3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Limited equestrian camping options exist near Smithsburg, Maryland, though several regional campgrounds accommodate horses with appropriate facilities. The Gettysburg area provides multiple campgrounds within 20-25 miles of Smithsburg, including Gettysburg Campground which permits pets but does not feature dedicated horse corrals. Most campgrounds in this region lack purpose-built equestrian facilities like wash racks, stalls or dedicated manure disposal areas. Black walnut trees at Gettysburg Campground present potential hazards for equine visitors due to toxic nuts that frequently drop, particularly during fall camping seasons. Tent sites along Marsh Creek offer scenic camping but require careful planning for those traveling with horses.
Trail access remains the primary consideration for equestrians visiting the Smithsburg region. Michaux State Forest, located approximately 30 miles west, offers more promising horse-friendly camping with permit-required sites and better trail connectivity. The campgrounds near Gettysburg connect to historical routes suitable for day rides but lack comprehensive equestrian trail systems with dedicated horse paths. Reservations are essential during peak seasons as the limited horse-appropriate sites fill quickly. The gravel lots at Teaberry Parking Area provide adequate space for horse trailers but primarily function as general parking rather than dedicated equestrian camping. Most campgrounds maintain quiet hours beginning at 10pm, beneficial for keeping horses settled through the night.
"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."
"If you’re looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn’t it."
"This park is a perfect location if you want to explore Gettysburg National Historical Site as you can literally walk across the street and be in the park or venture½ mile up the road and you come to the"
"Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."
from $10 / night
"Some reviewers have confused nearby State Parks with the actual State Forest, resulting in inaccurate information."
"Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail."
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
"Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites."
"We stayed in site 28 which was a walk-in site, this was perfect for us since we wanted to be further away from people and the light from the bathroom/shower facility."
Available this weekend
from $24 - $38 / night
from $100 - $150 / night
from $22 - $100 / night
GuideGreat campsite. Fire pit, picnic table, swimming pool ( not open), miniature golf course, laundromat, bathrooms, showers, dump station, gathering areas for groups, playground, and even a horse area and stalls for horses. Dog friendly. Staff was very helpful and curious.
GuideWhere we were camping had blown up their dump station. Artillery Ridge helped us out. $10. to dump. If we come to camp in Gettysburg, it will be hear.
ScoutStaff is friendly and everything is kept up well, newly renovated pool and pavilion area.
LegendWe spent 4 nights at Gettysburg Campground to attend the AIM Club Rally(Lincoln’s Legacy- Gettysburg 250), and it served as base camp for the event.
WHAT I LIKED:
Location, Location, Location: This park is an absolute winner for convenience—just 5 minutes from the Gettysburg battlefields, museums, and the heart of town.
The Atmosphere: The staff gave us a warm reception at check-in, and the site itself was clean, well-maintained, and spacious enough to back up to a running creek. Lots of mature trees offer lots of shade and character.
Big-Rig Friendly: Navigating a 45-foot motorhome with a toad can sometimes be stressful, but this park was easy to maneuver.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
Late-Night Power Struggles: On our final night, the campground experienced grid strain. Our Hughes Watchdog Power Center saved the day—but it had to shut off our power 7 different times due to low voltage. Aside from losing a few hours of sleep to the chorus of appliances cycling off and on, no harm was done. I recommend using a surge protector/voltage regulator if you stay here.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
ScoutFlat grounds, level campsites, nice pool, kids have tons of fun!
RangerGreat park, alittle close together than I like. I wish I had picked 1-12 sites by the creek, but I don’t think I had much choice when I booked anyway. Bathrooms were clean. My site was more of an rv and I felt like I was at the neighbors for supper.
GuideThe weather wasn’t too great, but the campaign joy could not be hampered. We had a great spot along the creek, which was also a short walk from the lake. The bathroom facilities are fantastic nice and clean couldn’t be happier.
