Camping cabins near West Chester, Pennsylvania offer woodland retreats within an hour's drive of this southeastern Pennsylvania borough. Located in Chester County where the Brandywine Creek watershed features rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests, these accommodations provide shelter in an area that experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers and moderately cold winters. Most cabin locations around West Chester sit at elevations between 300-500 feet above sea level, providing campers with moderate terrain for hiking and exploration.
What to do
Water recreation: Fishing and boating options abound at several campgrounds near West Chester. At French Creek State Park Campground, visitors can fish in two lakes: "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," noted one reviewer.
Historical sites: Visit Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site adjacent to French Creek State Park. "Close by there is Hopewell National Furnace and St. Peter's Village with shops and restaurants and hiking trails as well," shares a camper who enjoyed exploring beyond the park boundaries.
Scenic lighthouse hike: Drive to Elk Neck State Park Campground for a unique hike. One visitor recommends: "Has a great walking trail to an awesome lighthouse that overlooks the Chesapeake Bay." The Turkey Point Lighthouse trail is accessible via a short drive from the campground.
Local Amish culture: Explore surrounding farms and shops within walking distance of some campgrounds. A visitor at Beacon Hill Camping shared: "Located w/in walking distance of small town of Intercourse, PA, with plenty of shopping and Amish crafts. Very friendly people."
What campers like
Cabin privacy: At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, campers appreciate the separation between sites. "The sites, particularly those on the Brandywine River, have amazing views. They are close enough for you to camp with a group, but most also have a small fence between each site to clearly delineate between the sites," explains one reviewer.
Water views: Several campgrounds offer cabins with waterfront locations. One visitor noted about Philadelphia-West Chester KOA: "We can't begin to say enough wonderful things about the whole campground. The sites, particularly those on the Brandywine River, have amazing views."
Clean facilities: Many visitors comment on bathroom cleanliness. A camper at Beacon Hill Camping stated: "Very clean bathrooms and level spot. We were in site 20." Another visitor simply called it "a quiet gem in Lancaster County."
Convenience to attractions: Camping cabins near West Chester provide easy access to multiple destinations. One reviewer at Beacon Hill Camping shared: "Within walking distance are Amish shops, and guided tours into the Amish countryside. Restaurants are nearby."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds limit cabin availability during winter months. A visitor at Elk Neck State Park noted: "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water."
Bathroom quality varies: While some campgrounds maintain excellent facilities, others may need improvements. At French Creek State Park, one camper observed: "The bathroom at the campground is very nice and new however it is a little on the dirty side. I don't know if they have anyone who goes around to clean the bath houses but it certainly was in need of cleaning."
Advance booking essential: For cabin stays, especially at popular locations like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Quarryville, early reservations are important. "We've been there several times because it's so close. The river sites are great but can get muddy and there is a big hill to get up and out," reported one frequent visitor about Philadelphia-West Chester KOA.
Pet policies differ: While some cabins welcome pets, others have restrictions. At Beacon Hill Camping, a reviewer mentioned: "Great little adults only campground. Quiet and surrounded by Amish farm lands and shopping locations nearby."
Tips for camping with families
Choose cabins with activities: At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, families find plenty of entertainment. "Super clean, beautiful campground. So many activities to entertain kids, we couldn't fit it all in!" reported one parent. Another added, "This park is all for the kids. This will be our second year going. So much to do for the kids."
Look for playgrounds and pools: Many campgrounds offer recreational facilities. A visitor at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA shared: "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. They also have pickleball, mini golf and a lovely pool."
Sunday activities: Some parks offer unique weekend programming. At Spring Gulch Resort Campground, one visitor mentioned: "They had a live band one evening. Activities though the day were fun." Similarly, a French Creek State Park visitor noted: "They hold a Sunday morning 'Church at the Park,' which we were planning to go to, but then it rained."
Check cabin amenities carefully: Cabin furnishings vary significantly between locations. A camper at Spring Gulch described: "Some of the cabins were recently added and are super clean inside. The one we stayed in had a set of bunk beds, a queen bed, and a fold out couch. It also had a bathroom with shower/tub and everything you would need except linens."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Lancaster-New Holland KOA, choosing the right spot makes a difference. "We were in the D loop which is rustic with no hookups. Quiet, very few people mid-week. Spacious sites," explained one visitor about their experience at a nearby park.
Weather protection: Look for sites with natural coverage. A Lancaster-New Holland KOA visitor advised: "The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees. It didn't look like all sites had that much cover so be careful."
Water hookup access: Even at sites without direct water connections, spigots are often nearby. A French Creek State Park visitor explained: "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."
Pack your own linens: Most cabin rentals require guests to bring bedding. As one Spring Gulch Resort visitor explained: "The one we stayed in had a set of bunk beds, a queen bed, and a fold out couch. It also had a bathroom with shower/tub and everything you would need except linens."
