Pennsylvania Mountains: Echo Valley Campground

So, here we are on July 2nd heading back to Florida, cruising down I-81 through a horrid rain storm.  Earlier in the morning we left Cooperstown NY with a sketchy plan but knowing we are still ahead of the July 4th camping crowd.

Leaving Lake Otsego and New York

As we pass the exit to Pottsville PA, home of the Yuengling Brewery, it was hard to hold the truck on I-81 as the truck does stop for Yuengling.  However, a bit of coaxing kept it on the highway, especially as we miss the daily tours.  To get even, the rain stopped when we crossed the mountain (Pottsville side) and there were signs to the Echo Valley Campground in Tremont, PA.

Classic sign form the 1960s
Seen any lately?

Echo Valley offers several services: long term, seasonal, short-term, overnight, cabins, and a huge swimming pool.  

Black Creek
Runs through the property

The campground has a long history. 
Around 1857 a bridge was built do cross the Black Creek, see below.  It appears last winter was hard on the bridge as it is currently closed to vehicle traffic.  But what a treat to walk across this bridge.

1857 bridge

In 1902 Echo Valley Park opened for day use with swimming in the creek and natural pool.  Swimming must have been popular as 1927 was the construction of a swimming pool.  New owners arrived around 1940 and added a campground.  Now the husband loved the Pennsylvania Mountains and the wife loved the Seashore.  The solution?  Make it nautical.  They expanded the pool, added a 'boat house' as a snack shop and changing house adjacent to the pool, and build a light house.

Lighthouse in the Mountains!
The couple's compromise

The current owner, Ms Finch, purchased a run-down campground in 1998 and was determined to make a go of it.  She was tired of the corporate engineering world and needed a new direction.  Perhaps she did not bargain for such a challenge but she has made great strides and once again returned the park to a beautiful and desirous camping location.  Her personality doesn't hurt either as she opens the office door with a smile and sells you on the wonderful attractions in the area.

Yes, we stayed two days and did make the Yuengling tour.