Artillery Ridge Campground provides camping access directly adjacent to historic Gettysburg National Military Park, with most sites featuring gravel surfaces approximately 10-15 feet apart. The eastern Pennsylvania location serves both casual campers and equestrians seeking horseback exploration of the battlefield. Beyond the equestrian facilities, the campground has recently completed significant renovations adding recreational amenities for all campers.
What to do
Battlefield exploration on foot: Artillery Ridge Campground provides immediate access to battlefield trails. "Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts. So close to history," notes MJ B., who recommends taking advantage of Ranger-led tours to learn about the battle's progression across all three days.
Fishing at nearby ponds: Gettysburg Campground offers a creek with catch-and-release fishing opportunities. According to Brandon W., "Really nice place. Recommend a site by the creek," while another camper mentions "My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site."
Historic town exploration: Multiple campgrounds provide easy access to downtown Gettysburg. As Paula M. notes about Artillery Ridge Campground, the location is "Close to museum and battleground sites" while being just minutes from restaurants and attractions in town.
What campers like
Historic immersion: Camping within former battlefield areas creates a deeper connection to the history. A camper at Gettysburg Campground 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."
Family-friendly amenities: Recent renovations have added recreational options beyond the horse facilities. Brett D. mentions Artillery Ridge now offers "Pool, mini golf and live music" that enhance family stays beyond the historical aspects.
Dog-friendly options: Justine I. appreciated how Camp Winery accommodated pets: "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. The national park is mostly dog-friendly."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds near Finksburg operate seasonally. Gettysburg Campground operates from "Early Apr to Mid Nov," requiring advance planning for fall battlefield visits.
Varying privacy levels: Site spacing varies considerably between campgrounds. Jim G. notes about one location: "The two drawbacks are that the sites are quite packed together and the noise of traffic– at least in the frontmost sites– can get rather loud at night."
Terrain challenges: Michaux State Forest provides primitive camping options but with more rugged conditions. Carolyn K. warns it's "Hard to get to" and "Appalachian mountain range, not bad with 4wheel drive. Very remote and atvs in and out."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity consideration: Some Artillery Ridge sites experience more foot traffic due to facility locations. One reviewer noted: "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."
Historical education opportunities: MJ B. recommends: "Would definitely recommend a ride out to Gettysburg and this campground, which is right next to the battlefields... You can't get any closer to history than here."
Kid-friendly amenities: Teaberry Parking Area Campground offers more primitive camping with large sites that work well for tent camping families. One reviewer notes the sites are "pretty well spaced" despite being arranged along a parking area.
Tips from RVers
Level site availability: Most sites at equestrian campgrounds near Finksburg require minimal leveling. Greg W. found Artillery Ridge had "very clean, no trash, and pretty level" sites that accommodated their popup camper easily.
Full hookup considerations: While some campgrounds offer complete hookups, others have more limited options. At Finksburg Forest, RVers can access electric and water hookups but should note there are no sewer connections on site.
RV size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. Sean M. appreciated that "The grounds are nice and shaded, and you don't feel crowded" at Artillery Ridge, but notes that construction temporarily limited some premium sites.