This past April, we featured three incredible glamping opportunities across the Susquehanna Valley to get out and explore our state’s abundance of outdoor activities and recreation. Recently, we had the privilege to spend a night under the stars, firsthand, at one of our featured glampsites, Airydale Retreat, in Huntingdon County—and now, we’re sharing what we learned from our own glamping getaway!
The Site
Cozy string lights strung among trees create a warm and welcoming invitation to the entrance of the glampsite where we stayed, Towhee 1. The site, one of six accommodation options available at Airydale, is a roomy 14’ x 16’ canvas tent with a covered front porch. Inside, we were greeted by a spacious bed (with a heated blanket, much needed if you’re glamping in early spring or on a chilly night!), an intimate dining table set, outlets for charging devices and a Buddy heater.
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Outside of our tent was a homey wooden porch where we sat in the morning and watched the sun rise, as well as the camp cook stove and cooking utensils we used to make a light breakfast for the day. During the night of our stay, we used the provided firewood and fire starters to make a fire in the pit on our site, and we were able to make a very yummy, and classic, camping treat: s’mores! A private bathroom and outdoor heated shower were located just a short walk from our site—though there are site options available with a bathroom located inside, and an indoor kitchenette as well.
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The Scenery
My favorite part of the experience was the simple yet magical feeling of waking up in the morning to the crisp smells of trees and forest air, and the sounds of chirping birds and wildlife.
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With Airydale being nestled right in the mountains of Kishacoquillas Valley, you’re guaranteed to hear—and spot—a variety of birds, insects and wild animals. Our site was just a 20-minute drive away from Hawn’s Overlook and Ridenour Overlook, two very picturesque hikes with scenic points that offer views over Raystown Lake. We indeed did hike these trails, and though getting to the top required a bit of exertion, the view was absolutely worth the hike (and I’d much recommend it if you’re planning your own trip here). Aside from hiking trails, there’s plenty of options for mountain biking, kayaking, fishing and swimming in the entire Raystown Lake area. And if you’re not feeling up to an outdoor excursion, we had an equally fun time driving around and window-shopping all the beautiful cabins and lake houses.
The Suggestions
If you’re even slightly considering a glamping trip for your next vacation, go for it! I can’t emphasize enough how enjoyable, but also relaxing, our stay at Airydale was. Some vacations are for endless adventuring, exploring and being active. Other vacations are for taking a break from the hustle, allowing yourself to breathe, and de-stressing. A glamping getaway like Airydale is the best of both of these worlds. For a tasty meal, try a local favorite, Boxer’s Cafe. Located in the cute and quaint downtown of Huntingdon, about a 15-minute drive from the glampsite, Boxer’s Cafe includes a bar and live music as well.
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Glamping Packing List
Be prepared for your next glamping adventure with these essentials!
Clothes + Accessories:
☐ Cozy PJs
☐ Jacket/Hoodie (layers)
☐ Hiking Clothes
☐ Wool Socks, Extra Socks (for hiking and rain)
☐ Raincoat
☐ Sneakers + Hiking Boots
☐ Sunglasses, Hat/Visor
☐ Swimsuit
Toiletries:
☐ Toothbrush + Paste
☐ Deodorant
☐ Shampoo + Conditioner
☐ Hairstyling Tools
☐ Makeup
☐ Medications
Other Essentials:
☐ Bug Spray + Sunscreen
☐ Flashlight
☐ First Aid Kit
☐ Food + Drinks
☐ S’mores Ingredients
☐ Blankets
☐ Phone Chargers
☐ Portable Charger + Speaker
☐ Book/Reading Materials
☐ Outdoor Games
Visit Airydale Retreat for yourself!
10272 Big Valley Pike, Mill Creek, PA
