Review: Philadelphia/West Chester KOA

[AustinBoston]

We spent about ten days at the Philadelphia/West Chester KOA in Coatesville, PA.

This is not the typical "Kamping On Ashphalt" that we've come to expect from KOA's.

Note: This campground has significant hills (more than 10% grade for short distances).  If you have an underpowered tow vehicle, you might want to think twice.  Backing into our site, at one point I had all six wheels locked up and slid backwards to a stop.  Plan on driving several miles on narrow, winding roads to get there.

This campground has both open and treed sites, and Kamping Kabins of various types.  The treed sites are large and private, and (for this part of the world) reasonably level.  

We were in site 63; our post had 20A, 30A, and 50A electrical service.  I think some sites also had cable connections; check with the campground.  We were there for our daughter's wedding, and so can testify to the usability of the free Wi-Fi.  Each site has a fire ring and quality picnic table.  The open sites were grassy; the shaded ones have a gravel pad.

There are a series of sites near the Brandywine river.  Most river sites are dry (no connections), but a few have electric hookups.  In spring or very heavy rain, the river will flood and those sites can end up under water.  The road to those sites was extremely steep, possibly as much as 15% grade for about 100 feet; for good reason, it is the only paved road in the campground.  Otherwise, the river sites are nice, with lots of tree coverage and very level.  When we were there, all but one or two of those sites were empty.

The restrooms, laundry, and pool were in good condition and kept clean.  The pool is life-guarded.  A new lodge building is being built near the pool.  The camp store is reasonably stocked with camping gear and modest groceries (bread, milk, eggs, pop, butter, frozen pizza, etc.) and with various gifts.  There is a playground and a mini-golf course.  Canoes are available fro rent for a leisurely paddle on the river.

The campground is right next to active railroad tracks, and if a train comes through, you will hear it, but they don't come through often.  We were there for 10 days and only heard two, both in the daytime.

If you are looking for an out-of-the way campground that is within reach of Philadelphia, Lancaster (Amish) country, or Brandywine valley, I would give this campground two thumbs up.

Austin