Mt Lebanon Campmeeting

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Mt. Lebanon Campmeeting stands as a site with a rich history and a unique modern appeal. Established in 1874 as part of the Great Religious Awakening in America, this historic location has evolved from its roots as a United Brethren in Christ camp to a versatile facility that continues to serve various groups, including offering recreational opportunities. For Pennsylvania locals seeking a place for spiritual reflection, group retreats, or even a quick round of disc golf in a scenic, wooded environment, Mt. Lebanon Campmeeting offers a distinct and serene setting.

Beyond its historical significance, which dates back to its founding as Heilmandale Campmeeting, Mt. Lebanon Campmeeting has adapted to meet contemporary needs while retaining its original charm. Its grounds are now home to a variety of facilities capable of hosting groups of different sizes, from intimate gatherings to large conferences. This blend of historical reverence and functional modernity makes it a compelling destination for a range of purposes within the Lebanon Valley region.

While not a traditional public campground open for individual nightly tent or RV camping in the recreational sense, Mt. Lebanon Campmeeting operates more as a retreat and conference center with specific recreational offerings. Its unique 9-hole disc golf course, set amidst the serene, mostly wooded terrain, has garnered attention from local enthusiasts looking for a quick and enjoyable round. Reviewers appreciate its convenient location and the challenge offered by the par-3 holes. However, prospective visitors should be aware of its primary function and the type of facilities available, which cater predominantly to organized groups and specific recreational activities rather than casual, spontaneous camping.

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Mt. Lebanon Campmeeting, delving into its historical context, geographical accessibility, the diverse facilities and services it offers for various groups, its unique recreational highlights, and how it serves as a valuable resource for locals in Pennsylvania.

Location and Accessibility

Mt. Lebanon Campmeeting is located at Mt Lebanon Dr, Lebanon, PA 17046, USA. This address places it approximately three miles north of the city of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, in Lebanon County. The location is characterized by its tranquil, forested setting, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Accessibility to Mt. Lebanon Campmeeting is quite convenient for residents across Central and Eastern Pennsylvania. The site is situated off Route 343 North from Lebanon. For visitors traveling from further afield, Lebanon itself is readily accessible via major state routes and is within reasonable driving distance of larger interstates such as I-81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76). The main roads leading to the campmeeting are generally well-maintained, ensuring relatively smooth travel for vehicles of all sizes, though specific internal roads within the heavily wooded property may vary.

For those specifically visiting to play disc golf, reviews mention parking "in front of the Coke machine near tee one" and using the "2nd entrance, park on grass, and begin on hole #5." This suggests that while there isn't a formally designated parking lot specifically for disc golf, access is generally straightforward. The proximity to Lebanon city means that essential services, dining options, and additional amenities are just a short drive away, providing convenience for groups staying at the campmeeting. The location strikes a balance between being secluded enough to offer a retreat-like atmosphere and accessible enough for local and regional visitors.

Services Offered

Mt. Lebanon Campmeeting operates primarily as a retreat and conference center, offering a range of services tailored to organized groups, camps, and special events rather than individual public camping. Its services are designed to facilitate spiritual, educational, and recreational gatherings.

• Group Accommodations: The campmeeting provides various lodging options for groups, including dormitory-style bunk rooms in multiple lodges (e.g., Chinaberry, Redwood, Maple, Pecan, Oakwood, Walnut, Live Oak, Redbud, Cottonwood, Sycamore, Hickory, Cedar). These lodges vary in capacity (from 24 to 60+ people per lodge) and typically feature shared bathrooms within bunk areas, central meeting spaces, fireplaces, couches, and often full kitchens or kitchenettes. There are also smaller, private rooms available (like the DBU Hospitality House).
• Meeting and Worship Spaces: Central to its function, Mt. Lebanon offers several dedicated spaces for gatherings. The Mt. Lebanon Worship Center has a capacity of 1200 people with flexible seating (conference chairs, bleachers) and includes indoor recreational courts (basketball, volleyball). Smaller spaces like the Lone Star Room (100 capacity), Patton Chapel (250 capacity), and Texas Hall (200 capacity) are also available, often equipped with A/V equipment upon request and restroom facilities.
• Dining Services: The Mt. Lebanon Dining Hall has a capacity for 480 people and offers complete meal service. It can be divided into three sections and also has A/V equipment available, making it suitable for a variety of mealtime gatherings and events.
• Recreational Facilities: A variety of recreational activities and areas are available for use during camps, retreats, and special events. This includes sports fields/courts (basketball, volleyball, gaga ball, 9 Square in the Air, human foosball, soccer cage), swimming pools (open during summer camp season only, late May to early August) with a water slide, and a 9-hole disc golf course (available year-round).
• Challenge Course: For team-building and adventure, Mt. Lebanon offers a Challenge Course with activities such as a Tandem Zipline, Sky Trail (16 elements), and various Team Building Challenges, designed to develop critical thinking and teamwork.
• Hayrides and Campfires: The camp provides hayrides that can accommodate up to 40 people, and designated campfire areas, perfect for evening retreats and camps.
• Facilities Rental: The various meeting spaces and lodging facilities are available for rental to external groups, churches, and organizations seeking a venue for retreats, conferences, training seminars, and special events during the off-season.
• Summer Camp Programs: Mt. Lebanon hosts various summer camp programs, often in partnership with organizations like Student Life, providing a structured camp experience for youth that includes worship, recreational activities, and spiritual development.

