Fall is (sorta) here!

Camping is best in the autumn – warm days, cooler nights become the perfect combination for a campfire and s’mores.

Where can you go within a 4-hour drive of Philly? We rounded up ten ideas for you, based on our experience (and our faithful Facebook friends’ journeys.)

1. Jenny Jump State Forest

We took a trip here last fall with friends and had a great time! Only a 2-hour drive from Philadelphia, Jenny Jump is a nice getaway from the city. As far as accommodations,  Jenny Jump has campsites spread out with close access to facilities AND hiking trails. I’d recommend going in the Fall to see these gorgeous views by the lake.

2. Mauch Chunk Lake 

Photo: Trip Advisor 

If you want to camp with lakefront views, Mauch Chunk is for you!

Located in Jim Thorpe, Mauch Chunk Lake has 135 campsites including lakefront tent, camping cottages, and organized group camping for scout troops and other non-profit organizations. This is a great place if you want a quiet night in nature to reflect life; Note that quiet hours are 10 PM – 8 AM and alcohol is not allowed.

3. Saugerties / Woodstock NY 

Disappointingly not the same Woodstock music festival (that happened around 45 miles away from Woodstock, NY), but a beautiful area regardless. Find trails, mountains, waterfalls (Kaaterskill Falls pictured above) and search for the elusive Catskills Cats.

4. Lums Pond State Park 

Located in Delaware, Lums Pond has campground amenities plus offers classes and excursions like yoga, kayaking tours and more.

5. Ricketts Glen state park 

Quick access to 22 waterfalls, scenic views and campsites ranging from basic campsites to deluxe “camping cottages”. Choose your own adventure in this popular Poconos destination.

6. Promised Land State Park

Photo: Facebook

If you’re looking for a way to ease yourself into camping, try starting with Promised Land State Park. Two and a half hours from Philly, campsites range from “rustic” to modern – with running water, electric, and bathhouses. (Hint: you’re not actually roughing it…) are approximately 50 miles of hiking trails in Promised Land State Park and the surrounding Delaware State Forest. Splendid opportunities exist for nature study, relaxation and exploration. Hike Bruce Lake Trail to a natural glacial lake, see the small waterfalls along Little Falls Trail or walk a loop around Conservation Island. A self-guided trail guide to Conservation Island can be obtained at the park office.

Promised Land State Park is close to 50 miles of hiking trails(in the park and surrounding Delaware State Forest) with stops at a natural glacial lake, small waterfalls or a loop around an island. Otherwise, feel free to go swimming at one of the beaches.

7. Elk Neck State Park

Photo: Find your Chesapeake

Get away to Maryland along the Chesapeake! Highlights include the beach, camping, and lighthouse “hikes.”

8. Keen Lake

Photo: Tripadvisor

Located in Wayman PA, find a family campground owned by four sisters. The lake is private, clean, and always a pleasant temperature. Rent boats, hit the nearby hiking trails nearby and visit an equestrian farm. (LeeAnne Mullins-Hudak even got married there!)

9. Assateague Island

Photo: My Assateague Experience

Camping is more fun with friends, right? Enjoy this barrier island by the Atlantic Ocean (MD) that inhabits wild ponies, Sika deer, and other wildlife. Plus, enjoy these warm fall temperatures on the beach.

10. Gateway National Recreation Area (Sandy Hook NJ)

Enjoy a mix of modern pleasures and ol’ fashion camping at Gateway National Recreation Area. Choose from the beach, bay, night fishing, lighthouse, excellent bike/jogging path, concerts on the beach and great views of NYC.

Readers, where’s your favorite place to camp? Tell us in the comments.

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher