Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

Great small campground in South-central PA.  Sites are nicely spaced except for a few that are tucked into a few odd-shaped places.  I stayed in site 21, which was on an outside loop with a lot of space.  Campground seems very well maintained and the hosts were very friendly and active.  I wasn't there on a busy night, but nice to know it is a place where the hosts are trying to keep a relaxing atmosphere.  Nearly everything is in the woods so there's lots of shade during the warm seasons.  There's a fire ring, picnic table, lantern hanger and generous tent pad.  There's also room in many outside loop sites to set up in the woods.  Very quiet and relaxing evening.

Bathrooms feel very modern and there is a combination of a traditional shower/bathroom center and a separate bathroom only area with 4 private bathrooms (though now showers).  Showers were clean and had hot water, though when you press the button for water, it only runs for about 10 seconds.  So you really have to just hold the water on while you shower one-handed.  I think there was a 1-car per site rule while I was there.

Firewood is on-site for $5 for a six-piece bundle, with kindling available.  Wood lit right up for me.  The park has a general store, swimming lake, Appalachian Trail Museum, Park office and a few other historic buildings so there's a lot to do.  Just take note that everything closes at 4 PM.  The park is just north of the halfway point of the AT and is a popular place for hikers to stop and take a slow or zero day.  The museum is interesting if you have any interest in the AT and very knowledgeable host.

Campground Review

We stopped at Pine Grove Furnace State Park for a little camping break on a drive to Virginia for a family vacation. What a great spot! We got the last available campsite for the night we stayed - I booked ahead of time by calling the campground office and they were very nice and helpful.

We stayed in site 29. It was nice and level with a large parking pad that could accommodate a camper or trailer. There's also a level tent pad if you are tenting, it, and a picnic table and fire pit. We were right at the intersection near the campground entrance and one of the other loops, but it wasn't noisy at all. The drinking water was right next to our site, which was handy. Bathrooms were close by and were fairly clean, and showers were free. There was firewood for sale at the host site, and the camp host was very friendly.

The park has two lakes for swimming, with a rail trail that separates them, so they are easily bikeable. There are some great trails for running/hiking - the park is the halfway point on the Appalachian Trail! We did a very nice run from our campsite out to the scenic viewpoint on top of Pole Steeple (about 7ish miles). The lake is great to jump in and cool off after a summer run. The park is also just north of the expansive Michaux State Forest, which has miles of trails for ATVs, biking, hiking/running.

The Park also has an old iron furnace (hence the name) with historical information about it. There is an Appalachian trail museum, which was very neat to check out, and the old Ironmaster's Mansion serves as a hostel and event venue. There is a well stocked camp/park store at the entrance.

Cell service is pretty much nonexistent in the campground, so keep this in mind if you can't be out of touch (we had Verizon). We loved our stay here, and would definitely go back.

Product Review:

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products. At this campground, I tested the RoM Pack by RoM Outdoors. This is a pack that unfolds completely to serve as a blanket, and can also be used as an emergency poncho in inclement weather.

What I liked about the pack:

1. It seems like it would be difficult to unfold and then re-fold back into the pack, but it is actually very easy. I did it once with the instructions, and then was able to do it multiple times after that without them. The instructions were easy to follow.
2. there is a drawstring bag that comes with the pack, and the two outer pouches are removable as well, so you have a place to put your stuff if you're unfolding the pack.
3. The material is very thick and durable, and weather resistant. In a prolonged downpour I think it would eventually soak through, but it would offer pretty good protection for a quick shower (or a little snow!)

What I think could be better

1. The sizing - I have a small build, and with the straps tightened all the way it was still very big/loose on me. The material is pretty heavy, so even empty it sagged down some. With anything of substance in the pack it wasn't very comfortable because it pulled away from my back.
2. When opened as a blanket, the plastic buckles are underneath the material. You have to be careful about what kind of surface you are putting it down on, and I wouldn't walk on it, etc - these definitely have the potential to break.

These packs are a very interesting concept, and I can see a variety of uses, particularly for people who may be out in the woods in one place for an extended period of time and don't need to carry a lot of gear in the bag (hunters come to mind for sure). I don't think this would be comfortable to do any real hiking with, but would make a great picnic bag or bag for festivals or sporting events where you can take your stuff out of it and spread out for the day.

This is one of my favorite places to camp! The campsites are spacious! If you are on a site around the perimeter you can turn your chair and your back to the campground and look out into the forest! Many sites offer electric but no water at the site! You will meet tons of unique campers! From people using traditional tents, hammocks and some just sleeping under the stars! There is No shortage in trees here! You will have plenty of room to set up! Tons of shade. Paved roads for bike rides! Tons of wonderful trails to explore! Make sure you take a hike on the AT and then up to Pole Steeple for a great view! You may even bump into a through hiker excited to chat! Stop by the campstore for some Hershey's Ice cream!!! Make sure you pack in your food and all supplies or you will have a 20-30 minute drive back to a major store! There is a lake where you can swim or fish! You can also visit the Furnace and the AT Museum, make sure you hear the store about the first through hikers!!! Happy Camping!!