Entire home

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

Photo gallery for Rustic and all the comforts of home in the Heart of the Elk Range

Exterior
Exterior
Free WiFi
Dining
Soap, toilet paper
Reviews
9.8

Exceptional

Entire home

1000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendlyPet friendlyPet friendly
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Benezette, PA
  • Popular LocationElk Country Visitor Center20 min drive
  • Popular LocationBucktail State Park Natural Area23 min drive
  • AirportSt. Marys, PA (STQ-St. Marys Municipal)58 min drive
  • Popular LocationCherry Springs State Park96 min drive

Most relevant reviews

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

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

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.

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

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bathroom

  • Shower only
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Deck/patio
  • Firepit
  • Outdoor furniture

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • 1 unit
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Unit size: 1,000 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite 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 there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

Rustic all the Comforts of Home in the Heart of the Elk Range

About the neighborhood

Driftwood

Located in Driftwood, this vacation home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Elk Mountain Winery and Straub Brewery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Bucktail State Park Natural Area and Sinnemahoning State Park. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hunting, hiking, and mountain biking nearby.

What's nearby

  • Elk Country Visitor Center - 20 min drive
  • Bucktail State Park Natural Area - 23 min drive
  • Elk Mountain Winery - 40 min drive
  • Straub Brewery - 51 min drive
  • Cherry Springs State Park - 96 min drive

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?

Check-out 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 vacation home is 10.4 mi (16.7 km) from Elk Country Visitor Center and within 25 mi (40 km) of Bucktail State Park Natural Area and Sinnemahoning State Park. Sizerville State Park and Elk Mountain Winery are also within 25 mi (40 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 130 out of 156 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 156 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 156 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 156 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 156 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Cori D.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

David S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Property and Location
This is our third time staying at Camp Critter and everything was great every time.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Curtis G.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Morgan N.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Shane w.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Liked: Cleanliness
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

8/10 Good

Lysette M.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

8/10 Good

Brooke D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice cabin and area!
This cabin was very nice and we had a few questions before we stayed there and the owners called us back and answered them. The only thing that could be added is numbers to the end of the driveway. We arrived after dark and went way past the cabin and had to turn around about a mile down the road when we stopped seeing houses. We were very confused. Thank goodness my parents had gotten there earlier because they stood out at the end of the driveway and helped us find the cabin. I had plugged in the address to my phone and it took us way past the cabin. So there needs to be an address at the end of the driveway so people can see if they get there after dark. I’m surprised others do not have this issue when finding it. Also, when you are at the campfire, there is a steep drop off to the creek only about 50 feet from the fire pit. If you wander off to go look at the creek, someone could easily fall and hurt themselves. There should be a rope across with a sign that says ‘danger.’ Other than that, it was a very nice stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

M J., Chautauqua county NY

Liked: Cleanliness
MJ
Great place!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

jen w.

Liked: Cleanliness
Rating
Loved it this is actually my 2nd time staying there its quiet and peaceful!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

michele k.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location!
Beautiful area and cabin was just as described! We loved our stay! Wonderful spot for a getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gregory N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family from Germany
Was a great stay brought family from Germany with
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rosemary S., Hazleton, PA

Liked: Cleanliness
Beauftiful Cabin in PA Wilds
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, only wished we could have stayed longer! Very well-kept property in great location, and had everything we needed. Owner communication was great and had all the info needed - would definitely stay at this property again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paula D., Kittanning

Liked: Cleanliness
Peace & Quiet
Very nice cabin! Had all the amenities and is in a beautiful setting. It was a very peaceful stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

CINDY B., HONEY BROOK,PA

Liked: Cleanliness
Elk Viewing
It was very clean, well-kept and beautiful area. Not sure if it was mentioned in the listing, but the water is so bad. Had to buy bottled water and didn't see the message on the refrigerator until latter. Says it is filtered water, well there is no filter on the water and smells so bad you can't get it past your nose. AC didn't work, temp kept rising to 78 degrees and was more comfortable outside. It would have been better if we could have opened the windows.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful
Camp critter is a delight. Rustic with all the comforts of home. My husband, myself and our 2 dogs really enjoyed our stay. The word peaceful sums our experience. I would recommend to all for a getaway. Lastly the owners and staff are great.. my e-reader was inadvertently left behind and they got it back to me with no fuss. THANK YOU.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Emily S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family fun
We stayed with another family- 4 adults and 4 kids. Rooms and beds suited us well. We had rain, but still enjoyed playing in the creek and hanging out on the covered porch playing games. We saw some Elk at the nearby viewing area at dawn and dusk every day! We did have something big take the trash cans off the deck and scatter them overnight one night. We brought our own wood for the campfire, but there was some there if needed. We had an overall fun, relaxing time in nature.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

David O.

Liked: Cleanliness
COMFY
Accomodations were exactly as needed for 3 - 70 year old fishermen. Everything to make for a good trip was there. Only issue we had was our IT shortcoming in our ability to get the TV working to watch baseball games. Plan to use again but with some TV tutoring. Cleanliness was excellent where needed, just a few cobwebs notined.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donna K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family time
We were looking for a short getaway, with plenty of room for everyone one to do their thing, the creek behind the cabin provided fishing opportunities and a place for the girls to wade and explore. The cabin is roomy and one bath was not an issue. We will definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gregory C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Long Fishing Weekend
We came up for a long weekend of trout fishing with family. Place fit our needs really well. We found everything we needed in the house, it was well maintained and equipped. Would recommend to others.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dawn L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful
It’s always a peaceful stay which is why it’s our 3rd year at Camp Critter. We only wish the trout stocking wasn’t getting worse.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl K., Aliquippa, PA

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Excellent cabin in a great location..thoroughly enjoyed getting away to celebrate my hubby's birthday!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steven E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend getaway
Cabin was just what we needed for a weekend trip. Well maintained and get location. Only thing I would suggest is new mattresses for the beds upstairs.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donald B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Camp Critter
Great location. Elk visited us twice during our stay. Up close and personal views from the front porch and back deck. Fireplace provided a very comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lane S., Belle Vernon

Liked: Cleanliness
Great escape
Peaceful. Relaxing. Got to see some elk and a few deer Cabin was cozy and comfy. But, the top mattress on the bottom bunk could be replaced. We could feel the springs in the mattress. Maybe add more variety size bowls. The decor was quaint. Loved it.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023