YMCA Camp Coffman, Cranberry, PA

For Pennsylvanians seeking a versatile and picturesque location that seamlessly blends the rustic charm of a traditional camp with the capacity of a modern event venue,

YMCA Camp Coffman

stands out as a unique destination. Located on 240 sprawling acres of natural wooded setting near Cranberry, this camp, owned and operated by the Scenic Rivers YMCA, has evolved far beyond a seasonal youth facility. It now serves as a highly sought-after full-service venue for large gatherings, corporate retreats, and especially, unforgettable weddings, while still providing beloved outdoor recreation for families and groups.

What makes

YMCA Camp Coffman

particularly appealing to local users is its flexibility. It allows groups to completely immerse themselves in the experience by offering the option to rent the entire camp for a weekend—a fabulous idea, as noted by recent guests, that ensures privacy and community before and after a major event. This total rental option often includes private use from Friday afternoon through Sunday noon, providing accommodation for a large number of guests and full access to the beautiful grounds.

However, the experience embraces the authentic, woodsy environment. The accommodations are intentionally "decent for what they are," meaning guests should be prepared to "tough it a bit." While there are modern facilities, the majority of the cozy, rustic cabins utilize convenient outdoor toilets, with a modern shower house available close by. Only a select few cabins, such as the Treehouse and A-Frame, boast private, running water facilities. This blend of primitive and modern options perfectly reflects the spirit of Pennsylvania camping, where a little ruggedness is often the path to the best memories. The commitment to a clean and well-maintained environment is consistently praised, ensuring that whether guests are there for a wedding or a quiet weekend stay, the surroundings are always ready to impress.

Location and Accessibility

YMCA Camp Coffman

is situated at

4072 Camp Coffman Rd, Cranberry, PA 16319, USA

. This location places it in a peaceful, natural area that is conveniently accessible for residents throughout Western and Central Pennsylvania, being a short distance from major routes leading to Oil City and Clarion.

The camp’s location is a hub for regional outdoor activities, making it an excellent basecamp for active Pennsylvanians:

Natural Features: The camp itself is a destination, featuring a unique swinging bridge that crosses East Sandy Creek, with hiking trails that lead to interesting landmarks like Deer Rock and Balancing Rock, allowing for immediate immersion in nature.
Rail Trail Access: The camp is just minutes away from some of the region's most popular rail trails, including the Sandy Creek Trail, the Allegheny River Trail, and the Samuel Justus Trail. These flat, scenic trails are perfect for local biking and walking enthusiasts.
Community Support: Bus transportation is seasonally available from the Clarion County and Oil City YMCAs for day camp participants, highlighting the camp’s integration into the local community network.

While secluded, the camp’s address in Cranberry, PA, keeps it within reasonable driving distance of services and regional attractions, providing a necessary convenience for event planning and supply runs.

Services Offered

YMCA Camp Coffman

offers a wide array of services that support both traditional camping and large-scale event hosting, ensuring flexibility for all guests.

Venue Rental: Full camp rentals are available for weekends (Friday to Sunday), including private use of the entire venue, accommodating large events such as weddings, family reunions, and corporate retreats.
Accommodation Variety: Ten total cabins are available for rent, including the Family Lodge, Bunkhouse (sleeps 20), and several smaller units. Three cabins (Treehouse, A-Frame, Iroquois) feature private bathrooms and running water, while others utilize nearby outdoor toilets.
Modern Group Facilities: A large, fully equipped Banquet Hall with a stone fireplace can accommodate up to 190 guests, making it a spectacular reception or indoor gathering space. This facility includes a caterer's kitchen.
Outdoor Event Spaces: A rustic, timber-frame Pavilion is available for ceremonies, picnics, and outdoor dining, complete with electricity, water, and a fire pit. An Outdoor Chapel is also available in the woods for ceremonies.
Sanitation Facilities: A modern Showerhouse facility is available for all camp guests, conveniently located near the rustic cabins that do not have private running water.
Event Rentals and Support: Banquet tables (round and long) and chairs for up to 190 guests are provided with the full camp rental, though guests booking the pavilion should note that they may be responsible for moving the picnic tables for their event setup.

Features / Highlights

The true draw of

YMCA Camp Coffman

is its extensive list of recreational features, offering a complete outdoor experience for every guest, regardless of the reason for their visit.

Key highlights that make this camp a favorite in the Pennsylvania region include:

High-Adventure Activities: By advance reservation, groups can access high-thrill elements like the climbing tower, the challenge course, and the popular zip line, providing exciting, guided activities perfect for team building or pure fun.
Water Activities: The grounds feature a lake area, providing opportunities for paddle boating and fishing, activities central to the traditional camp experience.
Unique Lodging: The enchanting, two-story Treehouse Cabin is a standout feature, often reserved for the bride and groom during wedding rentals, offering a more luxurious, private accommodation option that sleeps up to eight people.
Recreational Facilities: The camp includes a dedicated Fire Pit area for evening fellowship, a playground with a mini zip line for younger guests, a gaga pit, and open fields for games.
Trail Riding: Horse trail rides are available by advance reservation (Monday through Saturday) for small groups, allowing guests to explore the scenic forest from a unique perspective.
Proximity to Rail Trails: Immediate access to the vast regional rail trail network (Sandy Creek, Allegheny River, Samuel Justus) provides excellent, self-directed biking and hiking opportunities for all guests.

Contact Information

Whether planning a full weekend wedding, a weekday group retreat, or a simple cabin getaway, interested Pennsylvanians are encouraged to contact the Camp Coffman staff directly to discuss reservations, pricing, and required activity bookings.

Address:

4072 Camp Coffman Rd, Cranberry, PA 16319, USA

General Phone:

(814) 677-3000

Camp Rental Coordinator/Text Line (Recommended for Rentals):

(814) 229-7027

Tours of the grounds are highly recommended, especially before booking a full facility rental, to fully appreciate the scope and logistics of this extensive property.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

YMCA Camp Coffman

is an exceptionally suitable and appealing choice for Pennsylvania residents because it delivers a rare combination of large-event capability and rustic, family-friendly recreation rooted in the YMCA’s heritage.

For families and large groups, the camp provides an all-inclusive solution for gatherings. By offering the ability to rent the entire camp—accommodating over 80 overnight guests—it solves the complex logistical challenge of keeping everyone together in one place, creating an immersive, shared experience that conventional hotels or scattered rental properties cannot match. This weekend-long format allows friends and relatives to spend maximum time together, going "at their own pace" with hiking, fishing, or simply relaxing.

Furthermore, the wide range of activities, from the high-thrill zip line to the peaceful paddle boating and the extensive hiking access near major rail trails, ensures that every local guest, regardless of age or interest, finds something to enjoy. While the accommodations embrace a pleasant level of rustic simplicity—reminding guests to be ready to "tough it a bit" regarding running water in some cabins—the provision of a modern shower house ensures comfort is never far away. This balance of convenience (large banquet hall, close to rail trails) and rustic charm (creek, trees, outdoor toilets) makes

YMCA Camp Coffman

a distinctly Pennsylvanian gem, offering a truly blank canvas for any organized event or simply a rejuvenating retreat into the beautiful natural environment of Cranberry.