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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.