Buchanan State Forest

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25185 Great Cove Road, McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, 17233, United States

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

1,053 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Buchanan State Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,053 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Buchanan State Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Buchanan State Forest

$7.00 - $7.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping permits cost $7 per night and are required for all campsites.

Standard Site Fee$7.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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7174853148

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Campground Map

25185 Great Cove Road, McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, 17233, United States

Buchanan State Forest

25185 Great Cove Road, McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, 17233, United States

Driving directionsFrom Route 30: Turn north onto US 522 for about 5 miles. The entrance to the Resource Management Center (RMC) is on your left. From PA Turnpike Exit 180: Turn south onto US Route 522 for about 3.5 miles to reach the RMC entrance.

Roads leading to Buchanan State Forest are paved and accessible year-round. The directions provided include major highways such as Route 30 and US Route 522. Navigation challenges are minimal.

Nearby places

McConnellsburg (0 miles), Bedford (approximately 25 miles), Franklin (approximately 18 miles)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in McConnellsburg, which is the nearest town to the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Buchanan State Forest

Experience the forest's dramatic seasonal transformations throughout the year. When winter blankets the ridges in snow, the trails come alive with the exhilarating buzz of snowmobiles carving through powder-white paths. As warmth returns, summer transforms the forest into an ATV rider's paradise, with miles of trails winding through sun-dappled canopies. Spring awakens the forest with wildflower blooms and crisp, clear days perfect for exploration, while autumn paints the oak-covered ridges in brilliant golds and crimsons under pristine blue skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Extensive trails, streams and shaded woodlands make summer great for hiking and backcountry camping.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Canopy cathedral of mixed oaks and 'dramatic seasonal transformations' indicate excellent fall foliage.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Seasonal wildflower and canopy changes are a plus, but campfire prohibitions Mar 1–May 25 affect camping.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter snowmobiling noted but cold conditions and reduced services make winter average for camping.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Camping is allowed year-round, but campfires are prohibited from March 1st through May 25th without authorization due to fire danger.

About Buchanan State Forest

Escape into the untamed wilderness of Buchanan State Forest, where 72,286 acres of pristine Pennsylvania backcountry await your discovery. Here, remote and primitive campsites offer the ultimate retreat for adventurers craving genuine solitude. Far from the crowds and chaos of modern life, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape where nature still reigns supreme, and the only sounds breaking the silence are rustling leaves and distant bird calls.

Buchanan State Forest provides primitive, dispersed camping sites. There are no centralized camping facilities or developed campgrounds.

Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of history at this forest bearing the name of James Buchanan, America's fifteenth President and Pennsylvania's only commander-in-chief. Along Oregon Road, discover the weathered remnants of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, where young men once labored during the Great Depression to shape these woodlands into the recreational haven you see today. These silent stone foundations tell stories of determination and conservation that echo through the decades.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the forest's dramatic seasonal transformations throughout the year. When winter blankets the ridges in snow, the trails come alive with the exhilarating buzz of snowmobiles carving through powder-white paths. As warmth returns, summer transforms the forest into an ATV rider's paradise, with miles of trails winding through sun-dappled canopies. Spring awakens the forest with wildflower blooms and crisp, clear days perfect for exploration, while autumn paints the oak-covered ridges in brilliant golds and crimsons under pristine blue skies.

ElevationFrom valley floors at 420 feet to soaring ridgetops reaching 2,700 feet, the forest's dramatic elevation changes create a diverse tapestry of ecosystems and breathtaking vantage points that reward hikers with panoramic views of Pennsylvania's ridge and valley country.

Natural Features and SceneryMajestic mixed oak woodlands crown the ridges of southcentral Pennsylvania, creating a canopy cathedral that changes with each season. Venture into the enchanted realms of Sweet Root and Pine Ridge Natural Areas, where ancient trees stand sentinel over carpets of emerald ferns. In the pristine Martin Hill Wild Area, crystal-clear mountain brooks tumble over moss-covered rocks beneath towering pines, creating scenes of such raw beauty that time seems to stand still.

Geological RegionStraddling the dramatic ridge and valley region of southern Pennsylvania, these verdant woodlands cascade across mountain slopes from 420 to 2,700 feet above sea level. The forest serves as a vital green corridor between the mighty Susquehanna and Potomac Watersheds, where countless scenic streams have carved their stories into the landscape over millennia. Here, the ancient Appalachian geology creates a stunning backdrop of folded ridges and fertile valleys that have captivated visitors for generations.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Any time on the reservation date.

Check-out

By the end of the reservation date.

Stay Limit

Limit of 7 continuous days of camping on state forest land.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Occupants shall include at least one person 18 years of age or older.

Groups

Group camping is not mentioned, and no specific group sites are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are singular, remote sites dispersed throughout the forest.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the Buchanan State Forest website.

Walk-in AvailabilityMost campsites are remote and dispersed, indicating first-come-first-serve availability may be limited.

Cancellation PolicyThe permit is null and void if the reservation is canceled or transferred prior to the date of arrival.

AccessibilityLimited information is provided about accommodations for campers with disabilities; some picnic areas may be accessible by vehicle, but no explicit accessibility features are detailed.

Site SizeCampsites are described as singular, remote, and dispersed throughout the forest.

PrivacySites are remote and primitive, offering a high degree of privacy.

Recommended SitesRemote sites cater to those seeking solitude. Some require walk-in access.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Buchanan State Forest offers a range of outdoor activities including over 200 miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, and more. Seasonal activities like snowmobiling and ATV riding provide opportunities for recreation year-round.

HikingThe forest contains over 200 miles of hiking trails, including portions of the Mid-State Trail, Tuscarora Trail, and Standing Stone Trail. These trails vary in difficulty and provide access to scenic and natural features.

FishingFishing is available in designated areas such as the Bear Valley Picnic Area; specifics on fish types or water quality are not provided.

BikingMountain biking is listed as an available activity, but no details regarding specific trails, terrain, or difficulty levels are provided.

Wildlife viewingThe forest offers opportunities to view a variety of wildlife and wildflowers in their natural habitats.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsHistorical and interpretive trails are available, including one at the site of the former Civilian Conservation Corps Camp. These trails provide maps, photos, and historical information.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters, fire risks during dry seasons, and the need for self-contained toilets in remote areas.

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted under strict conditions but prohibited from March 1st to May 25th without authorization.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Disorderly conduct and generators creating excessive noise are prohibited.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations are located in McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania. Contact information for emergencies includes the Ranger Station at 717-485-3148.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to remove their waste from the site and dispose of it properly. Littering is prohibited.

Water FeaturesClose to scenic streams and mountain brooks.

Camp HostHost information is not provided in the authoritative content.