Home » Pennsylvania » Camping at Pine Grove Furnace State Park: History, Hikes, and the Appalachian Trail

 Your Complete Guide to Camping at Pine Grove Furnace State Park

In the remote, rolling hills of South Mountain in Pennsylvania, Pine Grove Furnace State Park is a place where nature and history unite on the same pathway. We were here for a while during one of our East Coast road trip adventures. This place is not just another camping spot—it’s loaded with stories. You can see the 18th-century ironworks or rest on the shores of the lakes that are nice for swimming and fishing.

My first day at the camp we arrived at night. The next morning I was very impressed with the fall scenery and the surrounding mountains.” — Frank Stasky, a former CCC worker at Pine Grove Furnace

Honestly, there is something for everyone here, whether you want to hike the Appalachian Trail (also, its midpoint is here), relax by the water, or learn about the park’s industrial past. Pine Grove Furnace is the perfect place for a delightful getaway. ​‍​If you’re planning a camping trip to this iconic Pennsylvania state park, this guide will cover everything you need to know.

Forest scene with a creek, trees, and a gravel path in Pine Grove Furnace State Park.

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Know Before You Go: Essential Tips for Visiting Pine Grove Furnace State Park

  • Pine Grove Furnace is located in Cumberland County, PA, with easy access via I-81. It’s nestled next to Michaux State Forest, making it a great hub for outdoor exploration.
  • Entrance Fees: Free day-use; camping and lodging require reservations and payment
  • Park hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset; office: 8 AM–6 PM (summer), 8 AM–4 PM (off-season weekdays). Check the official park site for updates.
  • Visitor Center: Exhibits, ADA accessible, lends equipment (e.g., tackle kits, backpacks)
  • Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer: best for swimming and family camping trips. Fall foliage is spectacular — don’t miss the Pole Steeple Trail.
  • Pets: Pets on leash OK; not allowed on beaches or in buildings; clean-up required.
outdoor scene featuring a framed glass panel that provides a historical view overlay in a park setting. The panel displays an old image of a stone furnace, part of Pine Grove Furnace, with historical machinery and people depicted. This overlay is superimposed against the actual natural background, which consists of green grass, trees with leaves transitioning to autumn colors, and a partly cloudy blue sky. A wooden fence runs along the background, enhancing the park-like atmosphere. On the bottom right of the frame, an informational sign is attached, offering context to visitors. In the foreground, a small portion of a person's hand is visible, suggesting human interaction with the exhibit.

Pine Grove Furnace State Park History: A Campsite with a Story

Before we even parked our RV, we took a moment to appreciate the history beneath our feet. Long before it became a peaceful getaway, this land pulsed with the energy of a thriving iron industry.

A historical stone furnace at Pine Grove Furnace State Park with an informational sign in the foreground.
  • Era of Iron (1764 – 1895): The story begins in 1764 with the Pine Grove Iron Works. For nearly 140 years, the complex produced pig iron using a “charcoal iron” process that depended on nearby forests for fuel. The park’s lakes, Fuller and Laurel, reflect that era; they were created when one was an iron ore quarry and the other a forge reservoir.
  • Era of Transition (1895 – 1913): As technology improved, this furnace could not compete with anthracite coal-powered operations and, therefore, shut down in 1895. As technology advanced, the furnace couldn’t compete with anthracite coal-powered operations and closed in 1895. The once-bustling community faded away, leaving behind silent stacks and shuttered buildings.
  • Era of Preservation (1913 – Present): The state of Pennsylvania took over the land and turned it into Michaux State Forest, and the area around the furnace was named Pine Grove Furnace State Park in 1913. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) came along in 1933 when it did most of the building work for the park, including the roads, trails, and facilities. Nationwide recognition of the site’s importance came in 1977 when they put the Pine Grove Iron Works on the National Register of Historic Places.
Motorhome and camping setup at Pine Grove Furnace State Park with trees and fallen leaves.

Charcoal Hearth Campground: Your Basecamp for Adventure

Camping at Pine Grove Furnace State Park offers a variety of accommodations to suit different styles of camping and outdoor recreation.

