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Michaux State Forest

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Spread across the northern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains in south-central Pennsylvania, Michaux State Forest draws campers who want free, low-infrastructure camping without the crowds of nearby state parks. The forest sits within a young mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, with some open meadow sections, and the Appalachian Trail runs through it, connecting trailheads at Pine Grove Furnace and other access points. Sites fall into several categories: designated motorized sites requiring a free online permit, primitive backpacking sites open year-round with no permit required, and a small number of primitive cabins managed through the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.

No site in the forest has electric or water hookups, and drinking water at sites comes from creeks or springhouses that must be treated before use. Restrooms are scarce. A very small number of sites have outhouses within a quarter mile, but that is not guaranteed. Cell service varies considerably across the forest, from four bars at some sites to no signal at others without a drive or hike. Fire rings, either stone or metal, are present at all designated sites, though fires are prohibited from March 1 through May 25 and during high fire danger periods.

Road access gets mixed marks from visitors. Some areas require four-wheel drive, and ATV traffic moves through certain sections. Sites are consistently described as clean and well-maintained, and the forest sees light enough use that solo campers sometimes have an entire area to themselves. Big Flat Parking Area Campsites — Michaux State Forest and Pine Ridge Campground are nearby options within the same general corridor. Campers who come prepared with treated water, a fire plan, and realistic expectations about road conditions will find this forest worth the planning.

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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Map & DirectionsMichaux State Forest is located in Pennsylvania near Shippensburg

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

39.97714114 N
77.424565 W

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Connectivity

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    Some Coverage
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    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

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

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

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Michaux State Forest

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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
Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find primitive camping in Michaux State Forest?

Primitive camping is available at several locations throughout Michaux State Forest. Some campers access sites by parking at Pine Grove State Park and hiking along the Appalachian Trail to find suitable locations. There are also designated primitive camping areas with vault toilets that are well-maintained. Some spots are accessible with 4-wheel drive vehicles, while others are located near ATV parking areas. Water sources are generally available throughout the forest. No reservations are needed for primitive sites, but you should be aware that it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

What do reviews say about camping in Michaux State Forest?

Michaux State Forest offers well-maintained primitive camping areas with vault toilets. Camping is free throughout the forest, though reservation systems are not available online which can make securing a spot slightly tricky. The forest features beautiful Appalachian mountain terrain with gorgeous views at locations like Sunset Rocks. Visitors appreciate the remote setting, access to hiking trails including the Appalachian Trail, and proximity to water sources. Some areas are accessible with 4-wheel drive vehicles, while others connect to ATV trails. The forest provides a peaceful experience, with some campers reporting they had entire camping areas to themselves, especially during off-peak seasons.

Are there cabins available in Michaux State Forest?

Michaux State Forest itself doesn't appear to offer cabin accommodations. The forest primarily provides primitive camping opportunities. For cabin options, you might want to check the nearby state parks like Caledonia or Pine Grove Furnace State Park, which operate under different regulations and amenities than the state forest land. Contact the Michaux State Forest office directly for the most current information about any potential cabin rentals or to inquire about alternatives in the immediate vicinity.

How do I get to Michaux State Forest from Shippensburg?

From Shippensburg, take PA-696 S/Baltimore Road south for approximately 7 miles until you reach PA-233 S. Turn left onto PA-233 S and continue for about 5-6 miles to enter Michaux State Forest. This route will take you to the western portions of the forest. Alternatively, you could take I-81 S to PA-233 (Exit 29) and head southeast to access different areas of the forest. Multiple access points exist depending on which specific area of the forest you wish to visit. For precise directions to particular camping areas or trailheads, contact the Michaux State Forest office before your trip.

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