Camping sites near Villanova, Pennsylvania range from rustic to full-service options within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 400 feet above sea level in Pennsylvania's Piedmont region, characterized by rolling hills and deciduous forests that create distinct camping experiences each season. Fall temperatures typically range from 45-65°F, making September through early November a popular time for tent camping when humidity levels drop significantly compared to summer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 7-mile loop trail surrounds Hopewell Lake at French Creek State Park Campground, offering access to multiple fishing spots. "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," notes one regular visitor.
Disc golf: 18-hole course winds through wooded terrain at French Creek State Park. The course features varying elevation changes and technical shots through trees. A camper mentioned, "There is also a frisbee golf course in the woods to make it even more interesting and competitive. The trees definitely make it harder!"
Canoeing: 1-2 hour paddle trips available at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA along the Brandywine River. "Being on the Brandywine, you can fish and rent canoes. The river is usually very calm and good for a float," reports a regular visitor who appreciates the accessibility.
Urban sightseeing: 20-minute drive from Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA to Philadelphia. "We stayed here for 3 nights while visiting family In Philadelphia. It is a 20 minute ride into Philly and Uber was was quick and responsive," shared one camper who found the location convenient.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Natural barriers between campsites at French Creek State Park provide privacy. "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors," one camper observed.
Year-round availability: Winter camping options exist even when most facilities close. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby," reported a solo female traveler who felt safe camping alone during off-season.
Riverfront camping: Premium waterfront spots at Tinicum Island provide free boat-in camping. "A great place to stay if you have a watercraft," notes a visitor who appreciated the unique access and secluded location, making it one of the few no-cost camping options in the region.
Facilities for washing up: Dedicated cleaning stations at several campgrounds make meal cleanup easier. "At the bath house there are two sinks for washing dishes and a counter to set them on which is nice. They are deep sinks also with HOT water," one camper noted about their French Creek experience.
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies dramatically between and within campgrounds. "Loop B has a mix of electric and non-electric sites. That loop was more spacious and had trees between some sites so it felt more private," reported a regular visitor to the area. Some loops are significantly more open than others.
Group camping restrictions: Some parks only allow organized groups rather than individual campers. "Great historical park along Washington's route to Valley Forge - however, camping is group camping by reservation only, not nightly camping for individuals," cautions a visitor to Fort Washington State Park Campground.
Limited primitive camping options exist within close range of Villanova. Nearby state parks primarily offer developed sites or group camping facilities rather than backcountry experiences. Most primitive opportunities require at least a 45-minute drive from campus.
Reservation windows: 11-month advance booking available for most state park campgrounds in the region. Private campgrounds typically allow reservations 6-12 months ahead, with holiday weekends filling immediately when reservation windows open.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Multiple play areas provide options for different age groups. "The camp playground was brand new when we arrived and they had just broken ground (September 2020). There are two different playground in the same area to accommodate kids of all ages," notes a family who stayed at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA.
Swimming facilities: Heated pool at Evansburg State Park Campground typically opens Memorial Day weekend and closes after Labor Day. "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'," shares a parent who regularly visits with young children.
Educational opportunities: History programming available at several parks. "Since camping is only open to organized camping I've never camped at Evansburg. I've spent countless hours hiking and fishing in Evansburg," mentions a parent who brings their child for day activities.
Equipment rentals: Boats and fishing gear available at multiple locations, eliminating the need to transport bulky items. Most rental operations run from April through October with limited weekend-only operations during spring and fall shoulder seasons.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Length restrictions vary widely between campgrounds. "I had 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," cautions a visitor to Philadelphia-West Chester KOA.
Urban access: Public transportation options from suburban campgrounds make city visits easier. "I would have considered taking the ferry from Camden's Ferry Terminal next to Wiggins Park to Philly," suggests a camper staying at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA who discovered convenient travel alternatives.
Extended stay options: Monthly rates available at Village Scene Park for longer-term camping near Villanova. "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," explains a camper who used the park as a seasonal base.
Hook-up variations: Water access points differ between loops even within the same 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," notes a camper who stayed at French Creek State Park.
