The best great views campgrounds near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

When summer hits the City of Brotherly Love, sometimes you need an escape. Green pastures, lakes, and pristine forests are just miles from Philadelphia, waiting for you to pitch a tent and cool off.

Philly's closest camping is across the river in New Jersey. Here, you can get away from it all without going all that far. Gloucester County has several private camping resorts, as well as RV parks with swimming pools and Wi-Fi if you prefer a little pampering.

French Creek State Park is just an hour's drive away. This large park offers miles of hiking, lake trout fishing, and kayaking. The public campground has tent sites, some with electric, plus a limited number of full hook-ups for RVs. The camp also offers modern cabins, rustic cottages, and yurts.

Ridley Creek State Park is excellent for family-friendly day trips. Just 16 miles from the city, visitors find hiking trails, creek fishing, and camping for organized groups like scouts. An equestrian farm within the park holds pony rides on summer weekends and horseback riding year-round. Or you can visit Colonial Plantation, a living history farm where oxen still till the fields.

About 30 miles away, the Wharton State Forest is a massive 122,000-acres, making it the largest park in New Jersey. The 28-mile Batona Trail cuts through the Pine Barrens, passing by primitive tent camping for multi-day treks. For basics like showers and water spigots, pitch tent near Atsion Lake. The facilities are older, but the camping sites are spacious and private.

For a deeper escape, drive past the Poconos to Ricketts Glen State Park in northeast Pennsylvania. The challenging Falls Trail System passes more than 20 waterfalls, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. The campground on Lake Jean has mostly non-electric sites, plus furnished cabins.

99% (399)

Top-rated campgrounds

When summer hits the City of Brotherly Love, sometimes you need an escape. Green pastures, lakes, and pristine forests are just miles from Philadelphia, waiting for you to pitch a tent and cool off.

Philly's closest camping is across the river in New Jersey. Here, you can get away from it all without going all that far. Gloucester County has several private camping resorts, as well as RV parks with swimming pools and Wi-Fi if you prefer a little pampering.

French Creek State Park is just an hour's drive away. This large park offers miles of hiking, lake trout fishing, and kayaking. The public campground has tent sites, some with electric, plus a limited number of full hook-ups for RVs. The camp also offers modern cabins, rustic cottages, and yurts.

Ridley Creek State Park is excellent for family-friendly day trips. Just 16 miles from the city, visitors find hiking trails, creek fishing, and camping for organized groups like scouts. An equestrian farm within the park holds pony rides on summer weekends and horseback riding year-round. Or you can visit Colonial Plantation, a living history farm where oxen still till the fields.

About 30 miles away, the Wharton State Forest is a massive 122,000-acres, making it the largest park in New Jersey. The 28-mile Batona Trail cuts through the Pine Barrens, passing by primitive tent camping for multi-day treks. For basics like showers and water spigots, pitch tent near Atsion Lake. The facilities are older, but the camping sites are spacious and private.

For a deeper escape, drive past the Poconos to Ricketts Glen State Park in northeast Pennsylvania. The challenging Falls Trail System passes more than 20 waterfalls, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. The campground on Lake Jean has mostly non-electric sites, plus furnished cabins.

99% (399)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Hardscrabble Hill

100%

(44)

29mi from Philadelphia · 1 site · Tent, RV · Chester Springs, PA

Sit back and enjoy a secluded, hilltop setting. Observe the grazing deer, migrating birds, and seasonal foliage. Local restaurants and shops will keep you connected to civilization, but only if you choose that option. The owners live right on the property (but not too close), so help is always just a minute away. Full hookup provided. 50/30 amp power. Waste disposal (full hookup), treated well water.

