Pine Grove Furnace State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily sunrise – sunset
- Entrance fee
- Not posted
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed
- Camping
- YesAlso cabins
- Official site
- pa.gov(717) 486-7174
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 1
Alert CELL PHONE COVERAGE is spotty at best and non-existent in most areas of the parkand surrounding state forest. Please plan accordingly and do not rely on cell phone usage.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Overview
Pine Grove Furnace State Park is a 703-acre park in Cumberland County, about 12 miles east of Shippensburg.
Things to do include snorkeling and diving, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, winter sports, and hunting in season. Its trail network totals roughly 4 miles, according to the park. Water access includes a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and boat or kayak rentals. Camping is available: 2 camping areas, including RV sites, tent sites, and group camping. There are also cabins for rent.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | sunrise – sunset | — |
Official wording
The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk. The park office is open specific hours. Beaches, overnight areas, and other areas are open specific seasons and hours. Contact the park office for facility seasons and hours.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ReserveAmerica (Aspira), Pennsylvania State Parks contract
- Phone
- 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed
Pets are permitted on designated campsites for a fee.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camping Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground Map (PDF)
♿ Seventy tent and trailer sites are available from late March to mid-December.
Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. A sanitary dump station is near the campground entrance.
A seasonal camp store is one quarter-mile from the campground.
Pets are permitted on designated campsites for a fee.
GPS DD: Lat. 40.02565 Long. -77.31086 | — | A seasonal camp store is one quarter-mile from the campground. | — |
| Organized Group Tenting Organized adult or youth groups may reserve the rustic area year round. The area is divided into six separate sites with a total capacity of 180 people. The sites are in a wooded area surrounding an open playfield.
Advance reservations are recommended. | — | — |
Camping details from the park
Camping
Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground Map (PDF)
♿ Seventy tent and trailer sites are available from late March to mid-December.
Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. A sanitary dump station is near the campground entrance.
A seasonal camp store is one quarter-mile from the campground.
Pets are permitted on designated campsites for a fee.
GPS DD: Lat. 40.02565 Long. -77.31086
Organized Group Tenting
Organized adult or youth groups may reserve the rustic area year round. The area is divided into six separate sites with a total capacity of 180 people. The sites are in a wooded area surrounding an open playfield.
Advance reservations are recommended.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Paymaster’s Cabin
Paymaster’s Cabin
Paymaster’s Cabin Brochure (PDF)
This two-story historic house, which served as the paymaster’s office when the iron furnace was in use, has been converted into a modern cabin.
It is available for rent year round and has modern conveniences like:
- Electric heat
- Air conditioning
- Full kitchen
- Warm showers
- An outdoor area with a picnic table and fire ring
The cabin sleeps six people and is near the camp store.
Guests should bring all essentials like sheets, linens, and dishes.
During the summer season, the Paymaster’s Cabin must be rented for a one-week period, beginning on a Friday. For the rest of the year, the cabin must be rented for a minimum of two days, up to a maximum of 14 consecutive days.
Alcoholic beverages are permitted in this overnight facility and associated curtilage only. Alcohol possession and consumption is restricted to the holder of the reservation permit and invited guests age 21 and older. Responsible and legal alcohol consumption is required, and violations are grounds for removal from the state park without refund.
Note that alcohol possession and consumption in all other overnight facilities and all other areas of state parks is prohibited.
Things to do
FishingWinter sportsCross-country skiingSnorkeling and scubaHuntingSwimmingBoatingSnowmobilingBikingPicnickingHikingCampingCanoeing and kayaking
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachian Trail | 1.4 mi | Easiest hiking in the park | Recreations permitted: hiking, backpacking Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables A portion of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) runs through the park giving thru hikers a chance to stop at the Ironmaster's Mansion, A.T. Museum, and general store. The approximately 2,190-mile-long trail traverses the Appalachian Mountains through 14 states, stretching as a continuous footpath from Springer Mountain in northern Georgia to Mt. Katahdin in central Maine.HikingBackpacking |
| Brickyard Trail | 0.3 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables This short trail connects the Brickyard Day Use Are to the Organized Group Tenting Area. It also leads to the intersection of Creek Trail and Campground Trail.Hiking |
| Buck Ridge Trail | 6 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This 6-mile trail through Michaux State Forest connects Kings Gap Environmental Education Center and Pine Grove Furnace State Park over challenging rocky terrain. The trailhead and a small parking area are across from the park office.Hiking |
| Campground Trail | 0.33 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This trail meanders through the trees and connects the Charcoal Hearth campground to the Furnace Stack Day Use Area providing campers easy access to historic sites and the general store.Hiking |
| Creek Trail | 0.5 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none Trail begins at the amphitheater and wraps around the campground. Hikers can see vernal ponds, mountain creek, and the historic furnace raceway.Hiking |
| Hiker Biker Trail | 3 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, biking, cross-country skiing recommended Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables This ADA accessible, family-friendly trail travels from the Furnace Stack, past Fuller Lake, to the Laurel Lake area. The trail overlaps the Appalachian Trail and Old Railroad Bed Road. It provides access to multiple other trails in the park. Part of the trail and paved and part is gravel.HikingBikingCross-country skiing recommended |
| Koppenhaver Trail | 1 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This scenic trail winds through many tall pines and hemlocks and passes by Tom's Run and Mountain Creeks. Remnants of the old girl scout camp can be seen on part of the trail.Hiking |
| Mountain Creek | 1.4 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This trail is a link between the Hiker Biker Trail, Koppenhaver Trail, and Icehouse Road near Laurel Lake. The trail affords the hiker an alternate path to Laurel Lake Day Use Area other than the paved roadway. The trail meanders through forests and wetlands as it follows Mountain Creek downstream to Laurel Lake and provides easy access for trout fishing opportunities.Hiking |
| Pole Steeple Trail | 0.75 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none Accessed from the Pole Steeple parking lot in the park, this trail entirely in Michaux State Forest is a short, but steep climb to the top. The entire park can be viewed from the Pole Steeple Overlook, which is a quartzite rock outcropping. The trail begins on the opposite side of Railroad Bed Road from Laurel Lake and proceeds up Piney Mountain to the rocky overlook. The steep grade and sheer drop may stress some individuals. Parents are advised to closely supervise children, especially when they are on the rocks and ledges.Hiking |
| Swamp Trail | 0.25 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none Accessed from the Hiker Biker Trail, this short trail circles a small, forested swamp filled with interesting plants and animals.Hiking |
Trail descriptions from the park
4 miles of trails
Pine Grove Furnace State Park Map
Hiking the A.T.
