French Creek State Park provides camping options near Douglassville, Pennsylvania with terrain that varies from rocky to level ground. Located in the Hopewell Big Woods, the region's largest contiguous forest at 73,000 acres, the park offers a mix of hardwood forest and lakeside camping environments. Winter camping is available at designated sites with temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing between December and February.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: At French Creek State Park Campground, visitors can access multiple trails directly from the camping areas. "There are trails for mountain biking or hiking, a frisbee golf course, playground at the campground and at the lake, and an amphitheater at the campground where they hold events and Sunday morning church services," notes Jen R.
Kayaking and fishing: The area includes multiple lakes with diverse fish species. "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish, kayak, canoe or just relax by. There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," according to Ranger Jen.
Equestrian trails: While Fair Hill provides horse-friendly camping, other nearby parks offer day-use equestrian trails. Hibernia County Park connects to multiple equestrian-friendly paths. "Quiet. Occasional planned activities. Rented pavilions for reunions, birthdays, seasonal gatherings," mentions Erin S., noting the park's versatility for gatherings near the equestrian trails.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the Douglassville region offer natural separation between campsites. "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," reports Jen R. about Tuscarora State Park Campground.
Level parking pads: A common feature appreciated by campers with trailers and RVs is the presence of level parking areas. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," explains Jen R. about her experience at French Creek State Park.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained facilities at parks near Douglassville. "The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms," notes Adam and Suzanne B. about their stay at Lums Pond State Park Campground, which is within driving distance of Douglassville.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds near Douglassville operate seasonally. "This campground is only open on the weekends, in season. Sites can be reserved on line, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration," Jennifer S. explains about Hibernia County Park.
Terrain challenges: Rocky terrain can affect tent setup at several campgrounds. "It was a little bit of a struggle to get tent stakes in the ground," Christina H. mentions about her experience at Mountainview Campground, noting that "the ground is moderately rocky."
Bathroom facilities vary: The type and quality of bathroom facilities differs significantly between parks. "There are only pit toilets in Fiddler's loop, however there is a bathroom with running water, flush toilets and electric outlets (no shower) within walking distance of the loop," Jennifer S. notes about her camping experience.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds directly in the camping areas. "The campground features a huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake. There are trails for mountain biking or hiking, a frisbee golf course, playground at the campground and at the lake," states Jen R. about recreation options.
Child-friendly fishing: Specialized fishing opportunities exist for younger anglers. "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too," shares John Z. about Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, providing options beyond the standard fishing areas.
Spacious sites for play: Family campers appreciate sites with room for activities. "The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back. That was a bonus. Our daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards)," reports Mark about his family trip to Lums Pond State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: The campgrounds near Douglassville offer varying levels of hookups for RVs. "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," shares Jen R. about her experience at Starlite Camping Resort.
Site sizes and limitations: RVers should check site specifications before booking. "As I said in the first paragraph, we mostly camp in a 28ft 5th wheel and though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper," Jennifer S. advises about camping at Hibernia County Park.
Terrain considerations: The rolling terrain in the region can affect RV access. "If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills," warns Chris G. about Starlite Camping Resort, highlighting the need for adequate towing capacity in the hilly Douglassville region.