Features / Highlights

Mt. Lebanon Campmeeting boasts several distinctive features and highlights that make it a unique destination in Lebanon, PA, particularly for groups and those interested in specific recreational pursuits.

• Rich Historical Significance: Founded in 1874 as a campmeeting, the site has a deep-rooted history tied to religious awakenings in America. This historical context provides a unique backdrop for events and a sense of enduring heritage, appealing to those who appreciate places with a storied past.
• Versatile Group Facilities: The campmeeting offers an impressive array of facilities capable of accommodating groups from 2 to 1200 people. This includes a large Worship Center, multiple meeting rooms (Lone Star, Patton Chapel, Texas Hall), a spacious Dining Hall, and numerous dorm-style lodges (e.g., Chinaberry, Redwood, Maple) with varied capacities, making it suitable for a wide range of retreats, conferences, and camps.
• Unique 9-Hole Disc Golf Course: A notable recreational highlight is the permanent 9-hole disc golf course established in 2017. Designed by Michael Dunkle, it's mostly wooded with some tricky shots and ace run opportunities, featuring Innova baskets and rubber matting tees. This "short 9 hole course" is popular for quick rounds (around 20 minutes) and is a draw for local disc golf enthusiasts.
• Comprehensive Recreational Offerings: Beyond disc golf, the camp provides a robust set of recreational activities, including basketball and volleyball courts (both indoor and outdoor options), gaga ball, 9 Square in the Air, human foosball, and a soccer cage. This variety ensures ample opportunities for active play and team building.
• Adventure Challenge Course: For groups seeking team-building and thrilling experiences, the Challenge Course features a Tandem Zipline and a 16-element Sky Trail, designed to foster critical thinking and teamwork in an exciting outdoor setting.
• Seasonal Swimming Pools: During the summer camp season (late May to early August), two swimming pools with a 600-foot slide are a major attraction, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat and a fun activity for campers.
• Natural, Wooded Setting: The campmeeting is nestled in a forested area, offering a serene and natural environment. This provides a peaceful backdrop for retreats and a scenic course for disc golf, making it an appealing escape into nature.
• Summer Concert Series: Mt. Lebanon Campmeeting hosts a Summer Concert Series, featuring local and regional gospel and bluegrass bands. These concerts are open to the public (with a free-will offering), adding a cultural and community-oriented dimension to the camp's offerings.
• Focus on Spiritual Development: For groups aligning with its foundational mission, Mt. Lebanon emphasizes providing a "camp experience that ensures an unforgettable week at camp" with a focus on faith and spiritual growth, offering "quality Bible-centered tools and resources for evangelism and discipleship."

Promotions or Special Offers

Given that Mt. Lebanon Campmeeting primarily functions as a retreat and conference center for groups and hosts specific seasonal events, it typically does not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a commercial public campground might. Its pricing structure is generally based on group size, duration of stay, and the specific facilities and services requested (e.g., lodging, meal service, use of recreational areas).

