There are few better ways to open your children’s eyes and awaken their senses to their natural environment than through camping. Whether it’s a star-speckled sky, the distant call of an owl, a tiny bug working in the dirt, or the taste of a freshly made s’more, the opportunities are endless for both you and your kids to become captivated by the joys of being in nature.

Taking the whole family out of their norm and into the wilderness can be a little daunting though. Especially if it’s your first time. Luckily for you, Bucks County is chock full of small, local family-friendly campgrounds so you don’t have to travel far for your first time out. Nor do you have to go without many of our modern world’s conveniences if you don’t want to.

Below, we’ve collected some of the best local campgrounds, recommended by local families. And make sure to check out our tips on camping with kids to make everyone’s camping experience enjoyable!

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Tips for Camping With Kids

• Practice Camping at Home – Before venturing out, try pitching a tent in the backyard or even inside your home. Let them hang out in it and sleep in it so they become comfortable with a new sleeping environment. 
• Involve Your Kids in the Process – To help them get excited about your trip, allow them to help with the packing and with researching activities near your campsite.
• Find the Right Campsite – Pick campgrounds with amenities that suit your family’s needs. Some campgrounds have ballfields, beaches or swimming areas, streams or rivers and playgrounds; others offer picnic tables, flushing toilets and hot showers. 
• Stick to a Familiar Bedtime Routine – Kids love routine and sticking to theirs in a new and unfamiliar environment can bring them comfort. For babies, keep their sleeping habits as close to routine as possible (e.g., bring a portable white noise machine if you use one at home). 
• Know what to pack – DEET-Free Bug spray, non-toxic mosquito patch stickers, first aid kits, long socks and extra layers will go a long way to ensuring everyone has a great experience!
• Think Safety – Talk to your kids before the trip and set boundaries before you get there. Will they need to take a buddy to the bathroom? Have a plan for if and when someone gets lost (you might want to give your kids a whistle and teach them how to blow it). Be aware of certain features at the campground that could be hazardous—wild animal sitings, a nearby road, a fast-moving stream, a steep bluff.
• Anticipate Challenges – Life is unpredictable, and even more so where kids and the outdoors are involved. Be prepared for a few bumps in the road and remember that’s all a part of the experience.

Best Camping Sites for Families Close to Bucks County

Beaver Family Campground

80 Clay Ridge Rd, Ottsville

With a Trailer Life Rating of 7.5 out of 8, this family campground provides a wonderful place to pitch your tent and relax. From their secluded wooded sites to their swimming pool, basketball, volleyball and shuffleboard courts, they offer something for everyone. And, (for better or for worse!) their sites offer free wifi internet hot spots, as well as cable tv.

“Best place to camp with family! My family has been going here every summer for 40 plus years. We love the seclusion, yet the friendly environment. It’s family run . It’s clean and well kept. The pool has water slides. The store has a little arcade. There’s a playground, basketball and volleyball nets and scenic trails to hike.” Kristin M.

Colonial Woods Family Camping Resort

545 Lonely Cottage Drive, Upper Black Eddy

If you’re looking for a camping vacation that’s as comfortable and as worry-free as possible, look no further than the amenities at Colonial Woods Family Camping Resort. Amenities include spacious sites, free wifi, clean restrooms, a well-stocked store, laundry room and more. Come with a tent, an RV, or stay in one of their spacious cabins.

“My family and I spent Fathers Day weekend at this camp ground we had such a fantastic time it may become a new tradition! For the kids there is plenty to do, there is a pool, a mini golf course that looks to be either very well taken care of or newly updated and a large playground. On top of that there were activities planned all weekend. I honestly cant say enough good things about this place It is worth the ride to find this gem in Upper Black Eddy!” Bruce K.

Deer Wood Campground

171 Cafferty Rd, Pipersville

Local Bucks County Parent Corinna shares, “We have taken our kids to Deer Wood Campground in Pipersville twice now. We love it because it’s close to home, is pretty small so generally quiet, and there are great hiking trails that lead to the Tinicum creek. The first time we went our youngest was 2 and he wouldn’t sleep so one of us took him home and the other stayed with our oldest. It was fine because it was so close to home and they came back first thing in the AM. It was the perfect first camping experience for our kids and then the 2nd time they knew more of what to expect and we were all able to sleep there.”

