2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Artillery Ridge Campground offers specialized horse facilities near Parkton, Maryland for equestrians who want to camp with their horses. Located adjacent to Gettysburg National Military Park, this campground features horse stalls with a fenced riding arena, hose wash rack, and ample RV sites positioned near the horse facilities. Sites are arranged with horses in mind, providing easy access to battlefield riding opportunities. Campers bringing horses can utilize the on-site National Riding Stables which houses rescue horses used for guided battlefield tours. Horse owners appreciate the convenient layout that allows them to stay near their animals while enjoying full hookup camping amenities. The campground maintains clean, well-kept grounds with relatively level sites that can accommodate various RV sizes and tents, though some sites offer more shade than others.
The Gettysburg area provides excellent opportunities for horseback riding directly from the campground with trail access to historic Civil War battlefields. Riders can explore the surrounding countryside on guided tours or bring their own horses to experience the historic landscape. The campground's position adjacent to the battlefield creates an immersive historical experience for equestrians who can ride the same terrain as Civil War cavalry. Most sites around the horse facilities feature water and electric hookups with some full-hookup options available. Campground roads are gravel but maintained well enough for horse trailers to navigate, though some of the interior roads may be narrow when the campground is busy. The proximity to both riding opportunities and historic Gettysburg makes this location particularly valuable for equestrians interested in combining camping with battlefield exploration and historic trail riding.
"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."
"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."
from $22 - $100 / night
"The campground is in a great location with easy access to Lancaster, Hershey and many other places to explore."
"There is also a great view of the surrounding countryside because it’s up on a big hill. If you’re hauling a big camper you’ll need power for the hills."
"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
from $10 / 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.
ScoutSimple and friendly check in process. Clean and well-maintained site.
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!
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.
GuideWe stayed here mid-week in September so it was very quiet. There was a bit of road noise as our site was close to the entrance. Host was super friendly. They have a bunch of things going on with groups that stay here; next group is quilters with vintage trailers, sorry to miss that. All of the utilities worked just fine. Sites re a bit close to each other, not a lot of foliage between sites.
Artillery Ridge Campground sits at approximately 520 feet elevation in Pennsylvania's Cumberland Valley near Parkton, Maryland. The region's moderate climate allows for camping from early spring through late fall, with summer temperatures typically ranging between 70-85°F. Horse camping facilities around Parkton benefit from the rolling terrain that creates natural riding paths through historic landscapes.
Battlefield horseback tours: National Riding Stables at Artillery Ridge Campground offers guided horseback tours through Gettysburg's historic battlefield. "You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback. Nice catch and release pond in campground," notes Zack, who stayed during a holiday weekend.
Historical exploration: The Gettysburg area provides unique historical immersion opportunities. MJ B. explains that Gettysburg Campground offers "camping as close to history as you can get...right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts." Many visitors combine camping with ranger-led tours for a deeper understanding.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing ponds for recreation. Greg W. describes Artillery Ridge's facilities as having a "nice little fishing pond," while Justine I. mentions "my husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site." Most fishing areas are catch-and-release only, with no license required for on-site ponds.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness of horse campgrounds near Parkton. Paula M. appreciated that "Artillery Ridge Campground site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park." This attention to maintenance extends to both human and equine facilities.
Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds in the area offer structured activities for all ages. At Starlite Camping Resort, Elizabeth L. notes there are "regular activities for all ages including bingo, crafts and live music." Many campgrounds schedule weekend events during peak season.
Convenient location: The strategic position between attractions makes these campgrounds practical bases. Timothy T. explains that Starlite Camping Resort is "Located between Hershey and all of the PA Dutch Lancaster County attractions," making it ideal for regional exploration beyond equestrian activities.
Seasonal construction: Some campgrounds undergo renovations during off-peak seasons. Sean M. reported about Artillery Ridge Campground: "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 done by the summer and it looks like it's going to be really nice."
Terrain considerations: The topography affects campground layouts. Chris G. notes that Starlite Camping Resort "is up on a big hill. If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills." Equestrian campers should check road grades when bringing horse trailers.
Permit requirements: Some public lands require advance permits. Bridget D. explains that Michaux State Forest has "designated motorized sites, which require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving." Planning ahead ensures compliance with regulations.
Playground proximity: When selecting sites with children, consider playground locations. One camper at Artillery Ridge 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." Request sites further from play areas if seeking quieter camping.
Educational opportunities: The historic setting creates learning experiences for children. MJ B. shares: "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." Many campgrounds provide junior ranger programs.
Indoor alternatives: For rainy days, look for campgrounds with indoor recreation. Dave B. mentions that at Artillery Ridge Campground, "the game room is really nice. The whole campground was clean and well kept." Indoor spaces provide entertainment during inclement weather.
Site selection: RV campers should research specific site characteristics. Jim G. from Gettysburg Campground advises: "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." Request interior sites for a quieter experience.
Hookup considerations: Check electrical capacity for air conditioning needs during summer. At Starlite Camping Resort, Craig F. found that "water pressure and electric were both great throughout the stay. There is no internet, but we had good cell phone service." Most horse campgrounds offer at least water and electric at equestrian sites.
Leveling requirements: The rolling terrain can affect RV setup. Brett D. noted his experience at Gettysburg Campground: "Nice pull through site for out 21ft popup. Site was pretty level." Bring leveling blocks as many campgrounds in the region have slight grades, even on designated RV sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Parkton, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Parkton, MD is Artillery Ridge Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Parkton, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Parkton, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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