Artillery Ridge Campground near Gettysburg offers primitive tent sites in addition to their equestrian facilities. Sites cost between $30-$65 per night depending on hookup requirements and season. Many campers bring their own horses, but the on-site horse rescue also provides guided battlefield tours for visitors without equestrian experience.
What to do
Historic trail riding: Take guided horseback tours through Gettysburg National Military Park from Artillery Ridge Campground. "The campground is only a mile and a half from town which was awesome and direct access to battlefield trails right there," notes Peter K. Many riders appreciate the trails connecting directly to the campground without needing to trailer horses.
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line at the small fishing pond at Artillery Ridge Campground. Greg W. mentions, "Nice little fishing pond," while another camper shares, "My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site."
Battlefield exploration: Visit the historic Civil War sites within walking distance of several campgrounds. MJ B. explains, "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts."
Disc golf courses: Play a round at Bull Run Regional Park's frisbee golf course. Tom C. notes the park "has golf frisbe course, decent water park for kids, hiking trails, small creek/river you can explore, playgrounds."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many horse campgrounds near Woodstock maintain well-kept bathhouses and grounds. At Gettysburg Campground, campers appreciate "cleanest porta potties I have ever seen even with a ton of recent rain." Brandon W. adds, "Clean bathrooms nice playground for kids."
Water features: Campers enjoy swimming and water activities during summer months. Bull Run Regional Park offers "a pool/water park in the park as well as a nice network of trails," according to Ben G., making it popular for equestrian campers seeking additional recreation.
Organized activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular events for guests. At Bull Run Regional Park, one visitor noted, "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground."
Proximity to attractions: Equestrian-friendly campgrounds typically offer convenient access to riding trails and historic sites. Stuart O. mentions that even non-military campgrounds in the region are "centered around many historical sites."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Campground terrain varies considerably across the region. At Artillery Ridge, Peter K. advises, "We stayed in the 400 section which was separate from the main campground," noting it affected WiFi quality. Sites range from heavily wooded to open, so requesting specific areas based on your needs is recommended.
Seasonal considerations: Summers can reach mid-90s, making shade critical for horses. At Cedarville State Forest, Ben J. warns about "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers."
Reservation requirements: Most horse-friendly campgrounds require advance booking. Some implement minimum stay requirements, especially during peak season. Military campgrounds like Andrews AFB require proper identification, as one camper notes: "Need military id and reservations to go."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience ambient noise. At Cedarville, a camper mentions, "It's close to a Naval base, and therefore you constantly hear airplanes, and helicopters at all times."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's programming. Pohick Bay Campground staff "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," reports Ben G.
Bathroom access: Family sites near bathhouses reduce nighttime treks. Ben G. chose a site that "backed to the playground and the bathhouse," making it convenient for young children.
Water recreation options: During warm months, seek campgrounds with swimming facilities. At Bull Run Regional Park, Bridget H. notes, "This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it. The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon."
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with historical learning. At Gettysburg, MJ B. recounts, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: At Teaberry Parking Area Campsites, j A. notes, "It was a very large gravel lot with 5 sites along one side, pretty well spaced." Some sites require additional leveling blocks, with reviews mentioning varying terrain even within the same campground.
Hookup considerations: Military campgrounds often offer full hookups at lower rates than private options. At Camp Meade RV Park, Rick V. appreciated "nice clean restrooms and showers. Friendly hostess and we had a nice shady spot, what was great with a heat of 94F."
Site spacing: Horse-friendly campgrounds typically provide more space between sites to accommodate trailers. Jim G. from Gettysburg Campground reports, "Level sites, friendly and efficient staff, decently sized sites long enough for my 32' coach and a toad."