French Creek SP PA Loop A

- 843 Park Rd, Elverson, PA 19520

Introduction / Overview

As a local Pennsylvanian looking for the ideal nature escape without a major drive, French Creek State Park's Loop A Campground is a name you should know. Nestled in the stunning Schuylkill Highlands, straddling both Chester and Berks counties, French Creek State Park is a vast, 7,730-acre natural oasis. It boasts one of the largest blocks of contiguous forest between Washington D.C. and New York City, making it an essential local resource for fresh air and outdoor recreation.

The campground is a central hub for all the park’s activities, and Loop A is a particularly popular choice. Following recent upgrades by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Loop A is now celebrated for featuring full hook-up sites, catering especially well to modern RV and trailer campers seeking maximum convenience in a rustic setting. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or planning a family weekend getaway, the campground provides a blend of natural beauty and essential amenities. It’s a wonderful spot to pitch a tent or park your rig and immerse yourself in the rich second-growth forest, which is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including white-tailed deer and a multitude of bird species—the park is even designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. French Creek State Park offers a genuine Pennsylvania wilderness experience, all within easy reach of the Southeast PA region.

Location and Accessibility

French Creek State Park is conveniently located at the junction of Berks and Chester Counties, making it highly accessible for residents of Reading, Philadelphia, and the surrounding towns. The park’s main address, which provides access to the campground area, is:

843 Park Rd, Elverson, PA 19520, USA.

It is easily reachable from major routes, including PA Route 345 and the Morgantown exits of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. For those traveling with a camper or RV, the paved access roads make navigating to Loop A straightforward. While the park feels wonderfully remote, offering a true break from city life, its proximity to nearby towns like Elverson ensures that essential supplies and services are never too far away. The geographic location—right in the middle of the 'Hopewell Big Woods'—means you are directly connected to one of Pennsylvania's most significant natural areas, providing unparalleled opportunities for extended adventures on the park's network of over 35 miles of trails.

Services Offered

The French Creek State Park campground, and Loop A specifically, is equipped with a variety of facilities to ensure a comfortable stay for all campers. These are some of the key services you can expect:

• Campsites with full hook-ups (electric, water, and sewer) in Loop A, catering to modern RVs and trailers.
• Standard electric hook-up sites (20/30/50 amp service) available across the greater campground area.
• Non-electric sites for tent campers and those seeking a more rustic experience.
• Modern, centrally located showerhouses and restroom facilities with flush toilets.
• Sanitary dump station conveniently available within the campground area.
• Potable water access throughout the campground loops.
• Pet-friendly camping in designated areas, including Loop A, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure (restrictions apply).
• Designated, ADA-accessible campsites and facilities to accommodate visitors with disabilities.

Features / Highlights

Beyond the campsite amenities, French Creek State Park offers a wealth of recreational features that serve as the main draw for local visitors:

• Direct access to over 35 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, including segments of the historic Horse-Shoe Trail.
• Boating and fishing opportunities on two beautiful lakes: the 68-acre Hopewell Lake and the smaller, 22-acre Scotts Run Lake (note: swimming is not permitted in either lake). Boat launches and mooring spaces are available seasonally, with boat rentals offered on Hopewell Lake.
• A large public swimming pool, available seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, which offers a refreshing way to cool off on hot summer days (please note there is an additional charge for entry).
• A playground located near Loop A, providing a dedicated recreation area for children within the campground.
• Disc Golf course located in a wooded area near Hopewell Lake, popular with both locals and park visitors.
• Opportunities for educational and interpretive programs, especially during the spring, summer, and fall seasons, led by the park naturalist.
• Proximity to the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, a restored cold blast furnace, offering a deep dive into Pennsylvania’s colonial industrial history.
• A variety of lodging alternatives, including modern cabins, camping cottages, and yurts, for those who prefer an upgrade from traditional tent or RV camping.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, make reservations, or get specific information about French Creek State Park and the Loop A Campground, use the following contact details:

Address:

843 Park Rd, Elverson, PA 19520, USA

Phone:

(610) 582-9680

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the desirable full hook-up sites in Loop A, and can typically be made up to 11 months in advance through the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

French Creek State Park’s Loop A Campground is an ideal and indispensable resource for anyone living in the Pennsylvania region. It offers the perfect blend of essential modern camping amenities, including the coveted full hook-up sites, set within a massive, protected natural forest. For local Pennsylvanians, it serves as a convenient and authentic wilderness retreat that doesn't require an exhaustive drive. It is a true escape where you can swap the city sounds for the rustling of oak leaves and the crackle of a campfire.

Whether you're looking to hit the renowned mountain bike trails, hike a portion of the historic Horse-Shoe Trail, introduce your children to fishing on Hopewell Lake, or simply enjoy the peace of a wooded, full-service campsite, French Creek provides the venue. The pet-friendly options in Loop A also ensure that no member of the family is left behind. Furthermore, being located in the Schuylkill Highlands, it’s a vital connection to the state’s natural heritage and a perfect basecamp for exploring local history at nearby Hopewell Furnace. For a weekend recharge or a week-long stay, French Creek State Park's Loop A is your accessible, local, and fully equipped doorway to the great Pennsylvania outdoors.

*Note on site experience: While the park strives for excellence, individual site experiences can vary. Specific sites, like the one mentioned in a customer review, may have unique spatial layouts (e.g., site #2's setup) that are more functional for parking than extended outdoor lounging. It is always wise to check site details and maps when reserving to ensure the best fit for your equipment and camping style. Additionally, park regulations, including quiet hours (9:00 PM to 8:00 AM) and visitor guidelines, are strictly enforced to ensure a peaceful experience for all campers.

French Creek SP PA Loop A

843 Park Rd, Elverson, PA 19520, USA