M
Michael M.
Scout
ScoutTurkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Camping near Philadelphia, PA
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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 Campgrounds near Philadelphia (127)
1. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA
"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
"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"
from $28 - $72 / night
Check Availability3. Alverthorpe Private Park
"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"
from $1 - $100 / night
Check Availability4. Philly Love Boats at Pier 5 Marina: Urban Glamping
from $120 - $145 / night
Check Availability5. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park
"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"
from $57 / night
Check Availability6. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
"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!!!"
7. French Creek State Park Campground
"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"
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability8. Tinicum Island
9. Evansburg State Park Campground
"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”."
from $43 / night
Check Availability10. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
"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."
"I always look forward to going because it is consistently clean, great for riding bikes and taking pets for a walk and children for a stroll PLUS it is significant historically and it is enjoyable for"
from $50 - $100 / night
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Drive Time
- 26 min from Trenton, NJ
- 45 min from Vineland, NJ
- 1 hr 2 min from Reading, PA
- 1 hr 8 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Philadelphia, PA
265 Photos of 127 Philadelphia Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOAM
Evansburg State Park Campground
Old Cedar CampgroundS
Goshen Pond — Wharton State ForestA
Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Four Seasons Family Campground
Hospitality Creek Campground
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
Batona — Wharton State ForestM
Boulder Woods Campground
Lower Forge Camp
Blueberry Morning
Recent Reviews near Philadelphia, PA
873 Reviews of 127 Philadelphia Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
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!
- Stuart K.Legend
Lowe's - W Windsor
Upscale Parking Paradise at This Home Fixer-Upper
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!
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
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!
- bbob J.
GuideAtsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Pine Barrens New Jersey
This campground is part of the Wharton State Forest and has several campgrounds in the area. Great wooded sites right on a lake. Pretty good separation between sites with good tree separation between sites. Some road noise not overly affecting site.
- DDiane M.Scout
Brendan Byrne State Forest
Just ok
Restrooms are filthy with mold and mildew.
Water puddled on the restroom floor.really gross.
Cabin was mostly clean. The windows were full of dirt and bugs on the tracks.mattresses were terrible.The fireplace was nice. Kitchen was clean.
Can t wait to move on to a cleaner park.
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
Adeline M.GuideBrendan Byrne State Forest
Beautiful campground, loud campers
Beautiful campground but made the mistake of going on a holiday weekend, the campgrounds next to us were screaming and blasting music all day and throughout the night so we ended up leaving early. A beautiful campground when there aren’t noisy capers ruining it.
Kelvin R.ScoutTohickon Valley County Park
First time camping
As far as experience it was good. The main issue was the campsite where we were was uneven and caused many of the sleeping arrangements that we had to be not level. This seems to be a specific issue to the group campsite number two as when we went inwards it seemed like everything else was much better.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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