45 miles • 55 minutes drive
Your Mountain Base for Hershey Adventures
Seasonal RV camping just 55 minutes from Hershey
Looking for camping near Hershey PA? If you're planning Hersheypark visits, you might assume you need to camp right next to the theme park. But here's a secret that experienced RV families know: the best Hershey camping isn't in Hershey at all.
Pine Ridge Campground is located 55 minutes west of Hershey in Pennsylvania's Michaux State Forest. Yes, it's farther than the campgrounds around Chocolate World. But that distance brings something the Hershey-area parks can't offer: actual mountain camping with forest, cool air, and nature.
Think about it - after spending a full day at Hersheypark in summer heat and crowds, do you really want to return to another crowded, hot campground? Or would you rather drive 55 minutes to a mountain retreat where temperatures are 10-15 degrees cooler and your campsite overlooks forest instead of parking lots?
As a seasonal campground, Pine Ridge becomes your summer home base. Hersheypark trips become easy day excursions - drive to the park in the morning, enjoy the rides, then escape back to the mountains for cool evening relaxation. You'll actually enjoy the theme park more when you're not camping in its shadow.
Why Not Camp in Hershey?
Campgrounds near Hershey are designed to capture tourist dollars from theme park visitors. They're expensive, crowded, and offer minimal nature experience. You're essentially paying premium prices to park your RV near a theme park.
The Hershey-area parks are also hot in summer - they're in the same valley as the theme park, so you get no relief from the heat. After a day baking at Hersheypark, you return to bake some more at your campsite.
And let's be honest: those campgrounds are for transient tourists. You're surrounded by families who are there for 1-2 nights before moving on. There's no community, no relationships, just constant turnover.
Pine Ridge is the opposite. We're a seasonal campground where you'll know your neighbors. The mountain location provides real relief from summer heat. And you're camping in nature, not next to a parking lot.
Why Hershey Residents Choose Pine Ridge
Just 55 minutes from Hershey - close enough for weekend escapes, far enough to feel like a real getaway.
Escape theme park crowds - return to peaceful mountain camping each night
2,050 ft elevation means 10-15° cooler than Hershey valley
Seasonal camping makes Hersheypark visits easy day trips all season
Real forest camping instead of tourist-trap campground
Pool at Pine Ridge to cool off before/after park days
Gettysburg, wineries, and mountain trails offer variety beyond theme parks
Family-friendly community - kids make friends for the whole season
Getting Here from Hershey
45 miles
55 minutes drive
Take I-81 South to US-30 West, following the scenic route through farmland to the mountains. An easy drive with beautiful countryside views.
Get Directions on Google MapsHershey Area Campgrounds vs. Pine Ridge
| Feature | Campgrounds Near Hershey | Pine Ridge |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Hershey campgrounds are hot - same valley as park | Mountain elevation is 10-15° cooler |
| Atmosphere | Crowded tourist parks with constant turnover | Seasonal community in peaceful forest |
| Nature Experience | Camping near parking lots and highways | 93,000 acres of state forest surrounds you |
| Value | Premium tourist pricing near attractions | Fair seasonal rate for entire summer |
Day Trips from Pine Ridge
Your seasonal site at Pine Ridge puts you at the center of amazing attractions - many closer than from Hershey!
Hersheypark Day
Full Day
Leave Pine Ridge early, arrive at Hersheypark when it opens, enjoy the full day, and return to the cool mountains in the evening.
Chocolate World Experience
Half Day
Skip the big park for a more relaxed Chocolate World visit. Take the tour, do tastings, shop for chocolate, and have time for mountain activities later.
ZooAmerica & Town
Full Day
A different kind of Hershey day - visit ZooAmerica, explore the town, catch a show at Hershey Theatre if scheduled.
Explore Nearby Attractions
These attractions are all easy day trips from Pine Ridge
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 55 minutes too far from Hersheypark?
Not at all! Many of our families prefer it. You can still enjoy a full day at Hersheypark, but you return to cool mountain camping instead of a hot, crowded tourist campground. The drive is scenic and becomes part of the adventure.
Can we visit Hersheypark multiple times from Pine Ridge?
Yes! As seasonal campers, you can visit Hersheypark as often as you want during our April-October season. Many families do 4-5 park visits per season, plus enjoy all the other attractions within easy reach.
What else is there to do besides Hersheypark?
Pine Ridge is central to many attractions: Gettysburg (30 min), wineries (throughout Adams County), Ski Roundtop (25 min in winter), 90+ miles of ATV trails, hiking, fishing, and more. Hersheypark is just one of many options.
What Hershey Area Campers Say
“We used to camp at the Hershey campgrounds and dreaded returning to our hot, crowded site. Now we love the drive back to Pine Ridge - it's like a cooldown from the day.”
The Garcia Family
Hersheypark regulars
Ready to Escape Hershey?
Join the Hershey-area families who have discovered Pine Ridge as their mountain escape. Just 55 minutes to cool mountain camping, pool, and community.