However, the "offers" or value propositions are inherent in its model and the quality of its facilities:

• Group Package Pricing: For organizations looking to host retreats, conferences, or camps, Mt. Lebanon provides tailored pricing based on the number of participants and the specific facilities rented (lodges, meeting spaces, dining hall). This allows groups to receive a customized quote that reflects their specific needs and budget, which can be a cost-effective solution compared to booking individual accommodations and separate venues.
• Inclusive Summer Camp Rates: For youth participating in the hosted summer camp programs (e.g., Student Life camps), the per-participant rate (e.g., $389 – $419) typically includes lodging, meals, program activities, and access to the recreational facilities. This comprehensive pricing simplifies planning for church groups and youth organizations.
• Free-Will Offerings for Concerts: The Summer Concert Series, a community highlight, operates on a "free-will offering" basis. This makes cultural and spiritual events accessible to everyone without a fixed ticket price, serving as a community benefit.
• Value in On-Site Amenities: The extensive recreational facilities, including the disc golf course (which reviews suggest is free to play), sports courts, challenge course, and swimming pools (during season), are significant value-adds included in the overall facility rental or camp fees. Groups do not incur separate charges for most of these activities once booked.
• Non-Profit/Ministry Focus: As a campmeeting with a spiritual mission, its pricing is generally structured to cover operational costs and support its ministry, rather than maximize profit. This can sometimes translate into more favorable rates for religious and non-profit groups compared to commercial venues.

Prospective groups interested in utilizing Mt. Lebanon Campmeeting's facilities should directly contact their administration for detailed pricing, package options, and availability for their specific event needs. Information regarding seasonal availability for recreational use, like the disc golf course, is usually available via community forums or the course directory websites.

Contact Information

For those in Pennsylvania interested in Mt. Lebanon Campmeeting, whether for group retreats, information about their disc golf course, or details on upcoming events, the primary contact information is as follows:

Address:Mt Lebanon DrLebanon, PA 17046, USA

Phone:(717) 274-1206

Mobile Phone:+1 717-274-1206

It is advisable to contact them directly via phone for specific inquiries regarding facility rentals, summer camp programs, event schedules, or to clarify any details about accessing the disc golf course. For broader information about their mission, history, and a general overview of facilities, their official website (mtlebanoncampmeeting.org or mtlebanoncamp.com, which redirects to a site focused on the Texas location, so the .org is likely the correct one for PA) would be a valuable resource. For disc golf specific details, websites like PDGA.com or dgcoursereview.com often provide user-generated tips on parking and course access.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Pennsylvania locals, Mt. Lebanon Campmeeting in Lebanon offers a unique blend of historical significance, serene natural beauty, and functional facilities, making it suitable for a diverse range of needs, particularly for groups and individuals seeking specific recreational or spiritual experiences.

Firstly, its historical roots as a "Campmeeting" provide a rich cultural context. For locals interested in heritage and places with a deep past, Mt. Lebanon offers a connection to Pennsylvania's religious and social history. The preserved essence of its origins, combined with modern updates, creates an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and functional. This makes it an appealing venue for local churches, historical societies, or community groups looking for a site with character.

Secondly, despite not being a traditional public campground, its facilities are exceptionally well-suited for group retreats, conferences, and youth camps. With various lodges, meeting rooms, and a large dining hall, local organizations, schools, and religious groups can find a comprehensive solution for their gatherings. The availability of on-site recreational activities, including sports courts, a challenge course, and swimming pools (seasonal), provides ample opportunities for team-building, spiritual enrichment, and wholesome fun, all within a single location. This convenience is a significant advantage for local planners.

Perhaps one of the most accessible and appealing features for casual local users is its 9-hole disc golf course. The fact that it's a "short 9 hole course mostly wooded" that can be completed in "about 20 minutes" makes it perfect for a quick, impromptu outdoor activity. For disc golf enthusiasts in Lebanon County and surrounding areas, this provides a convenient and enjoyable option, as noted by local players. The course's natural setting also offers a pleasant environment for a casual stroll, even if not playing disc golf.

Furthermore, the campmeeting's commitment to hosting community-oriented events like the Summer Concert Series, which operates on a free-will offering basis, makes cultural and spiritual entertainment accessible to all local residents. These events foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for locals to gather and enjoy live music in a beautiful setting.

While individual recreational camping isn't its primary focus, Mt. Lebanon Campmeeting's unique blend of historical significance, group-oriented facilities, and specific recreational offerings like disc golf, alongside its community events, make it a valuable and suitable resource for various segments of the Pennsylvania local population. It offers a peaceful and purposeful escape right in the heart of Lebanon County.

Mt Lebanon Campmeeting

Mt Lebanon Dr, Lebanon, PA 17046, USA