Central Oak Heights Introduce
For Pennsylvania residents seeking a tranquil escape that blends rich history with natural beauty, Central Oak Heights offers a unique destination nestled in the heart of Union County. Established in 1909, this historic campground and retreat center sits on a picturesque 45-acre knoll overlooking the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Originally founded as a religious camp, it has evolved into a beloved non-profit community association that welcomes families, organizations, and individuals looking for a quiet place to reconnect with nature and heritage. Whether you are planning a weekend family getaway, a church retreat, or a scenic outdoor wedding, the "Heights" provides a serene environment shaded by a majestic canopy of ancient oak trees.
Central Oak Heights is characterized by its nostalgic charm and community-oriented atmosphere. Unlike modern commercial RV parks, this location maintains a classic, rustic feel reminiscent of traditional summer camps. The grounds are dotted with over 60 privately owned cottages and several rental facilities that allow visitors to step back in time. It is a place where the pace of life slows down, allowing guests to enjoy simple pleasures like picnicking under the oaks, hiking through the wooded trails, or gathering for a community concert at the historic open-air Tabernacle. For locals in the Pennsylvania region, it serves as an accessible sanctuary that honors its spiritual roots while providing modern recreational amenities.
Conveniently located at 75 Heritage Rd, West Milton, PA 17886, Central Oak Heights is easily accessible for visitors from across the Commonwealth. Situated just off Route 15, it is a short drive from the boroughs of Milton and Lewisburg, making it an ideal spot for those who want a secluded feel without being hours away from local conveniences. The proximity to the Susquehanna River and Milton State Park adds to the area's appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. The campground features on-site parking and has made significant efforts to ensure that its primary facilities are accessible to all guests, including those with mobility needs.
The accessibility features at Central Oak Heights include a wheelchair-accessible entrance to the main grounds and designated parking areas. The association also provides accessible restroom facilities, ensuring that the community remains inclusive for day visitors and overnight guests alike. Its central location in Pennsylvania makes it a popular meeting point for families traveling from both the northern and southern parts of the state, providing a common ground that is as easy to find as it is hard to leave.
- Overnight lodging in rustic rental cabins and cottages that can accommodate small families or large groups of up to 80 people.
- Seasonal swimming pool access (typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day) for cottage owners, renters, and membership holders.
- Event venue rentals for weddings, reunions, and corporate retreats, including the iconic Sylvan Chapel and the historic octagonal Tabernacle.
- Professional event coordination assistance, particularly for wedding ceremonies, to help manage logistics and rain-date backups.
- Free community events, including a summer Performing Arts Series featuring sacred and secular music, and an annual community yard sale.
- Worship services held every Sunday morning during the summer season in the open-air Tabernacle, continuing a tradition that spans over a century.
Beyond the standard services, the features and highlights of Central Oak Heights are what truly set it apart from other regional campgrounds. The "Sylvan Chapel," an outdoor sanctuary tucked away in the woods, is a highlight for many couples seeking a romantic and natural setting for their wedding vows. For families, the playground and various sporting courts provide endless entertainment for children in a safe, kid-friendly environment. The presence of the massive oak trees, which were preserved as a condition of the land's original purchase in 1907, provides a cool and shaded microclimate even during the peak of Pennsylvania's summer heat.
- Outdoor recreation facilities including tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, as well as shuffleboard and a baseball field.
- A dedicated playground area for children featuring slides and swings, situated near picnic pavilions.
- Beautifully maintained hiking trails that wind through 45 acres of wooded land, perfect for birdwatching and nature study.
- Designated picnic areas equipped with barbecue grills and sturdy picnic tables for family gatherings and outdoor meals.
- Pet-friendly policies that allow visitors to bring their dogs along for the adventure, provided they follow community guidelines.
- Historical landmarks like the 1909 Tabernacle, a unique octagonal structure that serves as the heart of the community’s cultural life.
To inquire about cabin availability, pool passes, or booking a venue for your next special event, you can contact the Central Oak Heights Association office directly. The management team and registrar are available to provide specific details on seasonal rates and community policies.
Address: 75 Heritage Rd, West Milton, PA 17886, USA
Phone: (570) 989-1204
Mobile Phone: +1 570-989-1204
When looking for a campground in Pennsylvania, Central Oak Heights is worth choosing for its rare combination of affordability, history, and tranquility. While many modern campgrounds focus on high-density RV sites, "The Heights" prioritizes green space and community fellowship. It is an ideal choice for those who value a quiet environment where "quiet hours" are respected and the focus is on enjoying the natural surroundings. The professional handling of events, as noted by many satisfied wedding parties, ensures that your most important days are managed with care and efficiency.
