Best Campgrounds near Valley Forge, PA

The historic battlegrounds of Valley Forge draw campers to Pennsylvania's southeastern region, where several good camping spots blend comfort with access to Revolutionary War sites. Spring Gulch Resort Campground runs family activities and has swimming pools that kids love during summer months. Just a short drive away, French Creek State Park Campground sits among wooded areas with hiking trails and a lake where fishing is allowed. Both places have bathrooms and drinking water stations throughout their grounds. If you're bringing an RV, Spring Gulch works better since they have full hookup sites with electric, water, and sewer connections. For tent campers who want more of a woodsy feel, French Creek has shaded sites that give you more privacy among the trees. You should make reservations for either place, as they fill up fast, especially on summer weekends and holidays. Try to book at least a few months ahead if you're planning a trip between May and October. Many people think spring and fall are the best times to visit because the weather is cooler and the trees look great. You can camp in winter too, but bring extra blankets and a good sleeping bag for the cold nights. Valley Forge camping works for both families and people wanting some quiet time outdoors.

Best Camping Sites Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (136)

    1. French Creek State Park Campground

    79 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    18 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."

    2. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    10 Reviews
    Gradyville, PA
    11 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. Evansburg State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Skippack, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 409-1150

    $43 / night

    "It was a great place to walk with your dog and enjoy the Pennsylvania outdoors."

    "Since he was 2 years old I’ve taken my son, and we always have an amazing time, either hiking the trails to wandering in the woods looking for “adventures”."

    4. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA

    17 Reviews
    Downingtown, PA
    18 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."

    5. Fort Washington State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Ambler, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 591-5250

    $28 - $72 / night

    "Great historical park along Washington's route to Valley Forge - however, camping is group camping by reservation only, not nightly camping for individuals."

    "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."

    6. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park

    8 Reviews
    Perkiomenville, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 234-4528

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails"

    7. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    24 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"

    8. Boulder Woods Campground

    10 Reviews
    Red Hill, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 257-7178

    "Nice place, a bit to close to the highways"

    "It was quite muddy so we moved our set up into the grass field, we reserved the majority of the sites in this location so it worked well. The RV spots seem nice and large."

    9. Village Scene Park

    3 Reviews
    Hatfield, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 362-6030

    $48 / night

    "We’ve stayed here a couple times in past Have family in the area Grew up in this area so very comfortable and easy access to lots of places! This visit we stayed six months may to October"

    10. Lake-In-Wood Campground

    22 Reviews
    Narvon, PA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 445-5525

    $40 - $60 / night

    "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, some animals to go visit on our walks, obviously"

    "You must try the family style restaurants in the area, delicious and close by as well. Overall a great experience and I would go again for sure :-)"

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Recent Reviews near Valley Forge, PA

886 Reviews of 136 Valley Forge Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Stonybrook RV Resort

    This is a great place!

    We spent four nights at Stonybrook RV Resort in Lehighton, PA, for a quiet wedding anniversary getaway— and so glad we did. We paid$150 per night total for a FHU 50 Amp Premium Back-in site (#F20). This campground makes a great home-base while hanging out in the Pocono Mountains. 

    THINGS I LIKED: 

    • This place is in super condition— everything works as it’s supposed to and is clean and maintained 
    • The concrete pad/patio with Breeo smokeless fire pit, Adirondack chairs, and metal patio table and chairs made a great setup 
    • Our site(F20) is level and beautiful— spacious and beautifully landscaped 
    • We interacted with 5 members of their staff and all were welcoming and friendly to talk with 
    • There’s a heated pool behind the office/store so it’s not noisy for campers at their sites 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

    • Just one thing— the entrance made for a challenging entry up a steep grade, narrow roadway, and sharp turn in. I made it without problems, but it wasn’t easy in a 45’ motorhome towing a Jeep. This may be nitpicky— and I’m not complaining about it— just letting you know to expect it on arrival. 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    • Absolutely, this is a great campground(I’ve already recommended it to my Newmar Kountry Klub chapter president as a possible site for a future rally).
  • R
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Tohickon Family Campground

    Wonderful campground!

    Great camping, great hiking, pretty close to stores if you need anything. Staff is incredible!! Very polite, helpful, and just all around awesome People!!! They make sure your stay is exactly what you’d want it to be.. getting here was a little tricky having to go around the covered bridge but not anything that would ever deter me and my family from coming back. Overall very impressed!! They even were able To get us in very last minute WITH full hook ups for my trailer!!!!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Brandywine Creek Campground

    Brandywine

    We are on the third week of a four week trip. Campground is well maintained, quiet. This was our home while exploring Philadelphia. Uber to Downgrown, Septa or Amtrak to town. Reverse to camp. Very enjoyable. Hickory nut tree beside camper shared at times.

