Raccoon Run Campsite #15 State Forest Grounds

For Pennsylvanians who truly crave an immersive outdoor experience, far from the typical amenities of developed campgrounds, Raccoon Run Campsite #15 in Michaux State Forest presents an ideal destination. This isn't a place with flush toilets at every turn or electrical hookups for your RV; instead, it's a call to the wild, offering a large, secluded space perfect for groups looking to reconnect with nature on a more fundamental level. Situated within the vast and beautiful Michaux State Forest, this campsite allows local adventurers to embrace primitive camping, where self-sufficiency and a love for the serene wilderness are paramount. It's a testament to the diverse range of outdoor opportunities available right here in our own backyard, catering specifically to those who value peace, privacy, and the sounds of the forest over modern conveniences.

Raccoon Run Campsite #15 is one of many designated roadside campsites within Michaux State Forest, managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). While it offers a more rustic experience, its generous size makes it particularly well-suited for larger groups, fostering shared experiences around a campfire and under a canopy of stars. It’s a chance to truly unwind and enjoy the expansive natural beauty that Pennsylvania's state forests provide.

Raccoon Run Campsite #15 is nestled within Michaux State Forest, with its approximate address being 536-750 Forest Rd, Fayetteville, PA 17222, USA. Michaux State Forest itself covers over 85,000 acres across Adams, Franklin, and Cumberland counties in South Central Pennsylvania, making it a significant natural resource for locals. This specific campsite is located off a forest road, contributing to its secluded nature.

It's crucial for prospective campers, especially those from Pennsylvania accustomed to drive-up sites, to understand the accessibility of Raccoon Run Campsite #15. As some past visitors have noted, while it is a designated "motorized, roadside campsite," there can be a requirement to park on the road and carry gear a distance to the actual campsite. For Raccoon Run Campsite #15 specifically, reports indicate a walk-in distance of approximately 500 yards (or 240 feet according to some sources) from the parking area to the campsite. This means it is not a drive-in site where you can pull your vehicle directly alongside your tent. Therefore, preparedness for packing in gear is essential.

The site's proximity to Caledonia State Park, approximately 4 miles away, offers a convenient advantage for those needing more developed facilities. While the campsite itself is primitive, Caledonia State Park provides access to amenities like water, bathing, and modern restrooms. This blend of primitive camping with nearby developed park resources offers a flexible approach to outdoor recreation, allowing campers to choose their level of ruggedness while still having support within a short drive. The location within Michaux State Forest also provides access to an extensive network of hiking trails, making it an excellent basecamp for exploring the South Mountain region.

• No On-Site Water: Campers must bring their own water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, or be prepared to treat water from natural sources if available.
• No On-Site Bathing Facilities: There are no showers or designated bathing areas directly at the campsite. Visitors can access these facilities at nearby Caledonia State Park, approximately 4 miles away.
• No On-Site Bathroom Facilities: Raccoon Run Campsite #15 does not have flush toilets or outhouses directly at the site. Campers are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles, which may involve using portable toilets or digging catholes away from water sources and trails. Restrooms are available at Caledonia State Park.
• Picnic Table: Each site typically includes a picnic table for meal preparation and outdoor dining.
• Fire Ring: A designated fire ring is provided for campfires. It's important to be aware of any fire bans or restrictions, especially during dry periods or from March 1 through May 25, when fires are generally not permitted without authorization.
• Designated Campsite: Raccoon Run Campsite #15 is a designated motorized, roadside campsite, meaning it requires a permit for overnight use.
• Carry In, Carry Out: All trash and refuse generated by campers must be removed from the state forest land; there are no trash disposal facilities at the campsite.
• Limited Cell Service: Cell phone coverage may be unreliable or unavailable at the campsite, so plan for a disconnected experience.

