Artillery Ridge Campground near Gettysburg offers specialized facilities for horse riders with direct access to historic battlefield trails. Located just 3 minutes from downtown Gettysburg, this equestrian-focused campground connects directly to the Stangler Farm area and Civil War cavalry routes. Seasonal operations include year-round equestrian amenities with temporary closures for some general facilities during construction periods.
What to do
Explore battlefield trails on horseback: At Artillery Ridge Campground, riders can access trails directly from the campground entrance. As reviewer MJ B. notes, "Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts. So close to history."
Fish in on-site ponds: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing opportunities for guests. Greg W. mentions at Artillery Ridge Campground, "Nice little fishing pond," while at Gettysburg Campground, Justine I. shares, "My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site."
Visit historic Gettysburg sites: The proximity to major historical landmarks makes these campgrounds ideal base camps. Peter K. comments, "The campground is only a mile and a half from town which was awesome and direct access to battlefield trails right there."
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campsites in this region pride themselves on cleanliness. At Starlite Camping Resort, Elizabeth L. notes, "The facilities are spotless and the campground is maintained to the highest standards I have seen."
Helpful staff and camp stores: The service quality consistently receives high marks. Artillery Ridge camper Dave B. shares, "The staff was great... The camp store has everything that any camper could need, and the game room is really nice."
Spacious sites with natural separation: Many campgrounds offer good site spacing. At Starlite Camping Resort, Craig F. appreciates that "the sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy... the sites felt very secluded."
What you should know
Cell service varies by location: At some campgrounds, connectivity can be inconsistent. Dave B. mentions that at Artillery Ridge, "AT&T cell reception at our site was hit or miss, but good in the rest of the campground," while Peter K. notes, "The WiFi was awful. Maybe it was because of the section we were in but once the campground filled up it was useless."
Construction and facility improvements: Some properties undergo periodic renovations. At Michaux State Forest, Sean M. reports, "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 and it looks like it's going to be really nice."
Permit requirements for state forests: Free primitive camping requires understanding regulations. Jen S. explains, "Camping is free in several areas throughout Michaux State Forest, BUT you usually need to have a camping permit (also free) and you can only stay in designated campsites."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds cater specifically to families. At Camp Meade RV Park, facilities include clean restrooms and showers in a secure environment. As Rick V. notes, "Nice clean restrooms and showers. Friendly hostess and we had a nice shady spot."
Educational opportunities: History-focused activities engage children. MJ B. shares their experience: "We did Park Ranger tours to learn about the 1st shot and how the war started to stand in the footsteps of General Buford at Senitary Ridge in the cupola overseeing the battlefield."
Playground access: Multiple facilities offer play areas for children. At Gettysburg Campground, Kelly J. mentions it is "a wonderful place to have Kids. tons of things for them to do... lots of history nearby."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: When booking, consider location within campgrounds. At Teaberry Parking Area Campground, j A. advises, "Wouldn't want to have Site A" due to traffic from people turning around.
Power needs for hilly terrain: Some campgrounds feature significant elevation changes. Chris G. warns about Starlite Camping Resort: "If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills."
Equestrian-friendly RV setups: For horse owners with RVs, Artillery Ridge offers specialized arrangements. Reviewer Justine I. shares, "We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn't have been more perfect for us."