Top Horse Camping near Emmitsburg, MD

Recent Equestrian Reviews In Emmitsburg

75 Reviews of 8 Emmitsburg Campgrounds

• 

  Jason L.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 15, 2024

  Gettysburg Campground

  Nothing to complain about

  Arrived, quickly showed how to get to our site. We setup without issue and spent 3 nights without anyone bothering us on our tent site. The place was quiet by about 11:10, not sure if it was enforced or happened naturally. The out houses could have been cleaned a bit more regularly as it was a busy long weekend. Overall it was a great experience.

• 

  MJ B.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 19, 2024

  Artillery Ridge Campground

  Camping as close to history as you can get

  Spent a weekend at Gettysburg. We camped at Artillery Ridge Campground, which served as an artillery storage/staging area for the Union during the battle. Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts. So close to history. 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. 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. Later in the day 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 and the major players to learn about the 3 days of fighting that took place to how the civilians of Gettysburg were impacted. The three day battle claimed over 50,000 lives and we toured the town of Gettysburg to learn how the community had to deal with the aftermath of the masses who perished, the smell which went on for over 30 miles and limited resources such as clean water. It's amazing to see how history was so preserved but right across the street from battlefields where so many died stands fast food restaurants, and hotels. A little surreal. Would definitely recommend a ride out to Gettysburg and this campground, which is right next to the battlefields. Clean facilities. If you are into horses, this is the place for you! Though sites are not very private, everyone is very respectful, and you are not on top of each other. Quiet hours are observed, which is nice too. Store has a great variety of souviners, treats, and emergency camping items. You can't get any closer to history than here. Would definitely recommend if you are looking to visit Gettysburg.

• 

  Tiff T.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 4, 2024

  Colonel Denning State Park

  Awesome!

  We had a great time visiting the park! 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. The site was not far from our parking spot, maybe a hundred yards but there was a slight hill. There are even more isolated campsites further up the hill.

  The park itself is definitely on the smaller side but packs in a lot. Lots of great trails and the beach would be great( close due to bacteria overgrowth) the michaux forest is 30 minutes away and has a lot more outdoor activities.

  Will stay here again in the future.

• 

  Brett D.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 4, 2024

  Artillery Ridge Campground

  Quiet , Family friendly with nice amenities

  Nice pull through site for out 21ft popup. Site was pretty level. Pool , mini golf and live music were great. Also amazing location to the battlefield and all the tourist attractions. My family and I will be coming back again for another stay.

• 

  Grace D.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 16, 2023

  Michaux State Forest

  Solo Camping Trip

  Took a few days off to see some fall colors and it did not disappoint! I stayed at campsite #18, it has a picnic table and fire ring with tons of chopped wood already there from previous campers. This spot wasn’t far off from one of the roads entering the forest but I never heard any traffic- just turkeys talking and the occasional motorcycle passing through. Easy to access- I drive a Hyundai Elantra. Did not have any problems with lantern flies like the previous comment but I did see (and kill) a few hanging around some trees. Overall, i found it to be a really nice, quiet, and accessible camp experience! Will definitely be back!

• j

  j A.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 7, 2023

  Michaux State Forest

  Insane Lanternflies (temporarily)

  Relates to Teaberry Site Only. 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. Still trying to de-louse our rig and possessions so we can leave the area. Other than that is might be a better site for rent camping than an RV. It was a very large gravel lot with 5 sites along one side, pretty well spaced. The campsites were pretty, parking on the edge of the sites in the parking lot felt a lot like just being in a parking lot with a view of trees on one side. Also some traffic from people turning around etc. Wouldn’t want to have Site A.

• 

  Nate & Erika L.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 24, 2023

  Colonel Denning State Park

  Amazing

  We chose this campground based on the reviews from another Dyrt member and decided to give it a try. It did not disappoint. This is a smaller SP campground, just one loop and a few sites along a creek. The camp host was knowledgeable and friendly. 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), but our time there more than made up for it. The campground was very quiet in the loop (the creek sites tended to be a bit noisier) and the bathrooms were the absolute cleanest bathrooms we’ve seen in a state park. There were some great trails in the area. 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. 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. There was also a chaplain who came around offering a Sunday morning church service at the amphitheater. All in all, we loved this campground and after making notes of some better laid out sites, we cant wait to return!

