90 minutes from Pine Ridge
Seasonal Camping Near Raystown Lake
100% Seasonal RV Campground in Michaux State Forest
Raystown Lake is Pennsylvania's largest lake entirely within state borders - 8,300 acres of pristine water surrounded by forested mountains. It's a paradise for boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports. Many camping families dream of a spot right on the lake.
But here's the insider secret: camping right at Raystown means limited amenities, seasonal closures, and competition for prime spots. What if you could have a guaranteed seasonal site in the mountains AND easy access to Raystown for day trips?
Pine Ridge Campground offers exactly that. We're about 90 minutes from Raystown Lake - close enough for day trips, far enough to enjoy mountain forest living instead of lakeside crowds. Your seasonal site at Pine Ridge becomes your base camp for exploring Raystown and dozens of other attractions.
Why Choose Pine Ridge Over Raystown Lake Campgrounds?
See how we compare
| Feature | Raystown Lake Area | Pine Ridge |
|---|---|---|
| Site Availability | First-come or reservation battles | Guaranteed seasonal site all season |
| Amenities | Basic campground facilities | Pool, pavilion, fiber WiFi, full hookups |
| Community | Different campers every weekend | 100% seasonal - your camping family |
| Variety | Lake activities only | Lake trips + ATVs + hiking + Gettysburg + wineries |
| Elevation | Low valley near lake | 2,050 ft mountain elevation |
| Season Length | Limited by lake facilities | Full April-October season |
Why Pine Ridge is the Smart Choice
Day Trip Ideas from Pine Ridge
Make the most of your seasonal camping experience
Lake Day Adventure
Full DayA perfect summer day on Pennsylvania's largest lake.
- 1Early departure from Pine Ridge
- 2Morning at Seven Points Recreation Area
- 3Swimming and beach time
- 4Lunch at lakeside restaurant
- 5Afternoon boat rental or fishing
- 6Return to Pine Ridge for campfire
Hiking & Lake Combo
Full DayCombine mountain trails with lake views.
- 1Morning hike at Thousand Steps
- 2Drive to Raystown Lake
- 3Lunch and swimming
- 4Explore the visitor center
- 5Scenic drive back to camp
Fishing Expedition
Full DayChase trophy fish at Raystown.
- 1Pre-dawn departure
- 2Morning fishing for stripers
- 3Midday break at Seven Points
- 4Afternoon walleye fishing
- 5Clean fish back at Pine Ridge
What Else is Near Pine Ridge?
Your seasonal site is a base camp for endless adventures
Long Pine Run Reservoir
Crystal-clear mountain reservoir perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
6 miles awayCaledonia State Park
Swimming pool, hiking trails, fishing, and historic sites in a beautiful mountain setting.
9 miles awayPine Grove Furnace State Park
Two pristine lakes, Appalachian Trail midpoint, and historic iron furnaces.
12 miles awayMichaux State Forest ATV Trails
40+ miles of designated ATV trails through pristine Pennsylvania forest.
4 miles awayWhat Campers Say
We love Raystown Lake but got tired of fighting for campsites. Pine Ridge lets us have our seasonal spot guaranteed, and we still get to Raystown 5-6 times a season. Plus we discovered all the other stuff nearby - ATVs, Gettysburg, wineries.
The Hendricks Family
State College, PA
Having Pine Ridge as our base camp means we can day-trip to Raystown when we want, but also hike the AT, ride ATVs, visit wineries. Way more variety than camping right at the lake.
Mike & Susan T.
Harrisburg, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Pine Ridge from Raystown Lake?
Pine Ridge is about 90 minutes (65 miles) from Raystown Lake via Route 522. It's an easy day trip that takes you through scenic Huntingdon County.
Why not camp right at Raystown Lake?
Camping directly at Raystown means basic facilities, competition for sites, and limiting yourself to lake activities. Pine Ridge gives you a guaranteed seasonal site with full amenities (pool, fiber WiFi, full hookups) plus easy access to Raystown AND dozens of other attractions - ATVs, hiking, Gettysburg, wineries, state parks.
Can I still enjoy Raystown Lake from Pine Ridge?
Absolutely! Many of our campers visit Raystown 5-10 times per season. The 90-minute drive makes it perfect for day trips - leave in the morning, enjoy the lake all day, return to your comfortable seasonal site in the evening.
What other water activities are closer to Pine Ridge?
For quick water access, we have Long Pine Run Reservoir (10 minutes) for fishing and kayaking, Caledonia State Park (15 minutes) with a swimming pool, and Pine Grove Furnace State Park (20 minutes) with two lakes for swimming. Raystown is for those full lake days.
Is Pine Ridge open the same season as Raystown Lake?
Yes! Pine Ridge runs April 1 through October 31, which aligns with Raystown Lake's peak season. You'll have your seasonal site ready whenever you want to make a lake trip.
Ready to Make Pine Ridge Your Mountain Home?
Join our 100% seasonal community in Michaux State Forest. Day-trip to Raystown Lake and dozens of other attractions, then come home to your peaceful mountain retreat.