About 2 to 3 million people walk a portion of the A.T. each year. Pine Grove Furnace State Park is a popular access point for short-term backpacking and day hikes. Boiling Springs to the north and Caledonia State Park to the south are each about a 20-mile hike from Pine Grove Furnace. Overnight parking is available for backpackers in a special section of the Furnace Stack parking lot. Section hikers should register their car at the overnight parking area.
Guidelines for a Safe Hike
- Wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet.
- Carry the proper safety equipment, such as a first aid kit and a poncho.
- Stay on the trail. If you hike off the trail, you might get lost or damage fragile habitats.
- Carry drinking water. DO NOT drink from streams, springs, or lakes without properly treating the water first!
- Observe wildlife from a safe distance. Do not try to get close to wild animals.
- Check the weather before you hike. It is not safe to hike in thunderstorms or when heavy snow is expected.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
- A cell phone can be useful for calling for help, but many sections of the park do not have cell phone coverage.
Swimming
Two Swimming Lakes
The beaches at Fuller and Laurel lakes are open from May 1 to September 30, from 8:00 A.M. to sunset.
Laurel Beach is swim at your own risk. Please follow posted rules.
Fuller Beach has lifeguards on duty from 11:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M. daily, between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, unless otherwise posted. Please follow posted rules for swimming when lifeguards are off duty.
Swimmers at Laurel Lake and especially at Fuller Lake are advised to exercise caution because of the extreme depths and cold subsurface waters.
Smoke-Free Beach
Smoking is prohibited on Fuller Beach and in the swimming area.
For visitors who smoke and still want to use this beach, designated areas adjacent to the beach are provided. The restriction includes:
- Cigarettes
- Pipes
- Cigars
- E-cigarettes
- Other handheld, lighted smoking devices
Snack Bars
During the summer season, a snack bar is available at each beach.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Park or camp store
- Group facilities
Water
- Swimming beach
- Boat ramp
- Marina or boat slips
- Boat, canoe or kayak rentals
Camping
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Group camping
Lodging
- Cabins
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
Pine Grove Furnace State Park offers a range of accessibility accommodations to ensure all visitors can enjoy its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Horseshoe Loop - Site 32
Site 32 in the Horseshoe Loop offers modern electric service with 30 amps and a gravel back-in driveway. The driveway is 53 feet long, accommodating vehicles up to 45 feet in length.
Horseshoe Loop - Site 38
Site 38 in the Horseshoe Loop features modern electric service with 30 amps and a paved back-in driveway. The driveway is 44 feet long, accommodating vehicles up to 30 feet in length.
Horseshoe Loop - Site 47
Site 47 in the Horseshoe Loop offers modern electric service with 30 amps and a gravel back-in driveway. The driveway is 71 feet long, accommodating vehicles up to 55 feet in length.
Read more from the park
Accessible Picnic Tables
Fuller, Laurel, and Furnace Stack day use areas all have ADA accessible picnic tables for use.
Furnace Stack Pavilion
The Furnace Stack Pavilion can accommodate up to 140 people.
Brickyard Pavilion
The Brickyard Pavilion can accommodate up to 80 people.
Hiker Biker Trail
3.0 miles | Easiest hiking | Out-and-back trail | No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, biking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables
This ADA accessible, family-friendly trail travels from the Furnace Stack, past Fuller Lake, to the Laurel Lake area. The trail overlaps the Appalachian Trail and Old Railroad Bed Road. It provides access to multiple other trails in the park. Part of the trail and paved and part is gravel.
Swimming and Beaches
An ADA accessible sand beach is open from May 1 to September 30, from 8:00 A.M. to sunset at Laurel Lake.
There is a ramp to enter the swim beach.
Park in the upper Laurel Day Use Parking Lot, use sidewalk to travel around the concession building and down the ramp into the water.
Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules.
Historic Place
The iron furnace is ADA accessible. Park in the Iron Works Trailhead parking lot.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 1100 Pine Grove Road
Gardners, PA 17324 - Nearest town
- Shippensburg — about 12 mi east (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 40.0329, -77.3047
- Phone
- (717) 486-7174
- pinegrovesp@pa.gov
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
The park is easily reached from I-81. Visitors should take Exit 37 to PA 233 south then travel for eight miles. GPS DD: Lat. 40.03295 Long. -77.30467
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Pennsylvania State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Sep 4, 2026
- DCNR Find a Park: content-fragment JSON feed used by the pa.gov park finder
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
- Photo: Weverton Formation sample.jpg — CC0 1.0 (public domain dedication), Jstuby
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology