Camping options near Parkesburg extend through Chester County's diverse landscapes, with elevations ranging from 350 to 800 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with summer high temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows regularly dipping below freezing. The area's limestone-rich soil supports unique woodland environments that provide natural shade at many camping locations.
What to do
Hiking near Chamber's Lake: At Hibernia County Park, trails connect directly to camping areas with several easy options. "The park itself is beautiful... There are several nicely shaded sites along the rivers edge and numerous trees scattered throughout the park which provides shade," notes one visitor. The park offers "multiple easy hiking trails under 2 miles long that wind through woods and around Chambers Lake."
Fishing opportunities: Scotts Run Lake at French Creek State Park contains diverse fish species for anglers of all skill levels. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish. Ice fishing is also allowed at both lakes and the ice thickness is monitored," says a regular visitor. For families, "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing."
Visit Amish country: Sites near Lancaster County provide cultural experiences unique to the region. "The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground," explains a camper at Old Mill Stream Campground. "The campground is in a good location to Lancaster and other quaint Amish towns like Bird-In-Hand, Paradise, and Intercourse."
What campers like
Level camping surfaces: Many campsites in the region feature prepared surfaces for easier setup. At Country Acres Campground, campers appreciate that "sites were clean and lovely places to stay while we enjoyed the Amish sites in the area." Another visitor notes, "Our site was perfectly level and had a large gravel patio area and a large shade tree behind us."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses are consistently mentioned by visitors. "The bath house had individual bathrooms and showers. Each was pretty clean and spacious," reports one camper at Spring Gulch Resort. At Jellystone Park Quarryville, visitors observe that it's "Hands down the cleanest, friendliest, most beautiful campground I've ever been to. We really enjoyed our trip to yogi bear."
Countryside views: The rolling landscape provides scenic backdrops at many sites. "We had site 50 for this trip... The road for this row is narrow and there is a fence that makes backing in more difficult," mentions a camper at Lancaster-New Holland KOA. Others highlight the "beautiful valley views overlooking Amish farmland" where visitors can watch horse-drawn buggies and farm equipment in action.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Different parks have unique booking requirements. At Hibernia County Park, "Sites can be reserved on line, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration." Meanwhile, Lancaster-New Holland KOA gets busy during peak seasons, with visitors noting it's a "Beautiful little campground. This place is small but very very nice. It has awesome views."
Limited hookup options: Some parks have restricted utilities or specific site limitations. "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank," warns a visitor about Hibernia County Park. Other locations have partial hookups, with one camper noting, "We had electric however no water or sewer hookup."
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping conditions throughout the year. "We just got back from this campground after spending 5 nights there. The water park is super fun for adults and kids," shares a summer visitor to Jellystone Park. For off-season camping, French Creek State Park remains open year-round with a camper noting, "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great!"
Tips for camping with families
Water features for kids: Several parks offer swimming and water recreation options during warm months. At Lake-In-Wood Campground, "There is a big lawn in the middle which rolls down to the lake" and "nice indoor and outdoor pool and a kiddie pool." Visitors appreciate that "The water park was GREAT for kids and adults. Super clean. Lots to do."
Playground accessibility: Consider proximity to play areas when selecting campsites. "There is a small, slow flowing river that runs along the front of the park which some people play in and float down in inner tubes," describes a camper at Old Mill Stream. Another family notes, "The pool is new and has a sloped entrance so my two year old could play by himself and loved it."
Activity options: Look for campgrounds with organized programs for children. At Jellystone Park, "We did a birthday package where they brought a cake to the camp with Booboo for my daughter. They have the pools and playgrounds and fishing." French Creek State Park offers "a nice picnic area with grills and picnic tables right by the boat landing, where we picnicked and hung out for an afternoon."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Research sites that can accommodate your specific vehicle length. At Beacon Hill Camping, "We did manage to fit two 40' motorhome's with planning. The hosts were very helpful." Another RVer advises, "If you have a decent sized rig I would steer clear of this row. The road for this row is narrow and there is a fence that makes backing in more difficult."
Hookup locations: Pay attention to utility placement when booking sites. "The site was plenty long for our 45' RV and tow car. There were over 50 cable channels and all the hookups were well-placed and worked well," reports a camper at Old Mill Stream. At Country Acres, campers note that the "Campsite with $5 firewood, coffee and ice cream" provides good value alongside reliable utilities.
Dog-friendly considerations: For those traveling with pets, choose dog friendly campgrounds near Parkesburg that offer appropriate facilities. At French Creek State Park, "Loop C is the only loop that allows pets." Beacon Hill Camping receives praise from pet owners: "We enjoyed our stay here... Our dogs loved the dog run. AT&T service is good. Wifi at our site was a bit weak."
