Parkesburg, Pennsylvania offers camping options ranging from full-service RV resorts to primitive tent sites amid the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside. French Creek State Park Campground, located in nearby Elverson, features developed campsites with tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations across its wooded setting. Additional options include Philadelphia-West Chester KOA in Coatesville with cabin rentals and full hookups, and several family-oriented campgrounds like Spring Gulch Resort Campground in New Holland, which specifically accommodates RVs and cabin campers.
Camping facilities in the region typically operate from spring through late fall, with some campgrounds like French Creek State Park remaining open year-round. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak summer months and fall foliage season. The hilly terrain influences campsite layout, with many locations offering partial shade from the surrounding deciduous forests. Electric hookups are available at most developed campgrounds, while water and sewer connections vary by location. Cell coverage is generally reliable throughout the area, though reception may decrease in more remote sections of the parks. A camper observed that "Sites are generally very close together, and more crowded than a typical KOA. Even having a fire may be problematic based on the site and your neighbors RV placement."
The Pennsylvania landscape around Parkesburg provides distinct camping experiences across its rolling countryside. Many campgrounds feature access to recreational activities like fishing, hiking, and seasonal swimming facilities. Sites near water receive particularly positive feedback, with visitors noting the peaceful atmosphere along creeks and small lakes. Reviews frequently mention the region's convenient location between Philadelphia and Lancaster Amish country as a significant advantage. Families appreciate the abundant kid-friendly amenities at places like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Quarryville. While the surrounding area offers pastoral scenery and covered bridges, campers should note that some locations experience noise from nearby highways or train tracks. One reviewer noted that French Creek State Park has "35 miles of hiking trails" and "abundant trees separating the sites," making it a good option for those seeking a more natural setting.
$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."
$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."
"Site next to us had a pipe break, they had a maintenance crew come out immediately and fix it. Amish stores/attractions close by for some entertainment also."
"Fishing pond is a joke and near by Gun Range can be annoying and tough on pets. But, over all, this place is pretty nice."
"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."
"The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees. It didn’t look like all sites had that much cover so be careful."
"This is a great spot for visiting Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County and about a one-hour drive to Hersheypark. "
"Not too close to each other. Has a great view of the valley and Amish farms. Everyone has been very friendly. No pool but the kids seem to enjoy the playground."
$40 - $60 / night
"As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. "
"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"
"This is a great spot for visiting Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County and about a one-hour drive to Hersheypark. Our site(# 837) was a good size for our motor home+ toad."
"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."
$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."
$57 - $70 / night
"Located w/in walking distance of small town of Intercourse, PA, with plenty of shopping and Amish crafts. Very friendly people. Inexpensive stay."
"Within walking distance are Amish shops, and guided tours into the Amish countryside. Restaurants are nearby. Clean and quiet area."
"Great, convenient location. Cost friendly considering the location. Clean grounds & maintained sites. Mix of open & shaded sites, all appear to be pretty level, our site was next to stream."
"The site was right next to the creek. Shade is perfect for our dogs. Office personnel were so very helpful. Office does close at 4 but that is due to staff shortages."
TravelerGreat location a updated grounds, sites and restrooms n bath houses. Local to hershey but out of the traffic.
Great vaction site for RVs n longer stays. Quiet n comfortable RV living!
ScoutNice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
GuideThis campground has everything. Conveniently located, short drive to Dover, Wilmington, Annapolis and Baltimore. The sites were very large and spacious. Sites can accommodate any type of trailer or vehicle. Plenty of site hookups, areas for tents. There is a camp store, several washer and dryers. The best private, individual shower booths and even a pond to go fishing in.
GuideWe camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
LegendLike always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster. As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck. We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.
The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up. We choose a really wooded site. It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck. It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place. I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose. They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy. You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.
They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine. The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on. I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down. The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long. I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.
The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly. The store was fully stocked with everything you could want. The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water. We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area. We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock. The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.
I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there. It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing. People were very respectful and friendly.
