Philadelphia's RV camping areas cluster within a 50-mile radius of the city, with options in southeastern Pennsylvania and nearby New Jersey. Summer temperatures average 85°F, while spring and fall hover around 65-75°F with moderate rainfall. Most campgrounds remain accessible from April through October, with a limited selection open year-round.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Spring Gulch Resort Campground, the fishing pond provides recreation, though some visitors note limitations. "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," reports Steve R.
Mini golf courses: Several RV parks feature mini golf, though maintenance varies between locations. At Spring Gulch, one visitor noted: "Miniature golf course could use some upkeep as there was trash strewn throughout the course," while another mentioned the courses "need to be regreened... several holes needed maintenance."
Swimming options: Many rv campgrounds near philadelphia pa feature swimming pools and water recreation. One camper at Mays Landing Resort observed: "There is a laundry facility... If you have kids that are aged 6 and up, they are going to love this place," highlighting its family-friendly appeal.
What campers like
Community atmosphere: Long-term and seasonal campers create welcoming environments at many parks. At Sun Valley Campground, one reviewer emphasized: "My wife and I have been seasonal camper for 4 years and love it. We had visited numerous campgrounds and found Sun Valley to be the atmosphere there beyond our expectations."
Live entertainment: Weekend activities and performances enhance the camping experience. Sun Valley Campground received praise for its "Saturday night bands are concert worthy," while other campgrounds host seasonal events and holiday celebrations throughout camping season.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rate highly with campers visiting rv parks in philadelphia area. A Shady Pines Campground visitor appreciated that the "bathrooms for shower convenience after the beach...were SUPER clean," noting this was particularly important for tent campers and those with smaller trailers.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many Philadelphia-area RV parks have uneven terrain requiring careful setup. One Shady Pines camper explained: "The site was inadequately sized to accommodate the full length. The much bigger problem was that it sloped so much it was impossible to level."
Seasonal closures: Operating schedules vary widely. Most commercial campgrounds open April through November, with fewer winter options. A Lake-In-Wood Campground visitor noted: "We stayed at Lake in Wood campground in July. The place was huge. The roads were very tight and you really had to watch how you drove through because of the trees."
Noise considerations: Industrial activity and transportation corridors affect some campgrounds. Spring Gulch campers mentioned a "near by Gun Range can be annoying" while other reviews note proximity to quarries, highways, or other noise sources.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access timing: Family-friendly pools may have limited seasonal hours. At Spring Gulch, a visitor observed: "Staff was nice but not enough staffing to keep amenities like pool open after 5 during the week," suggesting families plan daytime swimming.
Recreation gear availability: Some campgrounds offer sports equipment for temporary use. Spring Gulch has "Lots of sports gear available for free to use within park, has to be returned by 5 when main office closes," according to Beth B.
Child-specific activities: Organized events cater to younger campers at many parks. "Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake has plenty of fish, Very nice family room and the pool is just beautiful," noted one reviewer, highlighting multiple recreation options suitable for children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For traveling RVers, requesting specific areas within campgrounds improves experience. At Sun Valley Campground, one visitor recommended: "Weekend stay here and instead of leaving on Sunday, we booked another day... Well wooded campground with friendly staff and guests."
Water hookup quality: Water connection reliability varies across RV parks near Philadelphia. At Chestnut Lake, campers cautioned: "stay away from the front middle spots, they flood when it rains," indicating the importance of requesting elevated sites during wet seasons.
Off-season advantages: Quieter periods offer better availability and more spacious camping. For Village Scene Park, a visitor shared: "Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet. Full-hookup RV sites with 30 / 50 amp, water, and sewer. Affordable rates compared to other campgrounds in the region."
