Pondside Dome | Fire Pit | 30 Min to Penn State

Pondside Dome is a private glamping retreat for two, tucked beside the pond on our working family Christmas tree farm in the peaceful countryside of central Pennsylvania. Surrounded by trees, open fields and views across the water, it’s a quiet place to slow down while still being about 30 minutes from Penn State.

Inside, you’ll find a comfortable queen bed with cozy bedding, two chairs for relaxing, bedside lighting, a luggage rack and thoughtful touches to make your stay comfortable. We provide a pour-over coffee setup featuring our custom blend roasted locally by Pine Ridge Coffee, along with drinking water, mugs and basic essentials.

Pondside is intentionally off-grid. Power is provided by a Jackery portable power station with plenty of capacity for lighting, the fan and charging personal devices. A solar fan helps keep air moving on sunny days and can also be plugged into the power station when needed.

Outside, settle into your Adirondack chairs overlooking the pond or spend the evening around your private smokeless fire pit. It’s an especially peaceful spot for morning coffee, watching the farm wake up, or stargazing after dark.

A private portable toilet and hand-washing station are located nearby. Please note that there is no running water or shower at the dome.

Parking is conveniently located near the dome. Guests are also welcome to walk around designated areas of the property and enjoy the farm setting. Because Tuckaway is both a working Christmas tree farm and our family home, some buildings, equipment and animal areas are private or off-limits.

Our family lives and works on the property, so you may see us tending trees, caring for animals or going about farm life during your stay. You might also spot our miniature horse, chickens or one of our friendly farm cats. We’re always happy to say hello or talk about the farm if you’re interested, but we’ll also completely respect your privacy and let you enjoy your stay at your own pace.

The Area

Tuckaway Tree Farm is surrounded by rolling farmland, forested mountains and quiet country roads. We’re close to hiking and outdoor recreation in Rothrock State Forest, including Alan Seeger Natural Area and Greenwood Furnace State Park, with Raystown Lake also within driving distance.

State College and Penn State are an easy drive from the farm, with Beaver Stadium approximately 19 miles, or 31 minutes, away. Nearby small towns offer local coffee shops, breweries, cideries, farm markets and casual restaurants.

A car is the best way to explore the area. There is no nearby public transportation, and the rural setting has limited walkability beyond the farm itself. Guests have convenient parking at the property.

A Few Things to Know

Pondside Dome is a true off-grid glamping experience rather than a traditional hotel or cabin. There is no running water, shower or traditional air conditioning. We provide drinking water inside the dome, a private portable toilet and hand-washing station, and a fan for warmer weather.

Because you’ll be staying in a natural, rural setting, you may encounter insects, wildlife, changing temperatures and the sounds of the outdoors. You may also see or hear normal farm activity during the day, depending on the season.

Cell service can vary by carrier, so we recommend downloading any information you may need before arriving.

We’ll provide detailed arrival, parking and access instructions before check-in and are easily reachable through VRBO messaging if you need anything during your stay.