Artillery Ridge Campground in Gettysburg provides equestrian camping facilities within a 50-mile radius of New Market, Maryland. Located in the gently rolling hills of the Mid-Atlantic region at approximately 500 feet elevation, this area offers temperate camping conditions most of the year with occasional winter snow. Travelers seeking horse-friendly accommodations will find gravel sites designed to accommodate trailers with nearby horse stalls.
What to do
Battlefield exploration on horseback: At Artillery Ridge Campground, guests can ride through actual Civil War battle sites. "You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback. Nice catch and release pond in campground," notes Zack, who visited during a holiday weekend.
Disc golf courses: Bull Run Regional Park offers an 18-hole disc golf course for camping enthusiasts. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," says Rachel L. about nearby Pohick Bay Campground.
Water activities: Several campgrounds feature fishing ponds and water access. Greg W. mentions Artillery Ridge has a "nice little fishing pond," while at Gettysburg Campground, one camper noted, "Great spot. Nice creek with ducks. Close to battlefield."
What campers like
Historical immersion: Campers appreciate the proximity to significant historical sites. "Camping as close to history as you can get," writes MJ B. about Gettysburg Campground. "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."
Proximity to attractions: Many campsites serve as convenient bases for regional exploration. Dave B. notes that Artillery Ridge "is approximately a 3 minute drive from everything in the town of Gettysburg. The battlefields are very close as well."
Quiet wooded sites: Visitors value the natural surroundings. "The sites are nicely spread out. My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," reports Drew M. about Bull Run Regional Park.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Weather conditions vary throughout the camping season. "We stayed at Bull Run Regional Campground on our visit to Washington DC. It was fall and the colors were gorgeous," mentions Roberta K., highlighting the autumn advantages.
Site terrain considerations: Many campgrounds have specific terrain features to note. At Michaux State Forest, one camper described it as "Appalachian mountain range, not bad with 4wheel drive. Very remote and atvs in and out. Clean and well maintained."
Permit requirements: Some locations require advance planning. Jen S. explains that at Michaux State Forest, "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
Scheduled activities: Many campgrounds offer organized family events. At Camp Winery, Sammii D. found it was a "Very beautiful spot, did some tent camping. Close to many cool things in the area too."
Playground proximity: Consider site location relative to play areas. Ben G. at Pohick Bay Campground got "a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious."
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences. Brett D. noted Artillery Ridge has an "amazing location to the battlefield and all the tourist attractions. My family and I will be coming back again for another stay."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Be prepared for varied site conditions. Stuart O. warns that at Teaberry Parking Area, "It was a very large gravel lot with 5 sites along one side, pretty well spaced."
Hookup availability: Check specific utility options before booking. Jim G. mentions Gettysburg Campground offers "full hookups with cable, all working as expected. Level sites, friendly and efficient staff, decently sized sites long enough for my 32' coach and a toad."
Weather considerations: The area can experience significant rain. At Artillery Ridge, Sean M. shares, "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."