18 miles • 30 minutes drive
Gettysburg Without the Crowds
Seasonal RV camping just 30 minutes from Gettysburg
There's no shortage of campgrounds near Gettysburg PA - the area is packed with RV parks catering to battlefield visitors. But here's what those parks won't tell you: camping right next to Gettysburg means camping in town, with all the noise, crowds, and tourist traffic that implies.
Pine Ridge Campground offers a different approach to Gettysburg camping. We're located 30 minutes north of the battlefield in Michaux State Forest, high in the mountains at 2,050 feet elevation. Close enough for easy battlefield visits, far enough to escape the tourist chaos.
The difference is dramatic. In-town Gettysburg campgrounds are surrounded by gift shops, tour buses, and endless traffic. Pine Ridge is surrounded by 93,000 acres of state forest. One is a tourist experience; the other is genuine camping.
As a seasonal campground, Pine Ridge attracts history buffs who want to explore Gettysburg deeply, not just check off the major sites in a weekend. Our campers visit the battlefield multiple times per season, discovering new areas and events each trip. They become experts on Gettysburg, not just tourists passing through.
Why Not Camp in Gettysburg?
The RV parks in and around Gettysburg are designed for transient tourists - people stopping for a night or two before moving on. They're packed tightly, close to roads, and feel more like parking lots than campgrounds.
During peak season (summer and October), Gettysburg is overrun with visitors. The campgrounds near town are noisy, crowded, and stressful. You'll hear tour buses, ghost tour groups, and traffic at all hours. That's not camping - that's urban RV parking.
And frankly, Gettysburg in July is hot. The battlefield bakes in the sun, and the nearby campgrounds bake right along with it. No elevation, no forest cover, no relief.
Pine Ridge offers the opposite experience. At 2,050 feet in Michaux State Forest, you're camping in cool mountain air under forest canopy. The battlefield is 30 minutes away when you want it, but you escape the crowds when you return to camp.
Why Gettysburg Residents Choose Pine Ridge
Just 30 minutes from Gettysburg - close enough for weekend escapes, far enough to feel like a real getaway.
Just 30 minutes from Gettysburg battlefield - quick day trips whenever you want
Escape tourist crowds - return to peaceful mountain camping each evening
2,050 ft elevation is 10-15° cooler than hot battlefield
Seasonal camping lets you explore Gettysburg deeply over many visits
No tourist noise - hear birds and breezes instead of buses and crowds
Perfect for serious history buffs who want to know Gettysburg well
Multiple day trips possible: battlefield, town, orchards, wineries
Getting Here from Gettysburg
18 miles
30 minutes drive
Head north from Gettysburg on Route 34, through Biglerville into the mountains. A scenic country drive through apple orchards leads to Pine Ridge.
Get Directions on Google MapsGettysburg Area Campgrounds vs. Pine Ridge
| Feature | Campgrounds Near Gettysburg | Pine Ridge |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | In-town parks feel like tourist parking lots | Real camping in 93,000-acre state forest |
| Temperature | Hot and humid in summer, no shade | 2,050 ft mountain = 10-15° cooler |
| Noise | Tour buses, ghost tours, traffic 24/7 | Forest quiet - hear nature, not tourists |
| Camping Style | Transient tourists coming and going | Seasonal community of serious history buffs |
| Exploration | Rush through in 1-2 days | Return visits let you truly know Gettysburg |
Day Trips from Pine Ridge
Your seasonal site at Pine Ridge puts you at the center of amazing attractions - many closer than from Gettysburg!
Comprehensive Battlefield Tour
Full Day
Explore the battlefield properly - not rushing to check boxes. Visit the museum, take the auto tour, and really understand the battle. Repeat across multiple visits to cover everything.
Historic Town Exploration
Half Day
Beyond the battlefield, Gettysburg town has historic buildings, unique shops, and excellent restaurants. Evening ghost tours are popular with our campers.
Eisenhower Farm & Beyond
Afternoon
Visit Eisenhower National Historic Site (Ike's farm), then explore less-visited battlefield areas like the Confederate approach routes.
Explore Nearby Attractions
These attractions are all easy day trips from Pine Ridge
Gettysburg National Military Park
Walk the hallowed ground of America's most famous Civil War battle.
Gettysburg Ghost Tours
Experience the haunted side of America's most famous battlefield.
Eisenhower National Historic Site
President Eisenhower's beloved farm and retirement home, preserved exactly as he left it.
Adams County Pour Tour
Explore the region's wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries on this self-guided trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why camp 30 minutes from Gettysburg instead of right there?
Campgrounds in Gettysburg are crowded, noisy, and feel like tourist parking lots. Pine Ridge offers real mountain camping at 2,050 feet - you get the best of both worlds. Visit the battlefield during the day, escape to peaceful forest camping at night.
Is 30 minutes too far from Gettysburg?
Not at all! 30 minutes is an easy drive through beautiful Adams County countryside. Many of our campers prefer this arrangement - close enough for frequent battlefield visits, far enough to actually relax at camp.
Can I visit Gettysburg multiple times from Pine Ridge?
That's the whole point! As a seasonal camper, you can visit the battlefield as many times as you want from April through October. Our history-buff campers become Gettysburg experts through repeat visits.
Is Pine Ridge good for first-time Gettysburg visitors?
Absolutely! The battlefield is just 30 minutes away, and you can take your time exploring over multiple day trips. Plus you'll enjoy real camping instead of a tourist campground.
What Gettysburg Area Campers Say
“We camped at three different Gettysburg-area campgrounds before finding Pine Ridge. The difference is night and day - finally, actual camping instead of tourist parking.”
The Williams Family
Gettysburg enthusiasts
“Every weekend we pick a different part of the battlefield to explore. After a year at Pine Ridge, we know Gettysburg better than most tour guides.”
Steve & Mary K.
Civil War historians
Ready to Escape Gettysburg?
Join the Gettysburg-area families who have discovered Pine Ridge as their mountain escape. Just 30 minutes to cool mountain camping, pool, and community.