Rustic and all the comforts of home in the Heart of the Elk Range

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Entire home

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 81000 sq ft

Popular amenities

Parking available
Fireplace
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Barbecue grill
Air conditioning

Explore the area

Benezette, PA

Elk Country Visitor Center
‪20 min drive‬
Bucktail State Park Natural Area
‪23 min drive‬
Marion Brooks Natural Area
‪36 min drive‬
St. Marys, PA (STQ-St. Marys Municipal)
‪58 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Single Bunk Bed

Loft

2 Double Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Outdoor play area

Dining area

About this property

Welcome! Camp Critter is situated along the banks of Hicks Run and provides perfect accommodation for anyone who wants to experience the PA Wilds. Whether you are a hunter, fisherman or just want a peaceful getaway, this is the place for you.

Several improvements were completed in February of 2025 including: New Living Room Furniture, a newly repainted kitchen and a newly refinished kitchen table. We also provided several new items in the kitchen as well as some new mats and area rugs to freshen things up. More improvements to come as the year progresses.

The Cabin features a fully equipped kitchen, spacious living area and room to sleep 8. There are two large decks, front and back for relaxing, listening to waters of Hicks run or watching the Elk and Deer that frequently visit the yard. A gas grill is available with propane provided. The yard is roughly 2 acres and provides plenty of space for the kids to run around.

Camp Critter is a 20 minute drive from the Benezette Visitors Center and walking distance from the Hicks Run Viewing Area. The cabin sits on Hicks Run, a stocked trout stream accessible from the back yard. If hunting or hiking is your intent, the cabin is just minutes away from State Gamelands and the Elk State Forest.

Please Note: The owners DO NOT provide Linens or bath towels at Camp Critter. This is due to having no laundry services available.

Property manager

Seth Conner and Kevin Frantz

Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Parking available

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Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

We have a Leave it Like you Found it Cleaning Policy. Please refer to the rental agreement for details

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Driftwood

Located in Driftwood, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Elk Mountain Winery and Leaning Pines Public Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Pine Tree Trail Natural Area and Bucktail State Park Natural Area. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails, hunting and mountain biking nearby.

Benezette, PA

What's nearby

Pine Tree Trail Natural Area - 6 min drive - 3.0 km
Elk Country Visitor Center - 20 min drive - 16.8 km
Bucktail State Park Natural Area - 23 min drive - 23.0 km
Marion Brooks Natural Area - 36 min drive - 36.2 km
Cherry Springs State Park - 96 min drive - 73.1 km

Restaurants

‪The Bear Den - ‬23 min drive
‪Elk View Diner - ‬16 min drive
‪Sterling Run Tavern - ‬23 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Rustic and all the comforts of home in the Heart of the Elk Range pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Rustic and all the comforts of home in the Heart of the Elk Range?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rustic and all the comforts of home in the Heart of the Elk Range?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Rustic and all the comforts of home in the Heart of the Elk Range located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Pine Tree Trail Natural Area and within 9 miles (15 km) of Little Museum and Main St Park. Elk Country Visitor Center is 10.4 mi (16.7 km) away.

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Kelly M.

4 Mar, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Always a great stay!

I can’t express how awesome the owners of this property are and

Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul Y.

24 Feb, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mountains

Very nice area cabin is good will return.

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley P.

17 Feb, 2025

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Valentines Weekend

We had an amazing stay. The cabin was beautiful as well as the surrounding area. Me and the family cannot wait to return in the summertime so we can take full advantage of the sightseeing. My only complaint is that the house was full of ladybugs so we were up majority of the first night cleaning.

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Martin Z.

4 Feb, 2025

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Cabin

Had a good stay. Everything was as described. The kitchen could use a few more items - there was a curious lack of spoons. Also, we brought our own sheets, but there were also not enough blankets in the house.

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary Pat T.

26 Dec, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas in the mountains

Had a wonderful stay at Camp Critter in Benezette for Christmas! The kitchen is very well equipped and the cabin is super cozy!

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dale E.

14 Dec, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

3 day getaway

I enjoyed a nice, short stay at camp Critter. All the comforts of home. Checking in and out was a breeze. The location was great too!

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christy M.

24 Nov, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judy H.

11 Nov, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend

We stayed for a weekend getaways. The cabinbis beautiful and on a spacious lot. The only down side is the water... The water has alot of iron in it, so does have a smell, wasn't a problem for us. Hoping to go back next fall.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Mia R.

20 Oct, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

melissa b.

8 Oct, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Last minute vacation

It was wonderful. It was everything the property listing said it would be. Very quiet and enjoyable. Definitely will go again.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sally Z.

