Are you craving an escape from the bustling city life of Philadelphia? Look no further than the stunning campgrounds and natural wonders just a short drive away. Camping near Philadelphia offers you the perfect opportunity to unwind, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a first-time camper, there’s something for everyone in the diverse landscapes surrounding the City of Brotherly Love.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best camping spots near Philadelphia, from serene state parks to hidden gems in the forest. We’ll explore popular destinations like Ricketts Glen and French Creek State Parks, as well as lesser-known havens like Wharton State Forest and Cape Henlopen. You’ll find tips on where to pitch your tent, what activities to enjoy, and how to make the most of your outdoor adventure. So pack your gear and get ready to experience the natural beauty that awaits you just beyond the city limits.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park Location
Nestled in northeastern Pennsylvania, Ricketts Glen State Park spans 13,050 acres across Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties. You’ll find this natural gem about 20 miles southwest of Wilkes-Barre, making it an accessible escape from urban life. To reach the park, take PA 487 north from Bloomsburg for about 30 miles. If you’re hauling a heavy trailer, avoid the steep section of PA 487 from Red Rock to Lake Jean and instead approach from the south via Dushore.
Ricketts Glen State Park Amenities
You’ll discover a wealth of amenities at Ricketts Glen. The park boasts a 245-site campground, with most sites open from April to December. You can enjoy hot showers, flush toilets, and shaded spots with gravel parking spurs. For a more comfortable stay, ten modern rental cabins are available year-round, fully furnished with living areas and kitchens. The park also offers five deluxe cottages in the campground, open from April to October, equipped with electric amenities and nearby shower facilities.
Ricketts Glen State Park Hiking Trails
The crown jewel of Ricketts Glen is its trail system, featuring over 26 miles of paths. The Falls Trail, a 7.2-mile loop, showcases 21 of the park’s 22 named waterfalls, including the impressive 94-foot Ganoga Falls. For a shorter but equally stunning hike, opt for the 3.2-mile loop combining Highland Trail with Glen Leigh and Ganoga Glen sections. Remember to wear sturdy boots and exercise caution, as trails can be steep and slippery. The park’s diverse landscape, from old-growth forests to natural wetlands, provides a perfect backdrop for your outdoor adventure.
French Creek State Park
French Creek State Park Location
Nestled in southeastern Pennsylvania, French Creek State Park spans 7,730 acres across Berks and Chester counties. You’ll find this natural oasis straddling the Schuylkill Highlands, offering a quick getaway from city life. To reach the park, take PA 345 south of Birdsboro or north of PA 23. You can also access it from the Morgantown exits (1A and 1B) of the PA Turnpike.
French Creek State Park Amenities
The park boasts a large campground open from March through the first weekend in January. You’ll find sites with easy access to modern restrooms and showers. Over 60 sites offer electric hookups, with some providing full-hookup service. For a more comfortable stay, ten furnished, modern cabins are available year-round, sleeping six people in bunkbeds. These cabins feature electric heat, kitchens, and private restrooms with showers.
For a unique experience, try the campground’s three cottages or two yurts. The cottages sleep five and have electric heat and outlets, while the yurts sleep four and come equipped with cooking facilities and electric amenities.
French Creek State Park Activities
French Creek State Park offers a wealth of activities for nature lovers. You can explore almost 40 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, or tackle the renowned technical trails on your mountain bike. The park is home to two lakes: the 68-acre Hopewell Lake for warm water fishing and the 22-acre Scotts Run Lake, known for its record-breaking smallmouth bass.
Wharton State Forest
Wharton State Forest Location
You’ll find Wharton State Forest in the heart of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens. As the largest single tract in the state park system, it spans an impressive 122,880 acres across Burlington, Camden, and Atlantic counties. This vast wilderness is part of the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve, offering you a unique ecosystem to explore.
Wharton State Forest Campgrounds
You have several camping options at Wharton. The Atsion Family Campground offers 50 tent and trailer sites with modern amenities. For a more rustic experience, try Godfrey Bridge with 49 sites. Primitive campsites like Batona and Mullica River provide a true wilderness experience. If you prefer comfort, nine furnished cabins are available on Atsion Lake. Don’t forget to check out the pet-friendly sites at various campgrounds.
Wharton State Forest Activities
Wharton is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike the 50-mile Batona Trail, which connects three state forests. For water lovers, canoeing and kayaking on the Mullica, Batsto, and Wading Rivers are popular activities. Anglers can try their luck catching pickerel, catfish, and sunfish. The forest also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, including bald eagles, great blue herons, and river otters. History buffs will enjoy exploring Batsto Village, a former bog iron and glassmaking center from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen State Park Location
Situated where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Henlopen State Park offers you a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural history. This 5,193-acre park in Sussex County, Delaware, boasts diverse coastal environments, including ocean and bay beaches, maritime forests, and tidal salt marshes.
Cape Henlopen State Park Beaches
You’ll find a designated swimming beach accessible from the Lewes entrance, with lifeguard patrols between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. The beach features Mobi-Mat equipment, consisting of three 30-foot mats, allowing wheelchair and power chair users to access the beach from the boardwalk. During summer, you can rent umbrellas and enjoy modern amenities like showers, changing rooms, and a food concession at the bath house.
Cape Henlopen State Park Camping Options
The park’s campground is open year-round at select sites, offering water and electric hook-ups (30-, 50-, and 100-amp), fire rings, and picnic tables. You’ll find various options, including pull-through sites, walk-in tent sites, and economical camping cabins. Remember, there’s a two-night minimum stay on weekends, with some holidays requiring a three-night stay. You can reserve up to 14 nights, up to one year in advance. The park also features a 24-hour, year-round fishing pier, a disk golf course, and bicycle and walking paths.
Hibernia County Park
Hibernia County Park Location
You’ll find Hibernia County Park nestled in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, just a 45-minute drive from Philadelphia and Lancaster. This 1,695-acre natural haven offers a perfect escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Hibernia County Park Amenities
The park boasts over 900 acres of diverse landscapes, including trails, woodlands, meadows, and open fields. You’ll discover play areas, pavilions, and picnic spots perfect for family outings. Camping enthusiasts can enjoy the campgrounds, open on weekends from April through mid-November. Remember to reserve your site online in advance.
Hibernia County Park Activities
Hibernia County Park offers a wealth of activities for all ages. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the park’s extensive trail network, while anglers can try their luck at Chambers Lake, Brandywine Creek’s west branch, or the children’s fishing pond. Boating is also popular on Chambers Lake. For a unique experience, take a walking tour to explore the legacy of 19th-century ironmasters, including the elegant Hibernia Mansion. Open for public tours on many Sunday afternoons, the mansion offers a glimpse into the area’s rich history.
Visit the Best Campgrounds Near Philadelphia!
The Philadelphia area offers a wealth of camping opportunities, each with its own unique charm and natural beauty. From the cascading waterfalls of Ricketts Glen to the coastal wonders of Cape Henlopen, there’s something to satisfy every outdoor enthusiast. These parks provide a perfect escape from city life, allowing visitors to unwind and reconnect with nature just a short drive from the bustling metropolis.
Whether you’re looking to hike scenic trails, fish in serene lakes, or simply relax under the stars, these camping destinations have you covered. So pack your gear, gather your friends or family, and head out to explore the stunning natural landscapes surrounding Philadelphia. Your next adventure awaits, promising unforgettable memories and a renewed appreciation for the great outdoors.