There’s a special kind of charm you find in a family-run campground, a warmth and attention to detail that often gets lost in larger, corporate-owned parks. Little Red Barn Campground, nestled among the woods and cornfields of Upper Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is the perfect embodiment of that charm. It’s a place that feels like a peaceful retreat, offering a clean and tidy dump station that’s open not just to overnight guests but also to us pass-through RVers for a reasonable fifteen-dollar fee. The family that runs the park clearly takes immense pride in their property, and it shows in the spotless facilities, the inviting swimming pool, and the full schedule of weekend activities that give the place a vibrant, community feel.
This isn’t just a place to empty your tanks; it’s a destination that invites you to slow down and enjoy your surroundings. The location in Quakertown puts you right in the heart of an RVer’s playground. The small-town Main Street in Quakertown is a delight, with its antique shops and local craft breweries, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll. But the real jewel of the area is Nockamixon State Park, which is just a six-mile drive from the campground. This massive 1,450-acre park is dominated by the beautiful Lake Nockamixon, a haven for anyone who loves the water. The lake has four public launches, making it easy to get your kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or even a small boat out on the water. It’s a fantastic spot for fishing and hiking, a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Pennsylvania. The broader Bucks County area also offers plenty of other places to explore, from Lenape Park to the dining scene in nearby Perkasie.
Using a dump station at a well-maintained campground like Little Red Barn is typically a pleasant and straightforward experience. You can expect a clear, one-way traffic flow that’s designed to prevent congestion. The dump station itself usually has a concrete apron, which keeps the area clean and makes it easy to rinse down when you’re finished. A nearby potable water post is almost always available, allowing you to top off your fresh water tank after you’ve taken care of the dirty work. One thing to be mindful of at a family-oriented campground like this is that quiet hours are taken seriously. It’s best to plan on using the dump station during the mid-day hours rather than late in the evening or early in the morning, out of respect for the other campers.
The amenities here are geared towards making a camper’s stay comfortable and enjoyable. Having water available right at the dump lane is a significant convenience, letting you fill your fresh tanks before you continue your journey, perhaps crossing over into New Jersey. For boondockers or those on a long trip, the access to showers and laundry facilities is a welcome sight. It’s a chance to hit the reset button. The trash disposal is also conveniently located, with dumpsters typically situated at the end of the dump station lane for an easy toss on your way out. If you decide to stay for the night, you’ll find sites with 30 and 50 amp electric service. The campground is also very pet-friendly, encouraging walks as long as your dog is leashed.
However, there are a couple of important things to note about the services. This campground does not offer full-hookup sites. The sewer connection is at the central dump station only. This is a critical piece of information. It means if you book a stay for several days, you’ll either need to conserve your tank space carefully or be prepared to pull up your jacks and drive your rig over to the dump station mid-stay. It’s perfectly manageable, but it’s something you need to know before you book a long stay. Additionally, you won’t find RV repair services or fuel on-site, so you’ll need to plan for any mechanical work or gas fills at another location.
In terms of cost and value, the fifteen-dollar fee for dumping is a solid mid-range price for a private campground in this part of Pennsylvania. But when you consider the quality of the facility and the extras that are available to you, like the pool, playground, and Wi-Fi, it feels like a very fair deal. Many pricier parks don’t offer half as much. Even if you’re only stopping for the dump station, the clean, peaceful setting and the easy access make the fee feel entirely justified.
Here are a few tips to ensure your visit is a smooth one. If you’re planning a trip during the peak fall foliage season, it’s a good idea to call ahead. The autumn weekends in Bucks County are incredibly popular, and the campground often sells out. When you’re arriving, be prepared to make a wide swing onto Old Bethlehem Road; the driveway is well-marked but can feel a bit narrow if you’re in a larger rig. If you decide to take advantage of the laundry facilities, make sure you bring quarters, as the machines do not accept credit cards. And remember those quiet hours, which typically start around 10 p.m. Plan to arrive and get your chores done well before then to avoid disturbing your fellow campers by dumping in the dark.
So what’s the bottom line? Little Red Barn Campground is a fantastic choice that combines the beautiful scenery of Bucks County with a straightforward, impeccably maintained RV sanitation station. Its proximity to the recreational paradise of Lake Nockamixon and its easy access from the Pennsylvania Turnpike make it a logical and pleasant addition to any mid-Atlantic travel itinerary. It’s a place that reminds you of the simple joys of RVing: a quiet setting, a friendly atmosphere, and a clean, functional place to take care of the essentials.