  • Location & Access: Situated in the heart of the park, the Charcoal Hearth Campground is just south of the intersection of Highway 233 and Pine Grove Road. It is easily accessible by car. Sites are spacious in a wooded area.
  • Sites & Reservations: The campground has 70 sites available from March through mid-December. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online via the Pennsylvania State Parks website. The campground is open year-round, with first-come, first-served sites available outside the peak reservation season.
  • Amenities: The campground is modern and well-maintained, offering:
    • Utilities: Electric hookups and a dump station are available.
    • Water: No water hookups at individual sites, but potable water is available within the campground to fill your tanks.
    • Facilities: clean, flush toilets and warm showers. Fair warning about the showers: they’re on timers — and the timers are set by someone who really values efficiency. Let’s just say that with a single push, you’ll be hard-pressed to lather more than one limb before the water cuts off!
    • Pets: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. Important note: Be sure to check when booking, as not all sites are pet-friendly.
  • There is a two-story historic Paymaster’s cabin, which served as the paymaster’s office when the iron furnace was in use, that has been converted into a modern rental cabin.
Historic stone cabin with a porch and stairs, surrounded by greenery and an overcast sky.

A Unique Historic Stay: The Ironmaster’s Mansion

The operation truly became a family dynasty when Michael Ege purchased the works. His son, Peter Ege, who would enjoy the longest tenure of any ironmaster, succeeded him. Peter’s legacy was set in stone, literally, in 1829, when he built the Ironmaster’s Mansion for his wife, Jane Arthur Ege. This grand home stood as a testament to the success and prominence of the ironworks, which continued production until 1895. Today, it serves as an Appalachian Trail hostel, event space, and historical exhibit, offering accommodations and meeting rooms.

Two-story brick Ironmaster's mansion with a white porch, surrounded by greenery.
The Ironmaster’s Mansion

Best Things to Do at Pine Grove Furnace: Beyond the Campfire

No guide to this park would be complete without highlighting the sheer variety of activities available. In our experience, Pine Grove Furnace State Park is great for families and kids, offering activities for everyone. There’s so much to explore that we truly wished we could have spent an entire week uncovering all its secrets.

Lakeside Relaxation

No visit to Pine Grove Furnace is complete without spending some time at its two beautiful, history-filled lakes. These twin lakes, shaped by the park’s industrial past, are now top spots for water recreation and relaxation.

Fuller Lake with a sandy beach, buoy line, and forest background in early autumn at Pine Grove Furnace State Park.

Fuller Lake: Don’t let its history as an iron ore quarry fool you—today it’s the park’s vibrant swimming hub. It’s a perfect and safe family spot with supervised swimming and lifeguards. The cool spring waters offer a refreshing escape on a summer day.

Informational sign about birds with Laurel Lake and forested landscape in the background.

Laurel Lake: This lake once powered the historic Laurel Forge. Today, it’s a tranquil spot for kayaking and canoeing. Anglers enjoy fishing for trout and other species here. Swimming is allowed, but it’s best for those seeking a quieter experience.

Canoes and kayaks by the lake at Pine Grove Furnace, with a gravel path and forested background.

Together, these lakes are perfect for cooling off and relaxing. They’re ideal after a day hiking the Appalachian Trail or exploring the park’s historic sites.

Panoramic view from Pole Steeple Trail showing rocky foreground and expansive forested landscape.

Best​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Hiking Trails in Pine Grove Furnace

This 696-acre park is packed with trails connecting to the larger Michaux State Forest. Endless hiking and mountain biking trails began directly at the campground. We found the park to be exceptionally bike-friendly. There’s a wide range of trails that were perfect for our e-bikes, offering a fantastic way to cover more ground and enjoy the forest.

A wooden Appalachian Trail signpost in front of a stone building at Pine Grove Furnace State Park.

Appalachian Trail Museum & Midpoint: You simply can’t visit without setting foot on the world’s most famous long-distance trail. Pine Grove Furnace is the official location on the Appalachian Trail where it (AT) reaches its midpoint. You can check out the Appalachian Trail Museum (in a restored ironworker’s gristmill). Celebrate with thru-hikers meeting the midpoint milestone. Don’t miss the half-gallon challenge. It’s a fun tradition: hikers try to eat a half-gallon of ice cream to celebrate reaching the Appalachian Trail’s halfway point!

Scenic view from Pole Steeple Overlook with pine trees, forested hills, and a cloudy sky.

Pole Steeple Trail: It is the park’s most famous hike and our absolute favorite. It is a very steep but brief hike of 0.7 miles-one way. The result is definitely worth the work as you can see one of the most incredible views of Pennsylvania. You can see the Cumberland Valley and Laurel Lake from the quartzite at Pole Steeple Overlook.

