we don’t 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.
With all the options within this resort, I can understand why it is so popular. Plus, there’s the whole Hershey Park with shuttles running to and from the campground all day long. So, it’s 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. 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.
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 snob’s approval.
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! : )
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.
This is a typical KOA with lots of amenities and activities for kids– 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.
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 “premiums” 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.
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.
LegendPROS
Reserved 328 days prior to arriving
$13.50 senior discount
Immediately greeted by Loop C camp host who was extremely friendly and helpful
Site C3 parking pad level asphalt
Metal frame wooden picnic table that was moveable
One hook lantern pole
Metal fire pit which was cleaned out upon our arrival
Some vegetation between sites provided a bit of privacy from neighbors sites
Park is 21 miles from Valley Forge National Historical Park. Catch National Park Service 90 minute trolley tour at the Visitor Center.
Shady Maple Smorgasbord...authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking…largest buffet in the USA…16 miles from French Creek SP
CONS
$6.50 reservation fee for making my own on-line reservation
Horrible signage along PA-345. Never saw very small sign when we where intensely searching
Such a large overall park, but camping loop sites are jammed together
Pitiful low water pressure in Loop C
Site sewer connection is high; needs to be knocked down to ground level
Short length of site caused creative tow vehicle parking
Loop C women’s toilet/shower building a big nasty mess Saturday
Trash dumpsters are on the main road near the campground check-in station (not walkable)
Noisy campground; 9pm quiet hour not enforced
Lots of barking dogs
No wood sales in park
No WiFi
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 Camden’s 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.
Parkesburg, Pennsylvania sits at approximately 539 feet above sea level in the rolling hills of Chester County. The area's humid continental climate creates distinct camping seasons with warm summers that reach average highs of 86°F in July and cool fall nights that drop to the mid-40s by October. Most glamping sites in the region remain open from April through late October, though weather patterns can extend or shorten the camping season depending on yearly conditions.
Hiking at Hibernia County Park: Access multiple walking trails ranging from 0.5 to 2 miles in length with minimal elevation gain. Trail maps are available at the park office. "We had a great time at Hibernia! Walking/hiking trails and the lake were super peaceful," notes a visitor from Hibernia County Park.
Kayaking at Chambers Lake: Rent watercraft at the main boathouse for $10-15 per hour during summer months (Memorial Day to Labor Day). The 90-acre lake prohibits gas-powered motors. "The lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails," explains one camper who enjoyed exploring the waterways.
Fishing opportunities: Try the children's fishing pond at Hibernia County Park, specifically designed for anglers under 12 years old. Catch primarily panfish, bass and catfish. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," reports a satisfied angler from Hibernia.
Visit Amish farms: Take self-guided drives through nearby countryside within 10-15 minutes of Lancaster-New Holland KOA, where you can observe traditional farming methods. "Daily views of fields, farmers plowing with horses or the buggys going by was great," shares a visitor who enjoyed the cultural experience.
Private, wooded sites: Many campsites at French Creek State Park Campground feature natural buffers between neighbors. "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," explains a repeat visitor.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses and common areas receive regular maintenance at most locations. A camper at Country Acres Campground reported, "The campground is very well lit and can be navigated easily at night. The bathhouse was clean and only 1 bout of cold water why showering but a quick on and off of the water did the trick."
Peaceful atmosphere: Many sites maintain quiet hours from 10pm-7am, creating a tranquil environment. "Quiet, very few people mid-week. Spacious sites," notes a French Creek visitor who appreciated the serenity during their stay.
Seasonal activities: Halloween weekends in October feature special events at several campgrounds. "We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it," shares a visitor to Thousand Trails Circle M who enjoyed the programmed entertainment.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites require bookings 3-6 months in advance, especially for summer weekends and holiday periods. "Book early because it fills up fast!" advises a camper at Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Parkesburg, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Parkesburg, PA is French Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 82 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 43 glamping camping locations near Parkesburg, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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