There is a peaceful place where the sounds of human intervention are seldom heard. Tucked away in the bottom of a steep-sided hollow is where you’ll find it. There you’ll find a pipe measuring eight inches or so across set into the side of the mountain and gushing with a steady flow of extremely cold water. Amazingly even in the driest summers the pipe runs full.
The pipe could be easily overlooked because it is situated behind a camp where a gated state forest road ends. And that’s okay. No doubt the owners of the camp feel the same way since there is little human interference. No electric lines, only candles, kerosene lamps, or a couple of gas lights illuminate the interior of the building at night. Wood or coal is the heat needed to cook meals and provide warmth as needed. Who could ask for anything more?
The cabin and the setting surrounding it reflects a bygone era of pioneer spirit and self-reliance. It’s obvious this seasonal dwelling and others like it were made during the last century and not to be offered again.
The year was 1913 when the Pennsylvania State Legislature passed an act to provide lease agreements for the purpose of establishing campsites on State Forest Land. In those days the program was administered by the Department of Forest and Waters. Each lease provided about 1/4 acre of ground to be leased.
Stipulations were established that provided for the construction of a cabin. A guideline of standards for maintaining the physical structure and ground keeping rules were also adopted.
Back then, as it is today, hunting, fishing, and the pursuits of the outdoors were popular. The leased sites afforded individuals the opportunity to remain in the area for longer periods of time.
The first year lease agreements were made available, a total of 30 were established. The program proved to be very popular. By 1929 that number grew to 2,888 and by 1935 the number rose to 3,180. Eventually that number peaked at 3,989 leases located in 16 State Forest Districts.
Also available were 99 state owned buildings which were leased and used as camps. A number of those structures had been CCC buildings, some were officer’s quarters, but some were just tool sheds that have been improved.
While State Forest Camp leases became popular prior to World War II, sportsmen who did not established a lease with the state purchased private lands on which to build. They did so and many well established camps throughout the region were built and remain in use today.
Early on during the period beginning in the early 1900s up until the mid to late 1930s, roads that wound their way through and across the mountains of the northcentral PA often provided difficult conditions for even those who lived there.
Those living outside the area gained access to the region by rail. From there they engaged local transportation to their camps often stocked with provisions ahead of their arrival.
The popularity of establishing hunting camps increased following WWII. Roads were beginning to improve as well providing better access to areas sportsmen wanted to reach.
General Eisenhower, who later became our 34th President and fought in Europe, realized the tactical advantage of the good roads that Hitler built, mainly the Autobahn in Germany, for moving troops and equipment.
President Eisenhower worked to improve the road system throughout the country and established the Interstate Road system. A combination of improved roads and a growing country thriving on increased mobility eased the travel burden of going to camp. As a result, additional camps were established, many of which remain today. No two are alike. Man caves labeled by some.
Today most of these cabins offer at least creature comforts, and some more than others.
A few still retain the old outhouse which remains in service, while others have given in to indoor plumbing.
Yep, today in most camps you’ll find a television that receives its signal from a satellite dish. Some camps fend off the mere notion of having a TV at camp, and that’s okay too. Yet having a cell phone connection is almost a must.
The great thing about a camp is that each one has its own personality derived from those who frequent there. You just have to love the hint of wood smoke that lingers in the air when at camp and the weather turns cool.
At our camp some of our best times experienced are at night while sitting on the front porch. Generally the conversation is conducted in hushed tones to blend in with the night. Those in attendance enjoy watching the sky turn blue black with the anticipation of the stars that gradually illuminate the night sky.
At night the earth warmed by the sun begins to gradually cool. As the time passes the warmth of a light jacket is just enough to allow sitting and watching the night sky for just a bit longer.
Yes, many people enjoy their stay in a camper or cabin in a campground and that’s OK by me. However in may case, either alone or with friends, there has always been a special “feel” that only comes with enjoying time spent at a traditional hunting camp, regardless of the time of year.
Charlie Burchfield is an active member and past president of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, an active member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, Outdoor Writers Assoc. of America and the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers. Gateway Outdoors e-mail is GWOutdoors@comcast.net