Dogwood Haven Family Campground

16 Lodi Hill Rd, Upper Black Eddy

If you’re looking for just the basic camping with no frills, check out this little campground just off the Delaware River. Dogwood Haven features 55 wooded sites with electric and water hookups, showers, flush toilets, dumping facilities.

“Such a lovely campground right off the tow path. We had the pleasure of meeting, Mark, the owner a few weeks back on a bikepacking trip and loved it so much we came back again. We spent the day biking and hiking around Ringing Rocks- we ran out of time not things to do! Can’t wait to come back again before the season ends,” says Lindsey H.

Little Red Barn Campground

367 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown

Welcome to Little Red Barn Campground, a family-oriented campground in Quakertown that has been owned and operated for over 50 years by the Roeder Family. This camp ground offers scheduled activities, a pool, playground, a gameroom and space for your favorite past times. Trailer rental and pavilion rental available. Enclosed pavilion perfect for parties, reunions, showers, receptions, corporate events and more. Seating for 100 with a dance floor or seating for 150 without a dance floor.

“This was our first camping trip as our little family and I would go back and heartbeat. VERY family oriented for the littles and the store is prepared for anything (fires, swim diapers, eggs, paper towel, variety of toys).” Garrett and Tammy L.

Nockamixon State Park

1542 Mountain View Dr, Quakertown

Stay the night at Lake Nockamixon State Park. Located on the south side are 10 modern cabins are available for rent year round. Each cabin contains a furnished living area, kitchen/dining area, and toilet/shower room. The kitchen has a refrigerator, stove, and microwave. Outside is a fire ring, grill, and picnic table. These electrically heated cabins have two bedrooms (sleeps six) or three bedrooms (sleeps eight). Best of all, they have ADA accessible cabins. Lake Nockamixon is conveniently located only a few miles from Grand View Hospital in Sellersville.

Quakerwoods Campground

2225 Rosedale Rd, Quakertown

Bring your favorite leashed pet! This family-oriented and pet friendly campground features 200 campsites, four cabins, three rental trailers, restrooms with hot showers, propane, coin operated laundry and Wi-fi hot spots. Some activities include hayrides, bingo, fishing pond, swimming pool, mini golf, horseshoes, shuffleboard, game room, volleyball, basketball, and playgrounds.

Ringing Rocks Family Campground

75 Woodland Dr, Upper Black Eddy

Nestled in the wooded hills of historic Bucks County, Ringing Rocks Family Campground is the perfect setting for your family’s next camping vacation. Don’t forget to bring your hammer to strike the rocks at their mysterious 128-acre boulder field. “Ringing Rocks is wonderful and they even have a camper you can rent if you are nervous about tent camping. Kids usually love the experience and just being together. There are usually playgrounds and activities available for children to play. It all depends what ages your children are but the campground pool, board games, cards, fishing, hiking, bike riding, campfires and smores are memorable too,” says local Bucks County Parent Susan S.

Open April through October, the camp’s amenities include:

•	Wooded Sites with Water, Electric & Cable	•	Tent Sites	•	Cabin Rentals
•	Camp Store	•	Picnic Table with Fire Ring on Each Site	•	Firewood, Propane & Ice Available
•	Restrooms with Free Shower Facilities	•	Free Wi-Fi Hotspot	•	Laundromat
•	Dump Station (Registered Guests Only)	•	Recreation Hall	•	Horseshoe Pits
•	Game Room	•	Swimming Pool (Open Memorial Day-Labor Day)	•	Kiddie Pool with Water Feature
•	Playground	•	Shuffleboard	•	Basketball Court
•	Volleyball Court	•	Activity Field	•	Outdoor Pavilion
•	Organized Games & Activities

Tohickon Family Campground

8308 Covered Bridge Dr, Quakertown

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Tohickon Family Campground makes fun a priority. Enjoy a variety of things to do, such as kayaking/canoeing, swimming, hiking, tubing, and gathering with friends.. Many of their sites are nestled along the creek. Campsites are upgraded as full hookup sites, and include their own picnic table and fire ring for your enjoyment. They even host The Covered Bridge Cafe, which has sandwiches, snacks and one-of-a-kind ice cream sundaes.  Enjoy a treat by the pool, a warm cup of coffee, or a sandwich with friends at Tohickon Family Campground.