TravelerNice clean and open sites but we stayed in the 400 section which was separate from the main campground. Very easy check in. Did it online and just pulled up to the little shack they have and grabbed our packet. We didn’t use the bathhouse but it was very clean. A little older and could probably use a little updating. The campground is only a mile and a half from town which was awesome and direct access to battlefield trails right there. The only complaint we had was the WiFi was awful. Maybe it was because of the section we were in but once the campground filled up it was useless.
GuideClean, friendly, nice showers and laundry. Close to battle sites.
Camping options near Smithsburg, Maryland range from private campgrounds to state forest sites within a 30-mile radius. Smithsburg sits at approximately 820 feet elevation in the foothills of South Mountain, creating varied terrain for both tent and RV campers. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, making spring through fall the primary camping season for equestrians and casual campers alike.
Horseback battlefield tours: At Artillery Ridge Campground, campers can experience Gettysburg's historic sites from horseback. "Nice horse rescue on the campground. You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback," notes Zack in a review.
Hiking to overlooks: The Flat Rock Trail in Colonel Denning State Park offers a challenging but rewarding hike. "Our family of six made the trek up the Flat Rock Trail to the overlook. A six mile round trip with a 1200 ft climb. Spectacular views," shares Nate & Erika L.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access for campers. Greg W. mentions Gettysburg area camping includes "Nice little fishing pond," while another camper reports "My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site."
Creek-side camping: Many campers appreciate water-adjacent sites. At Gettysburg Campground, "We were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river," according to Kelly J. Similarly, Casey L. notes about Colonel Denning State Park: "We love the dog friendly sites near the water, the kids and pups play all day!"
Proximity to historical sites: The location near Gettysburg battlefield draws many visitors. Jim G. explains, "If you are looking for a campground that is very close to an historical National Park not to mention shopping and restaurants, this is for you... the proximity to Gettysburg National Park can't be beat."
Winter camping options: For those seeking off-season adventure, John S. shares about Michaux State Forest: "Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail. It's you can park at Pine Grove State Park and then hike your way into locations or park at other trail heads."
Horse camping regulations: For equestrian camping near Smithsburg, designated areas exist but with limitations. Bridget D. explains about Teaberry Parking Area: "Designated motorized parking lot sites also serve as equestrian sites, and horse camping is allowed here. Teaberry has a few hitching posts and a two step mounting block available."
Permit requirements: Different camping areas have varied permit systems. For Michaux State Forest, Jen S. notes: "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."
Seasonal pest issues: Be prepared for potential insect problems. One camper at Teaberry reports: "The first 3.5 days there were lantern flies actively trying to get into our rig, digging themselves behind the window screens, etc. and then day 4 they were gone. It was traumatic."
Educational wildlife programs: Ranger-led activities provide learning opportunities. Nate & Erika L. share that "The park rangers had an owl program on Friday night and ended up calling in several screech owls. Very cool to hear their eerie cries in the woods."
Family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer recreational amenities. Matthew K. describes Gettysburg Getaway as a "Very fun family friendly getaway for the weekend. Close to Gettysburg Battleground," while Brandon W. adds they have a "nice playground for kids."
Site selection for privacy: Choose sites strategically for family needs. One camper suggests, "We stayed in site 28 which was a walk-in site, this was perfect for us since we wanted to be further away from people and the light from the bathroom/shower facility."
Site layout considerations: RV campers should research site configurations carefully. One camper notes, "We stayed in site 42, which was not the greatest layout (electric was on the wrong side of the site for our door and canopy to open to the fire ring)."
Spacing between sites: Some campgrounds have tighter spacing than others. Shirley M. cautions about Colonel Denning State Park: "We have a small 19" travel trailer which was almost impossible to park due to very tight sites. Sites are almost on top of each other."
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly across the region. One camper reports about their Gettysburg area site: "AT&T cell reception at our site was hit or miss, but good in the rest of the campground," while another notes that in Michaux State Forest, "Cell service varies greatly. Some sites will have none without a decent drive or hike, while others have 4 bars."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Smithsburg, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Smithsburg, MD is Gettysburg Campground with a 4-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Smithsburg, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Smithsburg, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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