Temple Grove

For Pennsylvanians seeking a truly beautiful and accommodating retreat, Temple Grove Campground in Transfer, PA, stands out as a remarkable destination. More than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV, Temple Grove is described by its visitors as "the most beautiful campgrounds ever!" This sentiment highlights its aesthetic appeal and the serene environment it offers, making it a perfect remote getaway for those looking to reconnect with nature and themselves.

What truly elevates Temple Grove is its versatility and the exceptional service provided by its management. Reviews consistently praise the "great guy through and through" owner, noting his very accommodating nature. This personal touch ensures that guests feel welcomed and well-cared for, a significant factor in creating a memorable experience. Whether you're visiting for a solo escape, a family vacation, or a large group event, the dedication of the staff shines through, making every stay pleasant and hassle-free.

Temple Grove Campgrounds is owned and operated by the Eastern Great Lakes Mission Center of Community of Christ, and administered by a Board of Directors. This ownership structure, while rooted in a spiritual mission, does not limit its availability; Temple Grove is open for use by "public and private groups for activities of one day, a weekend, or a week; March through December." This broad accessibility means that a diverse range of visitors, from spiritual groups to band camps and wedding parties, can utilize its extensive facilities.

The facilities themselves are noted as "really nice and spacious!" Temple Grove boasts sleeping accommodations for over 250 people in various lodges, an Assembly Building for large gatherings, and even a fully-lined football field that is popular with band camps. For traditional campers, both tenting and RV services are available, ensuring options for all preferences. This blend of natural beauty, extensive facilities, and dedicated management makes Temple Grove a truly unique and highly recommended destination for anyone in Pennsylvania looking for a special remote getaway or a versatile event venue.

Temple Grove Campground is conveniently located at 347 Hamburg Rd, Transfer, PA 16154, USA. This address places it in Transfer, a small community in Mercer County, situated in Northwestern Pennsylvania. The location offers a blend of peaceful rural surroundings with reasonable accessibility to nearby towns and regional centers, making it an attractive destination for Pennsylvanians.

Transfer itself is a quiet area, providing the "remote get away" feel that visitors praise. However, it's not entirely isolated. Meadville, a larger city with a wider range of services, dining, and shopping options, is approximately a 30-minute drive to the south. Sharon and Hermitage, also significant towns in Mercer County, are within a 15-20 minute drive to the west, offering additional amenities and retail. For those traveling from major metropolitan areas, Temple Grove is roughly a 1.5-hour drive north of Pittsburgh, PA, and about 1.5 hours southeast of Erie, PA, making it a feasible weekend trip or longer vacation destination from these urban centers.

The campground's location on Hamburg Road suggests easy access from local roadways. Its natural setting, described as a "tranquil 150-acre haven nestled around an 11-acre lake with easy access to the Shenango River," highlights its direct connection to natural recreational opportunities. The presence of an 11-acre lake on-site provides immediate access to water-based activities like fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the lakeside views.

While the reviews emphasize the remote feel, the accessibility to nearby towns means that campers can enjoy the serenity of Temple Grove while still having the convenience of resupplying or dining out within a short drive. This balance is key for many campers. Its position in Northwestern Pennsylvania also makes it a good central point for exploring other regional attractions, such as Pymatuning State Park or various state game lands, further enhancing its appeal as an accessible outdoor destination.

• RV Hookups: Temple Grove provides services for RVs, including designated RV sites with various hookup options (details on specific amperage, e.g., 30/50 amp, would need to be confirmed directly with the campground).

• Tenting Sites: Dedicated areas are available for tent camping, accommodating traditional campers who prefer to pitch their own tents.

• Sleeping Accommodations in Lodges: Beyond traditional camping, Temple Grove offers indoor lodging options with sleeping accommodations for over 250 people in various lodges, catering to larger groups and retreats.

• Assembly Building: A large Assembly Building is available for big gatherings, making it suitable for conferences, workshops, or communal activities.

• Fully-Lined Football Field: A unique amenity is a fully-lined football field (center 60 yards), particularly popular with band camps, offering ample space for drills and activities.

• Event Venue Services: Temple Grove is a versatile campgrounds suitable for a wide range of events, including youth camps, weekend retreats, weddings, and band camps, suggesting support services for event coordination.

• Accommodating Staff/Owner: The owner is highly praised for being "very accommodating," implying a willingness to assist guests with their needs and special requests.

• Public and Private Group Bookings: The grounds are available for rent by both public and private groups for activities ranging from one day to a week, from March through December.

• Lake Access: Direct access to an 11-acre lake, providing opportunities for water-based recreation.

• Access to Shenango River: The campground boasts "easy access to the Shenango River," offering further opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing or kayaking.

• "Most Beautiful Campgrounds Ever!": This direct quote from a customer review highlights the exceptional aesthetic appeal and natural beauty of Temple Grove, set on 150 acres around an 11-acre lake.

• Exceptional Owner and Staff: The owner is consistently praised as a "great guy through and through" and "very accommodating," while the staff is described as "amazing," contributing significantly to a positive and welcoming experience.

