Artillery Ridge Campground serves as a base for horseback riders interested in exploring the historic Gettysburg National Military Park. The campground is situated on land that functioned as an artillery staging area during the Civil War. Sites are designed to accommodate both equestrian visitors and standard campers, with a mix of gravel and grass areas. Trail access connects directly to battlefield routes restricted to foot and horse traffic.
What to do
Battlefield riding tours: Guided horseback tours through Artillery Ridge Campground provide unique perspectives of the historic landscape. According to visitor Zack, "You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback. Nice catch and release pond in campground."
Historical immersion: Walk to key battlefield sites from your campsite. MJ B. shares, "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."
Creek exploration: Visit Gettysburg Campground where water features add natural ambiance to the camping experience. Jenny P. notes, "Great spot. Nice creek with ducks. Close to battlefield."
Mini golf and recreation: On-site activities provide entertainment between historical excursions. Brett D. mentions Artillery Ridge has a "Pool, mini golf and live music were great. Also amazing location to the battlefield and all the tourist attractions."
What campers like
Proximity to history: Equestrian campers appreciate how Camp Winery offers convenient access to regional historical sites. Sammii D. says it's a "Very beautiful spot, did some tent camping. Close to many cool things in the area too."
Clean facilities: Restrooms and shower buildings at Artillery Ridge receive consistent praise. Greg W. shares, "This was our first outing with our new pop up, Steve. The sites were very clean, no trash, and pretty level. The staff, Glenda, were very helpful. Clean restrooms."
Waterfront sites: Multiple campers mention enjoying the natural water features. Brandon W. recommends Gettysburg Campground saying, "Really nice place. Recommend a site by the creek. Cool laid back staff and clean bathrooms nice playground for kids."
Family-friendly atmosphere: The campgrounds maintain a welcoming environment for all ages. Cathy D. says of Artillery Ridge, "We've been here a few times and only choose this campground. Everyone from the campers to the staff are inviting and friendly."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping options exist but with limitations. Lakota M. notes about Artillery Ridge, "They got us a great deal for our winter site we were in spots 86,85,89 for a month long stay... which they do during the winter!!"
Site selection strategies: Sites vary in size, privacy, and levelness. Jim G. says about 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."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds have unexpected noise sources. Drew M. mentions about Bull Run Regional Park, "The only drawback is that it is not quiet. There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away."
Construction awareness: Check for ongoing improvements before booking. Sean M. advises about Artillery Ridge, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Horse-friendly introduction: Artillery Ridge offers children a chance to experience horses up close. Zack recommends, "Fantastic horse rescue on the campground. You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback."
Educational scavenger hunts: Michaux State Forest provides natural exploration opportunities. Bridget H. shares, "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."
Private shower facilities: Families appreciate the bathroom amenities at Bull Run. Yvonne B. raves, "The best review I can give is of the bathrooms. They're worth staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had."
Playground proximity considerations: Consider site location relative to play areas. Lakota M. mentions about Artillery Ridge, "The only complaint we had was people walking through our sites due us being close to the playground and the noise level on the playground."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Check site grade before setting up. Dave B. notes about Camp Meade RV Park, "Nice clean restrooms and showers. Friendly hostess and we had a nice shady spot, which was great with a heat of 94F."
Seasonal pest awareness: Be prepared for potential insect issues during certain times. J A. warns about Teaberry Parking Area Campsites, "The first 3.5 days there were lantern flies actively trying to get into our rig, digging themselves behind the window screens, etc. and then day 4 they were gone. It was traumatic."
Pull-through convenience: Some sites offer easier RV setup options. Brett D. mentions about Artillery Ridge, "Nice pull through site for our 21ft popup. Site was pretty level."
Campground layout: Site orientation affects privacy and experience. J A. notes about Teaberry, "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."
