Michaux State Forest provides diverse camping experiences within 85,000 acres of Pennsylvania woodland near Fairfield. Located in the northern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the forest terrain ranges from 500 to 2,000 feet in elevation. Weather varies seasonally, with winter temperatures often dropping below freezing while summer nights remain cool even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s.
What to do
Hiking challenging trails: Colonel Denning State Park Campground offers access to the difficult but rewarding Flat Rock Trail. "Trail head close to site and was a very difficult hike with amazing views!! Wide open area to swim that was very clean and well kept," reports Casey L. This six-mile round trip includes a 1,200-foot climb to a spectacular overlook.
Winter camping adventures: The forests around Fairfield offer year-round camping options for those prepared for cold weather. "Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail. Water is easily found and views like Sunset Rocks are simply gorgeous," shares John S. from Michaux State Forest.
Historical exploration: Camp near Gettysburg's historic battlefields for easy access to Civil War sites. "Close to battlefield. Clean facilities. If you are into horses, this is the place for you!" notes MJ B. The area combines outdoor recreation with educational opportunities about significant historical events.
What campers like
Primitive camping options: Free designated sites throughout Michaux State Forest appeal to those seeking solitude. "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," writes Jen S.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds in the area maintain excellent bathroom facilities. At Artillery Ridge Campground, guests appreciate the upkeep: "Bathhouse is updated and clean. The RV sites are gravel and pretty level," reports Zack.
Equestrian access: Several horse campgrounds near Fairfield provide accommodations for riders. "Amazing location surrounded by the national park. The grounds are nice and shaded, and you don't feel crowded," says Sean M. Horse enthusiasts can find trailer parking and access to riding trails at Teaberry Parking Area Campsites in Michaux State Forest.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Camping in Michaux State Forest requires understanding different permit rules. "Designated motorized sites require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving. Designated motorized parking lot sites require the same free online permit but are open year-round," explains Bridget D.
Site spacing varies: Campground density differs significantly across the region. At Gettysburg Campground, Jim G. notes: "The two drawbacks are that the sites are quite packed together and the noise of traffic– at least in the frontmost sites– can get rather loud at night. However, the proximity to Gettysburg National Park can't be beat."
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds close during winter months or have limited access. "The camping area is closed summer 2018, but should be open next year after they finish their project on fixing the park to make it better," mentioned Danielle W. about Colonel Denning State Park during renovations.
Fire restrictions: Fire bans occur seasonally in Michaux State Forest. Fires are not permitted from March 1 to May 25, and are also banned when fire danger is deemed too high, regardless of the time of year.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with activities: Little Buffalo State Park Campground offers extensive recreation options. "Little buffalo has a lot to offer! The campsites are spacious. There are standard tent sites available and there are water/electric site available," shares Amanda H. "The pool is very nice! They offer a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones!"
Select creek-side sites: Water features provide natural entertainment for children. Kelly J. at Gettysburg Campground recommends: "We were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river. Not far to go anywhere walking. Porta potties were cleanest I have ever seen even with a ton of recent rain."
Check for ranger programs: Educational opportunities enhance family camping experiences. Nate & Erika L. report from Colonel Denning: "The park rangers had an owl program on Friday night and ended up calling in several screech owls. Very cool to hear their eerie cries in the woods."
Tips from RVers
Consider site layout carefully: RV campers should research site configurations before booking. At Teaberry Site, j A. advises: "It might be a better site for tent camping than an RV. It was a very large gravel lot with 5 sites along one side, pretty well spaced. The campsites were pretty, parking on the edge of the sites in the parking lot felt a lot like just being in a parking lot with a view of trees on one side."
Verify hookup locations: Electrical connections aren't always positioned ideally at some campgrounds. Nate & Erika L. found at Colonel Denning State Park that "site 42 was not the greatest layout (electric was on the wrong side of the site for our door and canopy to open to the fire ring)."
Book early for premium locations: The most desirable RV sites fill quickly, especially those with shade or water views. Brandon W. recommends: "Whenever we go to Gettysburg which is usually once a year we always stay here. Really nice place. Recommend a site by the creek."
