Abandon the idea of ordinary when checking into the River Golf Lodge in Mount Union, Pennsylvania. Owners Rob and Sherie Grissinger operate this sensational stay in the Juniata River Valley and welcome everyone as if they were family. Get comfortable!

Tucked into the rolling hills of rural Pennsylvania, the River Golf Lodge feels like a secret in a travel guru's guide. As the Juniata River sparkles below the sun-dappled canopy, this lodge-style accommodation offers guests twelve rooms, six camping spots, and a wealth of nearby activities. The river provides fishing, swimming, and kayaking or tubing. Guests can "add-on" river floats, the longest being a 4-6 hour float and the per person cost includes a kayak or tube, a life vest, and transportation to the launch spot. If guests bring their own kayaks or tubes the lodge owners can transport these as well. All of these enhancements—and a golf package for two to the adjacent American Legion Country Club—can be added at booking. Watch for bald eagles!

Most of the rooms at the River Golf Lodge are extremely spacious. The smallest room, Comfy #3, is perfect for golf buddies with early tee times. Couples looking for privacy and wanting to disconnect will enjoy Modern Spacious #12; this room has no TV or Wi-Fi. We stayed in Big View River #8, which was perfect for a family of three—it has the best of both worlds, a bit of privacy and access to the action out back. Riverfront #6 is a favorite for the guests looking to socialize on the large, shared porch. Both campers and lodge residents have use of a quaint, fun, and thoroughly modern outside shower—thumbs up to this experience!

The shared porch is the heart of the lodge. Comfortable communal seating is perfect for relaxing and making new friends after a day of exploring the river or the small towns of the Juniata River Valley. A fully stocked outdoor kitchen allows guests to cook their own catch-of-the-day or prepare apps to share.