French Creek SP PA Loop D

For Pennsylvanians seeking an immersive, traditional camping experience, French Creek State Park stands as an impressive option. Located just an hour northwest of Philadelphia, this sprawling 7,730-acre park in Berks and Chester Counties is the largest block of contiguous forest between Washington D.C. and New York City, making it a true nature haven. The park’s campground is divided into several loops, each offering different amenities to suit various camping styles. Our focus here is on Loop D, a section distinctly known for its rustic, back-to-basics atmosphere.

Loop D is primarily designated for non-electric, tent and trailer camping, appealing to traditionalists who prefer minimal hookups and maximum nature immersion. This loop offers a departure from the more modern, full-service RV sites found in other loops (like A and C). Each site in Loop D is generally described as being wooded, featuring a paved driveway, and equipped with a picnic table and fire ring for the quintessential Pennsylvania campfire experience. It is important for potential visitors to understand the nature of this loop: it is rustic, and sites are basic.

However, potential campers—especially those seeking quiet, secluded sites—should read the reviews carefully to manage expectations. While many sites are surrounded by trees, the overall layout of some areas may result in sites feeling close together, and the general atmosphere can be influenced by neighbors, with some reports noting noise and bright lights from adjacent campers. Prospective visitors prioritizing a silent, solitary experience may need to thoroughly research individual site layouts within Loop D before booking. Nevertheless, for those who value the ability to pitch a tent in a beautiful state park setting at a more economical rate, Loop D remains a foundational part of the French Creek camping experience.

### Location and Accessibility

French Creek State Park is nestled within the Hopewell Big Woods area of Southeastern Pennsylvania, straddling the line between Berks and Chester counties.

Address: The campground is accessed from the park's main entrance near Elverson, but the mailing address associated with the area is often listed as Douglassville, PA 19518, USA.

Accessibility: The park is conveniently located, accessible from PA Route 345, both south of Birdsboro and north of PA 23. It is also easily reachable from the Morgantown exits of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76). The campground features paved access roads, making it easy to drive in. Loop D sites are designed to accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents, with most sites offering a paved driveway, a welcome feature given the area's potential for rain and mud. Within the campground, amenities like restrooms and showers are centrally located, typically within a short walk (less than 300 feet) from most Loop D sites.

### Services Offered

Loop D is considered a rustic loop, focusing on essential facilities while leveraging the comprehensive services of the wider French Creek State Park Campground:

• Non-Electric Sites: Loop D specifically offers basic campsites with no electric, water, or sewer hookups, catering to traditional tent campers and self-sufficient RVs.
• Modern Restroom Facilities: Campers in Loop D have access to modern bathhouses, located within the campground loops. These facilities feature flush toilets and warm showers for convenience.
• Sanitation Dump Station: A central sanitation dump station is available within the main campground area for RV and trailer use.
• Individual Site Features: Every Loop D campsite includes a sturdy picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, allowing for outdoor dining and campfires.
• Potable Water: Drinking water spigots are generally located near the campsites, within a short walking distance.
• Firewood: While campfires are allowed in the provided fire rings, the park strongly recommends using local firewood only, or purchasing it on-site, to prevent the spread of invasive insects like the Emerald Ash Borer. Bringing outside firewood into Pennsylvania is prohibited.

### Features / Highlights

The true value of camping in Loop D is its access to the unparalleled outdoor features of French Creek State Park.

• Massive Trail Network: The park boasts over 35 miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of dedicated mountain biking trails, plus access to the historic 140-mile Horseshoe Trail, making it a hub for southeastern Pennsylvania outdoor enthusiasts.
• Water Recreation: The park features two lakes, Hopewell Lake (68-acre warm water) and Scotts Run Lake (22-acre cold water). Visitors can enjoy boating (both motorized and non-motorized), fishing, and seasonal boat rentals.
• Swimming Pool: A concession-run swimming pool is available seasonally (typically Memorial Day to Labor Day) near Hopewell Lake, providing a welcome respite during hot summer months (pool access often requires an additional fee).
• Disc Golf Course: An 18-hole disc golf course is located near Hopewell Lake, offering a fun recreational activity for all ages.
• Proximity to History: The campground is located across from the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, a meticulously preserved 18th-century iron-making village, providing an excellent educational side-trip.
• Rustic Experience: Loop D is explicitly designed for the traditional camper who seeks a more rustic, non-electric environment, often available at a lower nightly rate than the full-hookup loops.

### Contact Information

For the most accurate information on availability, rates, and current conditions at Loop D and the wider French Creek State Park, contact the park office or use the state reservation system.

Park Office Address: 843 Park Road, Elverson, PA 19520-9523
Campground Location: French Creek State Park, Loop D, Douglassville, PA 19518 (Use park office address for GPS navigation to the main entrance)
Park Office Phone: (610) 582-9680
State Park Reservations: Call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757) or use the Pennsylvania State Parks online reservation system.

### What is Worth Choosing

French Creek State Park’s Loop D is worth choosing for the Pennsylvania resident who is a dedicated outdoor enthusiast seeking adventure and affordability. It is the ideal base camp for a weekend of intense mountain biking, long-distance hiking on the Horseshoe Trail, or enjoying the quiet solitude of the Hopewell Big Woods.

While the available reviews suggest that some sites in Loop D might be closer together than a wilderness-seeker might prefer, and noise levels can fluctuate, its location within one of the largest continuous forests in the Mid-Atlantic region is an undeniable draw. By choosing Loop D, you secure a prime, budget-friendly spot with necessary amenities (showers, flush toilets) while keeping the focus on the vast recreational opportunities just steps from your tent flap. To ensure the best experience, call ahead to inquire about the most secluded sites and check the park's quiet hours policy to plan your stay successfully.

French Creek SP PA Loop D

Douglassville, PA 19518, USA