Camping at Ridley Creek

No, Ridley Creek State Park has no public campground, cabins or RV sites. The only overnight option is an organized group tenting area for qualified organized groups, which holds up to 120 people from April to October and must be reserved in advance. It has a restroom with flush toilets and drinking water but no showers. Everyone else visits for the day: the park is open sunrise to sunset, and day-use areas close at dusk.

Organized Group Tenting

DCNR's "Stay the Night" page lists one facility at Ridley Creek: the organized group tenting area. Key points:

• Who: qualified organized groups, not individual families.
• Size: up to 120 people.
• Season: April to October.
• Facilities: a restroom with flush toilets and potable water. No showers.
• Booking: advance reservations are required, online through Pennsylvania State Parks reservations or by phone at 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday. DCNR adds a $6.50 transaction fee to every reservation.

DCNR does not spell out on the Ridley Creek pages which groups qualify or what the area costs. Ask the reservation line or the park office (610-892-3900) before you plan a trip.

Why There Is No Campground

Ridley Creek is a day-use park, an oasis of open space in a growing urban area 16 miles from Center City Philadelphia, as DCNR puts it. Its land is given over to woods, trails, picnic areas and the Hunting Hill Mansion grounds. DCNR's nearby-attractions page lists Marsh Creek State Park in Chester County and other state parks for wider recreation; check DCNR's statewide camping map for the closest public campgrounds.

Making a Day of It

• Arrive early and plan a long loop on the White Trail.
• Reserve a picnic pavilion for a group gathering (Picnic Areas).
• Check DCNR's events calendar: the park runs programs from April through November.

Overnight Parking

Day-use areas close at dusk, and the park is open sunrise to sunset. Do not plan to sleep in your car in a park lot.