Valley Forge National Historical Park
King of Prussia, PA
The winter camp of Washington’s army in 1777–78, with rebuilt huts, his headquarters and a scenic loop road. The visitor center has maps of the tour.
Valley Forge National Historical Park near King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, commemorates the Continental Army's winter encampment under George Washington. From December 19, 1777, to June 19, 1778, about 12,000 soldiers camped there along the Schuylkill River. The site became Pennsylvania's first state park in 1893 and has been a national historical park since July 4, 1976; it covers about 3,500 acres (14 square kilometers).
You will see reconstructed log huts like those the soldiers probably lived in, and Washington's Headquarters, a restored country house. The National Memorial Arch was completed in 1917. Baron von Steuben taught the army the military training here that is regarded as a turning point of the Revolutionary War.
For your road trip: according to the National Park Service the visitor center on North Outer Line Drive is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day (as of October 2026). The driving tour around the grounds takes about two hours. More than 30 miles (48 kilometers) of hiking, biking and horse trails run through the park, including the Joseph Plumb Martin Trail, a loop of about 5 miles (8 kilometers).
- Nearest town
- King of Prussia, PA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 40.0967, -75.4213
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Green Lane Park Deep Creek CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Valley Forge National Historical Park · 30 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Brandywine Creek CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Valley Forge National Historical ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Philadelphia/West Chester KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover20 mi from Valley Forge National Historical ParkTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Homestead Family CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Valley Forge National Historical ParkTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Lazy-K CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Valley Forge National Historical ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Birchview Farm CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Valley Forge National Historical ParkTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToilets
All campsites in Pennsylvania · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Valley Forge National Historical Park?
Valley Forge National Historical Park is in King of Prussia, PA, at GPS 40.0967, -75.4213. It is about 17 mi from Philadelphia.
Can you camp near Valley Forge National Historical Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Wolf Campsite, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 39 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Valley Forge National Historical Park?
Valley Forge National Historical Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Brandywine Valley gardens and du Pont estates and Buggies, charcoal hearths and cannons – by camper from Philadelphia through Pennsylvania Dutch Country to Gettysburg and South Mountain.
What is there to see near Valley Forge National Historical Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Eastern State Penitentiary (16 mi), Independence Hall (18 mi), Brandywine Museum of Art (18 mi) and Longwood Gardens (21 mi).
When is the best time to visit Valley Forge National Historical Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)