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Elmlock Acres Camping on the Canal

94%
·
· Myerstown, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
22 acres hosted by M. J. M.
1 motorhome/tent pitch
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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!
Activities
Biking
Fishing
Swimming
Wildlife watching
Natural features
River, stream, or creek
Swimming hole
Waterfall
Field
94%
51 Ratings · 43 reviews
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Maura Q.recommends
October 14, 2024
Elmlock Acres Camping on the Canal
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!
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Rob F.recommends
September 22, 2024
Elmlock Acres Camping on the Canal
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.
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Sophia L.recommends
September 2, 2024
Elmlock Acres Camping on the Canal
Long Weekend Camping 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!
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Laura M.recommends
July 7, 2024
Elmlock Acres Camping on the Canal
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!
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John S.
May 28, 2024
Elmlock Acres Camping on the Canal
Nice canal to swim, wont return tho
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.
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Scott W.recommends
May 25, 2024
Elmlock Acres Camping on the Canal
Great site with amazing hosts.
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 To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by M. J. M.

Joined in May 2021
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