Camp Furnace Hills

For residents across Pennsylvania, discovering a unique and enriching outdoor experience that caters to a variety of interests can be a true delight. Camp Furnace Hills in Denver, PA, offers just that – a distinctive campground that blends rustic charm with educational opportunities, all nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Lancaster County. More than just a place to stay overnight, Camp Furnace Hills is a hub for adventure, learning, and connection, making it an ideal destination for families, youth groups, and anyone seeking a meaningful escape into nature. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of what makes Camp Furnace Hills a suitable and exciting option for local Pennsylvanians.

Camp Furnace Hills has a long-standing history, founded in 1947, and has evolved into a versatile property that caters to diverse groups, including its well-known association with Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania. This heritage speaks to its commitment to providing enriching outdoor experiences. The blend of traditional camping with unique lodging options and educational programs sets it apart, offering more than your average campground. It's a place where young minds can explore, families can bond, and individuals can find solace in the natural world.

One of the compelling aspects of Camp Furnace Hills is its dedication to outdoor education and environmental stewardship. The positive reviews highlighting troop activities, such as planting trees for a Bronze Project, underscore the camp's commitment to fostering a love for nature and community responsibility among its visitors. This focus on learning and contribution adds a deeper layer to the camping experience, making it not just a getaway but an opportunity for personal growth and positive impact. For parents and educators in Pennsylvania, this emphasis on development through outdoor engagement is a significant draw.

The versatility of accommodations, from rustic cabins to a modern lodge and even unique covered wagons, means that Camp Furnace Hills can cater to various comfort levels and group sizes. This flexibility ensures that whether you're introducing young children to camping or organizing a larger group retreat, there’s a suitable option available. The historical significance of the Foxfire House on the property further enriches the experience, offering a fascinating glimpse into Pennsylvania's past and providing unique historical programming.

Ultimately, Camp Furnace Hills represents a valuable resource for Pennsylvanians looking for an accessible, educational, and memorable outdoor adventure. It’s a place where the beauty of nature meets structured learning and comfortable lodging, creating a well-rounded and deeply satisfying experience for all who visit.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Furnace Hills is conveniently located at 300C Project Dr, Denver, PA 17517, USA. This strategic position places it in northeastern Lancaster County, providing an excellent balance of natural seclusion and accessible proximity to surrounding areas. For Pennsylvania residents, reaching Camp Furnace Hills is straightforward, offering a manageable drive from various parts of the Commonwealth.

The campground's location is particularly advantageous due to its adjacency to the Middlecreek Wildlife Preserve. This proximity offers campers direct access to a rich natural environment, ideal for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and immersing oneself in the local ecosystem. Additionally, Camp Furnace Hills boasts easy access to the Horseshoe Trail, a significant advantage for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who wish to explore Pennsylvania's extensive trail network. This connectivity to popular natural attractions enhances the overall appeal for local users.

Furthermore, while nestled in a more rustic setting, Camp Furnace Hills is not isolated. It is located near other local points of interest and amenities, including the Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center. This means that while you can enjoy the peacefulness of the camp, essential services and additional recreational opportunities are within a reasonable driving distance. The accessibility from major roads in Lancaster County ensures that families and groups can easily plan their trips without extensive travel concerns, making it a perfect spot for both planned vacations and spontaneous getaways for those living in Pennsylvania.

Services Offered

Camp Furnace Hills provides a range of services tailored to support its diverse guests, from youth groups to families, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience. While details on every specific service may vary, general offerings often include:

• Overnight Accommodations: A variety of lodging options including rustic cabins, a modern lodge (Furnace Hill Lodge), and unique covered wagons equipped with modern amenities like electricity, heating, and air conditioning.
• Program and Event Registration: As a Girl Scout camp property, it handles registrations for various programs, events, and training sessions.
• Camp and Property Rentals: Facilities can be rented for groups, including specific units and activity areas.
• Utility Connections (for certain accommodations): Covered wagons, for instance, are noted to have electricity, heating, and air conditioning. The Lodge is fully furnished and includes a kitchen and bathroom.
• On-site Maintenance and Support: Staff are typically available to assist with inquiries and ensure the proper functioning of facilities.
• Water Access: While some rustic cabins may have hand pumps or vault toilets, overall access to water facilities would be available across the property.
• Dining Facilities (for groups/programs): For larger groups or organized programs, there may be communal dining options or designated areas.

