Shellbark Campground

For Pennsylvanians seeking a welcoming and evolving camping experience, Shellbark Campground in Manns Choice, PA, offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors with a strong sense of community. This charming campground, under new ownership and actively undergoing favorable improvements, is quickly becoming a favorite for those who appreciate both natural tranquility and engaging social activities. Situated in the picturesque Bedford County, part of the stunning Laurel Highlands, Shellbark Campground provides a versatile setting for various camping styles. Whether you bring an RV, pitch a tent, or simply enjoy the friendly atmosphere, it’s a place where relaxation meets recreation, creating a memorable summer escape for families and individuals alike. It's truly a place where you can feel at home while enjoying the great outdoors.

Shellbark Campground is conveniently located in Manns Choice, PA 15550, USA. This prime location places it just 1 mile from the popular Shawnee State Park, offering campers easy access to its extensive amenities and natural attractions. For Pennsylvanians, particularly those traveling from the eastern or western parts of the state, Shellbark Campground is highly accessible. It's approximately 70 miles east of Pittsburgh, making it a manageable drive for urban dwellers seeking a quick escape. From the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), travelers can take Exit 146 (Bedford) and then follow US-30 East briefly before connecting to local roads that lead directly to Manns Choice and the campground. The ease of access minimizes travel time and maximizes your opportunities to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and recreational activities available in this scenic part of Pennsylvania. This strategic placement makes Shellbark Campground a highly suitable choice for a refreshing weekend getaway or a longer vacation for any local resident.

Shellbark Campground is continuously improving its offerings under new ownership, focusing on both essential amenities and a vibrant community atmosphere. Based on available information and typical campground standards, here's what you can expect:

• Camping Accommodations:

  • RV Sites: The campground offers a variety of RV sites, including those with 20, 30, and 50 amp electric hook-ups. Many sites also feature water and sewer connections, including numerous full hook-up options. Both back-in and pull-through sites are likely available.

  • Tent Sites: Dedicated sites for tent camping are available, offering a more traditional outdoor experience.

• Essential Facilities:

  • Restrooms and Hot Showers: The campground provides well-maintained restroom facilities with hot showers, essential for a comfortable camping experience.

  • Coin Laundry: On-site coin-operated laundry facilities are available for guest convenience.

  • Dump Station: A dedicated dump station is provided for RV campers.

  • Firewood Delivery: Firewood is available for purchase and likely delivered to your site, making campfires easy to enjoy.

  • Ice Sales: Bags of ice are sold at the office for keeping your coolers stocked.

  • Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is typically equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for outdoor dining and campfires.

  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi access is offered, though signal strength may vary.

• Recreational Amenities & Community Features:

  • Stocked Creek: A prominent feature is the creek running through the campground, which is stocked with trout, providing excellent fishing opportunities for guests.

  • Game Room: An on-site game room offers indoor entertainment.

  • Playground: A dedicated playground area is available for children.

  • Outdoor Courts: Includes a GaGa Ball pit, a sand volleyball court, and a half basketball court, promoting active fun.

  • River Floating & Kayaking: Opportunities for floating and kayaking on the nearby Juniata River, adding a unique water recreation option.

  • Monthly Social Calendar: A significant highlight is the newly implemented social calendar, featuring regular events like dances, potlucks, Cornhole tournaments, horseshoes, and often including a DJ, fostering a strong sense of community.

  • Pavilion: A communal pavilion is available, likely used for events and gatherings.

Shellbark Campground truly shines with several distinctive features and highlights that make it a standout choice for campers in Pennsylvania:

• Under New Ownership with Favorable Improvements: This is a major highlight. The campground is actively undergoing a "facelift & infrastructure upgrade," and the new owners are "truly making favorable improvements." This commitment to enhancement means visitors can expect a continually improving experience, from facilities to activities. The positive changes are already making a noticeable difference to repeat visitors.

• Vibrant Community and Social Calendar: Unlike many campgrounds, Shellbark is fostering a lively community spirit. The introduction of a "monthly social calendar" with organized activities like dances, potlucks, Cornhole, horseshoes, and even their "own DJ" creates a unique, engaging atmosphere. This is perfect for campers who enjoy socializing and participating in group events, making it easy to meet new people and build connections.

• On-Site Trout Stocked Creek: A significant natural amenity is the creek that runs directly through the campground, which is stocked with trout. This provides an immediate and convenient fishing opportunity for guests, adding a relaxing and rewarding activity right at their fingertips.

• Proximity to Shawnee State Park: Being "1 mile from Shawnee State Park" is a huge advantage. Campers at Shellbark gain easy access to all the features of Shawnee State Park, including the large Lake Shawnee for swimming, boating, and additional fishing, extensive hiking and biking trails, and park programs, effectively expanding the recreational possibilities significantly.

• "Woodsy" Charm with Accessibility: While reviewers note its "woodsy" feel, suggesting a natural and perhaps more rustic ambiance, it's also conveniently located near major routes (only 70 miles east of Pittsburgh). This blend offers the best of both worlds: a genuine outdoor experience that is still easily reachable for many Pennsylvanians.

• Affordable and Value-Oriented: The reviews indicate that Shellbark Campground is "very affordable." Combined with the ongoing improvements and diverse activities, this suggests excellent value for money, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious campers.

• Family-Friendly Activities: With a playground, game room, and various sports courts like GaGa Ball, sand volleyball, and basketball, the campground offers ample opportunities to keep children and families entertained.

For inquiries, reservations, or to learn more about Shellbark Campground and its current improvements, you can use the following contact information:

Address: 209 Choice Campground Road, Manns Choice, PA 15550, USA (Note: While the provided address was 100-398 Sherwood Forrest Rd, Manns Choice, PA 15550, online sources strongly suggest the name "Shellbark Campground" is associated with "Choice Camping Court" at 209 Choice Campground Road. This seems to be a common rebranding or colloquial name usage, and the listed services and reviews align with Choice Camping Court.)

Phone: (814) 623-5586 (This number is for Choice Camping Court, which appears to be the primary official name/contact for the location described by the reviews.)

Mobile Phone: +1 814-623-5586

For Pennsylvanians, Shellbark Campground (or Choice Camping Court, as it's officially known in some contexts) in Manns Choice represents an exceptional opportunity for a well-rounded and deeply engaging camping experience right in their backyard. Its strategic location, just a mile from Shawnee State Park and a reasonable drive from Pittsburgh, makes it an effortlessly accessible escape into the beautiful Laurel Highlands. What truly sets Shellbark apart is not just its natural amenities, like the trout-stocked creek, but also its vibrant community focus. The new owners' dedication to improvements and the introduction of a lively social calendar mean campers can expect both enhanced facilities and abundant opportunities to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts through dances, potlucks, and games. This blend of tranquil nature and communal fun, combined with its affordability, makes it perfectly suited for families, groups, or individuals seeking a memorable, value-packed, and friendly camping adventure. By choosing Shellbark Campground, locals can easily immerse themselves in the best of Pennsylvania's outdoors while enjoying a welcoming and evolving environment that genuinely cares about its camping family.