Shady Oak Campground
Easy access to Lancaster and Pennsylvania Dutch areas. Friendly, welcoming staff and plenty of colorful trees in the autumn. The only RV park in the area that is open year round.
5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Camping near Pennsburg, Pennsylvania ranges from developed campgrounds with tent, RV, and cabin options to rustic sites, all within a short drive of this southeastern Pennsylvania borough. Located approximately 35 miles northwest of Philadelphia, the area features French Creek State Park with its 200 individual sites spread across four loops, and Boulder Woods Campground in nearby Green Lane offering tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park provides a more rustic experience from April through October, while Nockamixon State Park Cabins in Quakertown offers year-round lodging options. The region balances proximity to urban amenities with access to natural settings, making it popular for weekend getaways from Philadelphia and Allentown.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. French Creek State Park remains open year-round, though some amenities like pools and boat rentals may be unavailable in off-seasons. As one camper noted, "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." Heavy rainfall can create challenges at some sites, particularly those near creeks or in low-lying areas. Pennsylvania state parks require reservations for most sites, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Cell service varies throughout the region but is generally reliable at established campgrounds, while more remote areas may have limited connectivity.
Campers consistently mention the quality of hiking trails as a highlight of the region. French Creek State Park features 35 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels, though some visitors note that many are labeled as "more difficult." Site privacy varies significantly between campgrounds and even within different loops of the same park. At French Creek, Loop B offers more spacious sites with better tree coverage between neighbors compared to Loop C, which some describe as feeling "crowded" with sites "stacked right on top of each-other." Fishing opportunities abound at lakes throughout the region, including Hopewell and Scott's Run lakes at French Creek, though swimming is prohibited in some park lakes. The area's proximity to historical sites like Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and Valley Forge provides additional recreational opportunities beyond traditional camping activities.
"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."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $90 / night
"Tucked 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"
"If you find yourself careening around the picturesque country roads here in Bucks County you will discover Quakerwoods Campground (named of course after the previous tri-cornered hat-donning Quaker residents"
"Nice place, a bit to close to the highways"
"It was quite muddy so we moved our set up into the grass field, we reserved the majority of the sites in this location so it worked well. The RV spots seem nice and large."
"Nothing bad about this place, I love that it's set far enough away from the main road that you don't get the noise."
"Great camping, great hiking, pretty close to stores if you need anything. Staff is incredible!! Very polite, helpful, and just all around awesome People!!!"
"Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails"
from $20 - $30 / night
"They have a lot of land so it’s easy to find a secluded spot to hang out away from paths and people!"
"Great place to picnic fish from land or boat, go for a nice scenic walk, go Kayaking, etc. If you don't own a boat, you can rent one right at the lake."
Available this weekend
from $70 - $92 / night
"According to hikers on the AT, this is what they call Pennsylvania, as they hike through this section of the state. And Blue Rocks Campground doesn't dissapoint."
"Blue Rocks family campground is close to I78 however it is still off the beaten path. It is very peaceful to camp here as you have different types of environments."
"This property is close to town yet so serene. 2WD is fine but 4WD will make your experience getting to the property a bit more smooth."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $30 / night
"Long story short, I spent several days looking for a close-by camp site for us to stay at as it was our first time tent camping."












Easy access to Lancaster and Pennsylvania Dutch areas. Friendly, welcoming staff and plenty of colorful trees in the autumn. The only RV park in the area that is open year round.
What a great place. So unique! Love the view, and a great experience! There are no hook ups, so be prepared but if you are looking for the dispersed camping experience you have found it. What a gem!
This is a large campground with a wide array of campsites so be careful attention when you book online, especially if you have a pet because some sites are not pet-friendly. Some are 50-amp full hook-up and some are primitive with no hook-ups.
There is a nice nature center with interesting interpretive exhibits and lots of informational brochures including ones about the hiking trails, bears, scat and tracks of local animals, and fishing. Our site was at the edge of the campground and backed up to Route 534 which resulted in a bit of road noise at our site. Other than the road noise the campground was pretty quiet and was not very crowded when we camped there in October.
Not all sites are level and we happened to book one that was not and we had to live with a slant for our stay. The roads in the park are gravel/dirt and since it rained the day we arrived the roads were a muddy mess which made the roads slippery and there were lots of potholes. Unfortunately, some campers were disrespectful and left bags of trash in the fire pit and scattered around their site which was totally unnecessary because there were dumpsters plenty of dumpsters in the campground. Since we camped at Hickory Run late in the season, there were no camp hosts and the trash never got picked up.
The campground is open from mid-April to mid-December; however, the shower facilities and dump station are not available after the third week of October so plan accordingly. We really like the hiking trails which are of varying degrees of difficulty and lengths. The Hawk Falls is a nice easy walk (1.4 miles round-trip) to a waterfall but is extremely popular so don’t think you will be admiring the falls alone. The parking lot at this trail head fills up fast so you better get there early if you want to get a spot.
You can enter the park from two different directions. If you have a big-rig, it is best to approach from the east side. We made the mistake of coming in from the west side as we dropped down from I-80 and came down 534 and the road was really windy with no shoulder. Luckily, there was very little traffic so we could go 10 mph and safely navigate the roads.
Be aware alcohol is not allowed in PA state parks. This park does allow hunting in certain sections of the park. The no-hunting areas are clearly marked with white no hunting signs on trees and you can also pick up a brochure from the office that designates hunting and no-hunting sections.
