Camping near West Grove, Pennsylvania provides options within 15 miles of town. Several campgrounds sit at elevations between 350-500 feet in the rolling Piedmont region. The spring and fall seasons typically deliver temperatures between 60-75°F with lower humidity than summer months, creating comfortable conditions for tent campers and glamping enthusiasts alike.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, the campground offers fishing along the Brandywine River. "We go here a lot because we are local, and since it's so close, it's nice for a shake down trip of new equipment. Being on the Brandywine, you can fish and rent canoes. The river is usually very calm and good for a float," notes Jim N.
Frisbee golf course: French Creek State Park features a challenging frisbee golf course set within the woods. "There is also a frisbee golf course in the woods to make it even more interesting and competitive. The trees definitely make it harder!" explains one reviewer who attended an orienteering event at the park.
Historic exploration: Visit Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site adjacent to French Creek State Park. "Not to mention close by there is Hopewell National Furnace and St. Peter's Village with shops and restaurants and hiking trails as well," states Jen R., highlighting the historical attractions within driving distance.
Water activities: Lums Pond State Park Campground offers kayaking and paddling on their pond. "There's an off leash dog park, equestrian center and boat ramp. Book early because it fills up fast!" recommends Ellen B., who visits Lums Pond regularly.
What campers like
Spacious camping sites: At French Creek State Park Campground, campers appreciate the well-designed layout. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes," shares Jen R. about her experience.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the cleanliness at Country Acres Campground. "This campground is probably the most well maintained campground we have ever stayed at. The grounds are beautiful, facilities above and beyond the expected," explains Stephanie S., highlighting the exceptional maintenance.
Nature views: Many glamping spots near West Grove offer scenic vistas. "Great secluded campground for all nature lovers," writes a reviewer about French Creek State Park, while another notes, "We stayed in one of the primitive tent sites with no hookups adjacent to the farm field. Watching a horse drawn equipment cutting grass while we cooked dinner was a joy."
Peaceful atmosphere: Despite being close to attractions, many campgrounds maintain a quiet environment. "Quiet. Occasional planned activities. Rented pavilions for reunions, birthdays, seasonal gatherings, etc.," mentions a reviewer about Hibernia County Park, emphasizing the tranquil setting.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many popular glamping spots in West Grove, Pennsylvania fill quickly. "Book early because it fills up fast!" advises Ellen B. about Lums Pond State Park, which offers yurts and glamping accommodations just a short drive from West Grove.
Site selection matters: When glamping or camping with larger tents, choosing the right site is crucial. "Some of the sites surrounding ours were very rocky and left little option for a larger than normal sized tent so keep this in mind if you have a large family sized tent," advises a camper at French Creek State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Campground amenities vary by season. "We were in the D loop which is rustic with no hookups. Quiet, very few people mid-week. Spacious sites. Bathrooms were just okay," notes Cheryl K. about her off-peak stay at French Creek State Park.
Local attractions: The area around West Grove offers cultural experiences beyond glamping. Lancaster-New Holland KOA provides a unique cultural perspective. "Great secluded campground, beautiful valley views of Amish country," writes Angie G., highlighting the unique setting.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Quarryville, families find extensive recreation. "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," shares a satisfied parent.
Swimming facilities: Many campgrounds feature pools for family enjoyment. "This state park houses several stylish yurts with modern amenities. The pool is new and has a sloped entrance so my two year old could play by himself and loved it. The new bathhouse has better restrooms than my own home!" reports Megan T. about her stay with four children.
Entertainment schedule: Family-friendly activities are scheduled regularly at certain campgrounds. "Fun fun and more fun loads of activities for the kids! Breakfast with Yogi! (just make sure the kids you have are not afraid of people in costumes, we found out the hard way!)," cautions Terri S. about character interactions at Jellystone Park.
Kid-friendly fishing spots: Some locations offer specialized fishing areas for children. "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground," notes John Z. about Hibernia County Park, making it ideal for introducing children to fishing.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: RVers mention site levelness as important at area campgrounds. "The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back. That was a bonus," shares an RVer about their experience at Lums Pond State Park.
Site dimensions: Big rig owners should research specific sites. "Heads up, big rig owners! Tight squeeze into Site 25. Get cozy, the sites are quite small and tightly packed together," warns Matt S. about Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, providing crucial information for large RV owners.
Hook-up placement: Some campgrounds have unusual utility layouts. "The site offered electric and water but they were on 2 different sides. This made it difficult to set up. Had to park the camper crooked to use both," explains Amanda H. about her experience at one local campground.
Road navigation: Internal roads can be challenging for larger RVs. "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," shares Mary C. about Lake-In-Wood Campground, noting the importance of careful driving within the campground.
