How much does camping cost at Pine Grove Furnace State Park?

Camping fees at Pine Grove Furnace State Park range from $30-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Pine Grove Furnace State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Pine Grove Furnace State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Pine Grove Furnace State Park before I book?

Yes! Pine Grove Furnace State Park has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Pine Grove Furnace State Park?

Pine Grove Furnace State Park is open Peak season likely summer and early fall, based on crowds mentioned in reviews.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Pine Grove Furnace State Park?

Yes, Pine Grove Furnace State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Pine Grove Furnace State Park?

Fire policies at Pine Grove Furnace State Park: No specific fire policies mentioned in authoritative sources.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Pine Grove Furnace State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Pine Grove Furnace State Park?

Pine Grove Furnace State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pine Grove Furnace State Park?

Popular activities at Pine Grove Furnace State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pine Grove Furnace State Park

4.50

87 reviews

1100 PINE GROVE ROAD, GARDNERS, Pennsylvania, 17324, United States

Top 14% in PAFall

Family FriendlyScenic ViewsGreat HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Pennsylvania Swimming Camping Pennsylvania

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

919 ft

Price

$30 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Pennsylvania State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

919 ft

Price

$30 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Pennsylvania State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Pine Grove Furnace State Park

$30.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fee ranges from $30 to $35 for campsites based on amenities.

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$35.00

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7174867174

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

1100 PINE GROVE ROAD, GARDNERS, Pennsylvania, 17324, United States

Pine Grove Furnace State Park

1100 PINE GROVE ROAD, GARDNERS, Pennsylvania, 17324, United States

Nearby places

Carlisle: 20 minutes (approx. 15 miles)

Gettysburg: 30 minutes (approx. 25 miles)

Nearby supplies

Pine Grove General Store within the park offers food, ice cream, burgers, and resupply items for hikers. "The food at the general store is very good. A little pricey for hikers to resupply, but have a lot of options." Nearby towns like Gardners and Carlisle may also have additional supplies.

Weather at Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Current alert: No active alerts mentioned in source.

Best Time to Camp at Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Fall delivers the park's peak experience. September through October highs run low 50s to mid 60s°F, cooling to 30s–50s by November. Foliage peaks around the lakes and ridges, insects drop off, and hiking and mountain biking hit their stride. Early-October weekdays stay quiet; leaf-peeping weekends and thru-hiker traffic pick up moderately. Winter brings light to moderate snow for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Summer warms the lakes for swimming but can draw afternoon thunderstorms. Spring awakens wildflowers and migrating birds.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 14% in PA

Fall cited as peak experience for foliage and hiking; cooler temps and fewer insects noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season likely summer and early fall, based on crowds mentioned in reviews.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Based on user reviews, campground appears operational year-round.

About Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Pine Grove Furnace State Park sits at 919 feet elevation within the 85,000-acre Michaux State Forest, where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet Pennsylvania's ridge-and-valley terrain. Two mountain lakes. Laurel and Fuller. Anchor 696 acres of forest and trail, drawing swimmers, anglers, and Appalachian Trail thru-hikers to the trail's celebrated halfway point. The park has around 70 campsites (tent, RV, and cabin options) running $30–35 per night, with showers, potable water, and a dump station.

This state park accommodates a range of camping options, including RVs, tent sites, and group sites.

Historical Significance

The Ironmasters Mansion marks the area's industrial past, when iron forges operated here. A World War II POW camp once held German prisoners on these grounds. Foundations from a former amusement park and a Girl Scout camp remain visible. The park is the Appalachian Trail's halfway point, where thru-hikers stop at the park store for the 'half-gallon challenge'. A rite of passage on the 2,190-mile trail. The nearby Appalachian Trail Museum documents the trail's history.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the park's peak experience. September through October highs run low 50s to mid 60s°F, cooling to 30s–50s by November. Foliage peaks around the lakes and ridges, insects drop off, and hiking and mountain biking hit their stride. Early-October weekdays stay quiet; leaf-peeping weekends and thru-hiker traffic pick up moderately. Winter brings light to moderate snow for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Summer warms the lakes for swimming but can draw afternoon thunderstorms. Spring awakens wildflowers and migrating birds.

ElevationThe park's varied terrain creates diverse microclimates and ecosystems throughout the mountain landscape, offering campers everything from lakeside settings to hillside perches with cooling mountain breezes.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits completely surrounded by Michaux State Forest's hardwood and evergreen canopy, with sites heavily wooded and shaded. Laurel and Fuller Lakes reflect the ridgeline, and the terrain shows the dramatic results of Appalachian geology colliding with ridge-and-valley topography. Carved valleys, layered ridges, and diverse forest ecosystems. Wildlife moves through the understory. Light filters through dense tree cover onto the forest floor.

Geological RegionPerched at the northern gateway of the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains, Pine Grove Furnace occupies a unique geological position within the ancient South Mountain range. Completely surrounded by the 85,000-acre Michaux State Forest, the park sits at the intersection of mountain ridges and valleys carved by millennia of natural forces. This location at the Blue Ridge's northern tip creates a distinctive landscape where Appalachian geology meets Pennsylvania's ridge-and-valley topography, resulting in the dramatic terrain and diverse ecosystems that make this region a natural treasure.

Scenic ViewsViews of lakes, wooded areas, and historical landmarks such as the Ironmasters Mansion and Appalachian Trail Museum. "Quiet and peaceful camping weekend. Many sites fully wooded."

