Michaux State Forest encompasses more than 85,500 acres in the South Mountain area of Adams, Cumberland, and Franklin County. Considered Pennsylvania’s “cradle of forestry”, Michaux is the site of the first forestry school, Mont Alto. The forest is named for the French botanist, Andre Michaux, who discovered and named many plants during the 18th century. For more information visit the Michaux State Forest website and Facebook page .
Location: The Michaux Forest District spans five distinct ecoregions ranging from the Great Valley along the northwestern border of the district and across the South Mountain, Gettysburg Newark Lowland, Piedmont Lowland, and Piedmont. The state forest lands are mostly located on the meta volcanic and quartzite rocks of South Mountain at the northern terminus of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. The largely contiguous block of state forest provides excellent watershed protection within the Potomoc River Basin and the Susquehanna/Chesapeake Basin. The Michaux State Forest is dominated by dry oak-heath forest types and contains unique ridgetop barren ecosystems, vernal pools, and talus slopes. There are four state forest natural areas that are recognized for their unique features such as the Meeting of the Pines Natural Area which is the only location where all fives species of native pines are found growing together.
Recreation: Many recreational pursuits can be enjoyed on the Michaux State Forest such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, hunting, fishing, boating, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, rock climbing and ATV/snowmobile riding. There are also many historical sites. There are over 100 miles of trails, including 36 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Visitors will be greeted by many scenic highlights in the Michaux State Forest, including 7 vistas, mountain laurel and rhododendron blooms, and fall foliage. Over 130 miles of gravel roads offer opportunities for appreciation of Michaux’s natural beauty and act as gateways to many other recreational activities. Camping in the Michaux State Forest is a great way to get away from it all and spend a night in the great outdoors. These designated, roadside campsites are identified by signpost and campsite name. Most are remote, designated sites with no amenities although some may include a fire ring and picnic table. Some sites may require a short walk-in from the road while others can be immediately accessed by vehicle. For trail maps visit the Michaux State Forest Map webpage .
Caledonia State Park; Mont Alto State Park; Kings Gap Environmental Education Center; Pine Grove Furnace State Park; Gettysburg National Military Park; Gettysburg National Military Park
The District Office is located on Route 30, 12 miles from Gettysburg and 10 from Chambersburg. From 1-81 North, take Route 30 at exit 16. Travel 8.5 miles on Route 30. From I-81 South, take the Scotland Exit and travel 997 South to Route 30. Turn left toward Gettysburg. Travel 2.5 miles on Route 30. From Route 233 South, turn right onto Route 30 for .4 miles. From Route 233 North, turn left onto Route 30 for .4 miles.
This confirmation serves as your State Forest Campsite Permit for the campsite listed above. This permit is null and void if the reservation is cancelled or transferred prior to the date of arrival. You must have a copy of the permit on person during your stay. Occupants are subject to the following permit conditions: 1. Campfires, when permitted, require precautions be taken to prevent spread of fire to the forest. Campfires shall be attended at all times. Campfires are prohibited March 1st through May 25th without authorization from the District Forester, or when fire danger is high, very high, or extreme. This prohibition does not apply to self-contained camp stoves when used in a safe manner. A person causing a wildfire, in addition to possible criminal penalty, is liable for all damages, costs of extinction and fines. 2. Dead and down wood may be gathered and burned when permitted but may not be removed from the site. Power tools and chain saws are not permitted. Destruction of Property, damaging, defacing, or removing any sign, structure, equipment or other material is prohibited. 3. Occupants shall include at least one person 18 years of age or older. This permit may not be reassigned or transferred. 4. Pets are permitted on State Forest land if kept under control and attended at all times. Animal waste must be disposed of properly. 5. Disorderly conduct is prohibited, including creating unreasonable noise that may disturb other campers and visitors to state forest land. Generators that create excessive noise are prohibited. 6. Limit of 7 continuous days of camping on state forest land. Camping cannot be resumed until 48 hours have passed. All vehicles and equipment must be removed from state forest land during this time. Members of this camping party may not reserve a campsite until 48 hours have passed. 7. Washing in a water outlet, spring, lake or waterway and discharging sewage, or gray water on or into ground or surface waters is prohibited. Toilets must be used where provided. In other locations self-contained toilets must be used when required or human waste deposited in hole 4-6 inches deep, 200 feet from water, campsite, or trails and covered and hidden. 8. Littering is prohibited. Garbage/waste/rubbish must be removed from site and disposed of properly. Parking which obstructs a gate, entrance, exit or road turnaround on State Forest land is prohibited. Parking in area designated for a person with a disability, by the Department, is prohibited unless the vehicle has a valid plate or placard. 9. Damaging/removing a living or dead plant on State Forest land is prohibited. Edible wild plants or plant parts may be gathered if for personal use. Removing or disturbing historical/archeological resources from State Forest land is prohibited. Target Shooting of any kind is prohibited. 10. Occupants are subject to State Forest Rules and Regulations, found online at https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/RulesAndRegulations/Pages/default.aspx, posted onsite, or by contacting the district office. Occupants are subject to any other information and instructions included in the campsite or facility notes, alerts, and important information. Violations : Violations of forest rules and regulations, or violations of a condition of this permit could result in any or all of the following consequences: 1. The permit may be revoked. This will result in the occupants being required to vacate the facility immediately. 2. The occupants may be required to leave the forest. 3. The occupants may be cited for a violation of the forest rules and regulations, a summary offense. 4. The occupants are responsible for any damage to campsite or facilities that occurred during or due to their occupancy.
The Michaux State Forest has several notable amenities that provide for unique and memorable experiences. The Michaux Target Shooting Range is located on Birch Run Road in Franklin Township, Adams County, and offers a 70 yard rifle range as well as a 25 yard multi-distance pistol range. A valid DCNR range permit is required. Permits are available for purchase at the Michaux State Forest District office during weekdays. The Old Forge Picnic Area, located 4.5 miles south of the Village of South Mountain features two pavilions, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, playground equipment, and an athletic field.
Non-Peak Primitive Site $10.00 Non-Peak Standard Full Hookup $22.00 Non-Peak Standard with Electric Hookup $19.00 Non-Peak Standard with Water and Electric Hookups $21.00 Peak Primitive Site $10-$12 Peak Standard Full Hookup $22.00-$24.00 Peak Standard with Electric Hookup $19.00-$21.00 Peak Standard with Water and Electric Hookups $21.00-$23.00
Phone: 717-352-2211
Address: 10099 Lincoln Way West, Fayetteville, PA 17222
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