Buchanan's Birthplace State Park
Open daily, sunrise to sunset, for day use only. No overnight camping is available at this park. Two picnic pavilions can be reserved through ReserveAmerica for day-use gatherings.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 2 at 12:36PM EDT until July 3 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS State College PA
* WHAT...For the Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 112. For the Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 103 expected. * WHERE...A portion of central Pennsylvania. * WHEN...For the Extreme Heat Warning, until 8 PM EDT Friday. For the Heat Advisory, from 8 PM Friday to 8 PM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...High temperatures will exceed 100 degrees in many places today and Friday with even higher heat index values expected. Temperatures will be a few degrees lower on Saturday, but heat risks will continue.
Heat Advisory issued July 2 at 12:36PM EDT until July 4 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS State College PA
* WHAT...For the Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 112. For the Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 103 expected. * WHERE...A portion of central Pennsylvania. * WHEN...For the Extreme Heat Warning, until 8 PM EDT Friday. For the Heat Advisory, from 8 PM Friday to 8 PM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...High temperatures will exceed 100 degrees in many places today and Friday with even higher heat index values expected. Temperatures will be a few degrees lower on Saturday, but heat risks will continue.
About
Buchanan's Birthplace State Park preserves the site where James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States, was born in 1791. Located in a scenic gap of Tuscarora Mountain in Franklin County, this compact 18.5-acre park serves as both a historic memorial and a peaceful day-use recreation area. The centerpiece is a stone pyramid monument marking Buchanan's birthplace. Visitors can enjoy two rentable picnic pavilions, scattered picnic tables, restrooms, and drinking water. Buck Run flows through the property and supports a native trout population, making it a destination for anglers. This is strictly a day-use facility with no overnight camping. For those seeking camping in the area, nearby Cowans Gap State Park (approximately 9 miles away) offers traditional campsites.
Directions
Located at 2831 Stony Batter Road, Mercersburg, PA 17236. The park is situated in a gap of Tuscarora Mountain in Franklin County, Peters Township.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| cowansgapsp@pa.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (717) 485-3948 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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