• Large Campsite: A significant highlight is its generous size, making it "very large" and "suitable for groups," as noted by past visitors. This allows for ample space and privacy, even with multiple tents.
• Secluded Location: Nestled within Michaux State Forest, the campsite offers a highly secluded and peaceful environment, ideal for escaping urban noise and light pollution.
• Primitive Camping Experience: This site is perfect for those seeking a true rustic and primitive camping adventure, emphasizing self-reliance and connection with nature.
• Access to Michaux State Forest: Campers have direct access to the vast Michaux State Forest, offering extensive opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, hunting (in season, with proper licenses and safety precautions), and wildlife viewing.
• Proximity to Caledonia State Park: While primitive, the close proximity (approximately 4 miles) to Caledonia State Park provides convenient access to modern amenities like flush toilets, hot showers, and potable water, offering a comfortable balance for many campers.
• Walk-In Accessibility: The 500-yard (or 240-foot) walk from the parking area to the site contributes to its seclusion and helps deter casual visitors, preserving the tranquil atmosphere.
• Permit Required: The requirement for a permit ensures organized use of the site, contributing to its maintained status as a designated camping area.
• Forest Immersion: Visitors can enjoy the dense woodlands, fresh air, and sounds of the forest, providing a genuine sense of being "back to nature."

As a designated state forest campsite, Raccoon Run Campsite #15 operates under the policies of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). These primitive motorized, roadside campsites in Pennsylvania state forests are generally offered for free. The primary "special offer" is the availability of a free permit required for overnight stays, making it an incredibly budget-friendly option for Pennsylvanians.

Reservations for these free permits can be made up to eleven months in advance via the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation website or by phone (888-PA-PARKS). Stays are typically limited to seven consecutive nights, and campers must vacate the site for at least 48 hours before returning, ensuring fair access for all. For groups larger than 10 people, a "Letter of Authorization" from the state forest is required, which may take several weeks to obtain. While there are no monetary discounts or seasonal promotions in the traditional sense, the inherent value of a free, permitted, and secluded large campsite in a beautiful state forest is a significant draw for local outdoor enthusiasts. It allows for affordable and extended immersion in nature, a unique benefit for Pennsylvania residents.

For inquiries about Raccoon Run Campsite #15 and camping within Michaux State Forest, or to obtain a permit, please use the following contact information:

Address: 536-750 Forest Rd, Fayetteville, PA 17222, USA (General location within Michaux State Forest)

For permits and detailed information, it is best to contact the Michaux State Forest district office or the Pennsylvania DCNR directly:

Michaux State Forest District Office Phone: 717-352-2211

Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation Phone: 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757)

It is highly recommended to secure your free permit in advance, especially for weekend trips, as permits are required and sites can be popular. Always confirm current fire restrictions and any other relevant alerts before your trip by checking the DCNR website or calling the district office.

Raccoon Run Campsite #15 is exceptionally suitable for Pennsylvania locals, particularly those who embrace the rugged beauty of our state's vast forest lands. Its location within Michaux State Forest provides an easily accessible wilderness experience without requiring a long journey for many residents in South Central Pennsylvania and beyond. This means more time enjoying the outdoors and less time commuting.

For groups of friends or families who enjoy camping together, the "very large campsite" is a significant advantage, offering ample space for multiple tents and gathering areas, fostering a communal outdoor experience. While the lack of on-site water or traditional bathrooms may initially seem daunting, for seasoned campers or those looking to expand their outdoor skills, it's an opportunity to practice self-sufficiency and truly disconnect. The proximity to Caledonia State Park, just a few miles away, provides a convenient safety net, ensuring access to modern facilities for a quick refresh or resupply when needed.

The walk-in aspect, while requiring a bit more planning, contributes to the site's seclusion, creating a quieter and more intimate connection with nature, away from the sounds of traffic or overly crowded areas. It encourages a deeper appreciation for the tranquility of the forest. The fact that permits for these state forest sites are free makes Raccoon Run Campsite #15 an incredibly valuable and cost-effective option for regular outdoor excursions. It embodies the spirit of Pennsylvania's state forests—providing low-density, primitive recreation opportunities within expansive tracts of beautiful, wild land. For any Pennsylvanian seeking an authentic, peaceful, and group-friendly camping adventure that truly allows them to immerse themselves in the state's natural heritage, Raccoon Run Campsite #15 is an excellent and highly recommended choice.

Raccoon Run Campsite #15 State Forest Grounds

536-750 Forest Rd, Fayetteville, PA 17222, USA