Kindred Pines

Frequently Asked Questions – Elk Haven Lodge by Kindred Pines

About Elk Haven Lodge

Where is Elk Haven Lodge located?

Elk Haven Lodge by Kindred Pines is located in Union Dale, Pennsylvania, in the scenic Endless Mountains region and just 5 minutes from Elk Mountain Ski Resort.

How far is Elk Haven Lodge from NYC, New Jersey and Philadelphia?

Elk Haven Lodge is approximately:

  • 2.5 hours from New York City
  • 2 hours from Philadelphia
  • 2.5 hours from northern New Jersey

Its convenient location makes it ideal for weekend getaways, ski trips, family reunions, retreats, and group vacations.

What is the closest airport?

Nearby airport options include:

  • Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport – approximately 45 minutes away
  • Lehigh Valley International Airport – approximately 2 hours away

What attractions are nearby?

Elk Haven Lodge offers a peaceful mountain setting with convenient access to some of the Endless Mountains’ most popular attractions:

  • 5 minutes to Elk Mountain Ski Resort
  • 5 minutes to the D&H Rail Trail
  • 10 minutes to Panorama Golf Course
  • 20 minutes to Lakeland Orchard & Cidery
  • 25 minutes to Buck Falls
  • 30 minutes to Happy Trails Stables
  • 34 minutes to Alpacas of Sunshine Farm

What family-friendly activities are near Elk Haven Lodge?

There is plenty to explore nearby, but many guests find that their favorite memories are made without ever leaving the lodge.

On the property, families can enjoy the private pond with seasonal kayaking and catch-and-release fishing, a private wooded trail, creek side seating areas, the outdoor obstacle course, indoor playhouse, arcade room, hot tub, firepit, and private heated indoor pickleball court.

For guests who would like to make their stay even more memorable, we also offer a curated directory of trusted local vendors who can bring special experiences directly to the lodge—from private chefs and caterers to interactive hibachi dinners and baby-goat snuggles.

Our Curated Experiences Guide is sent within three days of booking so guests can begin planning a personalized and memorable stay.

Is the home private?

Yes. Elk Haven Lodge sits on nearly 20 private acres surrounded by woods, open fields, creek side trails, and a peaceful private pond.

How many guests can the lodge accommodate?

Elk Haven Lodge comfortably sleeps up to 20 guests across 7 bedrooms, making it ideal for:

  • Multi-family vacations
  • Ski weekends
  • Pickleball retreats
  • Golf trips
  • Family reunions
  • Church and corporate retreats
  • Milestone celebrations and girls’ weekends
  • Bachelor and bachelorette parties

What is the bedroom and bed configuration?

Elk Haven Lodge accommodates up to 20 overnight guests across seven bedrooms on two levels.

Primary Level

  • Bedroom 1: Primary suite with one king bed—sleeps 2
  • Bedroom 2: One queen bed—sleeps 2
  • Bedroom 3: One queen bed—sleeps 2

Lower Level

  • Bedroom 4: Two queen beds plus a trundle with two twin mattresses—sleeps up to 6
  • Bedroom 5: Two queen beds plus a trundle with two twin mattresses—sleeps up to 6
  • Bedroom 6: One twin bed—sleeps 1
  • Bedroom 7: One twin bed—sleeps 1

The two spacious lower-level suites are especially convenient for children, cousins, or families who would like to share a room. The two private twin bedrooms work well for guests who prefer their own sleeping space.

Is the lodge open year-round?

Absolutely. Elk Haven Lodge offers a completely different experience during every season, making it a favorite destination for ski weekends, family vacations, retreats, reunions, and group getaways in Pennsylvania’s Endless Mountains.

No matter the season, guests love having enough activities onsite to enjoy an unforgettable weekend together without ever needing to leave the property.

