Artillery Ridge Campground sits just minutes from Gettysburg, about 60 miles from Riderwood, Maryland. This area combines historic sites with forested camping terrain at elevations between 400-500 feet. Recent renovations have updated many facilities while maintaining direct trail connections to Gettysburg National Military Park. The campground sees high visitation April through October during battlefield touring season.
What to do
Explore battlefield history on foot: Sites near Artillery Ridge Campground connect directly to walking paths through Gettysburg National Military Park. "The sites were very clean, no trash, and pretty level. The staff, Glenda, were very helpful," notes Greg W. from Artillery Ridge.
Fish in on-site ponds: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing opportunities within walking distance of campsites. "My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site," reports Justine I. at Artillery Ridge Campground.
Visit nearby towns: Campgrounds provide convenient bases for exploring regional attractions. At Tuckahoe State Park Campground, Adam and Suzanne B. note it was "an ok jumping off point to visit St. Michaels," making day trips practical from camping locations.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness ranks high in camper reviews across the region. At Tuckahoe State Park, Jessica K. mentions "The bathhouse is very clean," while at Artillery Ridge, recent renovations have improved shower facilities.
Spacious sites: Gettysburg Campground offers creek-side tent sites that feel more spacious. Kelly J. notes, "We were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river," providing natural sound barriers between campsites.
Historical connections: The proximity to significant landmarks enhances the camping experience. MJ B. from Artillery Ridge explains, "We camped at Artillery Ridge Campground, which served as an artillery storage/staging area for the Union during the battle," highlighting the historical significance of camping locations.
What you should know
Site sizes vary significantly: Some campsites have limitations for larger equipment. Buck P. warns about Tuckahoe State Park Campground: "We booked site 21, blind. The web site does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit, length and with were an issue."
Weather impacts: Rain can affect site conditions and electrical service. Sean R. notes about Tuckahoe: "We lost power during a rain storm," while others mention muddy conditions after rainfall.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill completely during peak seasons and holidays. "Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season from spring through fall," with many reviewers suggesting booking well in advance for weekend stays.
Tips for camping with families
Playground considerations: The location of your campsite relative to play areas affects noise levels. At Camp Meade RV Park, Elvin J. shares: "Was great not to have to really worry about anything because you are securely on post," highlighting the safety benefits for families with children.
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with learning experiences. Dave B. from Artillery Ridge suggests: "The camp store has everything that any camper could need, and the game room is really nice. The whole campground was clean and well kept. The campground is approximately a 3 minute drive from everything in the town of Gettysburg."
Activity planning: Some parks offer structured programming. Paula M. mentions that Artillery Ridge provides "Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park," which helps keep children engaged during longer stays.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric services vary between campgrounds. At Gettysburg Campground, Jim G. reports "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."
Access limitations: Narrow roads can complicate parking for larger rigs. Sean M. notes about Artillery Ridge, "A lot of sites are closed," during renovation periods, making advance planning crucial for equestrian camping near Riderwood, Maryland.
Dump station quality: The condition of sanitation facilities matters for extended stays. Adam and Suzanne B. appreciate that Tuckahoe offers a "Good dump station and potable water fill. Spigots throughout the campground," making multi-day equestrian trips more comfortable.