LegendTucked just off Route 309 north of Quakertown, Melody Lakes Country Estate feels far less like a traditional campground and much more like a quiet, semi-permanent residential community, with a small pocket of opportunity for the occasional overnight RV stay if you happen to time it right.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Peaceful, tucked-away setting surrounded by wooded acreage that gives the property a calm, removed feel from nearby roads;(2) Access to a range of community-style amenities including a pool, clubhouse, playground, and small fishing ponds;(3) Proximity to Quakertown makes it relatively easy to access groceries, restaurants, and basic supplies within a short drive;(4) Nearby outdoor options like the Upper Bucks Rail Trail provide a great outlet for hiking and biking;(5) Close to local gems like Kathy’s Country Kitchen, which is well worth the stop if you’re passing through.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Extremely limited RV availability, with only a handful of spots, making it unreliable for spontaneous overnight stays;(2) Not a true campground experience, as the majority of the property is made up of semi-permanent or seasonal residences;(3) No tent camping options whatsoever, limiting flexibility for different types of campers;(4) Entrance is easy to miss with minimal signage, requiring careful navigation or prior knowledge to find;(5) Unclear availability of full hookups due to the limited number of transient sites and lack of consistent turnover.
Happy Camping!
LegendTucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting with wide-open skies, neighboring hay fields, rustic barns and charming small towns that feel pulled straight from a New England travel guide. With roughly 170 RV sites, a small collection of tent sites and several rental campers, the campground strikes a balance between peaceful rural escape and full-featured family campground energy.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Gorgeous pastoral setting with surrounding farmland, rolling hills and a distinctly peaceful countryside atmosphere;(2) Excellent full-hookup RV infrastructure with mostly back-in sites offering 30/50 amp electric, water and sewer, along with flat pads, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings;(3) Exceptionally strong amenity package including adult and kids swimming pools, mini golf, baseball field, RC track, shuffleboard, fishing pond, game room, playgrounds, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, cornhole, themed weekends, bingo and Saturday wagon rides;(4) Clean and plentiful facilities including four well-kept restroom and shower buildings, laundry, camp store, dump stations, water stations, propane refills and ice sales; and(5) Outstanding access to regional attractions including Nockamixon State Park for kayaking and canoeing, plus great nearby dining at Brick Tavern Inn, McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn and Sage Alley Brewery.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Interior sections of the campground offer less tree cover and privacy compared to the wooded perimeter sites;(2) Tent camping is limited in number and clustered separately, which may feel slightly isolated to some campers;(3) Restaurant options are not immediately adjacent, requiring a short drive for dining;(4) Weekend popularity and themed events can increase noise and traffic levels; and(5) RV rates trend toward the higher end during peak season.
Happy Camping!
LegendTucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone’s throw from the PA Turnpike.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Expansive campground with 250+ sites offering full hookups, giving plenty of options for both short stays and longer visits;(2) Resort-style amenities including pool, mini golf, clubhouse, playgrounds, and organized activities that keep families engaged throughout the day;(3) Beautiful wooded setting with dense tree coverage that creates a surprisingly secluded feel despite proximity to major highways;(4) Ideal location for exploring Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with scenic farmland, covered bridges, and charming nearby towns just minutes away; and(5) Strong sense of community with events like bingo, crafts, and family activities that give it that classic ‘summer camp” vibe.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Sloped terrain throughout much of the campground can make leveling a bit tricky depending on your site;(2) Close proximity to the PA Turnpike may be a concern for some, even though tree coverage helps reduce both noise and visibility;(3) Wi-Fi is not complimentary and can be an added cost, which feels a bit dated for a“resort” experience;(4) Membership requirement through Thousand Trails can be a barrier for first-time or casual campers; and(5) Limited tent site availability compared to the large number of RV sites, making it less flexible for non-RV travelers
Happy Camping!
LegendSet just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood than a traditional woods-only campsite. While its proximity to the highway makes access easy, the property itself is gated, organized into distinct camping zones and packed with amenities that clearly cater to longer stays and families looking for built-in entertainment.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Full-service resort-style amenities including pool, playground, arcade, laundry, propane refills, dump stations, sports field, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings throughout the property;(2) Wide variety of lodging options including RV sites with 30/50 amp hookups, water, sewer and cable, primitive tent sites, and multiple on-site cottages for non-campers;(3) Gated entrance and very welcoming, helpful staff at check-in with a well-stocked camp store offering snacks, ice cream, sundries and souvenirs;(4) Strong family appeal with fishing pond, barn, open play areas and space for kids to roam safely; and(5) Excellent location for regional attractions including Hershey Park, Chocolate World, Amish countryside tours and the nearby wolf sanctuary with guided educational tours.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Immediate proximity to I-76 means persistent highway noise day and night with no real sound buffer;(2) Access is oddly indirect despite being next to the turnpike, requiring a several-mile loop through countryside roads to reach the entrance;(3) Overall layout is wide open with limited natural privacy between many RV sites;(4) Nearby shooting range produces frequent target practice noise, especially noticeable during early morning hours; and(5) Pricing for primitive tent sites feels disproportionately high compared to full-hookup RV rates.
