Getting away close to home
Camping enthusiasts looking for a rustic getaway have multiple options for campgrounds in Butler County.
Those looking for a little more convenience have options as well, including fully furnished cabins with utilities.
“I think the term is 'glamping,'” joked Todd Wehr, while showing one of the furnished cabins at the Bear Run Campground in Muddy Creek Township.
Wehr's family has owned the campground for 40 years.
“In Butler County we have a diverse group of campgrounds that offer a wide variety of camping,” said Wehr, who is vice president of the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau and head of that organization's camping committee.
“Whether its basic tenting to luxury RVs, there's something for everyone.” said Jack Cohen, president of the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau.
And those options make it nice for county residents.
“It's nice because you don't have to go far to get away,” Cohen said.
He said each of the campgrounds in the county offer a different experience with different amenities and attractions, such as swimming pools, bike trails and horseback riding.
“Each one is unique,” he said. “That's the nicest part.”
Wehr said campers typically visit multiple campgrounds throughout the year. He said the tourism bureau's camping group includes seven campgrounds that work jointly to promote the pastime.
“We work together anyway we can to serve our guests,” he said.
Those guests often come from outside the county.
“A lot of folks retired or semi-retired spend time traveling,” Wehr said.The county attracts campers from all over the world.“We've had people from Germany and France,” Wehr said about Bear Run.Shelby Knight with the Peaceful Valley Campground in Washington Township said people have come from across the continent.“We have people come from as far away as California and Alaska.”Andi Hirth with Smith Grove Campground on Herman Road in Clearfield Township said people often stay at campgrounds for other events in the county.“I have a woman who comes every year from Canada for the Lernerville (Speedway) Firecracker race,” she said.Hirth added an Australian also stayed at the camp one year for the Butler County Farm Show.The length of a camping trip depends on the camper.Knight said her campground has a 120 seasonal sites, which allow enthusiasts to set up camp for a whole year.“We also get people who come for a day, weekend, or a whole week,” she said. “Occasionally we'll have people stay for a month or so.”Wehr said Bear Run has 300 lots, offering a blend for both seasonal lots as well as numerous options for people looking for a shorter stay.Many of the campgrounds also offer a variety of other amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds and pavilions.Most offer multiple other programs as well.“We're a family oriented campground,” Knight said. “So there are different things to do for kids and adults.”Part of the family includes pets.“We're a pet friendly park,” she said. “We get a lot of people who like to travel and bring their pets along.”Regardless of what activities are offered at a campground, all are expecting a common experience Memorial Day weekend.“We're going to be busy,” said Wehr. “We've already sold out a number of our spaces.”Cohen said camping is a major tourist attraction in the county after the holiday.“Most campgrounds are filled almost every weekend,” he said.Knight said the camping season gets into full swing as soon as school is out for the summer.Knight said camping is a good vacation activity for families.“It's a nice, affordable way for the family to get away on vacation,” she said.Cohen agreed.“Camping is a wonderful time for the family,” he said. “There's nothing like it.”Here are some of the campgrounds in and near Butler County:n Bear Run Campgroundn Breakneck CampgroundCooper's Lake CampgroundIndian Brave CampgroundJellystone Park at Kozy RestMoraine State ParkPeaceful Valley CampgroundSmith Grove CampgroundSlippery Rock CampgroundLake Arthur CampgroundRose Point Park Cabins and Camping.
