25 miles • 35 minutes drive
The Perfect Car Show Base Camp
Seasonal RV camping just 35 minutes from Carlisle
If you're looking for camping near Carlisle PA - especially during car show season - you know the challenge. Carlisle is famous worldwide for its collector car events, but camping options near the fairgrounds are limited and often fully booked months ahead.
Pine Ridge Campground offers the perfect solution. Located just 35 minutes south of Carlisle in Michaux State Forest, we're close enough for easy fairground access but far enough to enjoy peaceful mountain camping between events.
Many of our seasonal campers are car enthusiasts who discovered Pine Ridge during a Carlisle event. They loved the mountain setting so much they made it their summer home base. From April through October, they're positioned perfectly for every event on the Carlisle calendar - Spring Carlisle, Ford Nationals, Chrysler Nationals, GM Nationals, Truck Nationals, and Fall Carlisle.
Unlike the overnight camping near the Carlisle Fairgrounds, Pine Ridge is a seasonal campground. That means your site is reserved for the entire season. No fighting for spots during popular event weekends. No setting up and tearing down multiple times per summer. Your mountain retreat is always ready.
Why Not Camp in Carlisle?
Camping options near Carlisle are limited and problematic during car show season. The few parks near the fairgrounds book up months in advance for major events. And when you do get a spot, you're camping in a flat, crowded setting with constant traffic from the shows.
After spending all day at the Carlisle Fairgrounds surrounded by thousands of cars and people, the last thing you want is more crowds at your campsite. The parks closest to Carlisle offer no escape from the event chaos.
Pine Ridge provides the contrast car show visitors need. After a day at the show, you drive 35 minutes into the mountains and decompress. The cool air at 2,050 feet, the forest setting, and the quiet community offer recovery before your next day at the fairgrounds.
Why Carlisle Residents Choose Pine Ridge
Just 35 minutes from Carlisle - close enough for weekend escapes, far enough to feel like a real getaway.
Only 35 minutes from Carlisle Fairgrounds - closest mountain campground to car shows
Seasonal sites mean guaranteed spots during all Carlisle events
Escape event crowds at night - return to peaceful mountain camping
Cool 2,050 ft elevation is refreshing after hot days at the fairgrounds
Many fellow campers are car enthusiasts - great community for gearheads
Store your trailer all season - no hauling back and forth for each event
Relax by the pool or at the Corn Crib Bar after show days
Getting Here from Carlisle
25 miles
35 minutes drive
Head south on I-81 to the Shippensburg exit, then take Route 233 through the mountains. A quick, scenic drive brings you to Pine Ridge.
Get Directions on Google MapsCarlisle Area Campgrounds vs. Pine Ridge
| Feature | Campgrounds Near Carlisle | Pine Ridge |
|---|---|---|
| Event Weekend Availability | Parks near fairgrounds book up months ahead | Seasonal site is always yours - every event covered |
| Post-Show Recovery | More crowds and noise at nearby parks | Mountain peace after busy event days |
| Temperature | Valley heat makes events more exhausting | 2,050 ft elevation is noticeably cooler |
| Community | Random overnight guests | Seasonal community includes fellow car enthusiasts |
Day Trips from Pine Ridge
Your seasonal site at Pine Ridge puts you at the center of amazing attractions - many closer than from Carlisle!
Carlisle Car Show Day
Full Day
Attend any Carlisle Events show and return to mountain camping. Spring Carlisle, Ford Nationals, Chrysler Nationals, GM Nationals, Truck Nationals, and Fall Carlisle are all easy day trips.
Mountain Drive & Cruise
Half Day
Take your collector car on scenic mountain roads through Michaux State Forest. Low traffic, winding roads, and beautiful scenery - perfect for cruise-ins.
Gettysburg Tour
Full Day
The battlefield is 30 minutes from Pine Ridge. Cruise your classic through historic roads and explore America's most famous battlefield.
Explore Nearby Attractions
These attractions are all easy day trips from Pine Ridge
Frequently Asked Questions
How close is Pine Ridge to the Carlisle Fairgrounds?
Pine Ridge is approximately 35 minutes (25 miles) south of Carlisle Fairgrounds. It's an easy drive through scenic mountain roads, and many of our campers attend multiple Carlisle events each season.
Can I camp at Pine Ridge just for Carlisle car show weekends?
Pine Ridge is a seasonal campground - we rent sites for the entire April-October season, not individual weekends. However, this is actually better for car show fans because your site is guaranteed for EVERY event on the Carlisle calendar.
Do other campers at Pine Ridge attend Carlisle events?
Yes! Many of our seasonal campers are car enthusiasts who specifically chose Pine Ridge because of its proximity to Carlisle. You'll find plenty of fellow gearheads to talk cars with around the campfire.
Can I drive my collector car to Pine Ridge?
Absolutely. The roads from Carlisle to Pine Ridge are well-maintained and scenic - actually great for cruising. Many campers bring their show cars for the drive and to enjoy the mountain roads around Michaux State Forest.
What Carlisle Area Campers Say
“We used to fight for spots at campgrounds near the Carlisle shows. Now our Pine Ridge site is waiting for us every event. Plus the mountain setting beats any fairground parking lot.”
Tom & Carol B.
Carlisle regular attendees
Also Serving Campers From
Ready to Escape Carlisle?
Join the Carlisle-area families who have discovered Pine Ridge as their mountain escape. Just 35 minutes to cool mountain camping, pool, and community.