Buchanan State Forest

25185 Great Cove Road, McConnellsburg PA 17233
McConnellsburg, PA 17233

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.

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.

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.

Camp site features

Across 65 camp sites:

Fire pit: 2 of 65 sites
Picnic table: 4 of 65 sites
Pets allowed: all 65 sites
Longest RV: 75 ft
Largest party: 10 people

Fees

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

Rules

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.

Directions

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.