Elmlock Acres Camping on the Canal

94%

43 reviews

· Myerstown, Lebanon, Pennsylvania · 22 acres

Hosted by M. J. M.

Motorhome/tent pitch

· 4 guests max

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Elmlock was named by MJ's Grandfather for the majestic Elm trees that once graced the property and banks of the Tulpehocken Stream passing through the Union Canal lock. These beautiful trees were devastated by the Dutch Elm Disease in the early 20th century. Elmlock and the surrounding area was surveyed by non other than George Washington as plans were formulating to build a canal system to join the Schuylkill and Susquehanna Rivers. The General stayed with his friend Captain Michael Lei on the adjacent farm, once known as the Tulpehocken Manor when visiting the area. The ruins of one of the canal locks remains on the Elmlock property adjacent to the camping area. The 1838 stone farmhouse was built by the Spengler family and acquired by MJ's Grandfather in 1913. MJ's pottery studio is a local "Town Barn" that was relocated piece by piece to Elmlock by MJ"s brother, a Historic Restoration Specialist, in 1974. He also restored the Bake Oven on the property's Summer Kitchen. Our property features an historic canal lock from 1828 Union Canal and a stream that runs through it. There is a RR track that runs just south of our camp about 10acres away For campers who love to watch or hear trains you'll have plenty of opportunity to do so! You can enjoy fishing and playing in the water, which is fresh, clean limestone water from a nearby quarry. We also have two small goats on the property. Farm land surrounds the property, wooded area and cattle nearby. This is a secluded property but less than a mile from Rt 422. You can bike along the many back roads nearby! We also offer pottery classes, drawing classes, painting classes, and also Medicinal wild plants walk etc. for an additional fee. See our extras below if you are interested! Historic places to visit and only 20 miles from HersheyPark. Also we are only 15-20 min from the Historic Appalachian Trail! And Blue Marsh Recreational park The latrine is spotless clean This year we have apples! Lots and lots of wonderful organic apples to take home and enjoy!Our property features an historic canal lock from 1828 Union Canal and a stream that runs through it. You can enjoy fishing and playing in the water, which is fresh, clean limestone water from a nearby quarry. We also have two small goats on the property. Farm land surrounds the property, wooded area and cattle nearby. This is a secluded property but less than a mile from Rt 422. You can bike along the many back roads nearby! We also offer pottery classes, drawing classes, painting classes etc. for an additional fee. See our extras below if you are interested! Historic places to visit and only 20 miles from HersheyPark. Also we are only 15-20 min from the Historic Appalachian Trail! We have just added a Latrine at the campsite for your comfort and convenience. Will we adding a photo of it shortly. We are currently renovating an antique homemade Chicken Coup for campers to sleep in. It will be furnished with a hammock and Christmas lights and chickens hand painted on the clean white walls. We can hardly wait to get it done and open for campers. It’s going to be epic!

Vehicle details

Travel trailers, Pop-up campers, Campervans, and Cars allowed

Vehicles under 20 feet allowed

Pull-in site

Accommodates slideouts

Surface type: Grass or field

Surface levelness: Requires leveling

No Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, and Class C RVs

Generators allowed

Whenever there is only one booking, generators are not a problem. If multiple sites are booked usage may be limited for the tranquility of all parties.

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

Yard hydrant within 75' of camp sites.

No sewage hookup

No TV hookup

What to expect

Motorhome/tent pitch

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

4 guests max

Campfires allowed

We encourage our campers to have a campfire and please don’t bring any firewood. We have more than enough and you can burn as much as you want!

