Central Oak Heights

- 75 Heritage Rd, West Milton, PA 17886

Introduction / Overview

For generations of local Pennsylvanians, the concept of a ‘campground’ often conjures images of rustic simplicity, community fellowship, and a peaceful escape into the state’s beautiful natural landscapes. Central Oak Heights (COH), nestled in West Milton, PA, is a special location that embodies this heritage, offering far more than a typical seasonal campsite. Established in 1909 as a religious retreat, COH has evolved into a unique, non-profit Christian association that provides opportunities for recreational, spiritual, and cultural enrichment for the entire Central Pennsylvania community.

This historic 55-acre hilltop community, once known as Miller’s Grove, features privately-owned cottages alongside a variety of rental facilities, making it a flexible venue for events ranging from family reunions and group retreats to picturesque weddings. Real customer reviews consistently highlight the venue’s capacity as a "great quiet getaway" and praise the efficient, professional, and "very sweet, accommodating" staff. It is a place deeply embedded in the local history and continues to serve as a hub for both public events and private seasonal lodging, making it a cherished institution in the Susquehanna River Valley.

Location and Accessibility

Central Oak Heights is conveniently located at 75 Heritage Rd, West Milton, PA 17886, USA, in Kelly Township, Union County. The hilltop position provides a serene overlook of the West Branch Susquehanna River, creating a naturally beautiful and tranquil atmosphere that feels secluded yet remains highly accessible.

This prime location places the community just across the river from the borough of Milton and a short distance from the bustling town of Lewisburg, home to Bucknell University and a vibrant downtown. Its proximity to major thoroughfares, including US Route 15, ensures that Central Oak Heights is easily reachable for local users traveling from nearby regions like Williamsport, Sunbury, and Danville (the home of Geisinger Medical Center). The ease of access, combined with a large, dedicated field that is noted to have "more than enough room for wedding parking or car shows," makes logistics simple for both small family visits and large-scale public or private events. Furthermore, the area is rich with outdoor opportunities, being close to Milton State Park and various regional Rails to Trails paths for hiking and biking, appealing directly to the outdoor enthusiasts of Pennsylvania.

Services Offered

Central Oak Heights primarily operates as a seasonal community and facility rental venue, with its rental season typically running from mid-April through mid-October. The services are comprehensive, designed to accommodate a wide range of group sizes and event needs for the local community and beyond:

• Venue and Facility Rentals: Providing rental access to historic and functional buildings including the grand, open-air octagonal Tabernacle, the picturesque Sylvan Chapel in the woods, the Shaffer Building (dormitory-style), and a large Dining Hall with a commercial kitchen.
• Group and Family Lodging: Offering rustic cabin rentals and various cottages/houses, which can sleep groups ranging from small families up to large organizations, available for overnight stays (with a typical two-night minimum).
• Event Coordination Support: Professional and accommodating staff are available to assist with the details of booking and execution for weddings, retreats, and camps, including preparing backup indoor/covered options in case of inclement weather.
• Recreational Amenity Access: Renters and cottage holders can access the community’s recreational facilities, including the seasonal swimming pool, playground, and various sports courts.
• Community Concert Series: Throughout the summer season, COH hosts a free Performing Arts Series featuring sacred and secular concerts by local bands, choruses, and soloists, providing cultural enrichment to the surrounding towns.
• Sunday Worship Services: Weekly Sunday Morning Worship is held in the historic Tabernacle during the summer months, a continuation of the community’s founding spiritual mission.

Features / Highlights

The unique blend of history, natural beauty, and functional facilities makes Central Oak Heights a standout venue in Central PA:

• The Sylvan Chapel: A major highlight, as noted in resident reviews, is the "absolutely gorgeous" wooded chapel area, which is an idyllic, low-key, and beautiful setting for weddings and ceremonies.
• Historic Tabernacle: The prominent, large covered open-air pavilion, built in 1909, serves as a significant historical landmark and a spacious, naturally ventilated venue for large gatherings, worship, and concerts.
• Exceptional Staff Accommodation: A recurring theme in feedback is the "professional and accommodating" nature of the team, who go above and beyond to ensure private events, such as weddings, are handled seamlessly and with great flexibility.
• Ample Open Space: The grounds feature large, open fields perfect for event parking, car shows, or outdoor activities, allowing for scalability in event planning.
• Variety of Recreational Facilities: The availability of a swimming pool, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, along with shuffleboard and a playground, ensures activities for all ages during a group stay or family visit.
• A Truly Quiet Getaway: The property is praised as a peaceful, quiet escape, surrounded by nature and away from the daily noise, ideal for true relaxation or focused group retreats.

Contact Information

For reservations, event inquiries, or to learn more about the annual community schedule at this beautiful West Milton venue, please use the following contact details:

Address: 75 Heritage Rd, West Milton, PA 17886, USA

Phone: (570) 989-1204

Mobile Phone: +1 570-989-1204

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Central Oak Heights is perfectly suited for local Pennsylvanians because it serves a crucial dual role: it is both a historic community sanctuary and a modern, versatile event and retreat center. For families and groups in the Susquehanna River Valley, it offers an accessible and beautiful "getaway" without the need for extensive travel. The fact that the association provides various facilities—from the rustic cabins to the spacious Dining Hall—makes it an exceptionally flexible option for hosting local milestones, whether it is a small church retreat, a large family reunion, or a once-in-a-lifetime wedding ceremony at the gorgeous Sylvan Chapel.

Furthermore, the non-profit's commitment to the wider community through free summer concerts and worship services solidifies its role as a valuable local resource for spiritual and cultural enrichment. By choosing Central Oak Heights, local users are not just renting a space; they are connecting with a piece of Central Pennsylvania history and supporting a community-focused institution that has preserved its natural setting and sense of peace for over a century. It truly is a local gem that provides the perfect backdrop for making new memories in a classic PA setting.

Central Oak Heights

75 Heritage Rd, West Milton, PA 17886, USA