Happy Camping!
Camping near Parkesburg, Pennsylvania offers access to diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 250 to 800 feet across the region's rolling countryside. The Brandywine Valley's microclimate creates slightly milder conditions than surrounding areas, with average summer highs of 85°F and winter lows around 24°F. Most campgrounds in this area close from December through March, though a few maintain year-round operations with limited winter amenities.
Fishing opportunities: At French Creek State Park Campground, anglers can target multiple species. "We spent Saturday afternoon fishing but not catching anything at Scott's Run. It's a beautiful location and it was still a fun way to spend the day with the kids away from the site," reports Ellen C. The park maintains two lakes stocked with various fish species.
Hiking trails: The region's trail systems accommodate various skill levels. "French Creek State Park has 35 miles of hiking trails through wooded terrain. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," notes Jen R. from French Creek State Park.
Local Amish experiences: Country Acres Campground provides cultural immersion opportunities. "They offer a 2:00 pm check-out which we enjoyed. And there are free tickets available for the Amish Farmland Bus Tour," explains Matt S. These tours typically last 90 minutes and provide insights into local agricultural practices.
Waterpark activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Quarryville receives high marks for its water features. "The water park is super fun for adults and kids. The entire campground is clean and very well maintained," shares Ashley S. Water facilities typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Privacy between sites: The natural screening at certain campgrounds enhances the camping experience. "The sites in the center are like a parking lot. Small, no shade and wide open. We prefer the creek side sites," reports Stacy D. about Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort. Site selection significantly impacts privacy levels.
Pastoral views: Camping facilities situated among working farms offer unique perspectives. "This is a great spot for visiting Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County and about a one-hour drive to Hersheypark," notes Matt S. about Lancaster-New Holland KOA. Many sites provide direct views of active agricultural operations.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds maintain limited schedules. "This campground is only open on the weekends, in season. Sites can be reserved on line, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration," explains Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.
Site conditions: The region's topography creates varied camping surfaces. "Most of the campsite options are fairly level, but are very rocky, so this is something to keep in mind if you are tent camping. We have heavy duty solid steel pegs and still had trouble pegging everything down," warns Phinon W. about Spring Gulch Resort Campground.
Bathroom facilities: Amenities vary significantly between locations. "The showers had good pressure and hot water. It was cleaned often throughout the weekend, however it is definitely in need of an update," notes Jennifer S. about French Creek State Park. Several campgrounds maintain primitive facilities at remote sites.
Kid-friendly amenities: Philadelphia-West Chester KOA caters to younger campers. "We go here a lot because we are local, and since it's so close, it's nice for a shake down trip of new equipment... They have activities like mini golf, pedal carts, jump pillow and a pool," explains Jim N. Most family activities operate between 9am and 7pm during peak season.
Safety considerations: Campground layouts affect supervision requirements. "Lake loop is the bigger of the two, however the 'sites' are smaller and it's more open. It is popular with group tenters," explains Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park. Groups with young children should request sites away from water features.
Entertainment options: Schedule-conscious parents appreciate campgrounds with programmed activities. "This is a great park in Lancaster County! The one thing that comes to mind is gnomes! After our week here, we bought one from the gift store for future camping adventures. Great pools and classes (water aerobics was fun for everyone)," shares Meag F. about Lake-In-Wood Campground.
Site accessibility: Beacon Hill Camping presents navigation challenges for larger vehicles. "This is a small campground that is a little tight for big rigs. We did manage to fit two 40' motorhome's with planning. The hosts were very helpful," shares Mike H. Advance communication with staff helps secure appropriate sites.
Hookup availability: Service connections vary widely across the region. "We had a drive-through but slanted. There wasn't much room on our site to do anything else. The fire ring was about all the room allowed," notes Mary C. about Lake-In-Wood Campground. Many sites lack sewer connections, requiring strategic tank management.
Leveling requirements: The rolling landscape creates uneven sites at many facilities. "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," cautions Matt S. about Philadelphia-West Chester KOA. Bringing additional leveling blocks proves essential at most area campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Parkesburg, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Parkesburg, PA is French Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 82 reviews.
Keep Exploring
