40 miles • 50 minutes drive
Your Mountain Escape from York
Seasonal RV camping just 50 minutes from York
York County residents know the frustration: finding quality camping near York PA usually means settling for crowded commercial parks or driving hours to find real nature. The campgrounds close to York are fine for an overnight, but they're not places you'd want to spend every summer weekend.
Pine Ridge Campground changes that equation. Located 50 minutes west of York in Pennsylvania's Michaux State Forest, we offer what York-area campers have been searching for - genuine mountain camping close enough for weekend escapes but far enough to feel like a real getaway.
The drive from York follows US-30 West, passing through the Gettysburg battlefield area before climbing into the mountains. Many of our York campers stop at the battlefield, local wineries, or farm stands along the way. By the time you reach Pine Ridge at 2,050 feet elevation, you've left York's summer humidity behind.
As a seasonal campground, Pine Ridge offers something the nightly parks around York can't match: your own site, ready and waiting, for the entire April-October season. No reservations needed. No setup every weekend. Just grab your cooler and go.
Why Not Camp in York?
The RV parks around York are what you'd expect from a manufacturing region - utilitarian, cramped, and close to highways. They serve traveling truckers and families passing through, but they're not destinations.
Even the nicer campgrounds in York County are flat farmland settings without much shade or breeze. In July and August, you'll bake in the same humidity you tried to escape. And you'll be staring at your neighbor's rig instead of mountain views.
Pine Ridge is different. At 2,050 feet in Michaux State Forest, you're camping in an actual forest - cool, shaded, and surrounded by nature. The 50-minute drive from York brings you to a completely different environment.
Why York Residents Choose Pine Ridge
Just 50 minutes from York - close enough for weekend escapes, far enough to feel like a real getaway.
Just 50 minutes from York - easy Friday evening drive to start your weekend
Seasonal sites mean no fighting for reservations at crowded York-area parks
2,050 ft elevation escapes York's summer humidity and heat
Real mountain forest setting, not flat farmland
Fiber WiFi lets you work from camp if needed
Gettysburg is only 30 minutes further - perfect day trip staging
Pool, bar, and community events make it a true summer destination
Getting Here from York
40 miles
50 minutes drive
Take US-30 West through Gettysburg, continue past the battlefield to Shippensburg Road. The route takes you through historic countryside before climbing into the mountains.
Get Directions on Google MapsYork Area Campgrounds vs. Pine Ridge
| Feature | Campgrounds Near York | Pine Ridge |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Temperatures | York County campgrounds are hot and humid | Mountain elevation keeps temps 10-15° cooler |
| Natural Setting | Flat farmland with little shade | Forested mountain setting in state forest |
| Booking Hassle | Must reserve ahead, popular weekends fill up | Your seasonal site is always yours |
| Recreation Options | Limited to what campground offers | 90+ miles of trails, pool, nearby attractions |
Day Trips from Pine Ridge
Your seasonal site at Pine Ridge puts you at the center of amazing attractions - many closer than from York!
Gettysburg Battlefield Tour
Full Day
From Pine Ridge, Gettysburg is just 30 minutes away - actually closer than from York! Tour the battlefield, explore the museum, and enjoy the historic town.
ATV Adventure Day
Full Day
Ride 90+ miles of trails in Michaux State Forest right from your campsite. Pack a lunch and explore old logging roads, mountain ridges, and forest paths.
Wine & Orchards Tour
Afternoon
Adams County between Pine Ridge and York is wine and apple country. Sample local wines and pick fresh fruit to bring back to camp.
Explore Nearby Attractions
These attractions are all easy day trips from Pine Ridge
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from York to Pine Ridge?
Pine Ridge is approximately 50 minutes (40 miles) from York. The route follows US-30 West through the Gettysburg area, then turns north into the mountains.
Is Pine Ridge seasonal only?
Yes, Pine Ridge is a 100% seasonal campground. We rent sites for the entire April-October season, not by the night or week. This creates a true camping community and means your site is always ready when you want to escape York.
What's the elevation at Pine Ridge?
Pine Ridge sits at 2,050 feet elevation in Michaux State Forest - the highest campground in the region. This means significantly cooler temperatures than York County, especially in summer.
Can I bring my ATV?
Absolutely! Pine Ridge is popular with ATV enthusiasts because we have direct access to over 90 miles of trails in Michaux State Forest. You can ride right from your campsite without trailering.
What York Area Campers Say
“The drive from York takes less than an hour, but feels like we're entering another world. Pine Ridge is our summer sanctuary.”
The Johnson Family
York
Ready to Escape York?
Join the York-area families who have discovered Pine Ridge as their mountain escape. Just 50 minutes to cool mountain camping, pool, and community.