Best Campgrounds near Philadelphia, PA

Camping spots near Philadelphia include several good options for city folks wanting a quick break. French Creek State Park Campground sits about 38 miles from downtown, with hiking trails and fishing that make it worth the short drive. Heading a bit further, you'll find Elk Neck State Park Campground in Maryland, which looks out over Chesapeake Bay and works well for swimming and boating. Kids can play at the playgrounds in both parks while parents set up camp. When you stay in this area, keep food locked up to avoid attracting wildlife, which can be a problem. Check on current fire rules before you go, as they change with the seasons and weather conditions. Many campers combine their outdoor time with visits to Philadelphia's historic districts or hikes on nearby Appalachian Trail sections. The camping season runs longest in summer and fall, but you'll need to book ahead during busy weekends. The Philadelphia region's camping areas might not be wilderness, but they give you a nice mix of outdoor time and city access.

Best Camping Sites Near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (123)

    1. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    15 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."

    "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."

    2. Fort Washington State Park Campground

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

    $28 - $72 / night

    "Fort Washington State Park is just north of Philadelphia. It's almost 500 acres filled with trails, woods,and river."

    "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"

    3. Alverthorpe Private Park

    4 Reviews
    Jenkintown, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 884-6538

    $1 - $100 / night

    "year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:  HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked"

    5. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    10 Reviews
    Gradyville, PA
    18 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"

    6. French Creek State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $20 - $75 / night

    "It’s about an hour away from Philadelphia. We tent camped in loop B. The site was wonderful. Just know it is a gravel site, not grass. The fire pit has a grill attachment and wood was easy to find."

    "one of my favorite locations near Philadelphia, Reading and Lancaster. The bathrooms are ok, but the hiking, lake and location with nice sites makes it great for me either for rent or RV"

    7. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

    23 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 268-0444

    "It was a great location, closest site to the water with beautiful views. Super convenient if you're a Kayaker, you can launch right off that spot. Its a huge site, away from other sites."

    "The campside was clean, spacious, includes the firepit and the table. While we were surrounded by other campers, we enjoyed how private it was!!! Will come back again!!!"

    9. Evansburg State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Skippack, PA
    20 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”."

    10. Old Cedar Campground

    11 Reviews
    Monroeville, NJ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 358-4881

    $31 - $50 / night

    "This row of sites lacked the trees for shade and privacy found at most other sites around the campground.  The pool was nice and clean."

    "Not close off the highway, but wooden sites. Seems as though people spend their summers there. Pool was beautiful and looked new. Mini golf was decrepit and looked abandoned. Store was nice."

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Recent Reviews near Philadelphia, PA

829 Reviews of 123 Philadelphia Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Private wooded sites

    Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Alverthorpe Private Park

    Urban Camping Bliss

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked just outside Philly that is serene enough to reset your social media–addled brain; (2) Flat, open terrain scattered with tall shade trees makes pitching your tent feel practically pastoral; (3) Surprisingly solid cell signal (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T all wave hello), which is rare in inner-density camping and handy for emergency pizza delivery orders; (4) Short walk to a quaint lake and four-sided chimney for marshmallow toasting that offers low-key charm with built-in ambiance; and (5) Tons of shade completely shroud the entire campground area, so no need to bring those pesky shelters for added coverage. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No restroom drama on the way in, but once you’re past the control building, basic camping reality bites; (2) Ancient shelter and group pavilion are charming in a ‘needs new plumbing’ sort of way; (3) Reaching the camping area involves navigating uneven steps as you won’t be able to drive to your actual campsite, which is great for adventure, but bad for sprained ankles; (4) Feels like a weekend-only myth where the park closes on holidays and deals in ‘control building hours’; and (5) This place is known to be full of litter and in dire need of some ground maintenance, so you might just want to bring an extra garbage bag and a rake to help out.

    Happy Camping!

  • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Great Place

    Really enjoyed everything about this place. Kayaks. Camping. All of it. Clean and friendly.


Guide to Philadelphia

The Philadelphia area offers several campgrounds within easy driving distance of the city. Located in the Delaware Valley region at just 39 feet above sea level, this area experiences hot, humid summers and mild to cold winters that affect camping seasons. Most campsites near Philadelphia remain open from April through October, though some provide year-round options for campers seeking urban proximity with natural surroundings.

What to do

Kayaking at Atsion Lake: Visit Wharton State Forest Atsion Recreation Area where campers can launch directly from some sites. "Campsite G014 was awesome! It was a great location, closest site to the water with beautiful views. Super convenient if you're a Kayaker, you can launch right off that spot," notes Brianna P.

