RV campsites around Thornton, Pennsylvania sit within the rolling hills of Chester County, approximately 30 miles west of Philadelphia. The region's elevation ranges from 300-500 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain for camping. Most campgrounds in this area remain open from April through November, with a few offering year-round availability. Winter overnight temperatures typically drop below freezing, while summer camping brings humid conditions with daytime temperatures averaging 85°F.
What to Do
Kayaking and fishing access: Lake-In-Wood Campground features a large fishing pond with easy shoreline access. "Huge pond for fishing, miniature gold, nice indoor and outdoor pool and a kiddie pool. Goats to pet and watch," notes a visitor who appreciated the multiple water activities available.
Family-oriented entertainment: Spring Gulch Resort Campground schedules regular weekend entertainment during peak season. "Fun activities for kids and adults. They had a live band one evening. Activities though the day were fun," reports a camper who visited with family.
Exploring Amish country: The surrounding region offers cultural experiences unique to this part of Pennsylvania. "Hidden Amish Country Gem. This resort is a lot bigger than you would anticipate from the road/entryway. Tons of amenities for families including mini golf, an arcade, pools, fishing ponds, etc," shares a reviewer about Spring Gulch's proximity to Amish attractions.
Water recreation options: Circle M RV Campground offers multiple water-based activities along its riverside location. "The campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river, bring tubes and kayaks! We didn't know but went and bought a tube and spent the day on the river!" advises a camper who discovered this option during their stay.
What Campers Like
Spacious, private sites: Several RV parks in the area provide generous spacing between camping spots. "Sites are huge and was a nice campground. Also a lot to do off campground like going to Amish markets," noted one visitor about Sun Valley Campground, appreciating the ample room.
Clean facilities: Campground bathrooms and amenities receive consistent positive mentions. "The bathhouse had individual bathrooms and showers. Each was pretty clean and spacious," reports a reviewer about Spring Gulch, highlighting the well-maintained facilities.
Recreational amenities: Most campgrounds offer multiple on-site activities. "Very large park... very nice, new and well-maintained area with mature trees and lovely fall colors," shares a camper about Sun Valley Campground, appreciating the well-developed surroundings.
Water-adjacent camping: Several parks offer waterfront or water-view sites. "We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site," mentions a Circle M camper who appreciated the riverside location during their stay.
What You Should Know
Site conditions vary by season: Weather impacts the camping experience significantly in this region. "Very rocky or muddy" conditions occur during wet periods according to visitors, suggesting sturdy footwear and site selection consideration.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the Thornton area require advance booking, particularly during peak periods. "Book early because it fills up fast!" advises a visitor to Lums Pond State Park Campground, which while slightly farther away (about 30 miles), offers full hookups and consistent availability.
Seasonal operation schedules: Operating seasons vary by facility. "We camped here over Memorial Day weekend and it was full," notes a Spring Gulch visitor, highlighting the importance of checking opening dates and planning accordingly.
Site leveling challenges: Terrain in this region often requires preparation. "Most of the campsite options are fairly level, but are very rocky, so this is something to keep in mind if you are tent camping. We have heavy duty solid steel pegs and still had trouble pegging everything down," explains a camper about their experience.
Tips for Camping with Families
Indoor activity options: Lake-In-Wood Campground provides weather-resistant entertainment. "Nice indoor and outdoor pool and a kiddie pool. Goats to pet and watch. There are a lot of really neat and different rentals here like a tree house, double decker bus, among others. Nice playground for the kids and a small arcade," reports a family who found multiple options to keep children entertained.
Scheduled family events: Look for campgrounds with organized activities. "Lots of events to keep the kids busy. We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it," shares a Circle M visitor highlighting the family-friendly programming.
Accommodation variety: Several parks offer alternative lodging beyond traditional campsites. "Some cabins, like those in my photos, are brand new and have everything you would need to set up house minus linens, towels, toilet paper, paper goods and toiletries," notes a visitor about Spring Gulch's cabin options, providing a more comfortable option for families.
Swimming options: Multiple pool facilities cater to different age groups. "Great swimming pool, immaculately clean bathrooms and showers. Well wooded campground with friendly staff and guests," reports a camper about Sun Valley, appreciating the clean water facilities.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: For RVers needing complete services, Bar Harbor RV Park offers comprehensive connections. "Full hookup but we're told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing. They do fill up propane but there's a Tractor Supply about 20min away that will also fill them," advises an RV camper who appreciated the full-service options.
Site navigation challenges: Some parks present difficulty 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," cautions a Lake-In-Wood camper about maneuvering through the grounds.
Seasonal utility precautions: Cold weather camping requires special preparation. "Weekend was cold but the park was pretty full. We were told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing," advises an RV camper about seasonal winterizing protocols.
RV-specific facilities: Look for parks with dedicated RV amenities. "Dump stations are available at most facilities, though some smaller parks may lack this service," note visitors, emphasizing the importance of verifying dump station availability before arrival.
