Campgrounds and RV parks near Gilbertsville, PA

At French Creek State Park, Hopewell Lake is a 68-acre warm water lake and Scotts Run Lake is a 22-acre cold water lake, and boating is permitted on both, with electric motors only. Anglers target bass, trout, and panfish. More than 35 miles of trails are available, ranging from easy to difficult, and trails like the Six Penny Trail are popular for their scenic views. No swimming is allowed in the lakes, though a park pool operates seasonally. History sits next door: Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is surrounded by French Creek State Park and preserves a restored 18th and 19th century iron-making community. Reading, Pottstown, and the Daniel Boone Homestead are all short drives from Gilbertsville.

Southeastern Pennsylvania has four distinct seasons, and the RV calendar reflects that. French Creek State Park is open year-round, whether heading to the lake in the summer months or sledding down the hillsides in winter. However, the main campground is open from March through the first weekend in January, while cabins and cottages can be booked throughout the year. Most private campgrounds near Gilbertsville follow a similar spring-through-fall pattern. Summer is peak season for lake activity, family trips, and organized group camping. Qualified organized groups can camp in the rustic group tenting area April 1 through October 31, with one site holding 60 people and 16 other sites each holding 30 people. Weekends and holidays fill quickly. Fall brings cooler nights and strong foliage color across the Hopewell Big Woods, and it is often the most comfortable stretch for hiking. Seasonal boat mooring spaces are available from April 1 to November 1 at each lake. Winter camping is possible in cabins and yurts, with trails open for sledding and cross-country skiing when conditions allow.

Expect wooded, rolling terrain with mature hardwoods, small lakes, and narrow park roads. At French Creek State Park, RV sites are set among trees, and there are around 200 wooded tent and trailer sites, of which some have electric hook-ups, and modern restroom facilities with warm showers are available. There are over 60 sites with electric hookups, including 14 with full hookups. Larger rigs looking for full water, sewer, and higher-amp service often choose nearby private campgrounds. A few rules to plan around: Alcohol is prohibited in all Pennsylvania state parks, including French Creek. Quiet hours must be respected, usually from 9 PM to 8 AM. Pets are permitted on designated campsites with some restrictions. Due to the threat of invasive insects and diseases, campers are not allowed to bring their own firewood; firewood can be purchased within the park.