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Buchanan State Forest, PA

Description

Buchanan State Forest is named in honor of James Buchanan, fifteenth President of the United States. Buchanan State Forest covers 72,286 acres in ...[more]
Status: Open year round.   Season Dates
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Book a Campsite at Buchanan State Forest, PA

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Campground Map
65 site(s) found
65 site(s) found
Campsite Search Results: 1-25 of 65 Previous | Next
Max # of people
Equip length/ Driveway
Amenities
Bear Valley
Roadside
10
60 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Bear Valley
Roadside
10
50 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Bear Valley
Roadside
10
50 Parallel
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Bear Valley
Roadside
10
40 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Bear Valley
Roadside Hike-in
10
40 Parallel
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Bear Valley
Roadside Hike-in
10
25 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Bear Valley
Roadside
10
60 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Bear Valley
Roadside
10
60 Pull-Through
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Bear Valley
Roadside Hike-in
10
25 Parallel
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Bear Valley
Roadside Hike-in
10
30 Parallel
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Bear Valley
Roadside
10
60 Parallel
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Bear Valley
Roadside Hike-in
10
25 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Bear Valley
Roadside
10
60 Parallel
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Bear Valley
Roadside
10
40 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Bear Valley
Roadside
10
40 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Chaneysville
Roadside Hike-in
10
30 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Chaneysville
Roadside
10
60 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Chaneysville
Roadside
10
60 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Chaneysville
Roadside
10
60 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Chaneysville
Roadside
10
60 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Chaneysville
Roadside Hike-in
10
25 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Chaneysville
Roadside
10
30 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Chaneysville
Roadside
10
40 Parallel
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Chaneysville
Roadside
10
30 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Chaneysville
Roadside Hike-in
10
30 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Campsite Search Results: 1-25 of 65 Previous | Next
** Arrival dates earlier than the online-reservation-window may also be available at the campground.
Overview

Description

Buchanan State Forest is named in honor of James Buchanan, fifteenth President of the United States. Buchanan State Forest covers 72,286 acres in Franklin County, Fulton County, and Bedford County. Buchanan’s woodlands straddle the ridges of southcentral Pennsylvania and are comprised mainly of mixed oak.

For more information visit the Buchanan State Forest website.

Geography:

Verdant woodlands of this state forest occupy upper slopes in the southern ridge and valley region of Pennsylvania where elevation ranges from 420 feet to 2,700 feet. The forest district lies within the Susquehanna and Potomac Watersheds with many scenic streams found throughout. The Sweet Root and Pine Ridge Natural Areas as well as the Martin Hill Wild Area provide opportunities to explore some of the most unique natural features in the state forest.

Recreation:

Hiking, horseback riding, sightseeing, hunting and fishing are all popular on the Buchanan State Forest. There are over 200 miles of hiking trails including portions of the Mid State Trail, Tuscarora Trail, and Standing Stone Trail. The forest hosts ATV trails in Fulton and Bedford counties that are open for summer riding. In the winter, there are snowmobile trails available in each county.

Campsites in the Buchanan State Forest are singular, remote sites dispersed throughout the forest. There are no amenities. Some require a walk-in, while others are directly accessible by vehicle.

For trail maps visit the Buchanan State Forest Map webpage.

Facilities:

There are many miles of trails and roads throughout the Buchanan State forest that can be used to access different facilities and points of interest. Of note are four well-maintained picnic areas.


Bear Valley Picnic Area is secluded between Broad Mountain and Kittatinny Mountain away from traffic and hubbub. Picnic tables, pavilions, fireplaces and grills, horseshoe courts, playground equipment, latrine, and fishing are available.


Sideling Hill Picnic Area Sideling Hill Picnic Area is at the summit of Sideling Hill Mountain, Fulton County. Available are picnic tables, pavilions, fireplaces, horseshoe courts, playground equipment, a large open field, latrine and areas for throwing a frisbee or ball.


Sweet Root Picnic Area is one mile north of Chaneysville in southern Bedford County and offers a cool place to enjoy lunch under tall pines. There are picnic tables, pavilions, latrine, fireplaces and grills available. The picnic area adjoins the 1,526-acre Sweet Root Natural Area. You can walk along Sweet Root Trail through the Sweet Root Gap and the remnants of the once majestic hemlocks, lush ferns and rushing mountain brook. This trail also connects to the Mid-State Trail.


Blankley Picnic Area takes us into the mountains of southern Bedford County, at the summit of Rainsburg Mountain. Available are picnic tables, pavilions, fireplaces, grills and latrines.


Additionally, there is an interpretive trail area located along Oregon Road at the former site of the Civilian Conservation Corp Camp. Historical information including maps, photos, a guide to hike around the site, and a kiosk are found there.

Booking Window

Roadside

Sat Apr 27 2024 - Thu Mar 27 2025

Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 11 Month(s) in advance.

Roadside Hike-in

Sat Apr 27 2024 - Thu Mar 27 2025

Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 11 Month(s) in advance.

Season Dates

Season Schedule

Park Season
Start
End
Peak
Mon Jan 01 2024
Tue Dec 31 2024
Peak
Wed Jan 01 2025
Wed Dec 31 2025
Services and Amenities
Within Park
  • Bird Watching
  • Camping, Equestrian
  • Camping, Equestrian Group
  • Camping, Primitive
  • Fishing
  • Fishing River
  • Hiking
  • Hiking Trail
  • Historic Sites
  • Hunting
  • Mountain Biking
  • Parking
  • Picnic Area
  • Picnic Pavilion
  • Picnicing
  • Scenic Driving Routes
  • Stargazing
  • Trails, Bicycle
  • Trails, Moderate Hiking
  • Wildflower Viewing
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • trails - equestrian
Fees and Cancellation Policies
Getting There
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
39.99376, -77.96951
39°59'38"N, 77°58'10"W

From 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.


GPS: 39° 59’ 37.7” N, 77° 57’ 57.6” W.

Contact Information

Mailing Address:

Buchanan State Forest
25185 Great Cove Road
McConnellsburg  PA  17233
Phone Number:
Information:  (717)485-3148
Additional Information
Photos

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