Artillery Ridge Campground provides an equestrian camping experience near Codorus, Pennsylvania. Located at an elevation of 570 feet, the campground sits on land that once served strategic purposes during the Civil War. Winter temperatures average 28°F while summer temperatures reach 85°F, creating varied camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Battlefield horseback tours: At Artillery Ridge Campground, visitors can experience the battlefield from horseback. "You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback. Nice catch and release pond in campground," notes Zack, who appreciated the unique touring option.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain stocked fishing ponds. "My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site," reports Justine I., highlighting the convenient angling available directly from campsites at Artillery Ridge.
Winter camping options: Unlike many seasonal operations, extended cold-weather stays are possible. "They do during the winter," explains lakota M., who mentions spending "a month long stay" at Artillery Ridge during the off-season, providing an alternative to traditional summer camping.
Historical explorations: The proximity to Stangler Farm offers opportunities to understand Civil War medical history. "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded," explains Brett D., noting the direct connection to Civil War history.
What campers like
Private sites: At Gettysburg Campground, campers appreciate the separation between tent and RV areas. "I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area," reports Dave G.
Creek access: Waterfront sites provide natural sound barriers and recreation. "We were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river," says Kelly J. about Gettysburg Campground, adding that the location offered both space and natural ambiance.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards remain high even during challenging conditions. "Porta potties were cleanest I have ever seen even with a ton of recent rain," notes Kelly J., highlighting the staff's commitment to sanitation regardless of weather.
Historical connections: Many campers value the direct ties to Civil War events. "We camped at Artillery Ridge Campground, which served as an artillery storage/staging area for the Union during the battle," observes MJ B., appreciating the historical significance of the camping location itself.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Construction may affect amenities during certain periods. At Starlite Camping Resort, Sean M. noted: "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."
Tree hazards: Natural elements can impact your camping experience in unexpected ways. "One of the drawbacks of this campground is that a lot of the trees are black walnut trees and the squirrels do not shy away from dropping the walnuts like bombs on your head, car, or table," warns Dave G. about Gettysburg Campground.
Site spacing varies: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of privacy between sites. Craig F. notes that at Starlite Camping Resort, "the sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy" while adding that "too often private campgrounds attempt to squeeze as many sites as possible and end up with campers on top of their neighbors."
Cell service fluctuations: Connectivity varies by campground and specific site location. "AT&T cell reception at our site was hit or miss, but good in the rest of the campground," reports Dave B. about Artillery Ridge, suggesting moving around the property may be necessary for reliable service.
Tips for camping with families
Playground locations: Consider site proximity to play areas when booking. At Artillery Ridge Campground, lakota M. mentions: "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."
Activity scheduling: Many campgrounds offer organized programming throughout the day. "Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park," notes paula M. about Artillery Ridge, highlighting the additional entertainment options beyond standard camping.
Amenity access: Family-friendly facilities help keep children entertained. Brett D. appreciates that Teaberry Parking Area Campground offers "pool, mini golf and live music" which were "great" for their family visit.
Local food options: Nearby restaurants provide alternatives to campsite cooking. "Chubbys Pizza is about 5 minutes down the road and provides fast service as well as great food," suggests Dave B., offering a convenient meal solution when camping at Artillery Ridge.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Preparation requirements vary between campgrounds. At Michaux State Forest, Chris G. reports that Starlite sites are "very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed," reducing setup time and effort.
Pest awareness: Seasonal insect issues may affect comfort. "The first 3.5 days there were lantern flies actively trying to get into our rig, digging themselves behind the window screens," warns j A. about their stay at Teaberry, highlighting potential challenges for enclosed camping.
Elevation considerations: Vehicle power requirements increase in mountainous terrain. Chris G. cautions that at Starlite Camping Resort, "If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills," due to the campground's elevated position.
Hookup reliability: Utility consistency varies between properties. Craig F. reports that at Starlite, "Water pressure and electric were both great throughout the stay," providing reliable services for RV campers requiring consistent power and water access.
