Pinegrove furnace, group camping area

For those residing in Pennsylvania and seeking an exceptional outdoor experience for their group, the Pine Grove Furnace State Park group camping area in Gardners offers a truly remarkable destination. Nestled at the northern tip of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, within the expansive Michaux State Forest, this 696-acre park is steeped in both natural beauty and rich history. It's more than just a place to set up tents; it's an immersive environment where groups can connect with nature, explore historical landmarks, and build lasting memories.

Pine Grove Furnace State Park is renowned for its tranquil lakes, diverse trail system, and unique position as the halfway point of the legendary Appalachian Trail. The group camping area is specifically designed to accommodate organized adult and youth groups, providing a dedicated space where multiple families or a large gathering can enjoy the wilderness together. The park's commitment to preserving its natural and historical integrity means that every visit offers a blend of relaxation and educational opportunities, making it an ideal choice for scout groups, church retreats, family reunions, or any collective looking for an authentic Pennsylvania outdoor adventure.

Visitors frequently praise the peaceful ambiance and the abundance of activities available right at their fingertips. Despite a rainy weekend, as one camper noted, the beauty and offerings of the park consistently deliver "another fantastic weekend." This underscores the versatility of Pine Grove Furnace State Park, proving that even less-than-ideal weather can't dampen the spirits when surrounded by such natural splendor and engaging features. The opportunity to unwind by the lakes, hike scenic trails, and delve into the area's iron-making history creates a comprehensive and satisfying group camping experience.

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The Pine Grove Furnace State Park group camping area is conveniently located at Gardners, PA 17324, USA. This puts it squarely in south-central Pennsylvania, making it highly accessible for residents throughout the state. The park is nestled within the beautiful Cumberland Valley, an area known for its rolling landscapes and historical significance.

Specifically, the park is situated just south of PA-233, in the northern section of Michaux State Forest. Access to PA-233 is straightforward from major interstates such as I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike), I-81, US-30, or US-15. This robust road network ensures that groups traveling from various parts of Pennsylvania can reach the campground with relative ease. For instance, it's approximately 35 miles southeast of Harrisburg, the state capital, making it a viable option for a convenient escape from urban areas.

The group camping area itself is located in the southern part of the park, off Brickyard Trail. While the park boasts excellent roads for general travel, larger rigs might find it more convenient to leave their vehicles at designated parking areas and walk or bike within the park to fully explore. It's important to note that while the park provides an immersive natural experience, cell service can be spotty within Michaux State Forest, including Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Visitors should plan accordingly, perhaps downloading offline maps or relying on a traditional road atlas. However, Wi-Fi may be available seasonally at the General Store, offering a connectivity option when needed.

The park's strategic location also means it's a short drive to other regional attractions, including the historic battlefields of Gettysburg and charming local towns, providing ample opportunities for day trips if your group desires to venture beyond the park's boundaries.

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• Designated Group Campsites: Pine Grove Furnace State Park offers six spacious group campsites specifically for organized adult and youth groups. Three of these sites can accommodate up to 20 people, while the other three are larger, designed for up to 40 people.
• Picnic Tables: Each group campsite is equipped with multiple picnic tables to facilitate group meals and gatherings. The smaller sites have two tables, and the larger ones have three.
• Community Campfire Areas: Both sizes of group campsites feature a large community campfire area, perfect for group storytelling, s'mores, and shared warmth.
• Fire Grills/BBQ Pits: In addition to the community fire, campsites include several individual campfire grills or BBQ pits for cooking.
• Potable Water Access: Water spigots providing potable water are accessible to all group campsites.
• Vault Toilets: Vault toilets are available within the group camping area, with modern restrooms (including showers) located a short distance away in the main campground.
• Playfield: A dedicated playfield is available in the group tenting area, offering space for various outdoor games and activities.
• Access to Park Amenities: Group campers have access to all general park amenities, including swimming at Laurel Lake and Fuller Lake (with lifeguards seasonally at Fuller Lake), boating and fishing on Laurel Lake, and various hiking and biking trails.
• Seasonal Camp Store: A camp store, located a quarter-mile from the main campground, offers basic necessities, snacks, and the famous "half-gallon challenge" ice cream for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A dump station is available near the main campground entrance for RVs, free for campers.

