The future of the lake at Lake Heron Retreat is uncertain. New regulations after the dam was built in the 1960s means that over $500,000 in modifications are now required. Without the changes, DEP wants the lake to be drained and the dam destroyed. Don't let that happen!
Camping is a unique opportunity to experience God’s creation and the beauty of the environment that most of us don’t see every day. More importantly it affords the opportunity to build relationships with family and make new friends without the distractions of the world. Leave business and social media at home. Instead, relax, reflect, and wear the same clothes for three days. Build a fire with the kids and burn marshmallows. Go for a hike. Take a nap. Go fishing and teach the kids how to put a worm on a hook. Camping is a special time to just BE and not worry about what to DO.
Learn more about the campground on the Lake Heron web site.
Our facilities include a pavilion, two cabins, 9 RV sites with water and electric, hiking trails, and several areas for tent camping. A small "Comfort Station" has two showers and two toilets. The beautiful 10-acre lake offers swimming, fishing, and boating fun. The lake is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and Bluegills. There are three docks and two floating swim platforms. Rowboats, canoes, and paddleboats are available to rent.
Dean began construction of "The Barn" in 2014, which will serve as a multi-purpose building. It will be used as a dining area with a kitchen, a meeting room, and/or an activities room. The exterior of The Barn is complete, but the interior was not finished before he died in 2017. That work remains to be completed in the future as funds become available.
We host many families throughout the summer months at the campground. We have also hosted several church groups.
Learn more about campground on the Lake Heron web site.
Dean and Gail Stephens bought the 240 acre property with the 10 acre lake in 1987 and knew it would be a beautiful area to develop for camping. They worked together for over 20 years to build it to what it is today.
Dean and Gail's desire is to ensure good stewardship of the property that God entrusted to them. Dean said, "It is just as important to God how we distribute what is left of His property when we die as it is how we managed it while we were alive." Their objective is to give Him a good return on His investment during the years they managed it.
The Lake Heron Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit foundation, is fulfilling Dean and Gail’s legacy by preserving the Lake Heron property and continuing the Christian ministry.
Dean and Gail dreamed big. While they owned the property, they made extensive improvements, but wanted to expand the ministry in a big way! The Lake Heron Conservancy was established in late 2017 to do just that. We want this to be a big year for continued growth and outreach.
Historically, the property was a working farm.
The property was selectively timbered in 2016, harvesting the larger trees and thinning accessible areas to allow for diverse growth.
The Barn's exterior was completed in 2016. Construction was put on hold in 2017 when health and family were prioritized.
With a roof in place, The Barn takes shape.
Teamwork is exemplified as the walls are raised for The Barn.
The stones from the original barn were used to lay in a new foundation for The Barn in 2014.
Dean prepared the marker stone, which is now part of The Barn's foundation
A second cabin was constructed in 2012.
The overflow at Lake Heron roars when water is high after storms. In extreme weather, the emergency spillway routes water around the dam.
An operating barn was on the site until the roof collapsed from snow load. Debris was cleared away from the original foundation in 2006.
The pavilion is popular for holding group events like reunions and parties.
There are three docks on Lake Heron.
By supporting Lake Heron Conservancy:
Donate now and make a difference!
You can Donate via Facebook (click the 'Donate' button) , or you can Donate via PayPal (no account required).
Also, you can help by holding a fundraiser on Facebook to benefit Lake Heron Conservancy.
The Lake Heron Conservancy seeks partnerships with churches, youth organizations, service groups, businesses, and individuals to realize its vision. Please contact us to introduce yourself and your organization.
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Lake Heron is part of the Passport America campground network, where you can get 50% off camping.
Lake Heron is part of the Escapees campground network, where you can get 50% off camping.
The Dean and Gail Stephens Charitable Fund provides ongoing supportfor LHC, which is a donor-advised fund managed by TFEC. TFEC also operates the Perry County Community Foundation.
Lake Heron Retreat is a proud member of the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau. Their visitors' guide is available online.
The Lake Heron Conservancy seeks partnerships with churches, youth organizations, service groups, businesses, and individuals to realize its vision. Please contact us to introduce yourself and your organization.