Bear Run Campground in Muddy Creek Township is commemorating its 50th season of operation under a new generation of the Wehr family according to a local report. Founded in 1975 by Bob and June Wehr, the property has remained in the family for decades and started its 2025 season under the full ownership of Craig and Judy Wehr, who purchased remaining shares after Bob’s passing.
Craig noted that when his father died in 2017, the campground stayed in family hands. “My brothers and I, after my father passed away, we were all partners and then Judy and I bought them out,” he said. “It is still in the family. Grant (Craig and Judy’s son) would be third generation. We are keeping this continuity in the family.” Craig and Judy embraced their roles with the intention of preserving a tradition established by the original founders while guiding Bear Run Campground toward its 50th anniversary.
The couple considers themselves part of an “outdoor hospitality” industry. “We want guests to make memories that strengthen family relationships and friendships,” Craig said. “That’s the business we are in, and when people leave we want them to feel like they are renewed.” Craig credited his parents’ teachings for motivating him to “Do it right the first time,” underscoring the desire to ensure each visitor’s experience reflects the campground’s roots.
Judy said winter months bring extensive preparations for the busy season. “With the campground, everyone thinks of it as the owners being only busy in the summer,” she noted. “We are, but the winter has to be spent on all the preparations. Once the season starts and ramps up, there isn’t much time to think.” The campground opens each year in mid-April and closes on October 31, drawing families who enjoy both planned activities and the opportunity to unwind.
Their children and in-laws have key roles in daily operations. “Then, we have two daughters that also do whatever needs done,” Judy said. She noted that even sharing the same name does not hamper collaboration. “We have two Morgan Wehrs. Our daughter and daughter-in-law, and then our daughter Lauren Irvin and her husband Matt Irvin.” Son Grant Wehr serves as general manager, ensuring visitors receive prompt service and guidance.
Bear Run Campground is a 60-acre property offering around 160 seasonal sites, 60 transient RV spaces, 70 tent sites, and 23 cabins or lodges. Holiday weekends, including Memorial Day and Fourth of July, draw large crowds of about 1,000 guests seeking a mix of entertainment and peaceful campfires. Judy highlighted the balance of structured group events and quieter family time, adding, “We offer things, but we also give the campers a chance just to have time as a family sitting around a campfire.”
Looking at wider trends, many multigenerational campgrounds can benefit from formal succession planning. This may involve developing a clear management transition timeline with thorough training in budgeting, vendor negotiations, and other core skills to preserve a consistent guest experience. Holding regular family meetings also helps keep financial and operational goals aligned while easing generational handovers.
Some estimates suggest that only about one-third of family-owned outdoor hospitality businesses successfully transition to the second generation, with even smaller percentages continuing through a third generation. This underscores the significance of structured approaches that reduce conflicts and maintain the integrity of founders’ visions.
Similarly, modernizing guest engagement can strengthen a campground’s future. Digital reservation systems, text alerts, and online communities are widely recognized as means to streamline bookings and encourage repeat visits. Electronic surveys can help operators address feedback promptly, while collaborations with local tourism partners highlight local events or festivals.
In recent years, many properties in the outdoor hospitality sector have seen a rising demand for mobile-friendly platforms. Ease of use on smartphones or tablets helps campers access reservation details, receive real-time updates, and share experiences with others, reflecting the importance of staying current with guest expectations.
Despite its growth, the business remains personal. “As far as things that I learned from them, holistically, when you own your own business, and it is an outdoor hospitality business, you feel directly responsible for all of your guests,” Craig said. “You get this sense of ownership where you want to make sure they have the best time possible because you have this family pride.” It is a perspective he hopes to pass on to future generations.
Grant also reflected on the passage of time and the campground’s gradual transformation. “It’s interesting to see how much things have evolved since my grandparents first came up with the idea to build,” he said. “We have campers that have been with us almost since the beginning, and they’ve seen a lot of changes over the years. We’re proud that our family has this tradition of hospitality that we can share with others.” Longtime visitors return for a familiar gathering spot that also evolves to meet shifting travel trends.
The campground is located close to Pittsburgh, drawing guests who appreciate easy access to scenic destinations in western Pennsylvania. Detailed listings of Bear Run’s location and contact information are available in a travel directory. With daily operations now under Grant’s oversight, Judy and Craig can focus on strategic planning and preserving a family-centric vision.
Family pride remains a central theme, bringing cohesion to an enterprise that started half a century ago as a small local campsite and blossomed into a robust outdoor haven. Judy and Craig emphasize that keeping the campground in the family ensures continuity for both longtime campers and new arrivals curious about camping life. Activities, special events, and the chance to gather around a fire are consistent reminders of Bear Run’s guest-focused philosophy.
Looking ahead, the Wehrs plan to preserve the values that built the business while responding to new trends. The milestone of 50 seasons offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment to an approach shaped by hospitality, multigenerational leadership, and community ties. With the next generation on board, Bear Run Campground appears poised for many more years of family-run service.