One of the greatest things about living in this city is the fact that there are so many state parks near Philadelphia! Whether you’re looking for fishing, camping, boating, or a historic site, these are the top spots in the area. They’re all within an hour of Center City, so you’ll be able to escape to these natural oases without much planning for a quick day trip.

1. Ridley Creek State Park, Media, PA
Ridley Creek State Park, 1023 Sycamore Mills Rd, Media, PA 19063, USA
Flickr / Michael W. Murphey
The gorgeous creek, the living Colonial Museum, and the miles of hiking trails make Ridley Creek State Park one of the most enchanting parks near Philadelphia, and it's perfect for families with kids of all ages. In just about half an hour, you'll be surrounded by all sort of natural beauty.
2. Evansburg State Park, Collegeville, PA
Evansburg State Park, 851 Mayhall Rd, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
Flickr / Montgomery County Planning
Evansburg State Park offers trails, fields, wildlife spotting, and great birdwatching. The tranquility will surprise you, because it's not very far from the busy Philadelphia suburbs. You'll likely have some trails all to yourself if you spend enough time wandering around, and it's also a great spot to have a family picnic.
3. Nockamixon State Park, Quakertown, PA
Nockamixon State Park, 1542 Mountain View Dr, Quakertown, PA 18951, USA
Flickr / Michael W Murphy
Lake Nockamixon is one of the prettiest lakes in Pennsylvania, and the park that surrounds it is equally stunning. This is a popular spot for fishing, so bring your reel and get ready for a great time on the water. Who knows, you might just catch the next record breaking largemouth bass right in these waters!
4. French Creek State Park, Elverson, PA
French Creek State Park, 843 Park Rd, Elverson, PA 19520, USA
Flickr / JM Delacy
French Creek State Park is one of the most state parks near Philadelphia with plenty of trails, picnic spots, and gorgeous views to take in. If you're looking for a little getaway, you've found your spot!You can camp here for just $17 a night throughout the fall, and it's one of the nicest Pennsylvania State Park campgrounds - is there anything cooler than that?

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5. Marsh Creek State Park, Downingtown, PA
Marsh Creek State Park, 675 Park Rd, Downingtown, PA 19335, USA
Flickr / Christina Stommer
Marsh Creek State Park is located on a scenic lake that draws plenty of visitors for boating, lake tours, fishing and exploring. While the park is beautiful year-round, it's truly magical in the fall when the leaves begin to change. The park has a bit of a spooky secret, though... it's the former site of a town that was basically sunken by the area's developers! Read the story here and then plan a visit to check it out for yourself.
6. Benjamin Rush State Park, Philadelphia, PA
Benjamin Rush State Park, 15001 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19154, USA
Facebook / Benjamin Rush State Park
Benjamin Rush State Park is the only state park located within Philadelphia itself, and it is so worth a visit. This historic site is now home to one of the largest community gardens in the world. You can rent a plot and garden away, or go spot a remote control aircraft at the drone field. The 3.5 miles of hiking trails make for a great stroll through this pretty state park as well.
7. Fort Washington State Park, Fort Washington PA
Fort Washington State Park, 500 S Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, PA 19034, USA
Facebook / Fort Washington State Park
Fort Washington was a significant site during the American Revolution, when it was known as Whitemarsh. General George Washington established a base here, successfully fending off British troops despite the bloody battle of Germantown and preventing all but local skirmishes. Eventually, Washington led his troops to Valley Forge... and the rest, as they say, is history. Modern day Fort Washington is home to historic structures, trails, and a disc golf course. The walking paths cross streams via beautiful wooden bridges that make this a haven for photographers.
8. Washington's Crossing Historic Park, Titusville, NJ
Washington Crossing Historic Park, 1112 River Rd, Washington Crossing, PA 18977, USA
Facebook / Washington's Crossing State Park
Washington's Crossing State Park is another national historic site just outside of Philadelphia. We all know the story of General George crossing the Delaware and the Battle of Trenton, so it's awe-inspiring to walk these hallowed grounds. The park features unmatched views of the Delaware River and is close to the charming towns of New Hope and Lambertville.. Between the historical site and these two scenic towns, it's easy to make a full day out of a trip up here.
9. Alapocas Run State Park, Wilmington, DE
Alapocas Run State Park, 1914 W Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
Facebook / Alapocas Run State Park
Alapocas Run State Park is a great spot for rock climbing, hiking, picnicking, and more. Located in Wilmington, it's just a short drive from anywhere in the city and the views of the famous Blue Rocks are worth the trip, not to mention the stunning waterfalls you'll see along the trails.

If you’re looking for more places to explore in the Philly area, check out the top hikes in Philadelphia and check these incredible adventures off of your bucket list! If you’ve ever visited any of these state parks near Philadelphia, let us know in the comments below!

 

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More to Explore

state parks near Philadelphia

Jackie S. | July 22, 2022

Which are the best state parks in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area?

There are so many amazing state parks near Philadelphia that it's hard to decide where to go! If you would like to stay on the Pennsylvania side, visit Ridley Creek, Nockamixon, or Washington's Crossing. If you're looking for a destination that's a bit off the beaten path, the northern Delaware state parks like Alapocas Run and White Clay Creek, make for great day trip destinations. Across the Delaware River, Princeton Battlefield State Park, Rancocas State Park, and Double Trouble State Park each blend history and nature in a beautiful and accessible way.

Where are the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania?

Many people agree that the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania can be found in the Poconos. The trail to Hawk Falls is short and simple and takes you to a beautiful cascade. Mount Minsi is a summit trek that will show off stunning views of the National Recreation Area. Rickett's Glenn State Park offers a short and steep trail that shows off more than a dozen waterfalls. Of course, there are plenty of stunning trails farther west, out in the Allegheny National Forest area, or Cherry Springs State Park, if you would prefer to get a little farther from it all. The parks and hills around Pittsburgh and Erie are worth exploring too!

What are some family-friendly things to do outside in Pennsylvania?

There are seemingly countless outdoorsy things to do near Philadelphia. With the Poconos and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area just under two hours away, you can find a little bit of everything if you like spending time outdoors in Pennsylvania. Whether you want to go on a waterfall hike at Ricketts Glenn, visit a historic site like Washington's Crossing or Valley Forge, or paddle the Delaware River, there are ways to get out and enjoy the fresh air in every season.

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