2. Countryside Horse Farm

99%

(178)

35mi from Philadelphia · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Salem, NJ

Our horse farm is located in one of the most rural areas of Southern New Jersey. This land was once occupied by The Lanape Tribe. The adjacent creek was named after Chief Alloway. Artifacts of Native Americans have been found alongside this brackish water creek. This farm was for many years a dairy farm which was passed on for 3 generations until the late 80's. Our main horse breeds are 5 Arabians followed by 2 Thoroughbreds and 2 miniature ponies. In addition to horses you will see free range rabbits, chickens and beautiful cows. There are many antique shops in this area which tell the rich History of Southern NJ. Cowen mall and Royal Port are my two favorites. Another must see experience (at least once) in the area is The Cowtown Rodeo, one of the first and oldest in the country, only 14 minutes drive. Cool and brand new Brewery opening up soon right across the rd from Cowtown and right next to The best Cowboy outfitter. https://maps.app.goo.gl/TbK3TfJUDk9Tuziv9 Hope you enjoy visiting our forgotten part of NJ and make great memories! Learn more about this land: Relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Feast your eyes on the luscious green pastures with grazing horses and cows while enjoying the sound of wild life all around you. You might even be lucky and spot a Bald Eagle here on our property. If you get caught on a rainy weekend we offer Plenty of indoor activities inside our large indoor arena. You can sit on the lounge and read, play board games, pool, darts, archery, watch a movie on the big 20" screen etc... PS movie viewing subject to fees and booking 1-2 days in advance. Thank you for your interest and considerations and hope to be hosting your next camping adventure. :)

3. Camp Douglass - Schuylkill River

98%

(124)

36mi from Philadelphia · 1 site · Tent · Douglassville, PA

Tucked away alongside the Schuylkill River, and just next to the expansive Schuylkill River Trail, Camp Douglass gives you an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle without leaving the creature comforts at home. A 5 minute drive gets you to more than 6 restaurants, a grocery store, a Wawa, and more.

4. Big Sky Sunsets

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(31)

37mi from Philadelphia · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Coopersburg, PA

Our 200+ acre farm has combination of forest, wide open fields of hay, rye and corn. Depending on the location and time of year, you could enjoy watching our cows graze or perhaps some deer or turkeys.

5. Bellview Farm

97%

(239)

47mi from Philadelphia · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Elkton, MD

Beautiful 50 acre semi wooded Amish Farm. Located in a serene setting this property boasts both farm animals and an array of wildlife. Just minutes from popular Fair Hill Maryland State Park Fairgrounds and Elk Neck State Park and Lighthouse. Quaint little country store/deli is less than a mile.Camp on a working Amish farm located on Middle Rd in rural Cecil County Elkton, Maryland. Nestled in a wooded setting with open fields to view an array of wildlife. Learn about Amish way of life. Enjoy a variety of farm animals as well as wildlife. Milk a Cow. Collect farm eggs. Amish buggy rides and farm tours every day but Sundays. Sites 1, 2, 3 and 4 can accommodate tent campers and RVs. Sites 1 2 and 3 are approximately 10 ft apart and spacious. all sites have fire pits. Site 1 ,2 ,3 and 4 have picnic tables. All Sites have charcoal grills. Will need your own charcoal, lighter fluid and foil for grate. Site 3 also has a grill attached to pit. Please be specific at booking if you are tent or RV camping and approx. length of RV. We book rain or shine so please be prepared according to weather forecast. What to expect..This is a farm with many animals so please be aware that the rooster may crow very early. The goats may be noisy at anytime day or night. Most cases they are quiet at night but not always. The cows bellow and horses will whinny throughout the day. Farms also have farm smells so be aware it is not always pleasant. For the most part the campfires over ride the farm smells which is great!! Please check our add ons. We will have fire wood available for purchase if you need it. Farm fresh eggs and seasonal garden vegetables may also be available. Amish baked goods may be purchased when available.We are 5 minutes from a 5000 acre park that boasts miles of marked trails for horseback riding, hiking or biking through rough or paved terrain. There is a creek for swimming also. Bring your own horses. We have stalls available or set up your own paddock next to your site. We have hay and straw available for purchase.Learn more about this land:Camp on a working Amish farm located on Middle Rd in rural Cecil County Elkton, Maryland. Nestled in a wooded setting with open fields to view an array of wildlife. Learn about Amish way of life. Enjoy a variety of farm animals as well as wildlife. Milk a Cow. Collect farm eggs. Amish buggy rides and farm tours every day but Sundays. Sites 1, 2, 3 and 4 can accommodate tent campers and RVs. Sites 1 2 and 3 are approximately 10 ft apart and spacious. all sites have fire pits. Site 1 ,2 ,3 and 4 have picnic tables. All Sites have charcoal grills. Will need your own charcoal, lighter fluid and foil for grate. Site 3 also has a grill attached to pit. Please be specific at booking if you are tent or RV camping and approx. length of RV. We book rain or shine so please be prepared according to weather forecast. What to expect.. This is a farm with many animals so please be aware that the rooster may crow very early. The goats may be noisy at anytime day or night. Most cases they are quiet at night but not always. The cows bellow and horses will whinny throughout the day. Farms also have farm smells so be aware it is not always pleasant. For the most part the campfires over ride the farm smells which is great!! Please check our add ons. We will have fire wood available for purchase if you need it. Farm fresh eggs and seasonal garden vegetables may also be available. Amish baked goods may be purchased when available. We are 5 minutes from a 5000 acre park that boasts miles of marked trails for horseback riding, hiking or biking through rough or paved terrain. There is a creek for swimming also. Bring your own horses. We have stalls available or set up your own paddock next to your site. We have hay and straw available for purchase.

