48mi from Bush Recreation Area and Campground · 2 sitesGroaning Spoke Meadows Homestead is what you might expect from a homestead: it’s rural, rough in places, constantly evolving, and a work in progress. It’s a mix of farm and forest, but most importantly to me, it is a place of beauty and rejuvenation.
I take great pride in improving the land that hosts us and am nearing the completion of a five-year Wildlife Habitat Restoration Program with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, forest management efforts with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and farming initiatives with the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
I look forward to sharing this treasure with you and hope you enjoy the fruits of these collaborations in the form of scenic surroundings, a huge diversity of birds and animals, and healthy trees and wildflowers.
You’ll be camping on 186 acres of private posted land made up of approximately 40 acres of farmland, 130 acres of pine and hardwood forest, converging streams, mountain biking and hiking trails, and a 1-acre fish pond next to a covered pavilion surrounded by lawns.
At the pavilion, you’ll have access to potable water, porta-johns, electricity, Wi-Fi, and additional firewood (fishing permits and wood are available for a fee).
Remote campsites each have about 5 acres to themselves (plus the neighboring woods), while campsites closer to the pavilion are slightly larger and closer together. The pavilion is the social center of the property and the appropriate place to mingle and make new friends (and friendly noise).
I ask that you keep things more subdued at the remote sites and choose sites nearer the pavilion if you or someone in your group has an extra “outside” voice. All sites have quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM. Remote sites do not permit powered music, but acoustic instruments are welcome.
The property also occasionally hosts Grindstone MTB mountain bike skills camps and private lessons for adults. If there is a bike camp running, the campsites closest to the pavilion will be blocked so there is no conflict with campers. The bike camps are limited to eight riders, so there won’t be more people on the property than if the campsites were occupied.
The sites closer to the pavilion are also the best choice for people looking to make day trips by car to the surrounding area (Ohiopyle State Park, Confluence, Youghiogheny Lake and River, Deep Creek, Big Bear, Fallingwater, and more), as the drive from your campsite will be much shorter.
All sites are drive-up camping, with a very short walk to the camping area for the remote sites. In drier weather, a 2WD vehicle with a bit of ground clearance will suffice, but in wet or snowy conditions, 4WD is required. Good tires go a long way, even for 2WD vehicles.
Distant neighbors in the surrounding area may occasionally create noise with ATVs or gunshots (especially during hunting season), but most adjoining parcels are also large and mostly unoccupied, so you won’t see other houses or people.
The neighbor across the road (½–1 mile away) has a metal recycling business, and there is sometimes the sound of metal dumpsters during business hours, so don’t be alarmed.
That being said, there is plenty of wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, coyotes, skunks, fisher cats, raccoons, and more. You must practice proper food and trash management using your own containers or our provided bins. The animals are wild and have no interest in humans, and I appreciate your help in keeping it that way!
I do have Freyja, a livestock “guardian” dog (her dedication is questionable, haha), who roams the property mostly around the farm area. She is skittish, very protective, and does not see many other humans or dogs. If you decide to bring your dog, please ensure they are kept on a leash and are comfortable around other dogs.
Every season here has its own version of striking beauty and serenity, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!