  • Jessica V.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Tohickon Family Campground

    Great weekend spot

    We went with friends for a weekend. Both families have little kids and it was a great spot with a playground, construction digging area, and a bunch of activities for the kids to do. We went in September so the pool was closed but it looked like a nice size. Full hook ups which was great! Also they have a nice stream that everyone went fishing at. They are building some new sites at the end of the property.

  • Peyton S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Wonderful, Easy, Quick trip from Philly

    It’s about an hour away from Philadelphia. We tent camped in loop B. The site was wonderful. Just know it is a gravel site, not grass. The fire pit has a grill attachment and wood was easy to find. Water and bathrooms were close. We hiked around the lake and there were plenty of trails and even rentable kayaks and paddle boards! Would definitely recommend if looking for a quick overnight stay outside of the city.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!


Guide to Valley Forge

Camping near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: The area is known for its trails. Many campers enjoy the hiking and biking opportunities available at places like French Creek State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun," highlighting the outdoor activities available.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Lake-In-Wood Campground has a lovely lake for that. A reviewer noted, "Nice fishing in the lake," making it a great spot for anglers.
  • Family Activities: Many campgrounds offer family-friendly activities. At Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, one camper shared, "There was so much to do there—a pool, lake, horseshoes, cornhole, playground, big pillow, and even more."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Ringing Rocks Family Campground said, "Very clean campground, clean bathrooms and showers," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Quakerwoods Campground mentioned, "Very nice and roomy camp site," making it a comfortable choice for families.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA said, "Staff and grounds are awesome!" which adds to the overall experience.

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Tohickon Family Campground noted, "The tent sites are very close together," which might not be ideal for those seeking privacy.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A camper at Nockamixon State Park Campground mentioned, "On the app it lists RV and tent camping. Contact at office they only have cabins," so it's good to check ahead.
  • Quiet Hours: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours. A reviewer at Quakerwoods Campground stated, "Reviews I read prior about strict 11pm quiet time is accurate," which is important for families with young kids.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Spring Gulch Resort Campground, one family enjoyed the "egg hunt" during Easter, which was a hit with the kids.
  • Check for Pet Policies: If you're bringing pets, make sure to choose a pet-friendly campground. A visitor at Lake-In-Wood Campground appreciated that "pets are allowed," making it easier for families with furry friends.
  • Bring Entertainment: Some campgrounds may not have many activities. A camper at Lancaster-New Holland KOA mentioned, "Limited things to do with a child," so having games or books can help keep kids entertained.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA noted, "50-amp electric was good as was the water pressure," which is crucial for RV camping.
  • Site Leveling: Some sites may not be level. A camper at Spring Gulch Resort Campground mentioned, "Our spot was not level at all," so be prepared to adjust.
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Check the Wi-Fi situation if you need internet access. A visitor at Lancaster-New Holland KOA mentioned, "No wi-fi or cable," which could be a downside for some RVers.

Camping near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there's something for you in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is camping allowed at Valley Forge National Historical Park?

No, overnight camping is not permitted within Valley Forge National Historical Park itself. The park is primarily a historical site commemorating the 1777-1778 winter encampment of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. While visitors can explore the park's historical sites, monuments, and trails during daytime hours, the park closes at night and does not offer camping facilities. For those wanting to experience the historical significance while still having camping accommodations, Fort Washington State Park Campground offers group camping by reservation only and is located near Valley Forge along Washington's historical route.

What campgrounds are available near Valley Forge, PA?

Several campgrounds are available within a short drive of Valley Forge National Historical Park. Brandywine Creek Campground is a quiet, well-maintained private campground with clean showers and a nice pool, conveniently located near Valley Forge and with train access to Philadelphia. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA offers a family-friendly option in the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside not far from downtown Philadelphia. Other nearby options include French Creek State Park Campground, which offers senior discounts and level asphalt parking pads, and overnight parking options at various retail locations for self-contained RVs when traditional campgrounds are full.

What hiking trails with camping options are available at Valley Forge?

Valley Forge National Historical Park offers numerous hiking trails, including the Valley Creek Trail, Mount Joy Trail, and the Joseph Plumb Martin Trail, but doesn't permit overnight camping on these trails. For hiking with camping access near Valley Forge, consider French Creek State Park Campground, which features multiple hiking trails within the park boundaries where you can camp and hike. Another option is Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park, which offers trails and camping facilities about 30 minutes from Valley Forge. For those interested in historical trails, Fort Washington State Park has hiking paths along the Wissahickon Creek that connect to the region's historical significance.