AT Campground

- Boiling Springs, PA 17007

For dedicated outdoor enthusiasts and local Pennsylvanians who embrace the challenge and beauty of the Appalachian Trail ($A.T.$), the **AT Campground** near Boiling Springs, PA, is a landmark location. This site is not a sprawling commercial camping resort but a designated, primitive backpacker campsite specifically established to serve the needs of those hiking the $A.T.$ through the scenic Cumberland Valley. It represents a vital, no-frills stopover point on the journey.

The campsite is known by local hikers and $A.T.$ organizations as the only designated backpacker campsite along this stretch of the Trail in the Cumberland Valley. Its primary function is to offer a basic, established place for thru-hikers and section hikers to pitch a tent before or after passing through the iconic trail town of Boiling Springs. This area is famously home to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Mid-Atlantic Regional Field Office and the picturesque Children's Lake, making the town itself a key resupply and relaxation point.

It is important for local users to set realistic expectations for the AT Campground. Its designation as a primitive site means the amenities are minimal—designed for resilient, self-sufficient hikers. As a functional stop, rather than a leisure destination, it fulfills a crucial need for overnight shelter along one of Pennsylvania’s most treasured resources, the Appalachian Trail.

The AT Campground's accessibility is defined by its role as a trailside facility. It is strategically located near the historic and charming town of Boiling Springs, nestled within Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.

The general location is:

Boiling Springs, PA 17007, USA

More specifically, the campsite is situated just south of the town center, accessible via a short path or old road leading east off the $A.T.$ The campsite is noted in trail guides to be located **next to the railroad tracks**, a factor that all users—especially those new to $A.T.$ camping—must be aware of. The close proximity to the tracks means train horns and railway noise are a certainty, as confirmed by numerous hiker accounts.

Accessibility details for local day hikers or those seeking a minimalist overnight include:

• **Proximity to Boiling Springs:** The campground is only a short hike from the town, allowing easy access to the $A.T.$ Conservancy office, the Yellow Breeches Creek, and the local post office and eateries in Boiling Springs.
• **Cumberland Valley Section:** The site sits along the famous 46-mile stretch of the $A.T.$ in the Cumberland Valley, which includes one of the longest, flattest sections of the entire 2,190-mile trail.
• **Trail Access:** It is only reachable by foot via the Appalachian Trail or an adjoining side path. No vehicle access is provided directly to the site itself, emphasizing its commitment to backpackers.

As a primitive $A.T.$ campsite, the provided services are limited to the essentials that a backpacker needs for a safe, simple overnight stay. It is not a full-service campground, but a basic, designated sleeping area.

The services and facilities typically available at the AT Campground include:

• **Designated Tent Sites:** Established, level areas for pitching a tent or setting up minimal shelter. These sites help concentrate human impact and preserve the surrounding natural environment.
• **Minimal Facilities:** Like many primitive $A.T.$ sites, users should expect a lack of modern amenities. There are typically no flush toilets, showers, or running water for washing.
• **Fire Ring/Grill (Likely Limited):** While campfires are a common feature in many campsites, users should be prepared to use a portable stove for cooking. Fire availability often depends on local regulations, which may restrict open fires to designated, safe rings only.
• **Free to Use:** The $A.T.$ backpacking campsites are generally free for overnight use by hikers, offering a cost-effective stop for those covering significant mileage.

It is crucial for locals planning a visit to adhere to the core principles of the $A.T.$ and **"Leave No Trace,"** meaning all trash must be carried out, and any waste must be properly managed.

The most significant features of the AT Campground are less about luxury and more about its unique, authentic trail experience and strategic location.

Key features and highlights for $A.T.$ users and local campers include:

• **Authentic Thru-Hiker Experience:** As a site directly on or immediately adjacent to the Appalachian Trail, staying here provides an authentic sense of the long-distance hiking experience and a chance to meet thru-hikers.
• **Unbeatable Proximity to Boiling Springs:** The site’s main value is its function as a sleeping area just before the town of Boiling Springs, allowing hikers to quickly access the post office, resupply opportunities, and the famous **Yellow Breeches Creek** the following morning.
• **Flat Section of the Trail:** The Cumberland Valley section of the $A.T.$ is known for its relatively flat terrain, making the hike to and from the campsite one of the easier stretches in Pennsylvania.
• **Essential Stop Before Town:** For hikers traveling northbound, this site is a critical overnight stop after the challenging rocks of southern Pennsylvania and before the well-deserved rest and resupply in Boiling Springs.
• **The Unavoidable Train Activity:** As a major highlight or drawback, depending on one's perspective, the campsite’s location **next to the railroad tracks** guarantees loud and frequent train passage, which is a unique, if sometimes startling, characteristic of the site.
• **Focus on Tent Camping:** While the area is described as challenging for hammock campers due to the terrain or tree cover, it is explicitly designed for traditional tent and bivy camping.

Since the AT Campground is a primitive, trail-managed site and not a commercial business, it does not have a dedicated phone number or office. Inquiries regarding this section of the Appalachian Trail and its facilities are managed by the local trail-maintaining club or the regional $A.T.$ organization.

The site's general location is within the jurisdiction of the Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club ($CVATC$) and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy ($ATC$).

**Site Name:** AT Campground (Boiling Springs Campsite)

**Address (General Area):**

Boiling Springs, PA 17007, USA

**Contact for Appalachian Trail Information:**

Appalachian Trail Conservancy ($ATC$) Mid-Atlantic Regional Field Office (Located nearby in Boiling Springs, PA)

**For Emergencies:** Local Cumberland County and Monaghan Township emergency services should be contacted.

**Note:** Campers are advised to refer to current $A.T.$ guidebooks and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information, regulations, and possible trail closures before their trip.

For Pennsylvania residents, particularly those in the South Central region, the AT Campground near Boiling Springs serves a specific, invaluable purpose: it is the perfect, low-barrier entry point for an authentic Appalachian Trail backpacking experience.

The suitability of this site rests on its:

**Accessibility to the $A.T.$:** It allows local hikers to easily access and experience a segment of the world's most famous footpath, ideal for weekend trips or first-time backpacking adventures without having to drive long distances out of state.

**A Minimalist and Free Option:** For budget-conscious or experienced backpackers, the site offers a crucial, designated, and free place to sleep, saving money that can be spent supporting the local businesses in Boiling Springs for food, laundry, or resupply.

**Direct Connection to a Trail Town:** The unique draw is its close link to the historic, picturesque town of Boiling Springs, where $A.T.$ culture is deeply embedded. This allows locals to enjoy the natural solitude of camping while remaining a short walk from civilized amenities.

While the campsite requires resilience—with its proximity to the train tracks and primitive amenities—it represents a pure and essential stop on the Appalachian Trail. For local Pennsylvanians, using the AT Campground is not about a luxury vacation; it is about embracing the core spirit of the $A.T.$ and the rugged, yet rewarding, beauty of the Cumberland Valley landscape. It’s an essential part of the local trail legacy.

AT Campground

Boiling Springs, PA 17007, USA