Memorial Day is a fantastic opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the great outdoors. However, popular camping spots can get quite crowded during this long weekend, especially around major urban centers like Philadelphia.

If you're looking for a more tranquil camping experience, you're in luck...

The Greater Philadelphia area, including parts of New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and Delaware, offers several hidden gems where you can enjoy peace and quiet away from the crowds. Here are some of the best campgrounds to consider.

New Jersey

1. Brendan T. Byrne State Forest

• Location: New Lisbon, NJ
• Overview: Nestled in the heart of the Pine Barrens, Brendan T. Byrne State Forest offers a serene retreat with over 37,000 acres of forest to explore. The campgrounds here are less frequented than some of New Jersey's more popular spots, making it a great choice for a quiet getaway.
• Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, and fishing in the nearby lakes.
• Facilities: Campsites, cabins, and group campsites are available, with amenities including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.

2. Bass River State Forest

• Location: Tuckerton, NJ
• Overview: Another gem in the Pine Barrens, Bass River State Forest offers a peaceful setting with beautiful scenery and a large freshwater lake for swimming and boating.
• Activities: Hiking, canoeing, swimming, and fishing.
• Facilities: Tent and trailer sites, cabins, restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.

Eastern Pennsylvania

3. French Creek State Park

• Location: Elverson, PA
• Overview: French Creek State Park is a large, less-crowded park located within a short drive from Philadelphia. It features over 7,700 acres of forest and two lakes, offering plenty of space to spread out and enjoy nature.
• Activities: Hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and bird watching.
• Facilities: Modern campsites, cabins, yurts, restrooms, and showers.

4. Hickory Run State Park

• Location: White Haven, PA
• Overview: Located in the Pocono Mountains, Hickory Run State Park offers a more secluded camping experience with over 15,000 acres of beautiful forest and streams.
• Activities: Hiking (including the famous Boulder Field), fishing, swimming, and picnicking.
• Facilities: Tent and trailer sites, modern restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.

5. Promised Land State Park

• Location: Greentown, PA
• Overview: Promised Land State Park is a bit further away from Philadelphia but well worth the drive for its tranquility and natural beauty. Located on the Pocono Plateau, it offers over 3,000 acres of forests, lakes, and streams.
• Activities: Hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and wildlife watching.
• Facilities: Campsites, cabins, and group camping areas with restrooms and showers.

Delaware

6. Killens Pond State Park

• Location: Felton, DE
• Overview: Killens Pond State Park is a hidden gem in central Delaware, offering a peaceful setting with a large pond perfect for water activities.
• Activities: Hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming at the water park.
• Facilities: Campsites, cabins, restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.

7. Trap Pond State Park

• Location: Laurel, DE
• Overview: Known for its beautiful cypress trees, Trap Pond State Park offers a unique and tranquil camping experience in southern Delaware.
• Activities: Hiking, kayaking, fishing, and bird watching.
• Facilities: Campsites, yurts, cabins, restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.

Tips for a Tranquil Memorial Day Camping Experience

1. Book Early: Even the lesser-known campgrounds can fill up quickly on Memorial Day weekend, so make sure to book your site well in advance.
2. Arrive Early or Late: Arriving early on Friday or late on Sunday can help you avoid the rush of weekend campers.
3. Choose Secluded Sites: Look for campsites that are more isolated or farther from popular areas like lakes and trailheads.
4. Go Mid-Week: If your schedule allows, consider extending your trip into the week after Memorial Day when the crowds have thinned out.
5. Use Stacked.camp: Don’t forget to use the crowd-sourced map at stacked.camp to find firewood near your campground. This will save you time and effort, ensuring you have plenty of wood for your campfire.
6. Check for Fire Restrictions: Before you go, check for any fire bans or restrictions in the area using the fire resources at stacked.camp/fire. Staying informed helps ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.

Final Thoughts

Memorial Day is a great time to reconnect with nature, and with a little planning, you can enjoy a peaceful camping experience away from the crowds. The Greater Philadelphia area offers many beautiful and less-frequented campgrounds in New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Whether you're seeking the dense forests of the Pine Barrens, the rolling hills of the Pocono Mountains, or the serene waters of Delaware's state parks, there's a perfect spot waiting for you.