Camping in the Mont Alto area occurs at elevations between 780 and 2,100 feet within the northern reaches of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Fall camping draws crowds for spectacular foliage viewing, particularly during the third week of October when maple and oak trees reach peak color.
What to do
Appalachian Trail hiking access: The best places to camp near Mont Alto, Pennsylvania connect directly to the historic AT. "[The] Appalachian Trail was a few minutes drive up the hill, where you can take a short hike North to the AT midway marker. It's a beautiful, clean trail where you pass very few, even mid-spring on a gorgeous day," notes a visitor to North Michaux State Forest Campsites.
Bird and wildlife watching: Spring campers should bring binoculars. "The synchronous firefly show we saw in July!" reports a camper at Caledonia State Park Campground, while another mentions "Saw a baby deer on this hike" when exploring from their South Michaux campsite.
Fishing opportunities: Most campgrounds with water access permit fishing with valid Pennsylvania license ($22.97 annual for residents). "My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site," shares a guest at Artillery Ridge Campground. The 43-acre Hunting Creek Lake at Cunningham Falls State Park offers crappie, bass, and trout.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: South Michaux State Forest Campsites receives high marks for seclusion. "It was clean, well stocked with firewood and huge! There was space for 4-6 tents and just as many hammocks," one camper writes about Site 15. Another notes the primitive sites feature "a picnic table and fire ring with tons of chopped wood already there from previous campers."
Clean facilities: Even basic campgrounds maintain good standards. At Cunningham Falls State Park, "Showerhouse/Restrooms are placed in the middle of each loop and are modern facilities. Fairly clean and maintained. Electric outlets are a plus." A visitor to Greenbrier State Park observed, "Bathroom facilities were close enough and had hot and cold water, showers, flush toilets, and showers. All were spotless."
Historical connection: Several campgrounds provide direct access to significant historical sites. 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."
What you should know
Water availability varies seasonally: Several primitive campsites have unreliable water sources. A camper at Michaux South Campground notes site #15 is "Next to a water source that runs well in Spring/Early summer. Midsummer and early Fall can be iffy, so bring a backup."
Some campgrounds require permits: Free primitive sites often need advance reservations. "All reservations are free, but must go through the PA state park motorized camping website," explains one Michaux Forest user, while another adds "You can stay for free, but you need to obtain a permit for large groups, or if you plan to stay for 2 or more nights."
Crowding levels fluctuate: Weekends during summer can get busy at state parks. A Greenbrier State Park visitor warns, "The lake area can be crowded on weekends, I tend to avoid," while another noted, "When we pulled the rangers where blocking traffic to the park. They said that the park was full."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activities: Granite Hill Camping Resort offers "mini golf and pool. There are plenty of activities for the entire family," according to reviews. Another visitor highlights "free showers, a playground, mini golf and two small ponds for fishing. Plus they plan lots of weekend events."
Choose sites near playgrounds: Parents appreciate convenience to recreation areas. One Granite Hill camper shared, "We stayed in the 'C' row site. Great shade and access to the playground. You can let the kids play all day while sitting at your campsite cooking and just hanging. It's only 15 yards for the play set."
Beach access makes hot days better: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas. At Cunningham Falls, "The beach area at the lake was fantastic! My kids loved it plenty of areas to grill and dogs are allowed," while another camper notes the 75-acre man-made Hunting Creek Lake offers "great (and busy weekend) fishing."
Tips from RVers
Check hook-up configurations: Several campgrounds have unusual utility layouts. At Granite Hill, "The hookups are oddly spaced and you need to ensure you have extentions handy. My electric hookup didn't work on 30A," warns one RVer.
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven ground at some campgrounds. One RVer at Granite Hill mentioned "it took 2 hours to get our camper set up because of the very uneven stone lot, thankfully we had enough wood to get the jack up without having to over extend it."
Access considerations: Some forest campgrounds have limited big rig suitability. At Gettysburg Campground, "The amenities are quite good: full hookups with cable, all working as expected. Level sites, friendly and efficient staff, decently sized sites long enough for my 32' coach and a toad," although "the sites are quite packed together and the noise of traffic can get rather loud at night."
