French Creek State Park Campground offers wooded campsites with paved level areas across 7,526 acres in southeastern Pennsylvania. Located 15 miles southeast of Reading at an elevation of approximately 600 feet, the park experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s. Campers can access two lakes, Scotts Run and Hopewell, providing year-round fishing opportunities including ice fishing during winter months when ice thickness is monitored for safety.
What to do
Hiking trails for all abilities: French Creek State Park features numerous trails for both hiking and mountain biking. "There is lots of hiking, the lake is beautiful, at least two playgrounds (perfect for our kids), the bathrooms were well maintained," notes one visitor to French Creek State Park Campground.
Fishing in multiple locations: Both Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake contain various warm water fish species. "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," explains a French Creek State Park visitor.
Wildlife observation: The extensive natural areas provide opportunities to observe local fauna. Near Hickory Run Family Camping Resort, there's a "Wolf Sanctuary that is a refuge for these four-legged friends complete with guided tours" located just east of the area.
Explore Amish country: The Stevens area provides access to authentic Amish experiences. "If you've never visited an Amish community, you should definitely take advantage of this very unique location by exploring Lancaster County where you can find a number of horse & buggies to take a trip in," recommends a visitor.
What campers like
Peaceful settings: Camping near Stevens offers tranquil environments. At Lancaster-New Holland KOA, visitors appreciate the "unobstructed views of the Amish farmland" and report it's a "peaceful, serene, and a little slice of heaven with super clean bathrooms and friendly host."
Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer activities specifically designed for children. Lake-In-Wood Campground features "miniature golf, nice indoor and outdoor pool and a kiddie pool. Goats to pet and watch," according to one camper who enjoyed their experience.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and amenities are consistently mentioned in reviews. At Country Acres Campground, a visitor noted "This campground is probably the most well maintained campground we have ever stayed at. The grounds are beautiful, facilities above and beyond the expected."
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds offer events throughout their operating season. "This place has Halloween every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!" shared a camper at Circle M RV Campground.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Be prepared for seasonal variations. "Cold it was, 15 degrees was a teeth chattering experience. However our A Liner Ranger kept me warm and cozy," reported a winter visitor to Hickory Run Family Camping Resort.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping options near Stevens require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "If you are thinking about staying here during the Renaissance Faire, which apparently is a VERY BIG thing in these parts, you are going to want to book your spot as soon as possible," advises a visitor to Pinch Pond Family Campground.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds may have unexpected noise sources. "You're not going to get away from all of that highway traffic noise," mentions a Pinch Pond visitor, while another notes "there's a shooting range near the property, so at all hours you will hear target practice going on."
Site selection: Choose your site based on your specific needs. "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, especially for a 30+ ft travel trailer," advises a Lancaster-New Holland KOA camper.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Choose campgrounds with facilities specifically for children. At Thousand Trails Circle M, "They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground. We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site," reports a family who enjoyed their stay.
Consider proximity to attractions: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to local points of interest. "Old Mill Stream Campground is associated with Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park which is just a short walk away," making it convenient for families with young children.
Pack for weather changes: Temperatures can fluctuate significantly in the Stevens area. "It rained the entire time I was there so we didn't go in the pool but the campground is walkable, I was able to go running, there are things for kids to do," mentioned a Lake-In-Wood visitor who still enjoyed their stay despite the weather.
Check activity schedules: Many campgrounds offer organized events. "The did have a mini golf course too... Great pools and classes (water aerobics was fun for everyone)," noted a Lake-In-Wood camper.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds feature level sites that simplify setup. At Old Mill Stream Campground, "Our campsite was perfectly level and had a large gravel patio area and a large shade tree behind us. The site was plenty long for our 45' RV and tow car."
Hookup availability: Check what utilities are available at your preferred campground. "We had electric however no water or sewer hookup. There was a spigot for water at the next site over from us, so we didn't have to walk far to get fresh water," explains a French Creek State Park camper.
Maneuvering challenges: Some campgrounds present navigation difficulties for larger rigs. "The roads were very tight and you really had to watch how you drove through because of the trees. Our site was a drive-through but slanted," reports a visitor to Lake-In-Wood.
Seasonal considerations: RV camping options may change with the seasons. "Starlite is on a big hill. If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills," advises a camper familiar with glamping near Stevens, Pennsylvania.
