23-Woodchuck

For Pennsylvania residents looking to escape the crowded commercial RV parks and modern resorts, 23-Woodchuck offers a return to the roots of traditional wilderness exploration. Located within the vast and historic Michaux State Forest, this specific campsite is a hidden gem for those who prioritize solitude, silence, and a deep connection with the natural world. Unlike high-traffic campgrounds, 23-Woodchuck is a primitive, motorized roadside hike-in site, meaning it serves as a bridge between car camping and true backcountry backpacking. It is a destination designed for the self-reliant camper who values the rustle of the leaves and the canopy of the South Mountain over the hum of electricity and the glow of streetlights.

The beauty of 23-Woodchuck lies in its rugged simplicity. As part of the Pennsylvania state forest system, it is managed to provide low-density recreation that protects the local ecosystem while offering residents a chance to experience the "PA Wilds" in their most authentic form. This is a place where you can truly disconnect from the digital noise of the city and reconnect with the seasonal rhythms of the forest. Whether you are a local hiker seeking a quiet home base for exploring the Appalachian Trail region or a family looking to teach the next generation about the principles of "Leave No Trace," this campsite provides an unparalleled setting for an authentic Pennsylvania outdoor adventure.

Location and accessibility are critical factors for those visiting 23-Woodchuck, as the site is deliberately positioned to be remote. The address is technically listed within Tartown, PA 17320, though the campsite itself is nestled deep on High Rock Road within the southern loop of Michaux State Forest. To reach the site, travelers typically head south from Route 30 onto Route 233, eventually turning onto South Mountain Road and then High Rock Road. It is important for Pennsylvania locals to note that the final approach involves state forest roads that are primarily dirt and gravel. These roads are not maintained in the winter and can become impassable during heavy snow or ice, making late spring through late autumn the ideal time for a visit.

One of the unique aspects of 23-Woodchuck is that it is a walk-to site. While there is designated side-by-side parking along High Rock Road, the actual campsite is located approximately 330 to 340 feet away from the vehicle. The path to the site is blocked by rocks to prevent vehicle encroachment, ensuring that the camping area remains quiet and undisturbed. Because you cannot see your vehicle from the campsite, it provides an immersive forest experience. This distance is short enough for most able-bodied campers to transport gear in a few trips, yet long enough to filter out the sounds of the road, offering a true sense of seclusion in the heart of the woods.

As a primitive state forest site, the services offered at 23-Woodchuck are minimal by design. There are no modern amenities such as electric hookups, water spigots, or sewer connections. This encourages a traditional camping experience where guests are responsible for their own survival and comfort. However, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) provides a professional framework for reserving and enjoying the space safely. All campers must secure a permit in advance, ensuring that the site remains low-density and that everyone has a dedicated space to call their own for the duration of their stay.

• Advance reservation system through the official Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests portal, allowing for secure and guaranteed site access.
• Permit-based camping that ensures only one group (up to 10 people) occupies the site at a time, protecting your privacy.
• Dedicated side-by-side parking spaces on High Rock Road for up to two vehicles per permit.
• Access to the wider Michaux State Forest trail network for world-class hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing.
• Ranger patrols and forest district oversight to ensure the safety and security of the land and its visitors.
• "Carry-in, Carry-out" trash policy, which maintains the pristine condition of the forest for every guest.

The features and highlights of 23-Woodchuck focus on the site’s natural geography and its position within one of Pennsylvania's most beautiful forests. The site is characterized by partial shade, thanks to a healthy canopy of mature hardwoods and conifers. With a site length of approximately 60 feet and a width of 68 feet, there is ample room to set up multiple tents for a medium-sized group while still feeling tucked into the landscape. The slight grade of the terrain makes it suitable for various tent placements, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep under the stars.

• Total seclusion provided by a 340-foot hike-in distance, separating the living area from the road and vehicles.
• A spacious tent pad area that can accommodate up to 10 occupants, making it a great choice for small groups or families.
• Proximity to High Rock Road, which provides a gateway to some of the most scenic vistas and elevations in the South Mountain range.
• A natural, unpaved environment that supports a wide variety of Pennsylvania wildlife, from white-tailed deer to local bird species.
• The opportunity for primitive campfire cooking (subject to seasonal fire alerts and regulations set by the District Forester).
• Stunning seasonal foliage that transforms the campsite into a vibrant tapestry of color during the autumn months.
• Close proximity to the historic town of Shippensburg and the scenic attractions of the Michaux State Forest District Office.

To experience 23-Woodchuck for yourself, you must coordinate your visit through the Pennsylvania DCNR. While the site is remote, the management is highly professional and can provide up-to-date information on road conditions and fire safety levels. Note that because this is a primitive site, there is no direct phone line at the campsite; communication is handled through the district forest office.

Address: High Rock Road, Tartown, PA 17320, USA (Plus Code: RH72+5PG)

Forest District Office Phone: (717) 352-2211

What is worth choosing about 23-Woodchuck is the rare opportunity it provides for "quiet recreation." In many Pennsylvania campgrounds, you are surrounded by the hum of RV air conditioners and the glare of neighbors' patio lights. At Woodchuck, the only lights are the ones you bring or the ones in the sky. It is worth choosing for the sense of accomplishment that comes with a hike-in site; once your gear is set and your fire is lit, the 340-foot buffer between you and the road makes the forest feel like your own private kingdom. It is a premier choice for those practicing woodcraft, outdoor photography, or simply seeking a meditative retreat from the modern world.

Furthermore, this site is worth choosing because it is part of the Michaux State Forest legacy. By staying here, you are participating in a tradition of conservation and outdoor heritage that dates back over a century. The lack of modern amenities is not a deficit, but a feature—it allows you to test your skills, enjoy the true taste of water you brought from home, and sleep in a silence that is increasingly hard to find. For the experienced Pennsylvania camper who wants a site that feels like it belongs in a storybook of the old frontier, 23-Woodchuck is the definitive choice. It offers the perfect balance: a designated, legal spot to camp with the wild, untamed feeling of the deep woods.

Would you like me to help you find the specific trail maps for the South Mountain area, or perhaps provide a checklist of primitive camping essentials for your trip to Michaux State Forest?