Spending time outdoors is invaluable for children. It connects them with nature, takes them away from screens, and gets them out in the fresh air. What’s more, camping with kids is a great way to bond as a family. Make it an opportunity to step outside of your daily routines and comfort zones, and find new ways to connect.

We’ve compiled a handful of campgrounds, ideal for Main Line families. You can experience the joys of nature and make s’mores over the campfire — all within reasonable driving distance from home. Plus, we’ve included a list of five, “must-pack” items to keep everyone a happy camper on your trip.

Looking for more more campgrounds that are close to home? Bucks County Parent has recommendations!

Check out 11 Best Family Campgrounds in Bucks County for Outdoor Adventure.

What’s your favorite campground in the greater Philly area? Let us know in the comments.

We’re always looking to improve our stories with tips from local parents like you. If there’s a campground that you love, which didn’t make our list, tell us about it below.

Five Top Spots to Go Camping With Kids

Now that that your family is ready to go hit the great outdoors, where are you headed? Here are some awesome family-friendly campgrounds within two hours of Philadelphia.

Atsion Family Campground, Wharton State Forest

Location: 744 US-206, Shamong, New Jersey 08088
Contact: 609-268-0444

Wharton State Forest has 10 campgrounds ranging from rustic to family style, but in particular, Atsion Family Campground is more accessible for families because of the amenities. The campground has 50 campsites for tents and RVs, with fire rings and picnic tables, plus potable water, showers, and flush toilets. Additionally there are nine rustic cabins right along the lake. Amenities include two playgrounds, a swimming beach with a lifeguard on-duty, and grills. Be sure to double-check your gear before you leave, as there is no camp store.

What’s especially cool about this area — the Pine Barrens of New Jersey — is that the wildlife is unique to this part of the state. Wharton State Forest is marshy, with lots of ponds to explore, and the trees grow in sand, not dirt. The area also features historic Batsto Village to explore with blacksmithing and sawmill demonstrations, and wildlife refuges.

Gifford Pinchot State Park

Location: 2200 Rosstown Road, Lewisberry PA 17339
Contact: 717-432-5011

Featuring the gorgeous Pinchot Lake filled with colorful wildlife, Gifford Pinchot State Park has a lot more than camping for the families who want to take the time to explore nature. With more than 18 miles of hiking trails with levels from easy to difficult, swimming, fishing, and boating, plus a snack bar, this park is great for a day trip or an extended stay.

The park offers some unique features aside from regular tent camping, including camping cottages, cabins, and even yurts. The park has an amphitheater, playground, and a pavilion with snacks — plus you can bring your furry friend, too.

Jim Thorpe Camping Resort

Location: 129 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe PA 18229
Contact: 570-325-2644

Located in the southern part of the Poconos, Jim Thorpe Camping Resort offers tent, cabin, and trailer sites with access to bathrooms and showers. Enjoy woodland camping, hiking, a campground pool, a children’s playground, and an on-site camp store. The camping resort occasionally offers family and kids activities.

Additionally, the campground has a lot to offer those who want to camp and explore the nearby historic town of Jim Thorpe. It hosts farmers markets and events, and features quaint shopping and restaurants. Surrounded by mountains and trails, Jim Thorpe is also home to Glen Onoko Falls, where kids can hike the waterfall, and Mauch Chunk Lake, which has its own beach.

Otter Lake Camp Resort

Location: 1639 Marshalls Creek Road, East Stroudsburg PA 18302
Contact: 570- 223-0123

East Stroudsburg is definitely the place to go if you want to get away from everything at Otter Lake Camp Resort. There are a variety of outdoor adventures near the park, including zipline parks, waterfalls, and lots of hiking. However, the campground provides scheduled activities throughout the day including sports arts and crafts, and even movie nights. There are also kayaks and canoes for rent and 60 acres to fish and explore.

The campground has three outdoor pools including a diving area, a separate kiddie pool, and a beach, plus there’s an indoor pool as well. There are multiple sport courts with rentable equipment. The amenities at this camp resort include WiFi, tent and RV sites, laundry, and a convenience store.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort

Location: 340 Blackburn Road, Quarryville PA 17566
Contact: 717-610-4505

Located in the heart of Lancaster County, Jellystone Park Camp Resort makes it easy to include Dutch Wonderland, Hershey Park, Strasburg Rail Road, and Amish Country as part of your camping trip. However, the campground itself is an attraction with a waterpark, gem mining, a playground, fishing pond, mini golf, and other activities on-site,. The park also hosts themed weeks as well, such as Under the Sea Week and a Memorial Day Weekend celebration.

The campground offers tent camping sites, or cabins, tiny houses, and RV sites if you’re not quite ready for sleeping on the ground. Amenities include laundry, a community fire pit, a dog park, an Amish farmer’s market, and a camp store in case you forgot anything at home.

Five Must-Pack Items for Camping With Kids

You’ve got a tent, a cooler, a camp stove, and all the beef jerky you can carry. Here’s what else you shouldn’t forget.

Bug Spray

This is pretty much a given, but we’re going to remind you because it’s so important. Especially when sleeping and spending the majority of your day outside.

You may be tempted to go for the bug spray that appears the strongest, but keep this in mind: there are two types of repellent against bugs, Picaridin and DEET. Picaridin is generally considered less toxic than DEET and can be used on infants older than two months. It is odorless and non-greasy, but must be applied more frequently than DEET. If you’re looking for another alternative, you can buy DEET-free, non-toxic mosquito patch stickers for kids.

First Aid Kit

Although a first aid kit seems like a no-brainer, this one is easy to forget. There are so many variables outdoors, especially spending most of the day outside, so making sure you have a comprehensive first aid kit is crucial. Here are a few of the most basic items to include:

• Sterile alcohol pads
• Band-Aids
• Adhesive bandages and gauze
• Aspirin/OTC pain reliever
• Sting relief
• Small scissors
• Tweezers
• Q-tips

Long, Thick Socks

Long thick socks aren’t the most stylish, but they’re one of the most underrated camping necessities. Why? They provide ankle and foot support for hiking and running around, while also deterring poison ivy and bugs. Plus they keep feet warm at night if temperatures get chilly.

There are many types of socks out there, but for good quality hiking socks with lots of cool patterns, try REI or other outdoor gear shops.

Peanut Butter or Sunflower Seed Butter

This might already be a staple in your kitchen pantry, but you should probably think about packing it, too. It’s versatile, easy to store, and a great source of protein when everyone realizes they haven’t eaten in hours. Pro tip: it also tastes really good on s’mores. If you’ve got a nut allergy in your party, sunflower butter is a yummy alternative.

Dr. Bronner’s Soap

There are some campsites that have restrictions about the types of soap you can bring with you, but there is never an issue with Dr. Bronner’s. This is probably one of the most versatile and useful soaps on the market (it works great at home, too). A single drop of this can be brought to a full lather, and can be used to wash anything from dishes and hands to hair and face.

One bottle will do it all and leave you with more to bring home. Better yet, Dr. Bronner’s Soap has a low environmental impact. Because it’s natural Castile soap, it’s extremely gentle — not just on people, but on plants, and won’t cause severe harm to the wildlife around your site.

Get Ready for Your Family Camping Adventure

With the right campground and essential supplies, you’re all set for a family camping adventure. Pack your gear, choose your destination, and get ready to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature.

Lead photo courtesy Otter Lake Camp Resort. Sarah Heyman contributed to this article.