Features / Highlights

Camp Furnace Hills is rich in features that make it a compelling destination for a wide array of visitors, particularly those interested in outdoor activities, education, and history.

• Diverse Lodging Options: From rustic cabins (some with bunk beds, propane stoves, fire pits, and picnic tables) to the fully furnished Furnace Hill Lodge (sleeping up to 10 with kitchen, bathroom, AC/heating), and even unique covered wagons (with bunk beds, tables, electricity, heating, and AC). This variety suits different camping styles and group needs.
• Outdoor Activities: Offers a range of activities including hiking, canoeing, swimming, and archery. The presence of numerous trails is noted, with opportunities for trail maintenance and tree planting.
• Foxfire House and Historical Programming: The restored 19th-century Swiss-German stone bank house, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers unique historical programs, allowing visitors to experience rural Pennsylvania German life.
• Adjacent to Middlecreek Wildlife Preserve: Provides easy access to extensive natural areas for wildlife observation and nature exploration.
• Access to Horseshoe Trail: Ideal for hikers seeking to explore a significant portion of Pennsylvania's scenic trails.
• Educational Opportunities: Strong emphasis on outdoor education, environmental stewardship, and leadership development, especially through its association with Girl Scouts, evidenced by projects like tree planting.
• Group Capacity: In the summer, overnight accommodations can house up to 285 people, with winter capacity for established units at 113, making it suitable for large gatherings and events.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Reviewers consistently praise the helpfulness of the staff, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Promotions or Special Offers

Specific, ongoing public promotions for Camp Furnace Hills are not widely advertised in the provided information, as its primary function appears to be as a Girl Scout camp property that also allows other groups to rent facilities. However, based on the nature of such a venue, potential visitors, especially groups, should inquire about:

Group Rates: For organizations, schools, or large family gatherings, special pricing for booking multiple units or specific activity packages may be available.

Seasonal Programs: Given its educational and activity-rich environment, there may be seasonal programs or workshops that come with their own specific pricing or bundled offers.

Girl Scout Specific Programs: For Girl Scout troops in Pennsylvania, there are undoubtedly specific programs, events, and potentially financial aid options (as hinted by the contact information for a Financial Assistance Administrator). Examples include "Mommy and Me" camping events with specific per-person rates.

It is highly recommended to directly contact Camp Furnace Hills to discuss your group’s needs or individual interests. Their customer support services are set up to handle inquiries regarding program registration, rentals, and potential financial assistance, ensuring you receive the most accurate and current information on any applicable offers.

Contact Information

To inquire about bookings, programs, or general information regarding Camp Furnace Hills, please use the following contact details:

Address: 300C Project Dr, Denver, PA 17517, USA

Phone: (800) 692-7816

Mobile Phone: +1 800-692-7816

This number appears to be a general customer support line for Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, which manages Camp Furnace Hills. You may need to ask for the relevant department or extension for camp rentals or program inquiries.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Pennsylvania residents, Camp Furnace Hills offers a uniquely appealing outdoor destination that goes beyond traditional camping. Its convenient location in Denver, PA, ensures easy accessibility from across the state, making it ideal for everything from quick weekend educational trips to longer, immersive group retreats. This minimizes travel stress and maximizes time spent enjoying the camp's offerings.

What truly sets Camp Furnace Hills apart for locals is its versatile range of accommodations, catering to diverse preferences. Whether you’re a family introducing young children to the outdoors through a "Brownie trip" cabin experience, or a group seeking a modern lodge or even the unique adventure of sleeping in a covered wagon, there's a suitable option available. This variety ensures comfort and a memorable experience for all ages and camping styles.

Beyond lodging, the camp’s strong emphasis on outdoor education and environmental stewardship, as highlighted by projects like tree planting, provides a valuable dimension for families and youth groups. It's not just a place to relax, but also an opportunity for learning, personal growth, and fostering a deeper connection with Pennsylvania's natural environment. The proximity to the Middlecreek Wildlife Preserve and the Horseshoe Trail further enhances its appeal for nature lovers and hikers.

In essence, Camp Furnace Hills is more than just a campground; it’s an accessible, educational, and adventurous outdoor center right in the heart of Pennsylvania. It provides a supportive and engaging environment where locals can escape, learn, and create lasting memories, all while enjoying the rich natural and historical heritage of the Commonwealth. It's a true asset for any Pennsylvanian seeking a distinctive outdoor experience.

Camp Furnace Hills

300C Project Dr, Denver, PA 17517, USA