Pinegrove Furnace Group Campground

- Gardners, PA 17324

Introduction / Overview

For Pennsylvanians seeking a dedicated, spacious, and naturally beautiful location for their next organized adventure, the

Pine Grove Furnace Group Campground

stands out as a premier destination. Located within the history-rich

Pine Grove Furnace State Park

in Gardners, PA, this area—officially known as the Iron Workers Organized Group Tenting Area—is not the main family campground, but a rustic, private section reserved specifically for organized adult and youth groups. It is designed to host large gatherings, offering a blend of natural seclusion and necessary amenities to support groups of up to 180 people across six separate tenting sites.

The campground’s setting is steeped in Pennsylvania's rich natural and industrial history. It is nestled between two ridges in the stunning

Michaux State Forest

, offering an authentic South Mountain experience. Locals highly value this spot for its tranquil atmosphere, with one reviewer noting,

“So tranquil love the lakes and trails.”

The unique location right in the heart of the park means groups have unparalleled access to the legendary Appalachian Trail (A.T.)—the park is famous for being the trail’s approximate halfway point—as well as two beautiful mountain lakes, Laurel and Fuller Lakes. Whether you’re organizing a scout troop campout, a university club retreat, or a long-standing group tradition, such as the described

“fantastic Mahha weekend,”

this campground offers the perfect rustic backdrop.

While the main Charcoal Hearth Campground offers modern amenities for families and RVs, the Group Campground embraces a more primitive, rustic style, providing a genuine wilderness experience while still being conveniently close to the park's central features. It serves as an essential hub for Pennsylvania groups seeking a focused, nature-centric retreat.

Location and Accessibility

The

Pine Grove Furnace Group Campground

is located within

Pine Grove Furnace State Park

at the park's official address:

Gardners, PA 17324, USA

. The park itself is strategically positioned in South Central Pennsylvania, making it highly accessible for residents of Harrisburg, York, Carlisle, and even the Philadelphia and Baltimore metro areas.

Accessibility to the larger state park is excellent, easily reached from I-81 by taking Exit 37 and following PA 233 South for approximately eight miles. Once inside the state park, the Group Tenting Area is situated in a wooded area surrounding an open playfield, providing the desired privacy for large groups. Access to the individual sites is generally

walk-to

only, meaning vehicles are not permitted directly into the tenting area itself, reinforcing the primitive experience. Parking is available nearby on a gravel drive, making the drop-off of equipment manageable.

Crucially for Pennsylvania hikers, the campground provides a direct gateway to the region’s expansive trail system. The Brickyard Trail is a short path connecting the Organized Group Tenting Area to the Furnace Stack Day Use Area, putting the Appalachian Trail, the Appalachian Trail Museum, and the park’s historic General Store all within easy walking distance.

Services Offered

The Organized Group Tenting Area at Pine Grove Furnace State Park is designed to support the needs of large groups while maintaining a rustic, primitive feel.

• Rustic Group Sites:

  The area is divided into six separate sites with a total capacity of up to 180 people, available for reservation by organized adult or youth groups.

• Sanitation Facilities:

  Sites are equipped with

  Vault Toilets

  (non-flush toilets) to manage sanitation in the rustic setting.

• Water Access:

  Drinking water is available at a

  Drinking Water

  source located

  Less than 300 feet

  from the group area, ensuring essential hydration is easily accessible.

• Cooking and Fire:

  Each site includes a

  Fire Ring w/Grill

  , allowing groups to safely build campfires for warmth and to cook meals over an open flame.

• Picnic Facilities:

  Group sites are equipped with multiple

  Picnic Tables

  (typically four per site), providing designated areas for eating and group activities.

• Recreational Field:

  The group area surrounds an

  open playfield

  , an excellent feature for sports, games, and large group activities.

• Full Shower Access:

  While the group camp is primitive, groups can purchase access to the modern hot showers at the nearby Charcoal Hearth Family Campground for a small fee, offering a welcome comfort option.

Features / Highlights

Pine Grove Furnace Group Campground is a beloved spot for Pennsylvania groups due to its unique combination of history, nature, and community-building features.

• Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Halfway Point:

  The park's most famous feature is its proximity to the A.T. Midpoint, where thru-hikers traditionally take the

  Half-Gallon Ice Cream Challenge

  at the General Store. This provides a memorable cultural and historical highlight for all campers.

• Historic Iron Works:

  Groups can explore the remnants of the 18th and 19th-century charcoal-fired iron furnace community, including the towering

  furnace stack

  and the historic

  Ironmaster's Mansion

  , which now serves as a hostel.

• Two Mountain Lakes:

  The campground offers close access to

  Laurel Lake

  (25 acres) and

  Fuller Lake

  (1.7 acres). Both lakes offer opportunities for

  swimming

  (seasonal beaches),

  fishing

  , and

  boating

  (electric/non-powered on Laurel Lake).

• Extensive Trail System:

  Campers have access to an extensive network of trails, including the easy

  Hiker-Biker Trail

  connecting the lakes, and the strenuous climb up to the

  Pole Steeple Overlook

  for panoramic views of the entire park.

• Year-Round Availability:

  Unlike the main campground, the Organized Group Tenting Area is available

  year-round

  for reservations, making it a reliable destination for winter or off-season group excursions.

Contact Information

The

Pine Grove Furnace Group Campground

is managed by the Pine Grove Furnace State Park office.

Campsite Name:

Pine Grove Furnace Group Campground (Iron Workers Organized Group Camp)

Address:

Gardners, PA 17324, USA (Part of Pine Grove Furnace State Park)

Park Office Phone (General Inquiries and Reservations):

(717) 486-7174

Reservations Center (Toll-Free):

888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Pennsylvania residents, the

Pine Grove Furnace Group Campground

is an ideal local treasure. Its location in the South Mountain area of the Michaux State Forest provides a convenient yet utterly immersive natural escape from the bustle of the Central Pennsylvania corridor. This is not just a place to pitch a tent; it is a gateway to the state’s most iconic hiking trail, rich colonial history, and stunning lake recreation.

The unique focus on organized group camping makes it an invaluable resource for local Pennsylvania organizations—from Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to church youth groups and hiking clubs. It provides the structured space and primitive facilities necessary for large groups to foster community, education, and teamwork, as evidenced by the positive local reviews celebrating regular group gatherings. The opportunity to hike a portion of the A.T., swim in a mountain lake, and explore the remnants of an 18th-century iron furnace all in one weekend is a distinctively Pennsylvanian experience. For those seeking a memorable, historical, and well-supported setting for their next collective outdoor adventure, Pine Grove Furnace Group Campground is unmatched in the Commonwealth.

Pinegrove Furnace Group Campground

Gardners, PA 17324, USA