2 minutes from Pine Ridge
Appalachian Trail Base Camp
100% Seasonal RV Campground in Michaux State Forest
The Appalachian Trail stretches 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine, passing directly through Michaux State Forest in Pennsylvania. Section hikers, day hikers, and trail enthusiasts come from around the world to experience this iconic footpath. But finding quality accommodations along the trail is a constant challenge.
What if you had a comfortable base camp right on the AT corridor? A place where you could hike sections during the day and return to a hot shower, comfortable bed, and community of fellow outdoor enthusiasts at night?
Pine Ridge Campground is just 2 minutes from an AT trailhead in Michaux State Forest. We sit at 2,050 feet elevation, right in the heart of some of Pennsylvania's most beautiful AT sections. Whether you're section hiking, day hiking, or supporting a thru-hiker, Pine Ridge is the perfect base camp.
Why Choose Pine Ridge Over Appalachian Trail Campgrounds?
See how we compare
| Feature | Appalachian Trail Area | Pine Ridge |
|---|---|---|
| Proximity to AT | Hotels: 30+ minutes from trail | 2 minutes to trailhead |
| Comfort Level | Shelters: primitive, crowded | Full hookups, hot showers, WiFi |
| Cost | Hotels: $100+/night | Seasonal rate ~$15/night equivalent |
| Community | Transient hikers or isolated hotels | Fellow outdoor enthusiasts all season |
| Flexibility | Book each night separately | Your site is always ready |
| Recovery | Limited rest options | Pool, comfortable site, good food |
Why Pine Ridge is the Smart Choice
Day Trip Ideas from Pine Ridge
Make the most of your seasonal camping experience
Sunset Rocks Day Hike
Half DayClassic AT hike with stunning views.
- 1Morning start from nearby trailhead
- 2Hike north on AT
- 3Reach Sunset Rocks overlook
- 4Lunch with mountain views
- 5Return via same route or loop trail
- 6Afternoon at Pine Ridge pool
AT Midpoint Adventure
Full DayVisit the official halfway point of the AT.
- 1Drive to Pine Grove Furnace State Park
- 2Visit AT Museum
- 3Walk to official midpoint marker
- 4Attempt half-gallon challenge (ice cream!)
- 5Swim in Fuller Lake
- 6Return to Pine Ridge
Section Hike Day
Full DayHike a significant AT section.
- 1Shuttle to starting trailhead
- 2Hike 8-12 miles of AT
- 3Lunch at scenic overlook
- 4Complete section
- 5Shuttle back or hike to camp
- 6Recovery at Pine Ridge
What Else is Near Pine Ridge?
Your seasonal site is a base camp for endless adventures
Appalachian Trail
Access the legendary 2,190-mile trail just 2 minutes from Pine Ridge.
1 mile awayPine Grove Furnace State Park
Two pristine lakes, Appalachian Trail midpoint, and historic iron furnaces.
12 miles awayCaledonia State Park
Swimming pool, hiking trails, fishing, and historic sites in a beautiful mountain setting.
9 miles awayMichaux State Forest ATV Trails
40+ miles of designated ATV trails through pristine Pennsylvania forest.
4 miles awayWhat Campers Say
I'm section hiking the entire AT over several years. Pine Ridge is my Pennsylvania base camp. I can hike sections by day and sleep in comfort at night. The community here understands hikers - many have done sections themselves.
Mark T.
Section Hiker, Connecticut
My husband thru-hiked and I supported him. Having a seasonal site at Pine Ridge meant I had a comfortable base to meet him, resupply him, and give him a night of real rest. Perfect trail angel setup.
Susan M.
Trail Angel, Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions
How close is Pine Ridge to the Appalachian Trail?
The AT trailhead is just 2 minutes (about 1 mile) from Pine Ridge Campground. You can literally hike sections of America's most famous trail and be back at your campsite for a hot shower and home-cooked dinner.
Is Pine Ridge good for section hikers?
Perfect! Many of our seasonal campers are section hiking the AT over multiple years. Having a seasonal site means you have a guaranteed base camp all season. Hike sections during the day, return to comfort at night, and tackle another section tomorrow.
Can I support a thru-hiker from Pine Ridge?
Absolutely! Pine Ridge is an ideal trail angel base. You can meet your hiker at road crossings, provide resupply, offer a night of real rest, and send them back on trail refreshed. Our community loves supporting thru-hikers.
What AT highlights are near Pine Ridge?
From Pine Ridge, you can easily access Sunset Rocks (stunning overlook), Pole Steeple (cliff-top vista), Pine Grove Furnace State Park (AT midpoint and famous half-gallon challenge), and miles of beautiful ridge-line hiking.
Do other campers at Pine Ridge hike the AT?
Yes! Our community includes many hiking enthusiasts. You'll find trail partners, people to share shuttle duties, and plenty of AT stories around the campfire. It's a community that understands and supports trail life.
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Learn moreReady to Make Pine Ridge Your Mountain Home?
Join our 100% seasonal community in Michaux State Forest. Day-trip to Appalachian Trail and dozens of other attractions, then come home to your peaceful mountain retreat.