The Biglerville area sits at the northern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Pennsylvania, where elevations range from 500 to 1,200 feet. Located approximately 14 miles from Michaux State Forest, the region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F. Most campgrounds in this area are located within a 30-minute drive of historic Gettysburg, providing easy access to both natural and cultural attractions.
What to do
Trail exploration: Michaux State Forest offers primitive camping options for hikers. "Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail. You can park at Pine Grove State Park and then hike your way into locations or park at other trail heads. Water is easily found and views like Sunset Rocks are simply gorgeous," notes John S. at Michaux State Forest.
Historical immersion: 3-minute drive from town. "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. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts," writes MJ B. at Artillery Ridge Campground.
Water activities: Swimming and fishing. "Amazing little quite camping ground. Super clean. Lots of easy hiking trails and tons of fishing," reports Brandon C. about Little Buffalo State Park Campground. The park includes a lake for fishing and boating, plus a swimming pool with slides.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses. "Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites. If you stay in lower sites you are near the water and will have to walk up a large hill to get to bathrooms," shares Casey L. about Colonel Denning State Park Campground.
Proximity to battlefield: Easy battlefield access. "If you're looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn't it. If you are looking for a campground that is very close to an historical National Park not to mention shopping and restaurants, this is for you," explains Jim G. at Gettysburg Campground.
Creek-side camping: Natural water features. "The tenting area is calm and has a creek right next to it to listen to in the evening and morning," notes Dave G. about Gettysburg Campground. Several reviewers mention enjoying sites along creeks and streams in the region.
What you should know
Horse accommodations: Limited equestrian facilities. While equestrian activities are popular in the Gettysburg region, dedicated horse camping facilities remain limited. Artillery Ridge does offer horseback riding tours: "You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback. Nice catch and release pond in campground," mentions Zack.
Site spacing considerations: Proximity varies by campground. "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. not far to go anywhere walking," says Kelly J. at Gettysburg Campground.
Seasonal pest awareness: Lanternfly outbreaks possible. "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," reports j A. at Teaberry Parking Area Campsites in Michaux State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Look for recreation options: Playgrounds and activities. "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," shares Dave B. about Artillery Ridge Campground.
Find multi-use parks: Swimming and hiking combined. "The pool is very nice! They offer a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones! There is also a splash pad! There are 2 slides for fun!" mentions Amanda H. at Little Buffalo State Park Campground.
Consider site location: Noise and accessibility factors. "We stayed in site 28 which was a walk-in site, this was perfect for us since we wanted to be further away from people and the light from the bathroom/shower facility. The site was not far from our parking spot, maybe a hundred yards but there was a slight hill," explains Tiff T. about Colonel Denning State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Check hook-up placement. "We had one of the few full hook up sites. Very quiet and peaceful. Lots to do at the lake if you want or quiet enough to just kick back," shares Shirley M. about Ferryboat Campsites.
Site leveling: Preparation needed at some locations. "Site was pretty level. Pool, mini golf and live music were great. Also amazing location to the battlefield and all the tourist attractions," reports Brett D. about Artillery Ridge Campground.
Seasonal site options: Monthly stays available. "The lady in the office are AMAZING (JENN AND SUE), and they answered all questions we had...they got us a great deal for are winter site we were in spots 86,85,89 for a month long stay... which they do during the winter!!" mentions lakota M. at Artillery Ridge Campground.
