Artillery Ridge Campground is one of several equestrian camping options near Woodbine, Maryland, situated in the rolling countryside of central Maryland approximately 30 miles northwest of Baltimore. The region features a mix of hardwood forests and open meadows with elevations ranging from 400 to 700 feet. Seasonal weather varies considerably with hot, humid summers reaching 85-90°F and winters that can drop below freezing, making spring and fall the most popular camping seasons.
What to do
Battlefield exploration on horseback: Visitors at Artillery Ridge Campground can experience Gettysburg National Battlefield from a unique perspective. As Dave B. notes, "The battefields are very close... You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback," providing a historical perspective of the terrain that infantry and cavalry traversed during the Civil War.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing as a recreational option. At Artillery Ridge, Greg W. mentioned, "Nice little fishing pond," while at Gettysburg Campground, Jenny P. appreciated the "Great spot. Nice creek with ducks." Both locations provide water features where campers can try their luck.
Disc golf courses: Bull Run Regional Park offers recreational activities beyond traditional camping. Daniel S. points out, "Park has golf frisbe course, decent water park for kids, hiking trails, small creek/river you can explore." This provides an alternative activity for those wanting variety during their stay.
What campers like
Historical immersion: Equestrian camping near Woodbine, Maryland, particularly at Artillery Ridge Campground, allows visitors to experience history firsthand. As MJ B. describes, "We camped at Artillery Ridge Campground, which served as an artillery storage/staging area for the Union during the battle. Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."
Kid-friendly amenities: Pohick Bay Campground caters well to families with children. Ben G. shared, "They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning."
Proximity to attractions: Most campers appreciate how these campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring the surrounding areas. Brandon W. notes about Gettysburg Campground, "Really nice place. Recommend a site by the creek. Clean bathrooms nice playground for kids. Not to mention it's a few minute drive to historic Gettysburg. It's nice and out of the way of the busy parts of town."
What you should know
Site layout variations: Campgrounds in the region vary significantly in terms of privacy and spacing. At Gettysburg Campground, Kelly J. advised, "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."
Seasonal considerations: Some facilities close during off-seasons. At Michaux State Forest, Bridget D. explains, "Designated motorized sites require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving. Designated motorized parking lot sites require the same free online permit but are open year-round."
Noise factors: Campgrounds closer to urban areas may have noise issues. Jim G. noted at Gettysburg Campground, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites strategically: At Artillery Ridge Campground, Brett D. suggests, "Nice pull through site for out 21ft popup. Site was pretty level. Pool, mini golf and live music were great. Also amazing location to the battlefield and all the tourist attractions."
Look for educational opportunities: Bull Run Regional Park offers learning experiences for children. Bridget H. shared, "The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish."
Pack for weather variations: The Maryland/Pennsylvania region can experience significant temperature changes even in summer. At Gettysburg Campground, Dave G. cautions, "One of the drawbacks of this campground is that a lot of the trees are black walnut trees and the squirrels do not shy away from dropping the walnuts like bombs on your head, car, or table when you're preparing breakfast."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling preparations: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven sites. At Teaberry Parking Area Campsites, j A. notes, "It was a very large gravel lot with 5 sites along one side, pretty well spaced. The campsites were pretty, parking on the edge of the sites in the parking lot felt a lot like just being in a parking lot with a view of trees on one side."
Hookup availability: Facilities vary widely across campgrounds. At Artillery Ridge, Zack observed, "The RV sites are gravel and pretty level. Fun filled weekend of activities for the whole family. Close to historic Gettysburg battleground."
Off-season considerations: Some RV parks remain open year-round. Josh J. noted about Pohick Bay, "Stayed here for 2w while visiting friends in Alexandria. Nice and quiet here during winter more so during week than weekends."