Best Campgrounds near Swarthmore, PA

The suburban landscape surrounding Swarthmore, Pennsylvania provides a surprising variety of camping experiences within an hour's drive of this Philadelphia-area college town. Established campgrounds like Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA in New Jersey (20 minutes from Philadelphia) and Philadelphia-West Chester KOA along the Brandywine River offer full hookups, cabins, and family amenities including swimming pools and recreational activities. For those seeking more natural settings, French Creek State Park, located about 40 miles northwest of Swarthmore, features 200 campsites across four loops with varying levels of amenities from primitive tent sites to full hookup RV spots, plus cabins and yurts. Ridley Creek State Park, much closer to Swarthmore, provides group camping facilities in a wooded setting.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the region. Most private campgrounds operate year-round, though with reduced services in winter months. As one camper noted, "The campground is right on the Brandywine River which is great for paddling, but some riverside sites can get muddy after rain." Pennsylvania state parks maintain consistent facilities, with "modern, clean restrooms" frequently mentioned in reviews, though some amenities like pools and boat rentals typically operate only from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Road access varies considerably, with some campgrounds featuring "narrow and windy" approaches that can challenge larger RVs. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though signal strength may diminish in more remote areas of state parks.

Water access represents a significant draw for many campsites in the area. Wharton State Forest in New Jersey's Pine Barrens region offers what one visitor called "spacious sites with lake-side water access" where "you can launch kayaks right from your campsite." Sites near water bodies tend to book quickly, especially during summer months. Noise levels vary dramatically based on proximity to major highways like I-95 and I-476. Urban camping options exist for those needing convenient access to Philadelphia, though these typically involve parking lot overnight stays with minimal amenities. For tent campers, several reviewers noted the rocky terrain at some state park sites, recommending careful site selection when bringing larger family tents. Most campgrounds in the region are well-maintained with clean facilities, though site privacy can be limited during peak season.

Best Camping Sites Near Swarthmore, Pennsylvania (117)

    1. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    9 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
    6 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
    31 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
    20 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."

    6. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    31 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
    20 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. Fort Washington State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ambler, PA
    18 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"

    10. 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."

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Recent Reviews near Swarthmore, PA

845 Reviews of 117 Swarthmore Campgrounds


  • 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...

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Alverthorpe Private Park

    Urban Camping Bliss

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked just outside Philly that is serene enough to reset your social media–addled brain; (2) Flat, open terrain scattered with tall shade trees makes pitching your tent feel practically pastoral; (3) Surprisingly solid cell signal (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T all wave hello), which is rare in inner-density camping and handy for emergency pizza delivery orders; (4) Short walk to a quaint lake and four-sided chimney for marshmallow toasting that offers low-key charm with built-in ambiance; and (5) Tons of shade completely shroud the entire campground area, so no need to bring those pesky shelters for added coverage. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No restroom drama on the way in, but once you’re past the control building, basic camping reality bites; (2) Ancient shelter and group pavilion are charming in a ‘needs new plumbing’ sort of way; (3) Reaching the camping area involves navigating uneven steps as you won’t be able to drive to your actual campsite, which is great for adventure, but bad for sprained ankles; (4) Feels like a weekend-only myth where the park closes on holidays and deals in ‘control building hours’; and (5) This place is known to be full of litter and in dire need of some ground maintenance, so you might just want to bring an extra garbage bag and a rake to help out.

    Happy Camping!


Guide to Swarthmore

Camping options near Swarthmore, Pennsylvania extend beyond established campgrounds into diverse recreational areas within a 40-mile radius. The region sits at the confluence of the Piedmont Plateau and Atlantic Coastal Plain, creating varied terrain from rocky hillsides to flat riverside camping spots. Winter camping remains viable at several year-round facilities, though campers should note that temperatures typically drop to the mid-20s from December through February.

What to do

Water activities on Brandywine River: Philadelphia-West Chester KOA sits directly on the Brandywine River where visitors can rent canoes. As one camper noted, "The camp playground was brand new when we arrived and they had just broken ground. There are two different playground in the same area to accommodate kids of all ages. They also have pickleball, mini golf and a lovely pool."

Birdwatching at Fort Washington State Park Campground: The park features an observation deck specifically for hawk watching during migration seasons. A visitor mentioned, "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."

Ziplining and adventure courses: French Creek State Park offers extensive recreational options beyond standard camping. One camper shared, "We LOVE camping here as the campsites are not right on top of one another. There is a lot of shade and the campground is laid out well. There are three separate loops to camp at, Loop C is the only loop that allows pets."

What campers like

Quiet waterfront campsites: At Tinicum Island, accessible only by boat, campers enjoy complete seclusion just minutes from Philadelphia. One reviewer simply stated, "A great place to stay if you have a watercraft," highlighting the unique boat-in-only camping experience.

Well-maintained facilities: Lums Pond State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its upkeep. A recent visitor commented, "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease."

Spacious sites with privacy: Many campgrounds in the region prioritize site separation. At French Creek State Park, sites are designed with natural buffers. One camper observed, "There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds within 30 miles of Swarthmore require advance booking, especially during summer months. Lums Pond State Park fills quickly, with one camper noting, "I understand why it is so difficult to get a reservation at Lums Pond."

Limited tent options: Old Cedar Campground offers primarily RV-focused sites. A camper pointed out, "We got there, the host wasn't very friendly. We had to pay $50 per night for a tent site that was sandy mud."

Group camping restrictions: Several parks near Swarthmore only permit group camping rather than individual sites. At Ridley Creek State Park, a camper clarified, "Love Ridley and their trails. However, there is only group tenting here."

Winter accessibility: Many private campgrounds remain open year-round with reduced services. One winter camper at French Creek State Park shared, "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! The honor system of payment at the office makes it really easy to come in late and leave early."

Tips for camping with families

Playground quality: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA offers excellent child-friendly facilities. A parent noted, "This campground was so well maintained. There was so much to do there a pool, lake, horseshoes, cornhole, playground, big pillow and even more."

Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities beyond natural water bodies. At Four Seasons Family Campground, a visitor highlighted, "Very nice campground with plenty of things to do for the kids. Beautiful pool, very nice playground and arcade."

Educational opportunities: The region offers historical and educational sites near camping areas. At Fort Washington State Park, a visitor explained, "This very place lies in significance from the Revolutionary War when it housed troops led by then General George Washington on the way to Valley Forge."

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Philly Love Boats at Pier 5 Marina offers an unusual urban camping experience with limited hookups but proximity to city attractions. Although reviews are limited, one camper stated, "I am definitely going to give this a shot this looks very peaceful."

Site sizing and angles: Large RVs may encounter challenges at some campgrounds. One RVer at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA warned, "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."

Shared utilities: At Old Cedar Campground, water hookups aren't always convenient. A camper advised, "The water hookups are shared every other site. I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Swarthmore, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Swarthmore, PA is Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 20 reviews.