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Best Campgrounds near Villanova, PA

847 Reviews

Campgrounds near Villanova, Pennsylvania range from state parks to private facilities, with options spanning from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups and cabin rentals. French Creek State Park Campground, located about 30 miles northwest of Villanova, provides year-round camping with tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, yurts, and glamping accommodations. Closer to the Philadelphia metro area, Ridley Creek State Park offers group camping facilities with electric hookups and tent sites. Several KOA locations, including Philadelphia-West Chester KOA and Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, provide developed campground options with amenities like showers, water hookups, and trash service.

Reservations are essential at most established campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer months when facilities reach capacity quickly. Many campgrounds have specific pet policies, with some parks designating certain loops as pet-friendly. The camping season varies by location, with some facilities like French Creek State Park operating year-round while others have seasonal closures. Weather considerations include humid summers and potentially cold winters, making spring and fall popular camping seasons. Campground layouts and site privacy differ significantly across the area. As one camper noted about French Creek State Park, "Loop B has a mix of electric and non-electric but doesn't allow pets. That loop was more spacious and had trees between some sites so it felt more private."

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the region. At Wharton State Forest's Atsion Family Campground in nearby New Jersey, campers appreciate the lakeside sites. "I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake," shared one visitor. Several campgrounds feature water recreation opportunities, with fishing, kayaking, and swimming available at locations like French Creek State Park and Atsion Recreation Area. Urban camping options exist closer to Philadelphia, including unique accommodations like "Philly Love Boats" offering urban glamping experiences. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Tinicum Island provides free boat-in camping with minimal amenities. Campers report varying levels of privacy between sites, with some campgrounds offering spacious, well-separated sites while others have more compact layouts where neighboring campers are clearly visible.

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Best Camping Sites Near Villanova, Pennsylvania (117)

    1. French Creek State Park Campground

    79 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    26 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
    8 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. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    17 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"

    4. Fort Washington State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Ambler, PA
    10 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."

    "Come for Militia Hill, hawk watching, cross country ski, or disc golf, and the trails along the Wissahickon Creek."

    5. Evansburg State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Skippack, PA
    11 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”."

    6. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA

    17 Reviews
    Downingtown, PA
    22 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."

    7. Philly Love Boats at Pier 5 Marina: Urban Glamping

    1 Review
    Camden, PA
    13 miles
    Website

    $120 - $145 / night

    8. Tinicum Island

    1 Review
    Essington, PA
    13 miles
    Website

    9. Village Scene Park

    3 Reviews
    Hatfield, PA
    16 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. Alverthorpe Private Park

    3 Reviews
    Jenkintown, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 884-6538

    $1 - $100 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Villanova, PA

299 Photos of 117 Villanova Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Villanova, PA

847 Reviews of 117 Villanova Campgrounds

  • 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!

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    In Amish area, next to an amusement park

    Our kids where happy with the small playground and with a few dollars they could have some fun in the small arcade/gameroom. In the area you have Lancaster, Amish area and an amusement park (that is a bit outdated). The camping has a bit over 100 spots. They are just oké.

  • Scott J.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Sun Valley Campground

    My Happy Place

    My wife and I have been seasonal camper for 4 years and love it. We had visited numerous campgrounds and found Sun Valley to be the atmosphere there beyond our expectations. The minute you walk into the office you get that" aha" moment. The office greets you with a smile and " Welcome to Sun Valley, how can I help you ". That alone told us these folks are here to make your stay enjoyable. They go above and beyond any campground we have ever been to. The activities go above and beyond. The Saturday night bands are concert worthy. We have enjoyed our stay more than you ever imagined. For the past 4 years it has been our "Happy Place"

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Fantastic PA state park for activities and camping.

    Third year staying over the Labor Day weekend. Campground full but still a very peaceful relaxing stay. Our site was very spacious and open. Tree lined and site was almost level. Paved sites on this loop.

  • Connie R.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Pretty park but needs upkeep and maintenance

    Only stayed one night (8/23/25).  Had an electric site on B 45.  After pulling in and starting to unload, we were getting swarmed with yellow jackets.  There were several entry holes in the ground they were using to enter and exit.  I have never experienced anything like this anywhere.   I would have left but since it was close to dusk, I knew they would all retrieve and go underground.  The smoke with the fire helped but it impacted our stay.  They were everywhere.  I will not be going back anytime during the summer

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Good stay

    The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground. We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig. All gravel sites and we had full hookup with 50 Amp.

Guide to Villanova

Camping near Villanova, Pennsylvania, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at French Creek State Park Campground. "Hiking and biking this park is fun," said one camper, highlighting the variety of trails available.
  • Fishing: Enjoy some fishing at Lake-In-Wood Campground. A visitor mentioned, "Nice fishing in the lake," making it a great spot for anglers.
  • Water Sports: At Nockamixon State Park Campground, you can enjoy kayaking and other water activities. One camper noted, "Enjoy great scenery and water sports too at this quiet and peaceful state park."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA. "The bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve ever seen on any campgrounds ever," shared one happy visitor.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful staff at Lancaster-New Holland KOA. "The women running the store was very helpful and friendly," said a satisfied guest.
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Quakerwoods Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Very nice and roomy camp site," which is perfect for families or groups.

What you should know:

  • Quiet Hours: Be aware of the strict quiet hours at Tohickon Family Campground. A camper noted, "Silence at 11pm here," so plan your evening activities accordingly.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Ringing Rocks Family Campground, may have fewer amenities. One visitor mentioned, "If you want the real camping experience I don't recommend," if you're looking for more than basic facilities.
  • Seasonal Availability: Check the seasonal availability of campgrounds like Spring Gulch Resort Campground, which operates from March to December. "The campground was packed so there was no chance of moving," said one camper, emphasizing the need to book early.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly activities, like Lake-In-Wood Campground, which has a kiddie pool and playground. A family shared, "There are plenty of things to do for all ages."
  • Plan for Rainy Days: Bring games or crafts for indoor fun. One camper at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA mentioned, "Not much to do, kids enjoyed riding bikes," so having backup plans is a good idea.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A visitor at Quakerwoods Campground noted, "Plenty of activities," but having snacks can make downtime easier.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups. A camper at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA mentioned, "The 50-amp electric was good as was the water pressure," which is crucial for RV camping.
  • Site Size Matters: Look for spacious sites, as noted by a visitor at Lancaster-New Holland KOA. "The site was spacious and nicely shaded with tall trees," making it comfortable for RVs.
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Some campgrounds may have limited Wi-Fi. A camper at Spring Gulch Resort Campground mentioned, "The store did not have much when we went," so plan for offline activities.

Camping near Villanova, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for family fun or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Villanova, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Villanova, PA is French Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 79 reviews.

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