Toilet available

Pets allowed

We also have dogs. When campers are present we keep ours on a leash so that there is no problems with any guest pets. We do not require pets to be on leash only that they be under your control at all times if off leash. We also have two easily frightened pet goats , so dogs are often excited to see them, please use discernment. Thank you

Potable water available

Bins available

Cooking equipment present

Grill over firepit

Picnic table present

Playground available

No showers

No wifi

Laundry absent

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 2:00 PM

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

On arrival: Meet with Host

Cancellation policy: Moderate

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 12 months out

Park at listing

Wheelchair access

Max 2 vehicles

During your trip

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Plant medicinal uses tourexperience

$7.00

Here at Elmlock Acres we have a great variety of amazing medicinal plants that grow wild If you would like to know how to stay healthy through natural plants and herbs let me know and I'll take you on a tour You will even be able to take home some samples (Seasonal availability)

Art Classexperience

$40.00

You can select from drawing, painting, and pottery classes that we offer right here on our property while you are here for a camping trip! You can leave your trip with a special memento that you made yourself! All supplies included. Once you book, you can message me to specify which class you (and your group) would like to take.

Reviews

94% Recommend51 Ratings · 43 reviews

MJ and Jeff's campsite offers a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, with many guests praising the hosts for their hospitality and engaging activities like pottery classes. The location, nestled by a canal, provides peaceful surroundings with opportunities for fishing and swimming. Some campers enjoyed the charm of farm animals like cows and goats, while others appreciated the historical aspect of the property. However, proximity to train tracks and the rustic nature of the facilities were mentioned as drawbacks by a few visitors.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Maura Q.

3 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

Tent

We had such a great time camping on M.J's property! She was a very kind and welcoming host and made sure that we had everything we needed. The site itself was quiet and peaceful. Our favorite part was feeding fresh apples from their apple tree to the cows!

Rob F.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

16 ft travel trailer · Group trip

This was our first foray. The hosts were very accommodating yet gave us our space as we enjoyed their property. Lots to do in the area.

Sophia L.

7 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

Long Weekend Camping Trip

Tent · Group trip

I loved camping at Elmlock! As my first hip camp trip, it exceeded all my expectations. The campsite is very spacious and full of nature. The canal was very refreshing for a quick swim. MJ was a great host! She brought us coffee in the morning and taught an amazing pottery class. Would love to come back!

Laura M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2024

13 ft travel trailer · With pets

This was second visit to MJ and Jeff's camp. This time I brought family with me and they too had a great time! The fishing was great again - rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, rock bass. The creek was nice and cold to take a break from the heat. MJ and Jeff make sure you have everything you need and are such wonderful hosts. Can't wait to visit again!

John S.

11 months on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· May 2024

Nice canal to swim, wont return tho

Tent

Overall we enjoyed the site - the ability to swim in the canal was nice, and the host was very friendly, kind, and interactive. Feel it is worth highlighting what is listed and what isn't as it helps future campers. The listing states there is a a toilet available, the description states a latrine -- is infact a latrine/outhouse, with a 5Gal bucket lined with a trashbag, supporting a toilet seat on what appears to be a walker. Structure is made of pallets with a pallet door, and a sheet as a draw curtain for privacy. This, although steps above my minimalist experiences of camping, was a put off for my partner and child; worth expanding on that. What isn't listed in the listing is how close the railroad tracks are to the site, and how frequent they go by. Upon arrival host mentioned someone had made a comment above the railroad tracks, 'but what can you do you can only control what you control. So that there is no surprises you will hear them throughout the night' -- seemingly fine the first one or two trains, but by the sixth train that went by before dark my partner was over it. And on an unprofessional and deterring note, the host, although kind and interactive, came off as too-present, in that upon our arrival the first 10-20mins while we were trying to get our bearings and set up camp, host was asking us a bunch of questions and trying to chat .. then began making comments on loaded and divisive matters we found off putting. Wont be returning.

Scott W.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2024

Great site with amazing hosts.

Tent · With kids

Super friendly hosts with a great property. My three-year-old loved exploring the site, and we were made to feel right at home. I highly recommend this site! We will be back!

Location

Myerstown, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Susquehannock and Lenapehoking (Lenni-Lenape) First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking