Johnetta Campground has new owners along the Allegheny River in Gilpin, Pennsylvania. Southern Armstrong Holdings LLC, representing Gilpin Supervisor Jeremy Smail and his wife, Ashley Coudriet, acquired 400 acres of land, including the campground, for $2 million. The property was formerly owned by Forestland Management Group.
The purchase is part of a larger 830-acre parcel initially listed for nearly $3 million. Clint Stout, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Advantage Realty representing Forestland Management Group, confirmed the sale details.
The remaining 430 acres are now back on the market for $875,000, presenting further development opportunities in the area.
The new ownership brings reassurance to the approximately 200 lessees at Johnetta Campground. The campground’s seasonal residents recently received a letter from Southern Armstrong Holdings, signed by Jeremy Smail, stating that the property will continue to operate as a campground and that all existing leases will be honored. These seasonal leases typically run from April 31 to October 31.
The sale of Johnetta Campground reflects a growing trend in Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry. Pennsylvania state parks experience a surge in camping, particularly during holiday weekends. This increased interest has led to high occupancy rates and a growing need for full hook-up campsites and pet-friendly accommodations.
While the plans for the undeveloped portions of the property still need to be clarified, the current zoning regulations in Gilpin Township offer various possibilities. The land can be used for various purposes, including single-family dwellings, mobile homes on individual lots, seasonal camps, and campgrounds, providing flexibility for potential development.
Clint Stout previously described the property as a “sportsman’s paradise,” highlighting its potential for various outdoor activities. Additionally, the Allegheny River setting offers opportunities for hunting, ATV riding, and river recreation, attracting outdoor enthusiasts.
For Forestland Management Group, the sale represents a shift in focus. “I think they did have some other properties that would serve a better purpose for their timber investment than a campground,” Stout said.