Family-owned RV parks near New Windsor, Maryland offer diverse camping options within a 40-mile radius. While many campgrounds remain open seasonally from April through October, some facilities like Ben Franklin RV Park in York operate year-round. The area experiences moderate humidity with summer temperatures typically ranging between 75-85°F, making late spring and early fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Horseback battlefield tours: Artillery Ridge Campground provides unique horseback tours of Gettysburg's historic sites. "This campground has horse stalls and rings if you would like to bring your own horses. There were a few families that brought their horses and they were right across from our site. Kids loved being able to see them and get close and even pet them," notes one visitor.
Water recreation access: Harpers Ferry Campground offers direct river activities from riverside sites. A camper mentioned, "It's lovely to have a site right on the water. I recommend bringing a float and spending your day relaxing out on the water." For fishing enthusiasts, sites allow direct water access: "You can fish from the pier or right from your site," according to one Bar Harbor visitor.
Mini golf and campground activities: Multiple campgrounds feature recreational options within their boundaries. "The campground offers free mini golf, a pool and a splash pad pool area," notes a visitor to Drummer Boy Camping Resort. Weekend events are common during peak season with one camper reporting, "They have themed weekend events, live music, bingo, golf cart parades, and potluck."
What campers like
Historic location proximity: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm combines camping with agricultural experiences. "If you love farm animals, that is the spot to be. Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even lamas. Plenty to see and learn," shares one reviewer. Most Gettysburg-area campgrounds provide convenient battlefield access, with one camper noting they were "literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts."
Farm animal interaction: Families particularly enjoy the animal encounters at some campgrounds. "We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires," reported a visitor to Gettysburg Farm. Another mentioned, "The main attraction is the animals, but there is also a cute playground for the kids."
Water views and access: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina receives praise for its waterfront positioning. "Beautiful water front sites and good location right off 95. Cute little dock, fishing from your campsite if waterfront and an area to put in small boats or kayaks," states one review. Another noted, "Some sites you are right on the waters edge. Bathroom was clean, pool was closed...not too many campers but it sure was a nice time."
What you should know
Train noise concerns: Several campgrounds experience rail traffic disturbances. Harpers Ferry Campground sits directly beside active train tracks: "The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains. The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will. Every hour through the night."
Seasonal operations: Most RV parks have limited operating schedules. "We paid $675 for 8 days. It was to include W,E,S, and cable. Electric went out 3 times, once for over 24 hrs. It was in the high 90°. The sewer consisted of a storage tank less than 10 ft from our picnic table. It stunk," reports a camper at one facility during peak season crowds.
Site spacing concerns: Round Top Campground and other facilities face overcrowding during peak periods. "While the site was shaded, it was also on a significant hill and had NO view of anything but other seasonal campers," noted one reviewer. Another camper observed, "Sites are small and tight and some are at strange angles. They do have FHU and 30/50 amp."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Many campgrounds offer scheduled family programming. "They had decorated the park so nicely. The sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us. It was an easy hike as suggested on the map to circle around and through the cornfield," shared a visitor at Gettysburg Farm during Halloween season.
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "The bathhouse ventilation was lacking, so smelled musty even though it was clean," reported one camper. In contrast, another noted, "We used the bathhouses for our showers and they were much cleaner and better than others we've been in."
Playground access: Gettysburg Campground provides recreational areas for children. "It is a wonderful place to have Kids. tons of things for them to do. we were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river," noted a family camper. Parents should consider campground layout when booking sites, as one reviewer cautioned about a different facility: "There was only 1 playground, it was all the way at the front of the campground (we had to drive to it)."
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: RV sites often present connection challenges. "The water hook-up is in a pit so it doesn't freeze so look under the cover. It can be a bit difficult to reach and you have to get on the ground to hook-up," advised one experienced camper. Another noted, "Septic dump was about 20 feet away and we had to use a extension to get to it."
Leveling considerations: Site conditions require preparation. "Our site was pretty level and an okay side. Our site was separated from our neighbors site with nice foliage," reported one Drummer Boy camper. However, another visitor to a different park mentioned, "Site was unlevel and poorly maintained."
Navigation challenges: Accessing some campgrounds requires careful planning. "Roads through the park are fairly narrow with potholes. Some roads are one-way but people don't pay much attention to that and went whichever way they wanted, especially those in golf carts," observed one reviewer. Another cautioned, "The roads are very confusing and difficult to navigate."
