Camping options in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania put you at the edge of dense woodland and suburban parks within 40 miles of Philadelphia. The area sits at about 60 feet above sea level with mild spring and fall temperatures that average 50-70°F, making it ideal for camping from April through October. Summer tends to see moderate rainfall that can create muddy conditions at several local campgrounds, so waterproof footwear is essential.
What to do
Lake activities: Kayak on multiple waterways within Wharton State Forest, where campers can launch directly from waterfront sites. "Our site was right on Wading River and we launched our kayaks right at the site! Our tent is has a full view of the sky and at night it was like a planetarium as we admired the sky from our cots," notes one visitor who camped at the Bodine area of Wharton.
Disc golf: Challenge yourself on the course at French Creek State Park, located in wooded terrain with natural obstacles. The park offers a "frisbee golf course in the woods to make it even more interesting and competitive. The trees definitely make it harder!" according to one reviewer who appreciated the challenge.
Bird watching: Spot migrating raptors at Fort Washington State Park where the observation deck provides exceptional viewing during spring and fall migrations. Birders can spot "Dark-eyed Junco, Common Loon, Blue Heron, Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, Bald Eagles, Great Horned & Barn Owls, Pileated Woodpecker" and many other species throughout the year.
What campers like
Quiet waterfront camping: Find solitude at less-visited Tinicum Island, which requires a watercraft for access. "A great place to stay if you have a watercraft," notes a camper who enjoyed the isolation this requirement provides, creating a buffer from crowds and noise.
Kid-friendly activities: Keep children entertained at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA with multiple recreation options. "There was so much to do there a pool, lake, horseshoes, cornhole, playground, big pillow and even more. They offer so many activities during the day and text you so you don't forget," writes a camper who rated their experience five stars.
Native plant diversity: Explore local ecology right within the campground areas. A visitor to Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA mentioned, "if you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods, you will find wonderful native plants like blueberry, viburnum, clethra, and meadow beauty," providing natural discovery opportunities without leaving camp.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks for many area campgrounds with uneven terrain. At Lums Pond State Park, "The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back," but others report needing additional equipment.
Seasonal crowding: Book well in advance for summer stays, especially at popular parks. "Book early because it fills up fast!" warns a regular visitor to Lums Pond State Park, where amenities like full hookups and spacious sites make it particularly popular.
Weather preparedness: Pack for rain as summer thunderstorms frequently pass through the area. One camper at French Creek State Park reported their tent "held up well during an evening thunderstorm, but for a small seam leak near the door," highlighting the importance of proper tent setup and rain gear.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Compare facilities before booking to match with your children's ages. Lums Pond State Park offers "a nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean," which one parent rated excellent by their personal standards.
Swimming options: Check water quality reports before planning water activities as conditions vary throughout the season. While Old Cedar Campground features "a nice pool that was clean," natural water bodies like the ones at dog friendly campgrounds near Sharon Hill can sometimes have seasonal quality issues.
Nature programs: Take advantage of educational opportunities at Ridley Creek State Park with well-marked trails. "We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back," reports a visitor who found the park's natural features ideal for family exploration.
Tips from RVers
Water connections: Bring extra hoses for some campgrounds with shared hookups. At Old Cedar Campground, "The water hookups are shared every other site. I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed," warns a camper who suggests packing additional lengths.
Cell service: Expect usable connections at most pet-friendly campgrounds around Sharon Hill. Lums Pond State Park campers report "Wifi worked well enough for us to stream Netflix and YouTube," an important consideration for those needing to stay connected while camping.
Setup assistance: Accept help from staff when offered to navigate tricky sites. At Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, one RVer appreciated how "they brought you to your site with the golfcart and the guy was so helpful with helping my husband back up (a fight to avoid lol)," making arrival smoother for larger vehicles.
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