Stories from the community

D

Dawn

1 week ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Countryside Horse Farm

What a fabulous time it was on this farm. I went in December so it was a bit cold. The owner was was very kind. She had already put a space heater in there and warms it up for me. If you don't like the cold then do not go in the cooler months but you ABSOLUTELY should go in the 3 other seasons. I loved meeting the horses and waking up to the sounds of a rooster. On the way out to this farm I saw a few other farms. I saw the biggest bald eagle I've ever seen in my life as well as peacocks. All this in NJ. This was an amazing experience.

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Ryan

1 week ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Countryside Horse Farm

Stayed here numerous times in between areas for work and its just what I need. Loredana is great and I guarantee I will be back as needed. Quiet area, easy booking, laid back.

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Tammy

3 weeks ago

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Hardscrabble Hill

The camping spot itself is so nice! The views are amazing! They even have the sweetest little sets of lights going from the driveway up to the camping spot. Unfortunately, I got stuck trying to pull my camper up their street. But the host David was amazing and he went and got my camper and brought it all the way up to the campsite for me! I couldn't have asked for any more hospitality.!!

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Abby

November 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hardscrabble Hill

Fantastic site. Completely private with lots of space. Full hook-ups that all worked great. It was so nice to have plenty of space to spread out and relax without having to worry about neighbors.

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Ryan

November 2025

With pets

1 night at Countryside Horse Farm

Great, easily accessible place. Dog friendly a huge plus with fenced area to roam. Host is very friendly and checked in during our stay how we were doing. Highly recommended if you are in the area! Cabin even in fall/winter has space heater and holds heat well.

Yolie

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Countryside Horse Farm

Loredana's land is absolutely amazing and peaceful. I had a wonderful 2 night stay and will be returning. Loredana is so warm and kind and the horses are beautiful. This was my first ever camping trip and this was the perfect place, thank you so much Loredana!

M

Mark

October 2025

13 ft campervan

2 nights at Hardscrabble Hill

Amazing spot beats any campground pretty level which is nice for rvs and camper vans with no leveling Jack's

B

Braudio

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Countryside Horse Farm

We had a great time staying here. My nephews and I were looking for a spot to spend the night and they quickly accepted our reservation. The farm is amazing and unique. We would definitely stay here again!