• 

  Jen S.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 18, 2023

  Gettysburg Campground

  Quiet campground

  With all the dogs and kids here we were surprised how quiet it was! Our camp neighbors were super friendly. Check in was 0 hassle. The only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is that the wifi is unusable and the campsites are very tight. We weren’t able to set up the pen for our dogs because there’s no room.

• 

  Casey L.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 7, 2022

  Colonel Denning State Park

  One of our favorites

  We love it at Colonel Denning! Very quiet and small campground. We love the dog friendly sites near the water, the kids and pups play all day! We love how large site 15 is and that it is near the trail head. Bathhouse is very nice and clean.

• B

  Bridget D.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 1, 2022

  Michaux State Forest

  Motorized and Primitive Sites, but double check info.

  Some reviewers have confused nearby State Parks with the actual State Forest, resulting in inaccurate information. Despite their proximity, Caledonia and Pine Grove Furnace State Parks are NOT considered State Forest land, and have completely different amenities, availability, and regulations.

  Michaux State Forest sites fall in to 4 categories:

  1. Designated motorized sites, which require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving

  2. Designated motorized parking lot sites, which require the same free online permit but are open year-round

  3. Primitive backpacking sites, open year-round (no permit required, should be at least 1 mi from a trailhead, and only 1 night per site allowed)

  4. Primitive Cabins, which are on State Forest land but are managed by and booked through the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.

  None of the sites available in Michaux have:

  -electric or water hookups. If you used/saw one, you were in a State Park, not Forest.

  -drinking water available at sites (some have a creek or springhouse, which must be treated first)

  -restrooms (a very small number of sites have outhouses within 1/4 mi or so, but don't count on it)

  All designated sites have some sort of fire ring, whether stones or metal.

  Some, but not all, designated sites have picnic tables.

  Cell service varies greatly. Some sites will have none without a decent drive or hike, while others have 4 bars.

  Fires are not permitted at all from March 1 to May 25, and are also banned when fire danger is deemed too high.

  Alcohol is permitted, except in picnic areas.

  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.

  Pets are allowed as long as they are under control at all times and are not disturbing others. If your dog's recall is anything but perfect, they haven't earned the privilege. Use a leash or long line; remember that if your out-of-control dog gets into a fight with an aggressive but leashed dog, the fault is yours. It's not worth two sets of vet bills.

  This is my go-to local place for camping and hiking alike. Michaux sits on the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and though they are scarcely more than foothills here compared to their majesty in more well-known areas like TN, NC, and VA, it is a place of peace and beauty all the same. Like much of the state, it's a young mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, with some open and sparsely wooded prairie/meadow sections.

• 

  Billy C.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 29, 2022

  Artillery Ridge Campground

  Workcampers beware

  They will pull you in then discard you with no notice

• 

  Billy C.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 29, 2022

  Gettysburg Campground

  Management is rude af

  Stayed a month

• 

  Rick W.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 15, 2022

  Colonel Denning State Park

  Tent camping sites

  Walk in sites have picnic table and fire ring. Tent pads are level and smooth. Showers and restrooms are close to sites. Strongly recommend...

• J

  Josh S.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 27, 2022

  Michaux State Forest

  Great Primative camping

  My brother and I stayed here last fall, I believe site 18.  It was a short walk from vehicle to campsite which included a fire ring and picnic table only.  Site was off a dirt road that had a fair amount of traffic (bicycles, trucks delivering firewood).   Overall it was  a nice basic site for getting away.  No cell service (verizon) unless you bushwacked up the hill behind camp.

• 

  Stephanie H.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 11, 2022

  Artillery Ridge Campground

  Ok

  Campground park was ok. It has some nice features and not so nice features. The bathrooms are not temperature controlled so it is a bit muggy in the bathrooms during the summer. The pool is nice and renovated but also is small. They have a lot of surveillance cameras throughout the park that the front desk monitors. We were in spot 71 with a 41 ft 5th wheel and it took a bit of strategizing to get out. The roads are a little narrow. You bring your trash to the dumpsters. However, you cannot beat the location. It is right next to the National park and 10 mins from downtown. The park also has free mini golf.