Lodging & AccommodationsCabins and tent camping are available, but no detailed descriptions of lodging were provided.

Programs & ActivitiesThe park offers educational opportunities through the Appalachian Trail Museum and historical sites such as the furnace and Iron Masters' Mansion.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is automatic when you reserve online.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit not explicitly stated in authoritative sources.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No more than one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite.

Groups

Group camping areas include grassy fields, some shade, and four individual family bathrooms. Ample parking is available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutWooded sites vary in spacing. Some loops pack closer together than others, which affects privacy and quiet-hour enforcement. Most sites are level. Four single unisex bathrooms serve the campground (occasionally one goes out of order), which creates bottlenecks during busy weekends.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through the state's official reservation system or third-party platforms like Campground America.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details not explicitly provided.

AccessibilityADA sites available in the campground, and the Appalachian Trail includes paved portions that are accessible for wheelchairs.

Site SizeSites are spacious and some are noted to be level. One user commented, 'Sites were well spaced and level.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, but several users noted a quiet and peaceful experience. One user stated, 'The campsite is nicely private.

Recommended SitesChoose sites in heavily wooded areas for privacy and shade. "Sites were well spaced and level." Avoid sites close to bathrooms due to maintenance issues.

Best CampsitesSite 29 sits right along the Appalachian Trail, close enough to watch thru-hikers pass. Reviews mention well-spaced, level sites with good privacy in wooded areas, though site density varies across loops.

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Amenities available

Pine Grove Furnace State Park offers a wide range of amenities within its 696-acre area, which is surrounded by Michaux State Forest. Key amenities include ADA accessible sites, amphitheater, comfort stations, dump station, and showers. Recreational infrastructure such as a playground and public boat launch is available. The group tenting area is equipped with pit toilets and a playfield.

Showers

Potable water

Dump station

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

This park offers a diverse array of recreational activities. Highlights include hiking on the Appalachian Trail, biking, fishing, and swimming. There are two lakes, Laurel Lake and Fuller Lake, which offer beach activities and water sports. Educational and cultural experiences are also available, such as the Appalachian Trail Museum.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome user reviews mention narrow and navigable roads, and occasional loud music disrupting quiet hours.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies mentioned in authoritative sources.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours from 9 PM to 8 AM. "Quiet hours were not enforced."

Emergency ServicesRanger Station: null; Nearest emergency services likely in Carlisle or Gardners.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal is emphasized as part of campground rules. 'The park doesn’t tolerate mess of any kind and people clean up after themselves before they leave,' mentioned one reviewer.

Water FeaturesTwo lakes (Laurel Lake and Fuller Lake). Laurel Lake features a large beach, and Fuller Lake is walkable from the campgrounds.

Camp HostHosts are mentioned as friendly and helpful. "Friendly campground hosts."

Cell CoverageA user noted, 'No Wi-Fi, no phone service, minimal television reception.'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

87 reviews

Recommended

Pine Grove Furnace State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Pine Grove Furnace State Park receives positive reviews for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and range of activities. Highlights include well-maintained facilities, spacious campsites, and diverse recreational opportunities.

Review Summaries

Based on 87 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the clean bathrooms, scenic hiking trails, multiple recreational activities, and friendly park staff. The lakes were also a standout feature.

Based on 87 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included lack of Wi-Fi and cell service, noise during quiet hours, and occasional crowding at lakes and campsites.

Based on 87 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 29 is noted for being along the Appalachian Trail. Some users found campsites close together, while others noted spacious and level sites.

Based on 87 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing bikes, exploring the Appalachian Trail Museum, and visiting outside peak summer weekends to avoid crowds. One user advised, 'Wear water shoes at the beach.'

Based on 87 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer sees the highest activity levels, with crowded lakes and campgrounds. Spring and fall are quieter, offering better privacy and cooler weather for hiking.

Based on 87 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Clean bathrooms and showers, spacious pads.' 2. 'The Appalachian Trail runs through the park, and part of it is actually paved.' 3. 'One of the best state parks for swimming and camping.'

Based on 87 reviews

Accessibility Features

The Appalachian Trail’s paved portion was mentioned as accessible for wheelchairs.

Based on 87 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The park is pet-friendly, but dogs are not allowed in the beach area. One user stated, 'It is dog-friendly, but they stop allowing them in the beach area.'

Based on 87 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Hikers doing the AT or day-tripping onto Pole Steeple will love this place. Site 29 sits right on the trail, and the bike ride to Laurel Lake is genuinely easy. Fall weekday bookings dodge both the crowds and the noise problems that summer weekends bring.

Skip if

Four single-occupancy bathrooms serve the whole campground, and quiet hours go unenforced on busy nights. Campers who need cell service or Wi-Fi won't find either, and some loops pack sites close enough that you'll hear your neighbors all evening.

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Kings Gap Environmental Education Center

500 KINGS GAP ROAD, CARLISLE, Pennsylvania, 17015, United States

Kings Gap Environmental Education Center sits on 2,531 acres of South Mountain forest near Carlisle, offering cabin lodging in the historic Cameron-Masland Mansion. The preserve spans a notable elevation gradient from the Cumberland Valley floor to 1,273 feet, with hiking trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing across diverse terrain. Fees run $25–$35 per night.