Camping is a classic family adventure, but it doesn’t have to mean buying a tent, packing a car full of gear, or roughing it in the woods. Whether you’re looking to ease your family into camping with a cozy cabin or glamping experience, spend the night at a museum or zoo, or join a local parks and recreation department for a family campout, there are plenty of beginner-friendly ways to enjoy the outdoors. From campgrounds with comfortable cabins and fun amenities to unforgettable overnight experiences that combine nature, wildlife, and hands-on learning, these family getaways make it easy to unplug, explore, and create lasting memories—no camping expertise required.
Township Family Campouts
Some Main Line and suburban parks and recreation departments offer annual family campouts. These campouts usually feature tent camping, outdoor activities like tours, nature walks or hikes, movies and many also feature campfires, s’mores and more! Check out these:
- Radnor Township Parks & Recreation hosts the Great American Backyard Campout, usually in May or June at The Willows in Villanova, PA
- Temple Ambler Campout held in September in Ambler, PA
Unique Overnight Experiences
Several local museums and attractions host sleepovers where you and your family can get a glimpse of the facility in a whole new way.
- Adventure Aquarium, Camden, NJ, “Shark In the Dark Overnights” are occasional overnight programs near the shark exhibits on select Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, NJ ”Night In the Museum” are periodic family sleepovers, but book early as they sell out quickly.
- Battleship New Jersey, Camden, NJ, “Overnight Encampment” offers a unique overnight encampment experience aboard the ship, with a suggested donation of $85.
- DaVinci Science Center, Allentown, PA, “Summer Sleepovers” are hosted on their rooftop terrace with S’mores and breakfast the next day.
- Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown, PA, “Zoo Snooze” offers one of the best family campout experiences with evening animal encounters, flashlight tour, campfire and s’mores and zoo admission the next day.
- Penn Museum, Philadelphia, PA, “Up Late with the Sphinx” invites scouting groups and families to explore the Penn Museum after hours with games, hands-on activities, a flashlight tour, and a special museum patch to take home.
Campgrounds with Cabins and More!
Country Acres Campground, Gordonville, PA (Lancaster County)
Located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Country Acres features cozy cabin rentals along with a pool, playground, mini golf, fishing pond, and planned family activities. It’s also just minutes from popular Lancaster attractions like Strasburg Rail Road and Dutch Wonderland.
French Creek State Park Campground, Elverson, PA (Chester County)
Tucked within one of Pennsylvania’s largest state parks, French Creek offers rustic cabins surrounded by forests, lakes, and hiking trails. Families can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, playgrounds, and miles of nature trails, making it a great place for weekend getaway outdoors.
Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, PA (Northumberland County)
Combine the fun of an amusement park with the experience of camping at Knoebels Campground. Families can choose from cabins, cottages, RV sites, and tent camping, all within walking distance or a short shuttle ride to the amusement park’s rides, pools, and attractions. Since admission to the park is free and guests pay per ride (or purchase ride passes), it’s an affordable way to enjoy a camping getaway with plenty of family entertainment.
Old Mill Stream Campground at Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster, PA (Lancaster County)
Make your Dutch Wonderland visit even more memorable by camping next door at the resort’s campground. Choose from tent sites, RV hookups, or cabins, and enjoy the convenience of staying just minutes from the park while taking advantage of family-friendly campground amenities.
Refreshing Mountain Retreat & Adventure Center, Stevens, PA (Lancaster County)
More than just a campground, Refreshing Mountain offers family cabins along with outdoor adventures like ziplining, wildlife experiences, hiking trails, and playgrounds. It’s an ideal choice for families looking to combine camping with unique activities.
There’s so many ways to enjoy an outdoor (or indoor!) campout adventure with your family. Find more traditional campgrounds in our directory.