Best Campgrounds near Rose Valley, PA

Campgrounds near Rose Valley, Pennsylvania range from full-service facilities to basic tent sites within a short drive of Philadelphia. The Philadelphia-West Chester KOA provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations approximately 15 miles west of Rose Valley, while French Creek State Park Campground offers a more natural setting with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, yurts, and glamping options. These established campgrounds typically include amenities such as electrical hookups, fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restrooms, with some offering recreational facilities like swimming pools, hiking trails, and boat rentals.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended for most campgrounds in the region, particularly during the peak summer season when Philadelphia residents seek outdoor escapes. Most developed sites in the area remain open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months. The terrain throughout the region consists of rolling hills and wooded areas with some waterfront camping options along rivers and lakes. Road access to most established campgrounds is well-maintained, making them accessible for standard vehicles and RVs. A review noted that "The campground is located in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills which meant the roads getting there are narrow and windy."

Philadelphia-area campgrounds receive positive feedback for their proximity to urban attractions while maintaining a natural feel. Campers particularly value waterfront sites, with several reviews highlighting locations that offer river access for paddling or fishing. French Creek State Park receives praise for its hiking trails and recreational amenities, though some mention that certain sites can feel crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. As one camper observed about the French Creek sites, "The sites that aren't ADA have more space between them," indicating variation in site layout and privacy. For those seeking a balance between amenities and natural surroundings, the campgrounds within 30 miles of Rose Valley provide convenient access to both outdoor recreation and urban attractions like Valley Forge National Historical Park and Philadelphia's cultural sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Rose Valley, Pennsylvania (117)

    1. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    10 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."

    "In addition to the peaceful vibe, the people are friendly, the little office store has everything you forgot to pack, and if you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods"

    2. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    10 Reviews
    Gradyville, PA
    5 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"

    3. French Creek State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $20 - $75 / night

    "We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"

    "Campground Review: French Creek State Park Campground is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."

    4. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA

    17 Reviews
    Downingtown, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 486-0447

    $59 - $86 / night

    "The campground is located in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills which meant the roads getting there are narrow and windy."

    "Everything was within close walking distance and the staff were extremely helpful. Pool and bathrooms were very clean."

    5. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 368-6989

    $22 - $40 / night

    "Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."

    "The camp loop is a nice walk but there are also trails. They were pretty muddy when we were there. Site 35 was quite spacious as were many of them."

    7. Old Cedar Campground

    11 Reviews
    Monroeville, NJ
    21 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."

    8. Four Seasons Family Campground

    8 Reviews
    Pilesgrove, NJ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 769-3635

    $50 - $150 / night

    "They have many amenities form a lake to swim or fish, to playgrounds,theres a convenient store and even an arcade, and the best part is all the farms around."

    9. Fort Washington State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ambler, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 591-5250

    $28 - $72 / night

    "It's almost 500 acres filled with trails, woods,and river. I usually go to the parking right off of Militia hill rd.and Skippack Pike intersection."

    "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"

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Recent Reviews near Rose Valley, PA

843 Reviews of 117 Rose Valley Campgrounds


  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Boulder Woods Campground

    This is a have to stay campground

    Excellent stay. We spent 2 nights and had 2 sites. Big sites very quiet and the staff I’d exceptional. Even better is the amazing price!

  • Ali P.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Homestead Campground

    Here for a week

    Beautiful park. Looks like only 2 of the spots are for campers, rest are full time residents. The farther back you go in the park the worse condition the rv are. At time of visit the closest bathroom was under repair, it happens. Aggravating issues: Dump station has no water. People walk their dogs right thru your camp site and then don’t pick up after them.

    But yea, beautiful place

  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Country Acres Campground

    Nice park

    This was a great campground. Very convenient for local sites, food, and shopping. Super clean, a large pool, and all well maintained.

  • M
    Oct. 6, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Hard with a large group

    Harder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Dog owners read!