• Versatile Facility for Diverse Groups: Temple Grove is "equally suitable for your 300-person week-long youth camp, 15-person weekend retreat, wedding event, band camp, or anything in between," demonstrating its adaptability for various functions and group sizes.

• Spacious and Well-Maintained Facilities: The facilities are described as "really nice and spacious," suggesting a commitment to quality and comfort across the grounds.

• Extensive Lodging Options: Beyond camping, the presence of various lodges providing sleeping accommodations for over 250 people offers flexibility for large groups and ensures comfort regardless of camping preference.

• On-Site 11-Acre Lake: A central feature is the beautiful 11-acre lake, providing a serene backdrop and opportunities for recreation right on the property.

• Easy Access to Shenango River: Proximity and access to the Shenango River further enhance outdoor recreational possibilities, such as fishing or paddling.

• Dedicated Football Field: The presence of a fully-lined football field is a unique amenity, particularly valuable for band camps and other organized athletic groups.

• Ideal for "Remote Getaway": Despite its accessibility, the campground successfully maintains a feeling of being a remote escape, perfect for those seeking tranquility and a break from daily life.

• Spiritual and Community Roots: Owned and operated by the Eastern Great Lakes Mission Center of Community of Christ, the campground has a foundation that often translates to a peaceful and community-oriented atmosphere.

As a campground primarily serving groups and events, as well as individual campers, Temple Grove Campgrounds' approach to "promotions" or "special offers" is likely geared towards group rates, seasonal pricing, or package deals for retreats and events rather than traditional discounts for individual campsites. Public information indicates that they operate from March through December and cater to a wide range of activities.

Based on typical operations for such venues, potential "offers" might include:

• Group Booking Discounts: Special rates or customized packages for large groups booking lodges, assembly buildings, or multiple campsites for events like youth camps, spiritual retreats, or family reunions.

• Seasonal Rates: Pricing may vary based on the season (e.g., peak summer rates vs. shoulder season rates in spring and fall). For example, their rates document shows varying rates for "In Season," "Off Season," and "Holiday Rates."

• Extended Stay Discounts: Likely offers for longer stays, such as weekly or monthly rates for RV sites or lodges, which are typically more cost-effective than daily rates.

• Package Deals for Events: Customized packages for weddings, band camps, or other specific events that might include facility usage, lodging, and perhaps catering options.

The provided review mentions that the visitors go twice a year for a "Spiritual Weekend in the fall and Spring," suggesting that organized groups likely have pre-arranged rates or specific booking terms. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on pricing, availability, and any potential deals for groups or individual stays, it is highly recommended to directly contact Temple Grove Campgrounds. Their accommodating owner and staff would be best equipped to provide details on how to tailor a reservation to your specific needs and budget.

For reservations, inquiries about facilities, group bookings, or any other questions regarding your visit to Temple Grove Campground, you can reach out using the following contact details:

Address: 347 Hamburg Rd, Transfer, PA 16154, USA

Phone: (440) 256-3914

Mobile Phone: +1 440-256-3914

Additionally, public information suggests that the primary contact for reservations may also be through Sandy Davis at sdavis@eglmc.org, or the camp manager Rich Davis at rich_davis13z@yahoo.com or (717) 433-0219. The provided 440 area code number seems to be associated with the Eastern Great Lakes Mission Center of Community of Christ, which owns the campground, while a 724 area code number (724-962-2530) is also listed as a direct camp phone. Given the various contact points, calling the provided 440 number or checking the Temple Grove website directly for the most precise reservation method is advisable.

For Pennsylvanians, Temple Grove Campground in Transfer is an exceptionally suitable destination, offering a versatile and genuinely welcoming retreat right in their backyard. The consistent praise from locals, describing it as "the most beautiful campgrounds ever!" and highlighting the "great guy through and through" owner, speaks volumes about the quality of the experience. This personal touch and accommodating nature are significant draws, ensuring that locals feel valued and comfortable during their stay, whether for a weekend escape or a longer event.

Its primary suitability for locals lies in its unique blend of a "remote get away" feel with practical accessibility. Situated in Northwestern Pennsylvania, it provides a serene natural environment—complete with an 11-acre lake and access to the Shenango River—that allows for true disconnection and rejuvenation. Yet, it remains within a reasonable driving distance from major Pennsylvania cities like Pittsburgh and Erie, making it a convenient option for a quick break from city life without extensive travel time.

Furthermore, Temple Grove's "multidimensional" nature and "spacious" facilities cater to a wide array of local needs. It's not just for individual campers; it's an ideal venue for local spiritual groups, youth organizations (like band camps utilizing the football field), family reunions, and even weddings. This versatility means that various community and personal events can be hosted in a beautiful, well-equipped setting, making it a valuable local resource.

The operational period from March through December provides ample opportunity for Pennsylvanians to visit across different seasons, experiencing the changing beauty of the region. Temple Grove Campgrounds offers a unique blend of natural beauty, extensive facilities, and exceptional hospitality, making it a premier choice for locals seeking a memorable outdoor experience or a versatile venue for their next gathering in Pennsylvania.