Buchanan State Forest
Open — Open year-round. Reservations required for roadside and hike-in campsites, available up to 11 months in advance via Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests reservation system. Primitive backpack camping allowed without permit for single-night stays. Campfires restricted March 1 through May 25 without authorization due to wildfire season.
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 4:55AM EDT by NWS State College PA
The combination of drying fine fuels and leaf litter, low relative humidity of around 35 percent and a southerly wind gusting between 20 and 25 mph during the late morning and afternoon hours, will create an elevated risk of wildfire spread across the southern half of Pennsylvania today. Residents are urged to exercise caution if handling any potential ignition sources, such as machinery, cigarettes, or matches. If dry grasses and tree litter begin to burn, the fire will have the potential to spread rapidly. For more information about wildfire danger and wildfire prevention and education, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website at http://dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Wildfire.
About
Buchanan State Forest covers 72,286 acres of mixed oak woodlands straddling the ridges of southcentral Pennsylvania across Franklin, Fulton, and Bedford Counties. The forest provides rustic camping experiences through designated roadside and hike-in campsites that require reservations, as well as primitive backpack camping opportunities throughout most of the forest land. All campsites are remote and undeveloped, offering natural beauty, dark night skies, and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Motorized camping is permitted only at designated sites, which include singular roadside campsites along dirt and gravel forest roads and roadside hike-in sites accessed by short trails. These sites vary in layout and may accommodate tents, small RVs, or trailers depending on the specific location. Primitive backpack camping is allowed without a permit for stays of one night or less, provided campers stay at least 200 feet from forest roads, 25 feet from trails, and 100 feet from streams. The forest features countless trails, streams, and natural features to explore, making it ideal for experienced campers seeking solitude and backcountry adventure.
Directions
Buchanan State Forest is located in south-central Pennsylvania, with the main office near McConnellsburg in Fulton County. To access the forest, travel along US Route 522 to Great Cove Road, where the main office is found at 25185 Great Cove Road. The forest spans across Bedford, Fulton, and Franklin Counties, and includes several points of interest accessible by various state and local roads.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 80ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (717) 485-3148 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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