Artillery Ridge Campground offers direct battlefield access and dedicated horse facilities for equestrian camping near Pikesville, Maryland. Located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, approximately 60 miles from Pikesville, this campground connects directly to historic sites via rideable trails. The property features horse stalls, washing stations, and camping options that accommodate riders and their animals with specialized facilities throughout the grounds.
What to do
Visit the historic Gettysburg battlefields on horseback: The Artillery Ridge Campground property connects directly to battlefield areas, allowing riders to explore without trailering horses. "The whole campground was clean and well kept. The battefields are very close as well," notes Dave B., highlighting the proximity to historic sites.
Explore on-site fish ponds: Several campgrounds feature stocked fishing areas where campers can relax between trail rides. Greg W. reports from Artillery Ridge that there's a "Nice little fishing pond" while at Gettysburg Campground, Brandon W. recommends "a site by the creek" for a more natural fishing experience.
Take guided battlefield tours: National Riding Stables at Artillery Ridge offers organized riding excursions with experienced guides. "We took a horse carriage ride through the battlefields, Picketts Charge and the peach orchard with a private guide to learn every ounce of the battlefield," explains MJ B., describing the educational opportunities available to visitors.
What campers like
Clean facilities near historic sites: Tuckahoe State Park Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. "The bathroom/showers are the cleanest I've ever seen, especially since we stayed in the hottest time of the year," writes Bill G., noting this state park option approximately 50 miles from Pikesville.
Direct trail access: Horse owners appreciate campgrounds with immediate trail connections. "We had a site right next to the trail going to Stangler Farm," comments Dave B. about Artillery Ridge, referencing the historic farm that served as a Civil War hospital site accessible directly from the campground.
Family-friendly amenities: Playgrounds and recreational facilities complement the equestrian focus. Brett D. reports that at Artillery Ridge, "Pool, mini golf and live music were great. Also amazing location to the battlefield and all the tourist attractions," highlighting the range of non-equestrian activities available.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Maryland state parks have specific operating schedules. Tuckahoe State Park Campground operates "March 25 to November 27," allowing for spring through fall equestrian camping trips while avoiding the harshest winter conditions.
Reservation requirements: During peak periods, securing spots becomes challenging. "Sites near the horse facilities fill quickly during peak season, requiring advance reservations for equestrian campers planning weekend visits," according to experienced equestrians at Artillery Ridge.
Construction updates: Camp Meade RV Park undergoes periodic improvements that may affect availability. Sean M. notes at one campground, "The only issue is there is a lot of construction at the moment. No pool, no mini golf, and a lot of sites are closed. The good news is they expect all work done by the summer."
Tips for camping with families
Safety around horses: Maintain appropriate distance between children and unfamiliar horses. "The whole campground was clean and well maintained. Fun filled weekend of activities for the whole family. Close to historic Gettysburg battleground. Fantastic horse rescue on the campground," observes Zack from Artillery Ridge.
Playground proximity considerations: When booking sites near recreational areas, be aware of noise and foot traffic. "The only complain we had was people walking through our sites due us being close to the playground and the noise level on the playground," reports lakota M. at Camp Winery, noting an issue that affects many family-oriented campgrounds.
Educational opportunities: Use horseback history tours as learning experiences. MJ B. explains, "We have been to Gettysburg before, but going with the kids again being older, we all had a greater appreciation of the sacrifice of this 3-day battle," describing how battlefield tours become more meaningful as children mature.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse owners: Choose sites positioned strategically near equestrian facilities. "We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn't have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see," shares Justine I. about her Artillery Ridge experience.
Utilities for extended stays: Andrews AFB Military FamCamp offers full hookups for longer visits when exploring multiple equestrian areas around Pikesville. Note that military ID is required, as M.B. points out: "Need military id and reservations to go."
Site size awareness: Verify dimensions before booking, especially with horse trailers. Buck P. warns about one Maryland campground: "We booked site 21, blind. The web site does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit, length and width were an issue. The firepit was about 3-4 feet from our door."