Historical tours: Combine camping with visiting nearby historical sites at Evansburg State Park Campground. "Great park to do everything outdoorsy including, hiking, horseback riding, hunting and fishing. I caught a beautiful Brown Trout here a few weeks ago!" reports J K., highlighting the park's diverse activities.

Urban camping experience: For something completely different, try boat access camping at Tinicum Island. "A great place to stay if you have a watercraft," says Bobby S., providing a unique opportunity to camp near the city with Delaware River access.

What campers like

Private, spacious sites: Campers appreciate the layout at French Creek State Park Campground. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers," writes Jen R.

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain good bathroom facilities. "The restroom at the campground is very nice and new however it is a little on the dirty side. I don't know if they have anyone who goes around to clean the bath houses but it certainly was in need of cleaning," notes a French Creek reviewer, providing balanced feedback.

Waterfront access: Campers enjoy sites with water views. "I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake. While camping at atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation area," shares Alexa L. about Wharton State Forest.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most Philadelphia-area campgrounds require advance booking, especially for weekend trips. "Stopped over for a night on a drive, good cell service and lots of foliage between sites keeps them pretty private," mentions Dan X. about French Creek State Park.

Group camping only: Some parks limit individual camping. "Great historical park along Washington's route to Valley Forge - however, camping is group camping by reservation only, not nightly camping for individuals," explains Sue C. about Fort Washington State Park Campground.

Residential restrictions: Check eligibility before planning. "Restricted to only residents. Looks nice, if you can actually stay here," warns Les R. about Alverthorpe Private Park, highlighting the need to verify access requirements.

Weather preparedness: The Philadelphia region experiences sudden thunderstorms in summer. "When we were packing up a severe thunderstorm rolled through. The bag was in the rain and I was surprised that everything inside was dry!" shares a camper about their experience.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA offers numerous amenities for children. "There was so much to do there a pool, lake, horseshoes, cornhole, playground, big pillow and even more. They offer so many activities during the day and text you so you don't forget," writes Nicole S.

Best shower facilities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly bathrooms. "Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean," mentions Jen R. about French Creek State Park.

Wildlife education opportunities: Make camping educational by exploring native plants. "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," suggests Jorah about Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA.

Tips from RVers

Level sites: RV campers appreciate the concrete pads at French Creek State Park. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze," writes one reviewer, making this park popular with RV owners.

Full hookup options: Old Cedar Campground provides complete RV amenities. "We stayed in Site #51 in the Fence Loop - a pull-thru with 50-amp, water, and sewer. The hookups seemed to work just fine. The all-grass site just fit our 37' motor home," reports Matt S.

Shared water hookups: Plan accordingly for water connections. "The water hookups are shared every other site. I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses," advises Matt S. about Old Cedar Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Philadelphia?

For the best camping near Philadelphia, consider French Creek State Park Campground, an easy drive from the city with nice trails, a lake, and spacious sites for tents or RVs. It's consistently rated as a favorite location for escaping the urban environment. Another excellent option is Brandywine Creek Campground, which offers a quiet, well-maintained setting with clean facilities and a swimming pool. It's conveniently located near Valley Forge and provides easy train access to Philadelphia for day trips. Both campgrounds offer a perfect balance of natural surroundings while maintaining proximity to the city's attractions.

Are there family-friendly campsites with amenities near Philadelphia?

The Philadelphia-West Chester KOA is an excellent family-friendly option with well-maintained facilities, patio sites, and a prime location in the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside. While sites may be close together, the overall atmosphere and amenities make it ideal for families. Another great choice is Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, offering a peaceful setting just 20 minutes from Philadelphia with full hookups. The park features organized activities and convenient access to the city via Uber. Both locations provide the amenities families need while offering easy access to Philadelphia's attractions.

Can you camp overnight in Philadelphia parks?

Traditional camping isn't permitted in Philadelphia's city parks. However, for those needing an overnight stop, The Home Depot — Port Richmond offers a convenient location right off I-95 for self-contained RVs. Similarly, Cracker Barrel — Ridley provides a quick stopover option for those traveling along I-95 near Philadelphia International Airport. For a unique urban camping experience, check out Philly Love Boats at Pier 5 Marina, which offers glamping accommodations right on the water in the city. Always request permission before overnight parking at retail locations.

What are the closest state park camping options to Philadelphia?

Fort Washington State Park Campground is one of the closest state park camping options, located just north of Philadelphia. This nearly 500-acre park features numerous trails, wooded areas, and riverside access, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Dogs are welcome throughout the park. Another option within an hour's drive is French Creek State Park Campground, offering clean bathroom facilities with showers and plenty of recreational opportunities around its lake. For group camping near Philadelphia, Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park provides reservable spaces with basic facilities like toilets and water access.