United Zion Camp Grove

- 2298 Camp Rd, Manheim, PA 17545

For Pennsylvania residents looking for a distinctly different type of group retreat, family reunion, or short-term lodging option in the heart of Lancaster County, the United Zion Camp Grove in Manheim offers a unique community atmosphere. Unlike traditional commercial campgrounds where all sites are managed centrally, the Camp Grove operates as a true Christian community, offering a blend of private ownership and shared communal spaces ideal for large gatherings and spiritual fellowships.

The Camp Grove is affiliated with the United Zion Church, a denomination with deep historical roots in the region, tracing its heritage back to the Anabaptist movement and the River Brethren. This background informs the site’s fundamental purpose: to foster a setting for spiritual growth, fellowship, and family connection. This is most evident in the annual Camp Meeting—a time-honored tradition that brings the community together for a week of worship and renewal, strengthening faith and Christian fellowship.

The physical layout of the Grove is its most intriguing feature. It is a dense, cohesive community composed of over 75 individual, tiny cabins or “tabernacles.” These structures are not rental units managed by a single office; rather, they are privately owned by families and individuals associated with the church community. This unique arrangement means that only a limited fraction of the total cabins may be available for private, short-term rental to the general public. For local users, understanding this structure is key to planning a stay. Interested parties must bypass a central booking system and directly contact the individual cabin owners to check on availability, pricing, and the specific amenities of their unit.

This approach creates a one-of-a-kind lodging experience that is more akin to staying in a quiet, seasonal residential neighborhood than a typical tourist park. The atmosphere is generally calm, respectful, and geared towards families and groups. While the cabins themselves vary widely—some are older and rustic, while others have been updated with modern conveniences like air conditioning, heat, and full showers—the collective strength of the Camp Grove lies in its excellent shared facilities.

The site features robust, modern communal spaces designed to host everything from a major church conference to a large local group's weekend retreat. The impressive gymnasium and youth center, the large fellowship hall, and the well-maintained recreational fields collectively provide a substantial infrastructure for hosting big groups effectively and comfortably, ensuring a positive experience regardless of the weather. For local Pennsylvanians, this venue represents an affordable and distinctive option for organized events that require both lodging and extensive indoor/outdoor activity space in a faith-based environment.

Introduction / Overview

United Zion Camp Grove is not a standard commercial campground, but rather a unique retreat and community center located in Manheim, PA, with a long-standing affiliation with the United Zion Church. Its primary use is to support the spiritual and communal life of the church, including hosting an annual Camp Meeting. The grounds are comprised of over 75 small, individually-owned cabins, or "tabernacles," which results in a highly customized rental process. The Grove is distinguished by its excellent, large-scale communal facilities, making it particularly well-suited for group bookings, multi-family gatherings, and organizational retreats. The overall tone of the experience is one of simplicity, fellowship, and respect for community living.

Location and Accessibility

The Camp Grove is situated at 2298 Camp Rd, placing it in the desirable and accessible landscape of Manheim, in the heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This location is easily reached by locals across the state, being within a reasonable drive of Harrisburg, Reading, and the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Its position provides convenient, yet sufficiently removed, access to the major attractions of the region:

• Proximity to Lititz: The charming town of Lititz, known for its unique shops and historical sites, is a short drive away.
• Lancaster County Attractions: Easy travel to the many historical, cultural, and agricultural sights of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
• Major Roadways: The Manheim location provides straightforward access to major state and interstate routes, minimizing travel time for Pennsylvania residents coming from various directions.

This central, yet peaceful, setting makes United Zion Camp Grove an ideal meeting point for groups whose members are spread throughout South Central Pennsylvania and beyond.

Services Offered

The services offered at United Zion Camp Grove are focused on communal infrastructure and group logistics, rather than individual campsite amenities typical of an RV park:

• Cabin Rental Access: A select number of the over 75 privately-owned cabins are made available for short-term rental. *Note to potential guests: You must call individual cabin owners for specific availability, rental rates, and a full description of the amenities included in their particular unit.
• Individual Cabin Variation: Amenities in rented cabins vary widely and may include elements like air conditioning, heat, refrigerator, and a shower, but these are not guaranteed for all units.
• Large Group Venue Rentals: Availability of the modern gymnasium and the fellowship hall for non-church-related group events, such as weekend retreats, is a key service.
• Communal Facilities: Access to central restroom and bathhouse facilities to supplement amenities in the older or more rustic cabins.
• On-Site Management: A central office or contact point for general inquiries about the Grove's grounds and its mission, while individual cabin booking is decentralized.

Features / Highlights

The core appeal of United Zion Camp Grove is its well-equipped shared recreation and event facilities:

• Modern Gymnasium/Youth Center: A highly-rated facility perfect for indoor activities, featuring four courts suitable for setting up volleyball nets and ample space for youth programs.
• Fellowship Hall: A large, dedicated space available for rental, serving as an ideal location for group meals, presentations, conferences, and large social gatherings.
• Outdoor Sports Area: Includes a designated ball field and space for setting up temporary volleyball nets and other field sports.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: A dedicated playground for children, offering a safe and fun area for younger visitors.
• Nature and Exercise Trails: Walking trails are available throughout the Grove, providing a peaceful environment for exercise and reflection, though a detailed map may not be publicly posted.
• Group Suitability: The concentration of over 75 cabins combined with the extensive indoor venues makes this location exceptionally strong for hosting large groups or organizations for weekend or week-long stays.

Contact Information

For general inquiries about the Camp Grove and its facilities, and for initial contact regarding cabin rental procedures:

Address: 2298 Camp Rd, Manheim, PA 17545, USA

Phone: (717) 336-5282

Mobile Phone: +1 717-336-5282

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For local Pennsylvania communities, organizations, and large extended families, United Zion Camp Grove is not just another lodging option; it is a specialized retreat with a distinct community ethos. Its suitability is paramount for specific groups. Firstly, its central Manheim location is a logistical advantage, providing an easily accessible meeting point for groups spread across the state. Secondly, the structural model of the Grove—with a large number of individual cabins clustered around substantial communal facilities—solves a major problem for groups that need both varied lodging and large indoor/outdoor spaces. Groups can rent a cluster of cabins and utilize the fellowship hall and excellent gymnasium for scheduled activities.

While the rental process is unconventional, requiring direct contact with individual owners, this adds to the unique, close-knit, non-commercial feel of the place. Guests who understand this and are willing to coordinate with individual owners will find a clean, respectful, and family-oriented environment. The high quality of the youth center and ball fields makes it an excellent choice for local youth camps, church groups, or large family reunions seeking a structured and activity-rich weekend away. By offering a clean, safe, and community-focused infrastructure, United Zion Camp Grove provides a valuable and unique resource for Pennsylvania locals seeking a genuine retreat experience.

United Zion Camp Grove

2298 Camp Rd, Manheim, PA 17545, USA