Winter

✔ Skiing and snowboarding just 5 minutes away at Elk Mountain Ski Resort
✔ Hot tub evenings under the stars
✔ Cozy fireside gatherings after a day on the slopes
✔ Indoor pickleball, arcade games, and movie nights

Spring

✔ Peaceful mountain scenery and blooming outdoor spaces
✔ Golf weekends at nearby Panorama Golf Course
✔ Retreats, girls’ weekends, and reconnecting in nature
✔ Creekside walks, outdoor dining, and fresh mountain air

Summer

✔ Kayaking and catch-and-release fishing on the private pond
✔ Hiking trails, lawn games, and outdoor adventures
✔ Firepit nights, deck swings, and sunset drinks
✔ Family vacations filled with activities for all ages

Fall

✔ Stunning Endless Mountains foliage and scenic drives
✔ Crisp mountain mornings and cozy weekends together
✔ Golf trips, hiking, and outdoor gatherings around the firepit
✔ The perfect mountain setting for reunions and celebrations

Year-Round Favorites

✔ Private heated indoor pickleball court
✔ Hot tub overlooking the pond
✔ Arcade room, air hockey, ping pong, and basketball game
✔ Indoor playhouse and family-friendly spaces
✔ Chef-style kitchen designed for large-group meals
✔ Nearly 20 private acres to explore together

Whether you're planning a ski trip, pickleball retreat, golf weekend, family reunion, or peaceful mountain escape, Elk Haven Lodge was designed to bring people together in every season.

Is Elk Haven Lodge suitable for guests with mobility limitations?

Elk Haven Lodge is a true two-story mountain retreat with wooded walking paths, outdoor terrain, and stairs that may be challenging for some guests with mobility restrictions.

That said, there are first-floor bedrooms along with access to the kitchen, dining room, den, and main deck on the primary level. The driveway also leads directly to the separate pickleball barn for easier access to that space. A ramp can be added to the front entrance upon request.

While the property is not ADA accessible, we believe in being transparent so guests can determine whether Elk Haven Lodge is the right fit for their group before booking.

Amenities & Onsite Experiences

What amenities are included?

Guests enjoy exclusive access to a wide range of indoor and outdoor amenities, including a private heated indoor pickleball court, hot tub, arcade room with 6,000+ games, air hockey, basketball arcade game, ping pong, corn hole, indoor children’s playhouse, private catch-and-release fishing pond with seasonal kayaks, creek side walking trails, a hammock over the creek, outdoor firepit, deck swings, chef-style kitchen, multiple gathering spaces, high-speed WiFi, and nearly 20 private wooded acres to explore.

Perfect for family vacations, ski weekends, retreats, reunions, and group getaways near Elk Mountain Ski Resort.

Are there vacation rentals with pickleball courts in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Elk Haven Lodge by Kindred Pines features a rare private indoor pickleball court exclusively for guests staying at the property. The year-round indoor court makes the lodge especially popular for group getaways, retreats, family vacations, and pickleball weekends in Pennsylvania’s Endless Mountains.

Is the pickleball court private?

Yes. The heated indoor pickleball court is completely private and available exclusively for Elk Haven Lodge guests year-round.

Is the property family-friendly?

Yes. Elk Haven Lodge is designed with families in mind and includes:

  • Indoor playhouse
  • Arcade games
  • Ping pong and corn hole
  • Outdoor woods obstacle course
  • Deck swings
  • Creekside hammock
  • Pack ’n Play
  • High chair
  • Toddler seat
  • Children’s toys and books
  • Spacious indoor and outdoor gathering areas

What does the kitchen include?

The chef-style kitchen is fully stocked and designed for large groups. Amenities include:

  • Oversized island seating
  • Double ovens
  • 6-burner stove
  • Air fryer
  • Crockpot
  • Rice cooker
  • Blender
  • Mixer
  • Toaster
  • Ninja slushie xl
  • Electric kettle
  • NutriBullet 
  • Bakeware and serving trays
  • Wine, champagne, martini, and everyday glassware
  • Keurig + drip coffee maker combo

The kitchen also opens directly to the outdoor grill and dining deck.

Is there a grill?

Yes. Elk Haven Lodge includes a propane grill connected to a whole-house propane tank, so guests do not need to worry about refilling propane during their stay.

Are kayaks available?

Yes. Seasonal kayaks are available for guest use on the private pond.

Please note:

  • Life preservers are provided
  • Fishing is catch-and-release
  • Fishing rods are not provided

Are fireplaces available?

The outdoor firepit is available year-round. Starter firewood is provided next to the firepit. A larger stack of wood is available for purchase if interested. Indoor fireplaces are seasonal and available during colder months.

Is the hot tub cleaned after every stay?