Sierra

October 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Hardscrabble Hill

This was an unbelievable spot. The scenery was gorgeous and the site was a dream- you’re at the top of a hill with stunning views but the clearing itself is flat and level with full hookup facilities, fire pit, picnic table and even trash & recycling bins onsite. We arrived after dark but David’s instructions were clear and the path is well defined with small solar lights that were bright enough to indicate the driveway but dim enough that we could still see all the stars at night. We loved visiting the dairy farm down the road and watching the birds in the trees surrounding the site. It felt like a private piece of paradise. Thank you for sharing your land with us!

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Kaitlin

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Countryside Horse Farm

We stayed at campsite #1 and had a wonderful time. Loredana was so kind and super helpful in setting up firewood & eggs for our arrival. Beautiful view from our site. Nice balance of being tucked away in nature with access to some comforts.

Alexis

October 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Camp Douglass - Schuylkill River

Staying at camp Douglass is always such a joy. It’s absolutely beautiful, well maintained, and we have been back more than a few times. We even got engaged there! I suggest it to anyone who even mentions camping, and we even got engaged there. Do yourself the favor!

Michael

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Bellview Farm

Hosts were nice and took care of things daily. Site was as described. Was nice having a site that looked over the horses.

S

Sean

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Hardscrabble Hill

Perfect spot for a nice and peaceful weekend. This is the 2nd time we have stayed on David's land and we will definitely be back again. Full hook ups, beautiful views and plenty of wildlife. What more could you ask for. Thank you again David for another great weekend.

L

Lee

October 2025

33 ft Class C

With pets

2 nights at Hardscrabble Hill

Beautiful Mountain View’s from this very large secluded hill top camp site. David was super responsive and accommodating. We’ll definitely be back! Pup is missing the off leash freedom.

M

Meaghan

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Countryside Horse Farm

We had a lovely time! Loredana was a gracious and welcoming host. We loved spending time with the horses and enjoying the beautiful farm.

T

Tara

October 2025

8 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Hardscrabble Hill

Wonderful property and host! We had a fabulous stay for a long weekend and loved the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. David was very informative with his directions and was so welcoming. We loved having electric and water on site and the campsite was very clean and having trash bins was a nice touch. We enjoyed watching the hot air balloons and the location was convenient to visit local breweries and Valley Forge Historical Park. We will definitely be back!

S

Shannon

October 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Camp Douglass - Schuylkill River

This was our second time at Camp Douglass. My best friend and I loved it so much the first trip, we couldn’t wait to bring the kids! Shane works hard on this property, and it shows. There were upgrades even since May when we were there. We booked a weekend already for next summer. We will come prepared with floats for the river. This trip the kids and dogs were able to walk over to the island and down the river. We had coffee with a beautiful view every morning. My friend and I agree, we’ve found one of our happy places!

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Frank

October 2025

12 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Countryside Horse Farm

What a great place and a gracious host. With a beautiful pastor and lovley stream, this place was heaven. Horses are literally around you and you are in the field with your tent or buscamper. Sunset and sunrise were amazing here, and you have the place all to yourself. The sites are really private and big. The grass was manicured like a football stadium. I felt bad about driving on it. lol All kidding aside. This place was heaven. We are going back soon.

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Ava

October 2025

23 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Hardscrabble Hill

This might be the most beautiful HipCamp spot I’ve stayed at so far! It’s secluded but also nicely centrally located! Having a full hookup was also so nice, the sewage connection was a tad higher than my RV connection so it took a little longer when we did dump but so convenient nonetheless! I’d 100% stay again!

K

Kristy

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Countryside Horse Farm

I loved camping at the farm! I booked last minute as I decided I needed a rest on my way home from a road trip, and Loredana was so accommodating. It was amazing to wake up with the horses visiting my campsite. Loredana left me fresh chicken eggs, and showed me her beautiful art gallery in the morning after making me an espresso. She’s such a lovely soul, and I know I will be returning in the future. Hopefully with my whole family this time!!