7 Sept, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

PA Getaway

Perfect getaway…relaxing by the fire, enjoying the sounds of the water and lucky enough to have elk visit and put on a show!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly M.

31 Aug, 2024

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christi M.

20 Aug, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Little Slice of Heaven

We arrived a few minutes early and were able to meet the owners of the cabin. Very nice gentleman. The first morning when I went to open the door to have coffee on the porch, there was an Elk right in the front yard munching on the tree. There are also deer that visit the yard on a daily basis. The cabin was perfect. We will definitely be back.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lori B.

14 Aug, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alison M.

10 Aug, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dave S.

10 Aug, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Renee M.

6 Jul, 2024

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Summer in Benezette

We had a great time. The cabin was nice, could have been a little more clean, but everything worked perfectly there were plenty of kitchen supplies. The front porch needed the furniture wiped off. There were lots of bugs/insects but I’m assuming that’s because it is summer. The water had the strong odor but you get past it. Bring lots of bottled water because you cannot drink the well water. We would like to return in the fall sometime.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jacob G.

21 Jun, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pretty good

Very good location and accommodations, however the master bed was just a little too stiff for a comfortable sleep, but I get everyone sleep different. Other than that everything was great.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey V.

20 May, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

PA wilds BDR stay

Stayed in cabin that is right off of section 3 not far from the Elk visitor center on the route. Was perfect for doing the route in a few days with a good base camp without all your camping gear on bike and hang out and cook on the fire with your crew at the end of long day with a cold beverage. It was excellent. Only advice, bring drinking water. Good for cleaning and safe to drink just would not recommend it for drinking.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cori D.

6 May, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

We spent the weekend at Camp Critter and we all loved it! Unfortunately, it rained all weekend, but we made the best of it! The creek at the cabin wasn’t ideal for fishing, but if you travel to the end of the road there’s a great spot on the Sinnemahoning stocked trout. We explored Benezette and saw several elk. The kids liked the visitors center along with the little shops through town. The cabin was perfect for relaxing on the covered porch listening to the rain. It was clean upon arrival and a beautiful cabin. There are close neighbors and some neighborhood activity, but it certainly didn’t bother us at all. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. We will definitely be back in the future, when time allows, for another weekend in Benezette!

Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Curtis G.

7 Apr, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Four veterans reunion weekend

Spent the weekend looking for elk sheds, eating, good food, and drinking adult beverages. Very nice property. Well laid out with ample room together and relax. Will definitely come back and stay here in the future. Be sure to bring your own linens, towels and wash clothes, and bottled water to brush her teeth. The master bedroom only has one outlet. So if you wear a CPAP, be sure to bring an extension cord.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Shane w.

1 Apr, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Easter weekend

Nice and peaceful setting. property could use some minor work. Had to put bathroom door handle back on as it fell off, One bed upstairs is broken. Propped it up to support it. Porch steps are like ice when wet. Water stinks. Recommend bringing own water to drink and cook with. All in all would rent again. Short drive off main road, Elk tracks in yard. Property is semi clean and kitchen is pretty well stocked with anything you need. Really should clean up scrap laying around in back wooded area and old pit.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly M., Dillsburg, PA

28 Mar, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay

Seth is such an amazing host and this property is a dream to be able to experience! We will be back several more times! For sure!

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Morgan N.

25 Mar, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Camp Critter

Excellent stay, Seth is a great host. Perfect location and camp for a weekend getaway with friends.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Lysette M.

18 Oct, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Miss the fireplace but still a great time

Comfy cabin, like the new bed downstairs. This was our 4th stay here and for the most part it was wonderful as the other 3 times. “Fireplace” should be removed from the listing as that was always a selling point for us The smell of fuel burning outside was a new turnoff as well, along with XL piles of dog poop in the front and back by the fire pit. There should be some sort of path to the outdoor fire pit as it’s very muddy and hard not to track dirt in. We tried to make a fire outside but the pit was too wet. Other than that we had a great time watching movies with the Roku and felt at home with our 3 pups in this cozy cabin.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

About the host

Hosted by Seth Conner and Kevin Frantz

We are Kevin Frantz and Seth Conner. Friends of 30 years we have been hunting and fishing the mountains of Elk County since we were young. We decided to open our first vacation rental in 2016 with Barr None Lodge. Our fleet has grown to 4 properties which includes Camp Critter, Barr None Lodge, Spring View Lodge and Bull Hollow Lodge.

Why they chose this property

Easily accessible, just a 1/2 mile off of Route 555. Great for anyone wanting to visit the area no matter what the reason. Close proximity to the state forest and trout fishing in the back yard.