Raccoon Run Campsite #15 State Forest Grounds

For those who seek the raw, unfiltered beauty of the Pennsylvania wilderness, Raccoon Run Campsite #15 in Michaux State Forest offers a premier primitive camping experience. Located near the community of Fayetteville in Franklin County, this site is part of the sprawling 85,000-acre Michaux State Forest, often referred to as the cradle of forestry in Pennsylvania. Unlike modern commercial campgrounds that offer rows of manicured RV spots, Raccoon Run #15 is a "motorized" primitive site designed for campers who want to disconnect from digital noise and reconnect with the natural world. This particular location is well-known among local outdoor enthusiasts for its size, making it a rare and valuable find for larger groups traveling through the South Mountain region.

The atmosphere at Raccoon Run is defined by its rugged simplicity and its connection to the storied trails of the Appalachian mountainside. As a "high-traffic" area, it frequently serves as a vital rest point for thru-hikers and mountain bikers exploring the technical terrain of the Raccoon Run Trail. While the site provides a sense of seclusion from urban development, its popularity ensures a lively connection to the broader community of Pennsylvania backpackers. Whether you are planning a group retreat or a solo expedition to test your survival skills, this campsite provides the quintessential Pennsylvania forest experience: towering hardwoods, crisp mountain air, and the deep peace that only comes from being miles away from the nearest paved intersection.

Location and Accessibility are central to the appeal of Raccoon Run Campsite #15. Tucked away on Forest Road in Fayetteville (Zip Code 17222), the site is situated in the southern portion of Michaux State Forest. Accessibility is tailored for the adventurous; reaching the site typically involves navigating dirt and gravel forest roads that showcase the natural elevation changes of the area. It is important for local users to understand that while this is a "motorized" site, it remains primitive. The driveway and clearing are spacious, but visitors should be realistic about their vehicle's clearance and capabilities, especially during the wetter months of the Pennsylvania spring or the unpredictable winter season.

• Located off District Road/Forest Road, approximately 1.7 miles from PA Route 233.
• Features a "walk-to" or "hike-in" distance of about 50 yards from the parking pull-off to the main clearing.
• Proximity to Caledonia State Park (approx. 4 miles), which serves as the nearest source for modern amenities.
• Ideally positioned for access to the Raccoon Run Trail and the world-famous Appalachian Trail.
• On-site parking is available at a designated pull-off near a local bridge, accommodating multiple vehicles.

Services Offered at Raccoon Run Campsite #15 are minimal by design, adhering to the "Leave No Trace" principles of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). This is a carry-in, carry-out facility, meaning there are no trash collection services, electric hookups, or sewer connections. The service here is the provision of a protected, legal space to inhabit the forest. Because the site is managed by the Michaux State Forest District Office, campers can rest assured that the area is monitored for safety and conservation standards, provided they have secured the necessary permits for their stay.

• Permit-based motorized camping allowing for stays of up to seven continuous nights.
• A very large, cleared campsite area specifically noted as "suitable for groups" and multiple tents.
• Designated fire ring for managed campfires (subject to seasonal state forest fire bans).
• Official DCNR reservation system support via the 888-PA-PARKS hotline or online portal.
• Access to a stream in close proximity, though water must be treated or filtered before consumption.
• Shared-use trail access for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running directly from the campsite vicinity.

Features and Highlights of Campsite #15 make it one of the most talked-about spots in the southern section of the forest. Its primary highlight is its sheer scale; while many primitive sites in Pennsylvania are cramped, #15 offers a "very large" clearing that can comfortably house a sizable camping party. This makes it an excellent choice for organized youth groups or families who want to introduce their children to the outdoors in a setting that is "good for kids" but still authentically wild. The site’s location near a bridge and a stream adds a sensory layer to the experience—the sound of flowing water providing a natural soundtrack to your evening campfire.

• Partial shade provided by a mature canopy of oak and hickory trees.
• A spacious 77-foot driveway/pull-off area that accommodates side-by-side parking.
• Includes a heavy-duty picnic table, a luxury in the world of primitive forest camping.
• High visibility for "people watching" as thru-hikers frequently pass through on the Raccoon Run loop.
• Educational opportunities for children to observe local wildlife and learn about forest ecosystems.
• Zero light pollution, offering some of the best stargazing opportunities in Franklin County.

Contact Information is vital for those planning a trip, as a permit is strictly required for all motorized and roadside camping in Pennsylvania state forests. Reservations can be made up to eleven months in advance. It is highly recommended to carry a physical map of Michaux State Forest, as cell service in the Raccoon Run area is notoriously unreliable.

• Address: 536-750 Forest Rd (District Rd), Fayetteville, PA 17222, USA
• Michaux State Forest District Office: (717) 352-2211
• Reservation Hotline: 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757)
• Emergency: 911 (Note: Nearest reliable signal may be 4 miles away toward Route 30)

What is worth choosing about Raccoon Run Campsite #15 is the opportunity to experience the "Old Pennsylvania" wilderness without the restrictions of a modern campground. For the price of a small permit fee, you gain access to a massive private clearing that serves as a doorstep to hundreds of miles of trails. It is worth choosing specifically if you are a group coordinator or a large family; finding a single site that can accommodate up to ten people with such ease is rare in the state forest system. While you must be prepared to bring your own water and handle your own waste, the proximity to Caledonia State Park means you are never more than a ten-minute drive from a hot shower or a flush toilet if the "primitive" life becomes too challenging.

Additionally, choosing this site puts you in the heart of a hiker's paradise. The "high traffic" mentioned by reviewers is actually a benefit for those who enjoy the social aspect of the trail; you will likely meet interesting travelers from all over the country. For local Pennsylvania residents, Raccoon Run #15 is a chance to prove your self-sufficiency while enjoying the stunning topography of the South Mountain. If you value space, trail access, and a genuine connection to the forest floor, this site is an unbeatable choice for your next Michaux adventure.