• 

  Joann&WellsThePup I.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 2, 2022

  Michaux State Forest

  #15 - Raccoon Run

  Walk in tent site. No amenities, dispersed camping only. Next to a water source that runs well in Spring/Early summer. Midsummer and early Fall can be iffy, so bring a backup. Close to Caledonia State Park if you want showers. They do charge a small fee ($4). This site is right in the middle of a trail, so expect people walking through. All reservations are free, but must go through the PA state park motorized camping website.

• B

  Breanna F.

  Traveler

  

  May. 31, 2022

  Michaux State Forest

  Free Primative/Motorized Camping, Need Permit

  Great campsite - Site 8, Hairy Springs; long walk from vehicle so pack lightly.  Had great water source from boy scouts (easy to fill buckets)  and large place to put up tent.  2 different fire rings, no picnic table.  Not much hiking available from the site- be careful if walking down the stream as it disappears underground (very cool to hear, babbling brook style) but very easy to get turned around in the thickets...  Saw evidence of BEAR near our tent after hiking - but stayed the 2nd night with no incident.  (Yelling "HEY BEAR" every couple minutes.. haha - scary!)  Beautiful night sky!

• f

  frank M.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 19, 2022

  Artillery Ridge Campground

  Great location

  Ideal location More roads and rocks than grass and trees Spots were easy to pull into Camp store had many offerings Bathrooms were kinda gross

• 

  Sean M.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 10, 2022

  Artillery Ridge Campground

  Great Location, going to be a great facility, soon

  Amazing location surrounded by the national park. The grounds are nice and shaded, and you don’t feel crowded. 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 don’t by the summer and it looks like it’s going to be really nice. A pool, mini golf, pavilion, and premium sites are being constructed.

  I also want to say that we lost water one morning, and by the time I called in they had already fixed it. The customer service here is excellent, some of the best I’ve experienced.

• 

  Benjamin A.

  Ranger

  

  Apr. 5, 2022

  Artillery Ridge Campground

  Ok

  Campsites were a little close and most are open so no privacy. Near battlefields and Gettysburg museum. Had a stand selling local produce when we stayed. The pool was closed for renovation when we stayed.

• 

  Benjamin A.

  Ranger

  

  Apr. 2, 2022

  Gettysburg Campground

  Nice to explore Gettysburg

  Small sites but some are along the creek. Playground and mini golf available. Close to battlefields

• 

  Tom J.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 12, 2021

  Calico Rocks Hiker-biker Overnight (hbo) Campsite

  Bring earplugs

  It's a train station parking lot very loud train whistles all through the

• W

  Wayne S.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 27, 2021

  Gettysburg Campground

  Great Camp site

  I have spent almost every summer here since 2010. Great amenities and clean camping areas. The original owners were friendly and helpful

• 

  Curtis D.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 26, 2021

  Michaux State Forest

  Beautiful Place

  Stayed there on my way home, for FREE. Went straight to the office for my permit, within 10 minutes of talking and laughing with the receptionist I had my permit. It was my 1st time there so I just chose site number 1. It was just a big open parking lot with a few sites. The sites had rock fire rings. No tables. When it's free, I don't complain. Site 1 was near the road. Every once and a while I'd hear a car. So. One night a ranger tap on my window to make sure I was okay. Thank you to the Park Ranger. There was a bathroom, walking distance from the site, vault with TP locked to a bar. I will go back. But I'll try other sites.

• m

  mae

  Guide

  

  Oct. 17, 2021

  Gettysburg Campground

  Close to battlefield

  Stayed for 5 nights to tour the historical sites. Was very easy to access from the campground. Was not a lot in the way of restaurants and take out nearby. A lot closed. The campground was packed out. We had a pull through that was easy to get in and out of but was so close to our neighbor we had to keep the blinds shut or we’d be looking inside each other’s campers. We were also on buddy hook ups with our neighbors. Was quiet and had what we needed but expensive for what they consider “premium”.

• 

  Sammii D.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 30, 2021

  Camp Winery

  Beautiful!

  Very beautiful spot, did some tent camping. Close to many cool things in the area too

• L

  Lauren

  Scout

  

  Sep. 13, 2021

  Artillery Ridge Campground

  Quiet and peaceful

  This was our first trip out with an rv. I loved all the trees and the close proximity to town.