A wooden bridge in a forest with trail signs for Koppenhaver and Mountain Creek trails.

Koppenhaver Trail (1.6 miles round trip): This loop is another simple idea that most people can figure out and enjoy. It’s close to Fuller Lake and provides a nice introductory experience to the park’s diverse forests. Great, if you are short on ​‍​‌‍​‍‌time.

View from an electric bicycle on a wooded trail next to a creek in autumn.

Mountain Creek Trail (4.7 miles round trip): If you want to take an easier route, you should definitely consider this trail. It traces the lovely Mountain Creek and links Fuller Lake to a more extensive trail network. This path is great for those who want a relaxing walk through the woods without an arduous climb.

Stone structure of Pine Grove Furnace with a brick archway and an opening, set against a blue sky.

Step Back in Time: Exploring Camp Michaux

For us, a must-do on this trip was the Camp Michaux Walking Tour. This is a fascinating step back in time for anyone visiting Pine Grove Furnace State Park. You’ll see ruins from the CCC era, the WWII POW camp, and church camp years. Great, if you want to add a bit of history to your park visit.

Stop 9-Site of the CCC camp fountain in the Michaux State Forest
Camp Michaux Water Fountain

Expand Your Historical Journey: A Day Trip to Carlisle

While Pine Grove Furnace tells a powerful story of American industry, a short 30-minute drive to the town of Carlisle offers a profound opportunity to engage with a deeper and more complex chapter of our national history. We highly recommend including this sobering and educational day trip on your itinerary.

Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument: A historic photograph of a large group of children in front of a two-story building, part of a museum exhibit.

The Carlisle Indian Industrial School National Monument

Your first and most important stop for us was the Carlisle Indian Industrial School site. Established in 1879, it was the first federally funded, off-reservation boarding school for Native American children and became the model for a system of over 300 such institutions. Its explicit purpose was the forced assimilation of Indigenous children through a strict vocational curriculum and the suppression of their native cultures and languages.

Today, the site is preserved as a National Monument, managed by the National Park Service. The most accessible part for reflection is the historic cemetery, which stands as a solemn memorial to the students who died far from their homes.

Entrance of a brick building with a sign for "Library · Archives · Museum" and a board reading "OPEN FREE MUSEUM."

The Cumberland County Historical Society

To further enrich your understanding of the local context, a visit to the Cumberland County Historical Society is a valuable next stop. While its scope encompasses the entire history of Cumberland County, it holds archives and exhibits related to the Carlisle Indian School, offering additional perspectives and personal stories that complement the national monument.

Dried coneflowers with spiky brown seed heads and withered petals.

Pine Grove Furnace State Park: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I bring for a visit?

2. What is the best time to visit?

  • Spring (April–June): blooming wildflowers and mild temperatures.
  • Summer (July–August): Enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing at the lake.
  • Fall (September–November): spectacular foliage along hiking trails.
  • Winter (December–February): Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and quieter trails.

3. How long should I plan to stay?

  • A few hours for hiking, visiting the Ironmaster’s Mansion, and a picnic.
  • A full day or overnight to enjoy camping, lake activities, and all the trails.
A peaceful lake surrounded by green and autumn-touched trees, with a sandy beach on the right.

4. Are there swimming and boating opportunities?

  • Yes, Laurel Lake offers swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and small boat rentals during the summer.

5. What historic sites should I see?

  • The Ironmaster’s Mansion: now an Appalachian Trail hostel and event space.
  • Remains of the old iron furnace and historic buildings.
  • Hiking trails that pass through scenic and historic areas.

6. Are there any special events?

  • Seasonal programs and events may include guided hikes, educational programs, and craft demonstrations. Check the park calendar before visiting.
A rustic, wood‑framed general store with a covered porch and railing, tucked into the forested grounds of Pine Grove Furnace State Park.

Final Thoughts on Camping at Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Camping​‍​‌‍​‍‌ at Pine Grove Furnace State Park is an opportunity to really disconnect from the world outside. The environment is an ideal mix of nature’s beauty and the quaint appeal of history, no matter if you are making s’mores over the fire or getting up to the sweet sound of birds singing under the pine trees. Furthermore, the park offers a great on-site facility, the Appalachian Trail Museum. Thus, it is definitely a place to stop for a hike ​‍​‌‍​‍‌lover.

Have you visited Pine Grove Furnace? Share your favorite memory in the comments below!.