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Established Camping

Michaux State Forest

Michaux State Forest, near Fairfield, Pennsylvania, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without breaking the bank. With free camping options and a variety of sites, you can pitch your tent or park your RV in a serene environment surrounded by beautiful forests and trails.

The area is known for its primitive camping experience, where you’ll find sites equipped with fire rings and some even have picnic tables. Visitors have enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, with one camper noting, “I found it to be a really nice, quiet, and accessible camp experience!” Just keep in mind that amenities are minimal, so come prepared for a back-to-basics adventure.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Michaux State Forest offers a network of trails perfect for hiking and exploring. The nearby Appalachian Trail is a great option for those looking to stretch their legs. Plus, the forest is home to diverse wildlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying the natural surroundings. Just remember, pets are welcome as long as they’re kept under control.

While some sites can be a bit remote, the beauty of the area and the chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle make it worth the trip. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Michaux State Forest provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of Pennsylvania’s wilderness.

Description

Bureau of Forestry

Michaux State Forest

Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.

Reservation Info

Camping permits and reservations are required to stay at motorized, roadside campsites. Reservations are not required for overnight backpacking or dispersed camping, but free permits are required.

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Location

Michaux State Forest is located in Pennsylvania

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.97714114 N
77.424565 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Reservable
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Michaux State Forest needs a permit.

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

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6 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 1, 2022

Motorized and Primitive Sites, but double check info.

Some reviewers have confused nearby State Parks with the actual State Forest, resulting in inaccurate information. Despite their proximity, Caledonia and Pine Grove Furnace State Parks are NOT considered State Forest land, and have completely different amenities, availability, and regulations.

Michaux State Forest sites fall in to 4 categories:

1. Designated motorized sites, which require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving

2. Designated motorized parking lot sites, which require the same free online permit but are open year-round

3. Primitive backpacking sites, open year-round (no permit required, should be at least 1 mi from a trailhead, and only 1 night per site allowed)

4. Primitive Cabins, which are on State Forest land but are managed by and booked through the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.

None of the sites available in Michaux have:

-electric or water hookups. If you used/saw one, you were in a State Park, not Forest.

-drinking water available at sites (some have a creek or springhouse, which must be treated first)

-restrooms (a very small number of sites have outhouses within 1/4 mi or so, but don't count on it)

All designated sites have some sort of fire ring, whether stones or metal.

Some, but not all, designated sites have picnic tables.

Cell service varies greatly. Some sites will have none without a decent drive or hike, while others have 4 bars.

Fires are not permitted at all from March 1 to May 25, and are also banned when fire danger is deemed too high.

Alcohol is permitted, except in picnic areas.

Designated motorized parking lot sites also serve as equestrian sites, and horse camping is allowed here. Teaberry has a few hitching posts and a two step mounting block available.

Pets are allowed as long as they are under control at all times and are not disturbing others. If your dog's recall is anything but perfect, they haven't earned the privilege. Use a leash or long line; remember that if your out-of-control dog gets into a fight with an aggressive but leashed dog, the fault is yours. It's not worth two sets of vet bills.

This is my go-to local place for camping and hiking alike. Michaux sits on the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and though they are scarcely more than foothills here compared to their majesty in more well-known areas like TN, NC, and VA, it is a place of peace and beauty all the same. Like much of the state, it's a young mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, with some open and sparsely wooded prairie/meadow sections.

Reviewed Sep. 3, 2021

Hard to get to

Appalachian mountain range, not bad with 4wheel drive. Stayed first at camp, moved to atv parking. Very remote and atvs in and out. Clean and we'll maintained.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Oct. 28, 2020

Every January

Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail. It's you can park at Pine Grove State Park and then hike your way into locations or park at other trail heads. Water is easily found and views like Sunset Rocks are simply gorgeous. These trips are what gave me the experience, and confidence, to go from tent camping to tarp camping.

Edit: photos added from 2021 event

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  • Review photo of Michaux State Forest by John S., October 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Michaux State Forest by John S., October 28, 2020
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Reviewed Jul. 18, 2020

Decent

Water, food store, lake, hiking, easy access.

Reviewed Jul. 5, 2019

FREE, well-maintained, wooded, primitive sites.

Michaux State Forest campgrounds have vault toilets and the sites are well-maintained. I went in late fall and was the only camper at the area I stayed in. Unfortunately you cannot reserve sites online and it's a little tricky, but it's free... 

Camping is free in several areas throughout Michaux State Forest (as well as other PA State Forests), BUT you usually need to have a camping permit (also free) and you can only stay in designated campsites. To obtain a permit, find out where the designated sites are, and/or find out what designated campsites are available, you have to contact the State Forest District Office for the forest you would like to camp in. 

More info can be found here: 

https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Recreation/WhatToDo/StayOvernight/BackpackingAndPrimitiveCamping/Pages/default.aspx

Month of VisitNovember

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the elevation of Michaux State Forest?

Michaux State Forest is located at 1673 feet.

Are fires allowed at Michaux State Forest?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Michaux State Forest, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Is there cell phone reception at Michaux State Forest?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is unknown.