The flexibility of the facilities is another strong reason to choose this location. From the rustic charm of the Sylvan Chapel to the practical amenities like the swimming pool and sports courts, there is something for every generation to enjoy. It is a place that feels like a "home away from home," largely due to the dedicated cottage owners and staff who have preserved the site's character for over 115 years. Whether you are a local looking for a new summer tradition or an organization seeking a peaceful retreat, Central Oak Heights stands out as a hidden gem in the Pennsylvania landscape, offering a wholesome and restorative experience for all who visit.
In summary, Central Oak Heights provides more than just a place to pitch a tent or rent a cabin; it offers a sense of belonging and a connection to Pennsylvania's past. The commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment makes it a top-tier choice for family-oriented recreation. By choosing to visit or host an event here, you are supporting a historic non-profit association dedicated to preserving one of Union County’s most beautiful natural hilltop settings. Experience the timeless appeal of the oaks and the quiet beauty of the Susquehanna Valley at Central Oak Heights.
Location
Customer Reviews
Was at a wedding in early October. The night before, I was there for the rehearsal and food prep. My friend went to the owners' house sometime between 7 and 7:30 to ask for a can opener. She figured they were nice because they were Christians. Apparently the owners were annoyed and texted the bride that they didn't appreciate being bothered. Understandable. On its own, that would've been fine. People are entitled to their space. However, they also complained that the wedding rehearsal was too loud, and the people in the cabins were upset because it was supposed to be quiet hours. Quiet hours start at 8. Let me reiterate, the time of complaint was sometime between 7 and 7:30. The rehearsal finished up naturally around 8, in time for quiet hour. Not to mention, we were, i think, a respectful volume. The day of the wedding, the bride and groom had paid for the venue until midnight. However, everyone was kicked out 3 hours early, as punishment for the night before. So the lesson here, don't choose this venue for a wedding if you need to borrow a can opener that wasn't provided in the kitchen in the first place, and don't rehearse for said wedding anytime in the evening, despite the quiet hour being officially 8.
We recently had our wedding ceremony at the Sylvan Chapel within the Central Oaks Heights community and let me tell you, it was perfect!From the very beginning when I first spoke with Beckie about the options and booking it with them to the day of the wedding, everything was handled in a very efficient and professional manner. We had multiple phone calls to review all details leading up to it, and she made sure everyone was on the same page. During the rehearsal dinner we went to officially see it all in person (as we booked sight unseen from Kansas) and the whole place is absolutely gorgeous. There was a 80% chance of rain during the scheduled time of the ceremony, so her team also showed me a backup option on the premises that was equally as nice. They were so flexible with the day of in case we needed to move it in the hours leading up to it for rain, but thankfully it decided not to rain. They also covered the benches with white plastic to ensure they stayed dry and they looked very nice in pictures.I was beyond pleased with everyone from COH that we had the pleasure to meet and work with. Everyone was so very sweet, accommodating and overall just really great people. Thank you all for everything that made our big day absolutely perfect!
We rented this place for a wedding and had an absolutely terrible experience. They were very chill when we initially talked to them. However when the time came for the actual rehearsal and wedding they told us we had to leave much earlier than they Initially said. Claiming we were being noisy past quiet hours even though we were only setting out napkins.Then they were very hostile about handicapped parking for the grandfather of the bride who has Parkinson's and is in a wheelchair they would allow us to drive him up to parking lot by the door of the pavilion. Absolutely terrible experience would not recommend
The location is a great quiet getaway. The field has more than enough room for wedding parking or car shows,
We go here every year for family vacation with my in-laws because it's a great place to go for quality family time. It's such a peaceful place; it's like time is less relevant here, but more valuable, if that makes sense.Being here is like going back in time. The kids play together outside in the pool or at the playground (which has the kind of slide I remember from my childhood - the tall, fast kind you never see anymore) and make memories together. Nothing here is new, and most things you see have been here since the 50's. The only exception I can think of is the glass top stove in the kitchen. It doesn't feel run-down though. It feels special, like a hidden nook in the world that escaped the pressure of keeping up with the Joneses.We bring board games and take turns making meals and have a great time just being together. There's enough to do that you can get away when you need to, but not so much to do that you never see each other.There's no heat or air conditioning, so pay attention to the forecast and dress appropriately. There are lots of trees, so that helps keep the temperature down in the summer, but the whole place is closed in winter months.It's close enough to Knoebel's that we usually spend a day there whenever we come here, and there are lots of small towns nearby to explore and shop in if you like.There are outdoor programs from time to time as well, and they are open to the public, so people from off campus come to those.
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