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 March 17 at 11:07AM EDT by NWS State College PA
Cold air moving in will help to generate scattered to numerous snow showers and possibly some dangerous snow squalls today across Central Pennsylvania. West to east oriented bands of snow showers will increase in coverage amidst partly to mostly cloudy skies. Road surface temperatures will soar into the 40s and 50s while air temperatures remain below freezing. Snowfall accumulations of a coating to 2 inches are possible across the area as a result of these snow showers. More persistent bands of snow may initially melt on contact with warm roads and then freeze, resulting in icy conditions. In the event that a flash freeze becomes likely, Snow Squall Warnings will be issued to message the reduced traction and blinding visibility of a snow squall, which can make travel very dangerous very quickly. Be alert for changing conditions today if you are traveling. Partly cloudy skies can give way to significantly reduced visibility very quickly. If a Snow Squall Warning is issued, delay travel or exit the highway at the next opportunity. Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slick roads may lead to accidents. Please use extreme caution and allow plenty of stopping distance. Avoid braking suddenly.
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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