50 miles • 60 minutes drive
Mountain Camping Just 60 Minutes North
Seasonal RV camping just 60 minutes from Frederick
Frederick, Maryland residents have a geographic advantage when it comes to mountain camping: you're already at the base of the mountains. Pine Ridge Campground is just 60 minutes north, making us one of the closest mountain campgrounds to Frederick County.
The drive from Frederick follows US-15 through historic Gettysburg country before climbing into Pennsylvania's Michaux State Forest. Many Frederick campers stop at the Gettysburg battlefield along the way - it's right on the route and makes an easy addition to your camping weekends.
At 2,050 feet elevation, Pine Ridge offers the mountain experience that Frederick-area campgrounds can't match. While Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls are nice, they're crowded and limited. Pine Ridge is a full-service seasonal campground with pool, WiFi, and 93,000 acres of state forest to explore.
As seasonal campers, Frederick residents can treat Pine Ridge as their summer mountain home. Your site is waiting every weekend from April through October. No reservations, no competition, no hassle - just grab your gear and go.
Why Not Camp in Frederick?
Frederick County has decent camping options - Catoctin and Cunningham Falls are beautiful. But they're limited: few sites, book up fast, restricted amenities. And they're not seasonal - you're competing for weekend spots all summer long.
Pine Ridge offers something different: a full-service seasonal campground where your site is yours all season. Plus we're at higher elevation (2,050 ft vs. Catoctin's ~1,500 ft), have more amenities (pool, bar, full hookups), and are surrounded by 93,000 acres instead of a limited park boundary.
Why Frederick Residents Choose Pine Ridge
Just 60 minutes from Frederick - close enough for weekend escapes, far enough to feel like a real getaway.
Just 60 minutes from Frederick - your closest PA mountain campground
Route passes through Gettysburg - easy to combine history with camping
2,050 ft elevation - higher than Catoctin, cooler and breezier
Seasonal sites beat fighting for limited MD state park spots
Full hookups, pool, WiFi - more amenities than state parks
93,000 acres of Michaux Forest to explore vs. limited park boundaries
ATV trails - something MD state parks don't allow
Getting Here from Frederick
50 miles
60 minutes drive
Take US-15 North to Gettysburg, then Route 34 North into the mountains. A scenic drive through Civil War country.
Get Directions on Google MapsFrederick Area Campgrounds vs. Pine Ridge
| Feature | Campgrounds Near Frederick | Pine Ridge |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | MD state parks book up weeks ahead | Seasonal site is always yours |
| Elevation | Catoctin is ~1,500 ft | Pine Ridge is 2,050 ft - cooler and breezier |
| Amenities | State parks have limited facilities | Pool, WiFi, full hookups, bar, events |
| ATV Trails | Not allowed in MD state parks | 90+ miles of trails from your campsite |
Day Trips from Pine Ridge
Your seasonal site at Pine Ridge puts you at the center of amazing attractions - many closer than from Frederick!
Gettysburg Day
Full Day
You pass through Gettysburg on the way to Pine Ridge anyway - make it a destination! The battlefield is just 30 minutes from camp.
ATV Adventure
Full Day
Ride 90+ miles of trails in Michaux State Forest - something Maryland parks don't offer.
State Park Comparison
Half Day
Visit PA state parks and compare to Maryland - Caledonia and Pine Grove Furnace are nearby.
Explore Nearby Attractions
These attractions are all easy day trips from Pine Ridge
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Pine Ridge compare to Catoctin or Cunningham Falls?
Pine Ridge is seasonal (your site all summer vs. fighting for weekend reservations), higher elevation (2,050 ft vs. ~1,500 ft), and has more amenities (pool, full hookups, WiFi). Plus we allow ATVs - Maryland state parks don't.
Is 60 minutes too far from Frederick?
Not for the experience you get! Many Frederick campers camp at Catoctin, which is 30 minutes away. For 30 more minutes, you get a seasonal site, higher elevation, more amenities, and 93,000 acres of forest instead of a crowded state park.
What Frederick Area Campers Say
“We love Catoctin but could never get reservations. Pine Ridge solved that problem - our site is waiting every weekend, plus it's higher and cooler.”
The Adams Family
Frederick, MD
Ready to Escape Frederick?
Join the Frederick-area families who have discovered Pine Ridge as their mountain escape. Just 60 minutes to cool mountain camping, pool, and community.