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• Historical Significance: Pine Grove Furnace State Park is rich in history, being the site of a charcoal-fired iron furnace community that flourished for over 130 years. Visitors can explore the historic furnace stack and learn about the park's industrial past at the accessible visitor center. The Ironmaster's Mansion, a beautifully renovated historic building, adds another layer of historical charm, serving as a hostel and event venue.
• Appalachian Trail Midpoint: The park is famously known as the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). This iconic footpath runs directly through the park, offering unique opportunities to meet thru-hikers and visit the Appalachian Trail Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the A.T.
• Two Mountain Lakes: The park boasts two stunning mountain lakes, Laurel Lake (25 acres) and Fuller Lake (1.7 acres). Both offer opportunities for swimming (with lifeguards at Fuller Lake during peak season), fishing, and boating (electric motors only on Laurel Lake). Laurel Lake also has 85 mooring sites and a free boat launch. The Mountain Creek Trail connects these two beautiful bodies of water, offering a pleasant stroll.
• Extensive Trail System: Beyond the A.T., Pine Grove Furnace State Park provides miles of diverse trails suitable for various skill levels. Trails like Creek Trail, Mountain Creek Trail, Hiker-Biker-A.T. Trail (ADA accessible), and the more challenging Pole Steeple Trail to a quartzite rock outcropping offer abundant hiking and biking opportunities through varied landscapes of mixed forest, wetlands, and along tranquil creeks.
• Winter Recreation: When the snow falls, the park transforms into a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing on the Hiker-Biker Trail, ice skating on Laurel Lake (a small maintained area near the boat launch), and ice fishing. Nearby Michaux State Forest also provides access to miles of snowmobile trails.
• Ironmaster's Mansion Experience: The historic Ironmaster's Mansion offers a unique opportunity to stay in a beautifully preserved piece of history. While primarily a hostel for A.T. hikers, it also features a private suite for a "small fee," which one reviewer found "special" enough to elicit a strong, positive reaction. It hosts various events and offers a glimpse into the past.

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As a public state park, Pine Grove Furnace State Park's pricing for its group camping area is generally set and transparent, with fees typically charged per person per night for group camping. While specific promotional "offers" in the commercial sense aren't usually available for state park camping, the park offers significant value through its extensive facilities and recreational opportunities included with the reservation.

For current pricing on group camping, it's always best to check the official Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) website or contact the park directly. Reservations for state park facilities, including group camping, can often be made up to 11 months in advance, which can be seen as a form of "early bird" advantage for groups looking to secure prime dates, especially during peak seasons.

Additionally, the park regularly hosts environmental education and recreation programs throughout the spring, summer, and fall. These programs, which may include guided walks, hands-on activities, and interpretive talks, are often included with park admission or are available for a nominal fee, providing added educational and recreational value to a group visit. Families and groups can explore the park's calendar of events or contact the park office for details on upcoming programs.

While not a direct discount, the comprehensive offerings — from lakes and trails to historic sites and a museum — ensure that the fees paid for group camping provide a rich and engaging experience, making it a highly cost-effective option for group outings in Pennsylvania.

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For reservations, specific information about the group camping area, or general inquiries about Pine Grove Furnace State Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1100 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA 17324, USA

Park Office Phone: 717-486-7174

Email: pinegrovesp@pa.gov

For online reservations and general state park information, you can visit the official DCNR website or call the toll-free reservation line:

Toll-Free Reservations: 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757) (Available Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

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For Pennsylvanians, the Pine Grove Furnace State Park group camping area is an outstanding choice, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities right in our backyard. Its accessibility from various parts of the state means less travel time and more quality time spent outdoors, making it an ideal destination for weekend escapes or longer group adventures without the need for extensive planning or distant travel.

The park's unique features, such as the two beautiful lakes (Laurel and Fuller) and its status as the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail, provide unparalleled experiences that are distinctly Pennsylvanian. Locals can take pride in visiting such a landmark, whether they're hiking a section of the A.T., swimming in the cool waters, or simply enjoying the tranquil lakeside environment. The rich history of the iron furnace, with preserved structures and the engaging Appalachian Trail Museum, offers educational insights that connect visitors to the region's heritage, adding depth to any group outing.

The dedicated group camping facilities, complete with multiple picnic tables, large community fire areas, and access to modern amenities like restrooms and showers, are specifically designed to cater to the needs of organized groups. This makes planning a large gathering, be it a family reunion, a scout troop campout, or a youth group retreat, incredibly convenient and enjoyable. The park's commitment to maintaining these facilities ensures a comfortable and safe environment for all ages.

Furthermore, the abundance of diverse activities, from hiking and biking on well-maintained trails to fishing and boating, ensures there’s something for everyone in the group. The tranquil surroundings, as noted by visitors, provide a genuine escape from daily stresses, allowing groups to truly unwind and reconnect. Even during a "rain-filled weekend," the enduring appeal and array of activities ensure that a visit remains a "fantastic" experience.

In essence, Pine Grove Furnace State Park’s group camping area is more than just a campsite; it’s a readily available, comprehensive outdoor and historical experience perfectly suited for Pennsylvania residents looking to foster camaraderie, create lasting memories, and immerse themselves in the natural and cultural richness of their home state.

Pinegrove furnace, group camping area

Gardners, PA 17324, USA