Michaux State Forest

Open — Open year-round for reservations. During winter camping season (third Sunday after Thanksgiving through April 1), only four designated parking lot sites remain open: Big Flat, Piney Mountain, Teaberry, and Peggy's Hill. All other campsites close for winter. State forest roads are not plowed. Limited to seven consecutive nights with a 48-hour gap before returning.

About

Michaux State Forest spans more than 85,500 acres in the South Mountain area of Adams, Cumberland, and Franklin counties, considered Pennsylvania's cradle of forestry and the site of the first forestry school at Mont Alto. The forest is named for French botanist Andre Michaux who discovered and named many plants during the 18th century. The forest provides 46 designated campsites divided into three categories: roadside sites along gravel forest roads, roadside hike-in sites requiring a short walk from parking areas, and state forest rustic sites within campground settings near other campers. Most rustic sites offer pull-through access accommodating RVs and trailers up to 45 feet. No sites have electric hookups, dump stations, or modern facilities. Some rustic campground areas include pit latrines or vault toilets. Dead and down wood may be gathered for campfires when permitted. Beyond designated sites, primitive backpack camping is allowed along the 36 miles of Appalachian Trail and other forest trails without a permit for single-night stays. Over 100 miles of trails wind through dry oak-heath forests, unique ridgetop barrens, and talus slopes. The forest offers hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, rock climbing, ATV riding, and access to nearby state parks including Caledonia, Pine Grove Furnace, and Mont Alto.

Directions

The district office is located on Route 30, 12 miles from Gettysburg and 10 miles from Chambersburg. From I-81 North, take Route 30 at Exit 16 and travel 8.5 miles. From I-81 South, take the Scotland Exit to Route 997 South, turn left on Route 30 toward Gettysburg, and travel 2.5 miles.

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