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
Country Acres is a lovely, well maintained campground. Sites are level and bath house facilities clean and modern. Friendly staff in the office. Dog friendly. Local to all the Lancaster attractions. A complimentary farmland tour is offered by bus and it was great. They take you out into an area of Amish farms and shops and make a stop at 2 of these. The fresh Amish pretzels are amazing!
This is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
solid parking place for vans and RVs. road is dirt gravel but not terrible. nice hike nearby
The camping spots near Pennsburg, Pennsylvania provide diverse terrain options across southeastern Pennsylvania's Piedmont region, where elevations range from 200-500 feet. Located within the Delaware River watershed, the area experiences mild summers with occasional heavy thunderstorms and cold winters with periodic snowfall. Seasonal changes directly impact water levels at several camping destinations, with spring rains often creating muddy conditions at some of the primitive sites.
Disc golf adventures: Boulder Woods Campground offers an extensive disc golf course that attracts enthusiasts from throughout the region. "Phenomenal disc golf course, hiking, and fishing," notes Benjamin C. in his review of nearby Green Lane Park, which features similar recreational options. Both locations provide equipment rentals for beginners.
Boulder exploration: At Boulder Ridge Farm, the unique geological formations create natural playgrounds. "Great place to escape the stress of every day life. Plenty of fire wood, really cool huge rocks and waking up to owls was awesome," says Jnear139. These boulder fields are remnants of the region's ancient geological history.
Winter camping options: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, some locations remain open year-round. At French Creek State Park, winter camping provides a different experience. One camper notes, "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby." The park maintains heated bathrooms during winter months.
Trail exploration: Many campers report well-marked trails as a highlight. "There are so many wonderful activities. There really is something for everyone here and if you can't find it you aren't looking very hard," writes Jen R. about French Creek. Many parks connect to regional trail systems with varying difficulty levels for hikers of all abilities.
Private tent sites: Several campgrounds offer secluded tent camping areas separated from RV sections. At Little Red Barn Campground, "primitive sites are very private, friendly staff, clean grounds," according to Kelsey K., who specifically notes, "I took a walk with my dog and saw the primitive sites tucked in the back of the grounds."
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention clean bathrooms and showers. "The bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes," writes Jen R. about French Creek State Park. Similarly, at Boulder Woods, reviewers note "Clean amenities. Will be coming back!"
Spacious camping pads: Site design varies significantly between campgrounds. French Creek State Park receives praise for its "paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," according to Jen R. Many sites include fire rings positioned safely away from tent pads.
Unique camping environments: Blue Rocks Family Campground offers distinctive settings. "You can be down near the creek and in the open more, in the wooded areas, or you can be near the corn field and glacier rock field," explains Jen R., highlighting the variety of terrain available within a single campground.
Site selection considerations: Terrain can present challenges at certain campgrounds. At Tohickon Family Campground, a reviewer warns, "We had a great Halloween weekend but we were down by creek so it was very muddy." Low-lying areas throughout the region become problematic after heavy rains.
Bathhouse distances: At some campgrounds, primitive sites may be far from facilities. Little Red Barn Campground has "only one bathroom and it's very far from the primitive sites," according to Kelsey K. Plan accordingly if you prefer tent camping in more secluded areas.
Seasonal operating restrictions: Most campgrounds in the region operate from April through October. However, availability varies by location. Stephen W. notes about Tohickon: "Nice new gravel and hook ups. Spacious sites. Large stream with fishing. WiFi good. ATT poor."
Non-tent-friendly terrain: Some campgrounds present challenges for tent campers. "Recently went camping with a tent there. Not tent friendly - first night we slept on rocks," reports Jodi B. about Tohickon Family Campground. Request specific information about tent site conditions when making reservations.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Quakerwoods Campground, Christine D. reports, "The kids have been able to enjoy a hayride and the Halloween decor that some of the seasonal campers display." Similarly, French Creek State Park offers "a huge playground situated conveniently between the loops of the campground."
Swimming options: Pool facilities vary between locations. Boulder Woods receives praise from Stephanie B., who notes, "Clean amenities. Will be coming back!" However, pools typically operate seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Camping near water features provides educational experiences. Christine D. writes about Quakerwoods: "Just behind the campground is a pond that the kids love to visit and explore for fish, frogs and turtles." These natural attractions keep children engaged.
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds offer programmed events. "We have visited Quakerwoods campground three years in a row with a large group including several kids. Last year, we also caught a very good band performing in the campground," shares Christine D., highlighting the entertainment options available for families.
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should prepare for varied terrain. At French Creek State Park, Cheryl K. reports, "Stayed here 2 nights without a reservation. We were in the D loop which is rustic with no hookups. Quiet, very few people mid-week. Spacious sites." Loop selection significantly impacts the camping experience.
Hookup availability: Not all sites offer full connections. "Not all sites have sewer hookups, oops. Easy to back in," warns Joe B. about Little Red Barn Campground. Call ahead to confirm specific hookup requirements for your RV.
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds have tight entrance roads. Boulder Woods Campground receives praise for staff assistance: "The spots are tight to get into but the staff will offer to park your camper using your vehicle. I let them park mine and I'm really glad I did," explains Erik W.
RV age restrictions: Some locations maintain specific policies. "They only allow seasonal campers to be 10 years old or newer. Ours is 13. Very disappointed," reports Caryn I. about Boulder Woods Campground. Verify any age limitations before making reservations for older RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Pennsburg, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Pennsburg, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 159 campgrounds and RV parks near Pennsburg, PA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Pennsburg, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pennsburg, PA is French Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 84 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pennsburg, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Pennsburg, PA.
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