Primitive camping opportunities exist throughout the 85,000+ acre Michaux State Forest surrounding Fayetteville, Pennsylvania. Located in the northernmost section of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this region experiences typical mid-Atlantic seasonal variations with humid summers and moderate winters. Free camping permits are required for most designated sites, which must be obtained through the State Forest District Office or online reservation system.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Teaberry Parking Area Campsites offers access to multiple forest trails for equestrian users. The campground features a gravel lot with "pretty well spaced" sites along one side, according to camper reviews.
Hiking to scenic viewpoints: Visitors can access the Appalachian Trail from several points near Fayetteville. At Colonel Denning State Park Campground, "Our family of six made the trek up the Flat Rock Trail to the overlook. A six mile round trip with a 1200 ft climb. Spectacular views," reports one camper.
Historical exploration: The area contains significant Civil War history. Artillery Ridge Campground "served as an artillery storage/staging area for the Union during the battle. Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded." The campground connects directly to battlefield areas.
What campers like
Clean, updated facilities: Campers consistently note the well-maintained bathrooms at many parks in the region. At Colonel Denning State Park, visitors praise "the absolute cleanest bathrooms we've seen in a state park."
Educational programs: Gettysburg Campground provides family-friendly historical activities. One reviewer mentions it's a "Very fun family friendly getaway for the weekend. Close to Gettysburg Battleground."
Creekside camping: Several campgrounds feature water access. "We were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river," notes one camper at Gettysburg Campground, while another recommends "a site by the creek."
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Michaux State Forest has specific date limitations for different camping areas. "Designated motorized sites, which require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving. Designated motorized parking lot sites, which require the same free online permit but are open year-round."
Fire regulations: Michaux State Forest prohibits fires during certain periods. "Fires are not permitted at all from March 1 to May 25, and are also banned when fire danger is deemed too high."
Limited facilities: Most equestrian camping options near Fayetteville are primitive. Even at popular sites like Peggy's Hill Parking Area Campsites, expect no drinking water, showers, or permanent toilet facilities. Teaberry has "a few hitching posts and a two step mounting block available" for riders.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Little Buffalo State Park Campground features a "top notch" pool that includes "a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones! There is also a splash pad! There are 2 slides for fun!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Schedule evening wildlife programs when available. One family at Colonel Denning Park participated in "an owl program on Friday night and ended up calling in several screech owls. Very cool to hear their eerie cries in the woods."
Space considerations: Family groups should research site dimensions carefully. At some campgrounds, "sites are almost on top of each other," while others offer more room. Colonel Denning campers recommend making "notes of some better laid out sites" for future visits.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for trailers: At Teaberry Parking Area Campsites, RV campers note the layout can be challenging. One reviewer mentioned "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."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Little Buffalo State Park, campers note the "camping area was pretty hilly and not super large but it gets the job done."
Hookup availability: Most equestrian camping sites near Fayetteville lack full hookups. For those requiring electrical or water connections, established campgrounds like Artillery Ridge offer more options. "The RV sites are gravel and pretty level," notes one reviewer.
