RV camping options near Essington, Pennsylvania range from urban-adjacent sites to more secluded rural settings within a 45-minute drive. The region sits at modest elevations between 10-400 feet above sea level, with humid continental climate patterns producing warm summers and moderately cold winters. Most campgrounds in the area feature gravel pads requiring leveling blocks, with varying degrees of shade coverage depending on location.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds near Essington include ponds or lakes for fishing. At Lake-In-Wood Campground, visitors can fish in the large central pond. "Huge pond for fishing, miniature gold, nice indoor and outdoor pool and a kiddie pool," notes Edward M. The campground combines fishing with other water activities.
Mini golf courses: Several parks maintain on-site courses. Spring Gulch Resort Campground features a mini golf course, though some visitors note it needs maintenance. "Mini golf was fun but need to be regreened….several holes needed maintenance," reports Beth B. The course remains popular despite needing some upkeep.
Swimming options: Most campgrounds have pools, with some offering both indoor and outdoor facilities. Lake-In-Wood provides both indoor and outdoor pools, creating swimming options regardless of weather conditions. Some campgrounds include natural swimming areas as well. "There was a pond for swimming and there were dead fish," one camper mentioned about Spring Gulch.
What campers like
Scheduled activities: Weekend entertainment and organized events enhance stays. Mays Landing Resort hosts weekend music events that draw praise. "It was definitely a vibe. If he's not on the payroll and the owners read this the person playing the music Oct 3rd deserves some sort of compensation," wrote Herbert about their Halloween weekend experience with the campground DJ.
Privacy between sites: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. Some campers appreciate the spaciousness at certain locations. "The sites are big and spaced far apart. Lots of privacy," noted a visitor about Lums Pond (quoted in existing description). However, at Shady Pines Campground, a guest experienced extremely tight quarters: "I measured just 3-inches of air between the back of my RV and the back of our neighbor's RV. Three inches!"
Clean facilities: Many reviewers highlight bathhouse cleanliness as important. Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake receives good marks for this aspect. "Clean showers and toilet, free cable, great lounge," wrote Joe D. The campground maintains basic but well-kept facilities.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most RV sites near Essington close during winter months. Spring Gulch Resort operates from March 21 through December 1, while Mays Landing Resort's season runs April 1 to November 1. Military Park Fort Dix Range 14 Camp remains open year-round but has restricted access.
Reservation challenges: Holiday weekends book quickly at most parks. Availability shrinks significantly between Memorial Day and Labor Day, particularly at family-oriented locations. "We camped here over Memorial Day weekend and it was full," notes Jen R. about their Spring Gulch experience.
Site conditions vary: Leveling can be difficult at some campgrounds. At Sun Valley Campground, the sites receive praise for maintenance. "The sites are nice. 90% of the people here are full time," notes Alan. However, at Shady Pines, one visitor reported: "The site sloped so much it was impossible to level. I didn't have enough blocks to prop up the leveling jacks enough."
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: Check hours of operation before booking. Some campgrounds limit pool access, especially during weekdays. "Staff was nice but not enough staffing to keep amenities like pool open after 5 during the week," noted a visitor to Spring Gulch Resort.
Playground equipment: Most family-friendly campgrounds offer play areas. Lake Kandle provides extensive recreation options. "Lake with swing and fishing and two pools. No pets no alcohol no store but they have a snack stand," writes Mya M. The focus on family amenities makes it popular for those with children.
Animal attractions: Some campgrounds feature small petting areas. Lake-In-Wood includes goats for children to visit. "Goats to pet and watch. There are a lot of really neat and different rentals here like a tree house, double decker bus, among others. Nice playground for the kids and a small arcade," notes Jen R.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Bring extra leveling blocks to most area campgrounds. The terrain at many RV sites near Essington, Pennsylvania requires significant leveling, especially for larger rigs. "The sites were tight and when our neighbor parked his truck in his spot, my chair could almost touch it," observed one camper at Mays Landing.
Site selection strategy: Request pull-through sites when possible. Campgrounds with tight access roads can make backing into sites challenging for larger motorhomes. At Sun Valley Campground, visitors appreciate the easier access. "Very large park. Showed up on Wednesday, and was assigned a spot in loop 700 up on a hill in the center of a ring of trailers," notes Lori.
Utility connections: Most parks offer full hookups but with placement variations. Village Scene Park provides paved sites with reliable 50-amp service. The placement of hookups can sometimes require extension cords or longer sewer hoses, so come prepared with extra length.
