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Best Campgrounds near Philadelphia, PA

807 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (124)

    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

    6 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."

    "Come for Militia Hill, hawk watching, cross country ski, or disc golf, and the trails along the Wissahickon Creek."

    3. Philly Love Boats at Pier 5 Marina: Urban Glamping

    1 Review
    Camden, PA
    4 miles
    Website

    $120 - $145 / night

    4. 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"

    5. Alverthorpe Private Park

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

    $1 - $100 / night

    6. 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!!!"

    7. French Creek State Park Campground

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

    $20 - $84 / night

    "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"

    "However, I did like how clean the bathrooms (including showers) were and that it was only an hour's drive from the center of Philadelphia."

    8. Tinicum Island

    1 Review
    Essington, PA
    13 miles
    Website

    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 Camping Photos near Philadelphia, PA

291 Photos of 124 Philadelphia Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Philadelphia, PA

807 Reviews of 124 Philadelphia Campgrounds

Guide to Philadelphia

Camping near Philadelphia, PA, offers a great escape into nature without straying too far from the city. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds, like French Creek State Park Campground, have trails for hiking and biking. One visitor mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun. It's a great place to camp and enjoy downtime!"
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Elk Neck State Park Campground is a good choice. A reviewer noted, "The Susquehanna river is full of every kind of fish imaginable!"
  • Water Activities: For those who love being on the water, Round Valley State Park Campground offers beautiful views and kayaking opportunities. One camper said, "The water was clean and provided a lovely view in the morning."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lums Pond State Park Campground remarked, "Great bath houses, always super clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds provide ample space between sites. A reviewer at Blue Rocks Family Campground mentioned, "Very level and spaced apart from neighbor if you pick the right spots."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville offer fun activities for kids. One family shared, "Kids enjoy the water park and nighttime laser tag parties."

What you should know:

  • Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, such as Elk Neck State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol. A visitor noted, "NO alcohol allowed" as a feature.
  • Site Accessibility: Not all sites are easily accessible. A camper at French Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The paved parking spot was tight but a short walk down to the spacious fire pit picnic table area."
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Blue Rocks Family Campground operates from April 1 to November 1.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A parent at Turkey Swamp Park said, "There’s a nice playground in the campground."
  • Plan for Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms are a must for families. A camper at Belleplain State Forest appreciated that "the restrooms were clean as well."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Having games on hand can keep kids entertained. A visitor at Lake-In-Wood Campground mentioned, "Plenty to do for all ages."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Lums Pond State Park Campground noted, "Sites are paved and mostly level."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A camper at Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest mentioned, "There are no electric hookups and cell service is low."
  • Plan for Muddy Conditions: After rain, some sites can get muddy. A visitor at Turkey Swamp Park said, "We could tell it rained recently because of the muddy tracks."

Camping near Philadelphia, PA, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Philadelphia, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Philadelphia, PA is Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 20 reviews.

What parks are near Philadelphia, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Philadelphia, PA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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