60 miles • 75 minutes drive
Your Mountain Getaway from Lancaster County
Seasonal RV camping just 75 minutes from Lancaster
Lancaster County has plenty of campgrounds - but they're all in farmland. If you're looking for camping near Lancaster PA that offers something different, you need to look west toward the mountains.
Pine Ridge Campground is 75 minutes from Lancaster, but that drive brings you into a completely different world. Instead of flat Amish farmland, you're camping at 2,050 feet in Michaux State Forest. Instead of humidity and heat, you're enjoying mountain breezes. Instead of looking at your neighbor's RV, you're looking at forest.
Yes, the drive is longer than to campgrounds around Lancaster. But those extra minutes bring genuine mountain camping - something impossible to find in Lancaster County. When temperatures in Lancaster reach the 90s, Pine Ridge is 10-15 degrees cooler. When Lancaster campgrounds are crowded with tourists, Pine Ridge's seasonal community is relaxed and welcoming.
Many of our Lancaster-area campers tell us Pine Ridge became their secret escape. After the drive through beautiful countryside - past Gettysburg, through the orchards, into the mountains - they arrive at their own mountain retreat. It's a reset button that flat-land camping can't provide.
Why Not Camp in Lancaster?
Lancaster County campgrounds are fine - but they're all basically the same. Flat farmland settings, summer humidity, and constant traffic from tourists visiting Amish Country. They serve their purpose for overnight stays, but they don't offer escape.
The problem with camping near Lancaster is that you're still in Lancaster. Same heat, same crowds, same environment you came from. The only difference is you're sleeping in your RV instead of your house.
For genuine escape, Lancaster County residents need to drive. And if you're going to drive anyway, why settle for a mediocre campground an hour away when you can have mountain camping at Pine Ridge in just 75 minutes?
Why Lancaster Residents Choose Pine Ridge
Just 75 minutes from Lancaster - close enough for weekend escapes, far enough to feel like a real getaway.
Complete change of scenery - mountains instead of farmland
2,050 ft elevation provides real relief from Lancaster summer heat
Seasonal camping means your mountain retreat is always ready
No Amish Country tourist crowds - peaceful seasonal community
Route passes Gettysburg - easy to combine history with camping
ATV trails, hiking, and outdoor recreation Lancaster lacks
Worth the drive for genuine escape, not just different parking
Getting Here from Lancaster
60 miles
75 minutes drive
Take US-30 West through York, past Gettysburg, and into the mountains. A scenic drive through varied Pennsylvania landscapes.
Get Directions on Google MapsLancaster Area Campgrounds vs. Pine Ridge
| Feature | Campgrounds Near Lancaster | Pine Ridge |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | Flat farmland, no variety | Mountain forest at 2,050 ft elevation |
| Temperature | Same summer heat as home | 10-15° cooler in the mountains |
| Crowds | Amish Country tourists everywhere | Quiet seasonal community |
| Recreation | Limited to what campground offers | 93,000 acres of state forest activities |
Day Trips from Pine Ridge
Your seasonal site at Pine Ridge puts you at the center of amazing attractions - many closer than from Lancaster!
Gettysburg History Day
Full Day
The battlefield is 30 minutes from Pine Ridge - closer than from Lancaster! Explore at your own pace.
Mountain Recreation
Full Day
Do what you can't in Lancaster County: ATV trails, mountain hiking, forest exploration.
Wine Country Tour
Afternoon
Adams County wineries offer a different experience than Lancaster's - sample the local wines.
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.
Caledonia State Park
Swimming pool, hiking trails, fishing, and historic sites in a beautiful mountain setting.
Adams County Pour Tour
Explore the region's wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries on this self-guided trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 75 minutes too far from Lancaster for camping?
It depends what you want. If you just need overnight RV parking, there are closer options. But if you want genuine mountain escape - cool temperatures, forest setting, ATV trails - Pine Ridge is worth the drive. Many Lancaster campers say the different environment makes it feel like a real vacation.
What's different about camping at Pine Ridge vs Lancaster campgrounds?
Everything! Lancaster campgrounds are flat farmland. Pine Ridge is at 2,050 feet in a mountain forest. Lancaster is hot and humid in summer. Pine Ridge is 10-15 degrees cooler. Lancaster campgrounds are crowded with tourists. Pine Ridge is a seasonal community of people who become friends.
Can we visit Gettysburg from Pine Ridge?
Yes! Gettysburg is only 30 minutes from Pine Ridge - actually closer than from Lancaster. Many of our campers combine mountain camping with regular battlefield visits.
What Lancaster Area Campers Say
“We looked at every campground within an hour of Lancaster. They were all the same - flat, hot, crowded. Pine Ridge is 15 minutes farther but feels like a different world.”
The Stoltzfus Family
Lancaster
Ready to Escape Lancaster?
Join the Lancaster-area families who have discovered Pine Ridge as their mountain escape. Just 75 minutes to cool mountain camping, pool, and community.