Tent camping near Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania requires advance planning due to limited individual sites. The area sits at elevations between 200-400 feet in the gently rolling hills of Montgomery County, with typical summer highs of 85°F and winter lows around 25°F. Spring and fall camping often features moderate rainfall, with campers noting that trails can become muddy quickly after precipitation.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Green Lane Park offers multiple fishing spots along its reservoir. A camper noted, "Phenomenal disc golf course, hiking, and fishing" at this location, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Historical explorations: Fort Washington State Park Campground connects campers with Revolutionary War history. One visitor shared it's "Replete with recreational facilities that would put most SPs to shame, Fort Washington is comprised of 492 acres of unbridled, very well-manicured landscapes that offer up great spots for birding, hiking and exploring."
Birdwatching excursions: The hawk observation deck at Fort Washington provides seasonal migration viewing. According to a visitor, "From this very spot you can view the beautiful raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn, wherein you can view their splendor from the wonderfully built Observation Deck."
Creek exploration: Evansburg State Park Campground features stream hiking along Skippack Creek. A camper described it as a "Great place to creek hike, nice for horses, we did get a lot of ticks, but not deer ticks, thankfully."
What campers like
Secluded woodland settings: Despite suburban surroundings, campers appreciate the natural isolation. One visitor to Hibernia County Park shared, "We LOVE this campground. It's tiny (19 sites in Fiddlers loop), it's quiet, it's heavily wooded. There is NOTHING to do... except walk or bike the beautiful trails."
Family-friendly amenities: Parks offer specialized areas for younger visitors. A camper at Hibernia County Park noted, "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground."
Diverse trail systems: The best tent camping near Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania features varied trail difficulties. At Green Lane Park, "There are plenty of well marked trails for hiking," while another camper noted the trails at Evansburg State Park are "plenty of hiking trails. only downside is having to haul gear by foot to the campsite."
Affordable access: Many nearby campgrounds offer budget-friendly rates. One visitor mentioned Hibernia's value: "Super great price at $15/night as well. The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing."
What you should know
Site access limitations: Many campgrounds have carrying requirements for gear. At Green Lane Park, "The spaces are right on top of each other with no tree cover between spots, so you'll definitely be right up on your neighbors."
Reservation requirements: Most organized group camping requires advance booking. Fort Washington State Park "is not a spot for RVs or 5th Wheelers" according to one visitor, who also noted "you'll have to enter on the south side of the park, which has the only main entrance."
Limited amenities: Primitive facilities are standard at most locations. A camper at Green Lane Park noted, "The fire rings are big and frustrating, the fire sits on a lifted grate so you go through wood like crazy. Lovely park, lovely rangers, but not my favorite spot."
Group-only restrictions: Several parks don't permit individual camping. One camper clarified about Ridley Creek State Park: "Love Ridley and their trails. However, there is only group tenting here. I would stay over in a heartbeat though as Im always here!"
Weather considerations: Spring camping often means dealing with mud. A visitor to Evansburg noted, "The only downside, I've ever experienced is I find Evansburg to be the muddiest State Park I've every experienced; I always bring a pair of sneakers to change out of my hiking boots."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Select campgrounds with child-friendly water features. At Ridley Creek State Park, "There are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."
Pack extra footwear: Montgomery County's clay soil becomes slippery when wet. One Evansburg visitor advised, "I always bring a pair of sneakers to change out of my hiking boots, as well as a shoes and change of clothes for the little guy."
Choose sites with amenities: Some locations offer basic conveniences. A camper at Hibernia County Park mentioned, "My kids are age 3-12. There's running water available, porta potties are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp. Very quiet at night."
Consider boat-in camping: For a unique experience, Tinicum Island provides boat-accessible camping. A visitor simply noted it's "A great place to stay if you have a watercraft."
Tips from RVers
Limited size accommodations: Few campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. At Hibernia County Park, a camper noted, "We mostly camp in a 28ft 5th wheel and though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper."
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks for uneven terrain. The same camper at Hibernia observed, "They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Water and dump station planning: Most sites lack hookups or dump facilities. A camper advised, "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home."
