Dellinger Lodge, Newmanstown, PA

Introduction / Overview: Experience the Simplicity of Dellinger Lodge

For organizations and groups in Pennsylvania seeking a quintessential, rustic camping and retreat experience, Dellinger Lodge—located within the J. Edward Mack Scout Reservation (Camp Mack) near Newmanstown—offers a memorable destination. This facility is a prime example of the traditional camp environment, focusing on essential comfort and encouraging a strong connection to the outdoors. It is particularly known within the Scouting community, though its facilities are often available for rent to other non-profit groups, churches, and organizations looking for a dedicated and budget-friendly retreat space.

Dellinger Lodge itself is a winterized structure, a key feature for Pennsylvania users who wish to enjoy the outdoors year-round. It embraces a straightforward, no-frills approach to accommodation, prioritizing group functionality and a cozy, authentic camping feel over luxury. The facility’s capacity and layout are designed for communal living, making it an excellent choice for team-building, training, and group outings where the focus is on shared experience and natural surroundings. Reviews frequently highlight the “cozy” nature of the wood stove, which provides a genuine warmth and focal point during colder stays.

Location and Accessibility: Nestled in the Natural Beauty of Blue Mountain

Dellinger Lodge is situated deep within Camp Mack, an expansive property located off North Camp Road in Newmanstown, PA 17073, USA. This specific location places it directly in the scenic environs of the Blue Mountain region of Lebanon County. For local users across Pennsylvania, the camp's setting provides an immediate sense of escape and natural tranquility, yet it remains relatively accessible from major population centers in the southeast and central parts of the state.

The remote nature of the address contributes to the peaceful atmosphere, which is ideal for retreats and nature-focused activities. The surrounding land offers direct access to the rugged landscape of Blue Mountain and the extensive trail systems it encompasses, providing great opportunities for hiking, nature observation, and exploration right outside the lodge door. However, visitors should be prepared for a rustic environment, as noted in the experience of past guests regarding the necessary trek to external facilities like latrines and, depending on the season, the main water sources. This location is less about high-traffic convenience and more about an intentional, secluded outdoor experience.

Services Offered (Designed for Groups and Rustic Comfort)

The facilities and services at Dellinger Lodge and the wider Camp Mack property are tailored for groups seeking a functional, self-sufficient, and traditional camping experience.

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Winterized Lodge: Dellinger is one of Camp Mack’s five winterized lodges, meaning it is available for rental year-round, accommodating cold-weather group trips.
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Heating Source: The lodge is equipped with a wood-burning stove, providing warmth and a cozy, traditional ambiance during cooler months.
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Group Capacity: Dellinger Lodge specifically has a capacity to accommodate up to 24 persons, featuring 12 double bunks with mattresses, making it suitable for mid-sized groups like Scout troops or youth retreats.
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Cooking Facilities: A three-burner propane cook stove is provided within the lodge to allow groups to prepare their own meals, enhancing the self-sufficiency of the campout.
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Water Access: A frost-free hydrant serves as the outside water source, providing year-round running water, though it may require a short walk depending on the season’s facility operation schedule.
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Sanitary Facilities: Outside latrines are the primary sanitary facilities near the lodge. For certain other lodges on the property, flush toilets may be located nearby at a central maintenance building, but Dellinger guests should be prepared for a rustic setup.
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Firewood Provision: Firewood is provided for use in the lodge’s wood stove. Guests are responsible for restocking the interior wood supply from the outside wood shed before departure.
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Tent Camping Options: In addition to the lodge rental, groups have access to established tent sites on the property, which are available at a modest fee for a weekend. Customers planning tent camping should note that the terrain may have limited flat ground.

Features / Highlights (A Focus on Tradition and the Outdoors)

The highlights of Dellinger Lodge and Camp Mack center on the spirit of outdoor adventure, traditional camping, and providing functional group spaces.

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Authentic Camp Feel: The use of a wood stove, the rustic bunks, and the overall wooded environment deliver a truly authentic, traditional scout camp experience, ideal for youth development and outdoor education.
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Accessibility to Trails: The camp features established tent sites and primitive camping along its trail system on Blue Mountain, offering fantastic hiking opportunities for all guests.
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Program Facility Access: By arrangement and for an extra charge, groups may be able to utilize other camp program facilities, such as the BB Gun and Archery Ranges, or the Dining Hall and Chapel.
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Trading Post: A Trading Post is available by request on weekends year-round, stocked with camping gear, souvenirs, snacks, and beverages for guest convenience.
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Group Gathering Spaces: Inside Dellinger Lodge, tables and benches are provided to facilitate group meals, meetings, and activities, essential for retreats and training sessions.
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Natural Fire Pits: Fire rings are available near the lodge or tent sites, promoting the classic campfire experience for cooking and fellowship.

Contact Information

For reservations, current pricing, and availability of Dellinger Lodge or other Camp Mack facilities, groups are advised to contact the managing organization directly.

Address: N Camp Rd, Newmanstown, PA 17073, USA (Part of the J. Edward Mack Scout Reservation)

Phone: Reservations are typically handled through the Pennsylvania Dutch Council Service Center. While Dellinger Lodge may not have a direct public line, the council's main number is the correct starting point for inquiries. For facility rental inquiries, local users should seek the primary contact information for the Pennsylvania Dutch Council, Scouting America.

Conclusion: Why Dellinger Lodge is Suitable for Locals

Dellinger Lodge offers a valuable resource for organized groups within Pennsylvania, particularly for Scouting units and other non-profit organizations. It provides a unique, rustic, and fully winterized environment that facilitates year-round outdoor education and team-building retreats. For Pennsylvania families and community groups, the Lodge represents an opportunity to disconnect from digital life and reconnect with the natural world in a beautiful, dedicated camp setting. Its affordability and focus on self-sufficiency make it an accessible option for organizations working with limited budgets. The authentic camp experience—complete with wood stoves, bunk beds, and nearby hiking trails—is a perfect antidote to city life, offering a cherished local location where lasting group memories are forged in the quiet, wooded hills of Lebanon County. It’s not a commercial resort, but a true camp, offering an invaluable service to locals committed to the spirit of the outdoors and group camaraderie.