Four local entrepreneurs have acquired the Hartman Center Campground in Milroy, Pennsylvania, injecting new energy into the historic property. The acquisition was finalized in December 2021, with Mervin Esh, Benjamin Stoltzfus, Brandon Stoltzfus, and John Stoltzfus taking ownership of the 150-acre expanse.
According to an article by The Sentinel, the Hartman Center Campground, established in 1932 when Rachel Hartman willed it to the Congregational Church of Milroy, has a rich history. It served as a church camp for the Penn Central Conference of the United Church of Christ for many years before closing after the 2019 season.
Mervin Esh, speaking on behalf of the co-owners, expressed their vision for the property: “We would love to see it full of campers.” The group’s diverse background in farming, construction, and property management positions them well for this venture.
One of the first major improvements implemented by the new owners is the addition of RV facilities. After obtaining necessary permits, they installed over 30 full hookup RV sites, each equipped with water, electric, and sewer connections. These spacious sites can accommodate various RV sizes, from small trailers to large motorhomes.
The campground now offers a range of accommodation options, including tent camping sites, RV spots, nine two-bedroom cabins, 11 modern tiny homes with hot tubs, and a fully equipped lodge with rooms featuring private bathrooms and showers. The basic cabins come equipped with sleeping arrangements for up to four people, along with amenities like a microwave, mini-fridge, and indoor seating.
The transformation extends beyond accommodation, with investments in comprehensive outdoor recreation experiences. Visitors can enjoy amenities such as a catch-and-release fishing pond, swimming pool, basketball court, pickleball court, fire rings, free WiFi, and pet-friendly facilities. In a nod to the property’s historical roots, the campground maintains a wedding chapel, preserving an element of its past while adapting to new uses.
Esh and his partners have plans for further development of the property. Currently utilizing only a portion of the 150 acres, there is significant potential for growth. Early feedback from visitors has been encouraging, with Esh noting, “It’s one of the better campgrounds around.”
The Hartman Center Campground is located near several popular attractions in Central Pennsylvania, including Poe Valley State Park and Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park, adding to its appeal for tourists exploring the region.
For bookings and more information, visitors can check the Hartman Center Campground website or call 717-667-9223 during office hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily).
The new developments at the Hartman Center Campground highlight a trend in the outdoor hospitality industry: modernizing historic sites to meet evolving camper expectations. By adding RV hookups and a mix of accommodation types, the owners reflect a growing focus on diversity in camping options. This blend of new amenities with preserved historical features aligns with an industry shift toward making campgrounds accessible and appealing to a broader audience, from traditional campers to RV enthusiasts.
