If you want to camp in Buchanan State Forest, you will trade the modern conveniences found in state parks for a true wilderness camping experience! Buchanan offers both primitive camping and motorized camping at designated dispersed campsites. These sites do not have any modern facilities, water, dump stations, or utility hook-ups. However, they offer up the opportunity to experience unique ecosystems, wild landscapes, and the general peace and beauty of nature.
Buchanan State Forest requires that all motorized campers obtain a free camping permit for all motorized camping. Motorized camping in Buchanan State Forest is available at numbered, designated sites scattered throughout the three maintenance divisions: Bear Valley, Sideling Hill, and Chaynesville. The sites vary in size; some may accommodate a vehicle and a tent while others may accommodate several vehicles or a RV.
Primitive backpack camping is also permitted on the Buchanan. If you are staying no more than one night at any primitive campsite, you are not required to have a permit; however, for safety reasons permits are still recommended. All primitive campsites must be at least 25 feet from the nearest edge of a trail and out-of-sight of the trail, where possible. All camping must be at least 100 feet from any stream or other open water source.
Permits are issued to individuals aged 18 and over. They will be issued no more than 90 days in advance and are handled on a first come first serve basis.
Permits are issued for no more than seven consecutive nights. After seven nights the campers must vacate the site for a minimum of 48 hours. Exceptions to this require a Letter of Authorization issued by the District Forester. Groups of 10 or more also require a letter.
Use of camp stoves is encouraged. Small campfires for cooking and warming purposes are permitted EXCEPT when the fire danger is high, very high or extreme and from March 1 to May 25, unless authorized on the Camping Permit. If present, stone fire rings are to remain
Motorized Camping – overnight camping in or near the vehicle where the vehicle continues to be used for storage or transportation
Primitive Camping – overnight camping where all equipment is transported in limited trips by non-motorized vehicle methods and where a motorized vehicle is not located near or part of the camping experience.
Group Camping – more than 10 people in a unit overnight motorized or primitive camping. A Letter of Authorization must first be obtained from the District Forester. A camping permit and letter of Authorization are issued to the group.
Designated Dispersed Campsite – a relatively small, distinctly defined area accessible from a State Forest road or drivable trail. Each site is identified with a vertical post indicating the campsite number at its entrance. The use of designated dispersed campsites will reduce wide spread soil compaction, loss of vegetation, negative riparian effects, and the accumulation of trash and human waste.
The Buchanan State Forest is managed on a leave no trace philosophy. Anything you carry in to use while camping and recreating must be carried back out with you. Depositing any refuse on State Forest Lands is prohibited.
All field privies (individual use or slit trench latrines) must be at least 200 feet from a lake, stream, spring, or other open water source. Self-contained portable toilets are encouraged and may be required to be used at some designated dispersed campsites.
Wash yourself and your dishes and clothes using a container. Washing in a spring, lake or waterway is prohibited.
When camping with horses, refrain from tying horses directly to trees. Additionally, all horse manure must be removed from the campsite.
Terms and Definitions
State Forest Rules All DCNR Bureau of Forestry Rules and Regulations – Title 17. Pennsylvania Code, Part I. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Subpart C. State Forests, Chapter 21. General Provisions must be followed. Rules and Regulations are posted at Picnic Areas and at the entrances of State Forest roads. You can also find a complete list of the website at: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/RulesAndRegulations/Pages/default.aspx.
The District Forester or designee may revoke a valid camping permit if the holder is found to be in violation of the Rules and Regulations or permit conditions.
Chaneysville Campsites Buchanan State Forest
Pennsylvania’s vast state forest system comprises 2.2 million acres for you to use, enjoy and explore. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Forestry manages these forests to ensure their long-term health and to conserve native wild plants.
Buchanan State Forest comprises 71,638 acres in Bedford, Fulton and Franklin counties. The Chaynesville Division is in Bedford County and hosts 22 camp sites.
intact at designated dispersed campsites. All fires must be extinguished completely before leaving the campsite.
Only downed and dead wood within the immediate vicinity of your campsite may be gathered for firewood. Power saws are not permitted without a fuelwood permit. Collect only the amount needed for your stay and burn any firewood that you collect before leaving. Do not bring firewood with you. Use only firewood that you gather or purchase locally. Minimizing the movement of firewood helps protect our forests from devastating insects like the emerald ash borer, Asian long horned beetle, sirex wood wasps, gypsy moth, and spotted lanternfly.
Camping in the Buchanan
Care for the Land
Dual Certified ForestPennsylvania’s 2.2-million-acre state forest system is one of the largest dual certified forests in North America. The forest is certified under Forest Stewardship Council™ and Sustainable Forestry Initiative© standards. The FSC© is an independent organization supporting environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests. SFI© certification focuses on protection of water quality, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, species at risk, and forests with ex-ceptional conservation value. Dual certification ensures that Pennsylvania’s state forests are managed to the highest third-party standards.
State forests belong to all Pennsylvanians. Take time to enjoy them, but know the rules and regulations designed to protect the forests and you. Please be careful with fire, keep our forests litter free and don’t damage trees and other plants.
Buchanan State Forest Forest District #2
25185 Great Cove Road McConnellsburg, PA 17233
(717) 485-3148 [email protected]
For more information
Leave No Trace
Chaneysville CampsitesThe Chaneysville Division contains 30,062 acres of state forest land including the Martin Hill Wild Area, Pine Ridge Natural Area, Sweet Root Natural Area, and two state forest picnic areas: Blankley and Sweet Root.
Most of the forest in this division was cut in the late 1800’s and then sold to the Commonwealth, though the valley land was acquired latter through the Federal Resettlement Program in the 1930’s that bought out unproductive farms. Additionally, this division hosted two Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) Camps, Martin Hill S-154 and Sweet Root S-142, that were responsible for constructing many roads, trails, and the picnic areas. This division helps to provide clean drinking water to surrounding cities and contains wild plant sanctuaries that help preserve rare native plants.
There are 53 miles of roads open to public use, at least seasonally. The division has 75 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, horse riding, or biking. An additional 17 miles are open to hiking only, including the Mid State Trail, a designated state foreest hiking trail that traverses multiple states. A 17-mile ATV trail is open during the summer season. In winter, this area hosts a 23-mile snowmobile trail system. Twenty-two campsites are established in this area to accommodate these recreational opportunities.
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Text
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