    There’s four loops. All connected A through D. We just needed a place to park and sleep so I got D011. Got there at 11pm and the D loop says no pets allowed. Not sure why when they are at every other loop but we had no where else to go and the area is pretty far off from anywhere else so the ol lab stayed in the camper. The bathrooms are tile and really nice with showers. And it was really quiet and chilly so a nice fall camp site. Just know ahead of time if you’re a dog owner!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Village Scene Park

    Tucked-Away Community Vibe

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated insights, additional photos and a quick breakdown of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet; (2) Full-hookup RV sites with 30 / 50 amp, water, and sewer; (3) Affordable rates compared to other campgrounds in the region; (4) Smaller, tight-knit atmosphere with friendly long-term residents; (5) Pet-friendly, with walking areas and green space; and (6) Nearby restaurants include Franconi’s Pizzeria for classic pies and cheesesteaks and Appalachian Brewing Company with pub fare and house-brewed beers. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Sites are narrow and can feel cramped, so don’t expect big pull-throughs; (2) Limited amenities with no pool, clubhouse, or playground; (3) Grounds feel more like a residential mobile home park than a campground; (4) Some infrastructure is dated and could use upgrades; and (5) Not much in the way of natural scenery because, um, this is urban camping. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Fort Washington State Park Campground

    Where George Washington Would've Ditched His Tent PPE

    I’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 500 acres of lush forest that is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike; (2) Potable water and non-flush restrooms available year-round, because even Revolutionary War re-enactors need coffee breaks; (3) Over 3.5 miles of trails leading to Hawk Watch observation decks, which birders will marvel at and the rest of us will simply appreciate the vista; (4) Group tenting area that fits 20 to 100 people that is ideal for clans, clubs or covert woodland think tanks; and (5) Convenient to Philly (25 min), great for escaping crowds while still being able to Uber for donuts.

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No RV or tent-by-the-river solo camping: group-only policy means solo adventurers need to carpool or carry heavy guilt; (2) Bathrooms are primitive and non-flush, so BYOTP as it’s campground chic here, not hotel lobby convenient; (3) Carry-in / carry-out trash policy means becoming one with your garbage until civilization or squirrels show up; (4) Cell service is ‘iffy’ at best, depending on how hard the woods are trying to keep you offline; and (5) No campfire tales about campers as noise is limited and so are late-night s'mores sessions.

    Happy Camping!

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Batona — Wharton State Forest

    Good spot to sleep

    The camp road was kinda hard to get around direction wise you couldn’t tell what was a road and what was a campsite. It was Saturday night and only two other campers but one was a huge group but thankfully not too loud. Two pit toilets that was pretty bad shape but we are used to disperse camping without toilets so we didn’t complain.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Great place to stay!

    This Campground is in the town of Lancaster, close to everything. A little complicated getting in, you need to turn in at the Cartoon Network Hotel driveway. Nice showers & friendly staff. Our site was asphalt, that was a treat, tho not all of them were...


Guide to Rose Valley

Camping spots near Rose Valley, Pennsylvania offer diverse terrain that ranges from wooded hillsides to riverside settings within 30 miles of Philadelphia. The region experiences four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers where temperatures average 85°F in July and cold winters that drop to around 25°F in January. Road access varies significantly between campgrounds, with some riverside sites requiring careful navigation on narrower, winding roads that can be challenging for larger RVs.

What to do

Fishing at multiple lakes: French Creek State Park Campground features two lakes stocked with northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, and muskellunge. A camper mentioned, "We spent Saturday afternoon fishing but not catching anything at Scott's Run. It's a beautiful location and it was still a fun way to spend the day with the kids away from the site."

Canoe on the Brandywine: At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, rent canoes to explore the calm Brandywine River. According to one review, "Being on the Brandywine, you can fish and rent canoes. The river is usually very calm and good for a float."

Hiking all skill levels: Ridley Creek State Park offers well-marked trails for all abilities. A visitor shared, "Easy hike. We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back." Another mentioned, "I had the best time here hiking up and down the mini mountains. The water was clear and beautiful and I absolutely loved it."

Bird watching: Fort Washington State Park features an observation deck specifically for bird watching. A reviewer noted, "Should you call yourself a bird watcher, you'll be particularly interested as from this very spot you can view the beautiful raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn."

What campers like

Private, wooded sites: Campers consistently praise the separation between sites at French Creek State Park. One reviewer noted, "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors."