Yes. The hot tub is professionally cleaned and sanitized after every guest stay so you can relax and enjoy it worry-free.

Is WiFi available?

Yes. Elk Haven Lodge offers complimentary high-speed WiFi throughout the main house, making it ideal for streaming, remote work, and large groups staying connected.  The indoor pickleball court currently does not have WiFi.

Family Gatherings, Retreats & Group Travel

Do you allow parties or events?

We do not allow weddings, parties, or large events at Elk Haven Lodge due to insurance, occupancy, and property regulations.

However, the lodge is perfect for:

  • Family reunions
  • Retreats
  • Milestone birthdays
  • Golf trips
  • Girls’ weekends
  • Meaningful group gatherings

Do you provide baby items?

Yes. We provide:

  • Pack ’n Play with organic sheets
  • High chair
  • Toddler chair
  • Select baby toys and books

Are linens and towels included?

Yes. All beds are fully made with fresh linens before arrival.

We also provide:

  • Bath towels
  • Hand towels
  • Washcloths
  • Makeup towels

Travel & Arrival Information

Is there parking?

Yes. The property offers ample private parking for multiple vehicles. The property features a circular driveway with parking access at both the front and lower level of the home.

How is the drive to the lodge?

Elk Haven Lodge is located in Pennsylvania’s scenic Endless Mountains. The drive includes rural country roads, which may be paved or unpaved and can be winding and occasionally steep.

The property has a circular driveway with convenient parking access at both the primary and lower levels of the home. During snowy or icy conditions, we strongly recommend traveling in a four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle.

Do I need four-wheel drive?

During snow or icy conditions, we strongly recommend four-wheel drive or snow chains for safe mountain travel.

When will I receive the address and check-in information?

For guest privacy and security, the property address, driving directions, and smart lock entry code are sent approximately 3 days before arrival.

What time are check-in and check-out?

Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM

Self check-in is available anytime after 4 PM using our secure smart lock system.

Do you allow early check-in or late check-out?

Due to our detailed cleaning and preparation process, we occasionally allow early check-in and/or late check-out for an additional fee if scheduling allows.

Policies & Booking Information

Are pets allowed?

While we love animals, Elk Haven Lodge is currently not a pet-friendly property. 

Is pricing flexible?

We work hard to price Elk Haven Lodge competitively for the luxury group travel market and do not offer discounts.

What is the minimum age to book?

The primary booking guest must be at least 28 years old and must remain on-site for the duration of the stay.

What are the booking requirements?

To preserve the peaceful guest experience:

  • The primary booking guest must be 28+
  • Only registered guests are permitted on the property
  • Weddings and large events are not permitted
  • Smoking is prohibited inside the home and pickleball court

Many couples choose to host weddings at nearby venues and stay at Elk Haven Lodge with family and friends afterward.

Is smoking permitted?

No. Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside the lodge and all enclosed structures on the property.

Evidence of smoking or vaping—including smoke odors, ashes, cigarette or cannabis remnants, or burn damage—will result in a minimum $1,000 smoke-remediation charge. Guests will also be responsible for any remediation, repairs, replacement of damaged items, or other costs that exceed this amount.

What security features are on the property?

For guest safety, the property has exterior Ring cameras with audio located outside the home only. There are no cameras inside the home or private guest spaces.

Guest Comfort & Essentials

Is the lodge professionally cleaned?

Yes. Elk Haven Lodge is professionally cleaned between every stay and exceeds Airbnb enhanced cleaning standards.

The home also includes a whole-house UV HVAC air sanitation system to help maintain indoor air quality.

What complimentary essentials are included?

To make your arrival comfortable, Elk Haven Lodge is thoughtfully stocked with a starter supply of everyday essentials, including:

  • Coffee and coffee filters
  • A selection of teas
  • Sugar and Truvia
  • A curated selection of cooking spices
  • Dish soap, hand soap, sponges, and six dishwasher pods
  • Six trash bags
  • Three laundry detergent pods
  • Full-size shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
  • Two rolls of toilet paper per bathroom
  • Two rolls of paper towels
  • Five starter logs for the outdoor firepit

These complimentary items are provided as a starter supply only and are not replenished during your stay. Guests should plan to bring or purchase any additional quantities their group may need.