Waterfront camping options: Many campers appreciate the riverside sites at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, where you can wake up with river views. A review points out, "The river sites are great but can get muddy and there is a big hill to get up and out."

Well-maintained facilities: Lums Pond State Park Campground gets high marks for cleanliness. A camper shared, "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease."

Off-season peace: For those seeking quiet, several campgrounds offer significantly different experiences in off-peak times. One visitor to Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA noted, "I arrived on a Tuesday a few days after they closed the pool, and by Wednesday I had the whole row of tent sites to myself."

What you should know

Winter camping available: Several campgrounds remain open year-round with varying levels of service. A winter visitor to French Creek State Park Campground reported, "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby."

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area fill quickly, particularly during summer weekends. Sites with hookups at Lums Pond State Park are especially in demand: "Book early because it fills up fast!"

Site variability: Even within the same campground, site quality and privacy can differ dramatically. At French Creek, "Many of the sites surrounding ours were very rocky and left little option for a larger than normal sized tent."

Access challenges: The campground near Rose Valley is located in a hilly region. One visitor noted, "The campground is located in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills which meant the roads getting there are narrow and windy."

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds and activities: Lums Pond State Park Campground offers multiple recreation options for children. A parent shared, "Our daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards). The only complaint I have is that the kiddie swings seem to be modeled after the seasickness machine."

Family-friendly tent sites: Ridley Creek State Park offers space specifically designed for family camping. A camper noted, "I go camping here almost every year and they a nice open field with two sites and two fire pits. They also have a tone of trails to hike on."

Swimming options: Many families appreciate the water access during hot summer months. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, "They offer so many activities during the day and text you so you don't forget. The place is so clean including the bathrooms."

Off-peak visit strategy: For families with preschool children or homeschoolers, weekday camping offers a much quieter experience. At Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, one camper mentioned, "We spent a long weekend with family at the campground and so glad we did."

Tips from RVers

Hookup positioning: At Old Cedar Campground, RVers should be prepared for unusual utility layouts. A camper reported, "The water hookups are shared every other site (at least in the Fence Loop). I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses."

Site selection for larger rigs: Bigger RVs require careful site selection. A Philadelphia-West Chester KOA visitor advised, "I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow for a 45' motorhome to back in on a nearly 90-degree angle. So difficult, that I cracked the bottom of my front cap catching the grass and gravel beside the grave road."

Leveling considerations: Most campgrounds require some leveling. A visitor to Lums Pond State Park noted, "The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back. That was a bonus."

Seasonal camping options: For frequent visitors to the area, several campgrounds offer seasonal options. One camper at Old Cedar stated, "Very quiet Campground. Easily can sleep late here! Clean, woodsy and nice staff. I'm here all season."

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Rose Valley Campground?

Rose Valley Campground typically offers standard amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities. While not as developed as larger campgrounds like Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, which offers full hookups and recreational amenities, Rose Valley provides a more rustic camping experience. The campground features wooded sites with some shade, basic toilets, and designated camping areas. For campers seeking more amenities, French Creek State Park Campground nearby offers additional facilities including hiking trails, a lake, and more developed bathroom facilities.

Can you fish at Rose Valley Lake while camping?

Yes, fishing is permitted at Rose Valley Lake, making it a popular activity for campers. The lake is stocked with various fish species and provides good opportunities for shore fishing. Similar to Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest, where campers enjoy waterfront access and can launch kayaks from their sites, Rose Valley offers water recreation options. Remember to have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license when fishing at Rose Valley Lake. The fishing area is accessible from the campground, allowing for convenient angling during your stay.

How much does it cost to camp at Rose Valley?

Rose Valley Campground typically charges between $15-25 per night for standard tent sites, placing it in the affordable range for Pennsylvania camping. Prices may vary seasonally and for different site types. For comparison, Alverthorpe Private Park in the region charges similar rates for its basic amenities. Group sites at Rose Valley may have different pricing structures. Some nearby alternatives like Fort Washington State Park Campground have comparable rates with additional reservation fees. Check the official website or call ahead for the most current pricing information as rates may change.