Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Columbia? Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. Search nearby equestrian campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Located just 3 miles West of the center of town, our Gettysburg Campground is bordered by beautiful Marsh Creek, with both shady or sunny RV sites, and a primitive tent area along the creek. We offer 260 sites, accommodating everything from a tent to literally any size RV. Gettysburg Campground is also the only campground in Gettysburg with an on-site RV repair facility. We also have rustic cabins and full-facility cottages
Welcome to Artillery Ridge Campground! Located upon the very grounds of the Union Artillery Reserve, we are conveniently located within walking distance to Gettysburg Battlefield trails, museums, & monuments. We offer a variety of full hook up RV sites and tent camping. No gear, no problem! Relax in one of our themed cabins. We are also the only campground in Gettysburg, PA with overnight accommodations for horses. Known for our long-standing relationships with camping tourists, families and groups, come see why it’s going to be a great time camping with us!
The campground is open Friday and Saturday nights only. Two camping units are permitted at each site, one unit must be a tent. Sleeping in personal vehicles is not permitted.
$15 - $50 / night
$52 / night
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.
$10 / night
$30 - $100 / night
$22 - $100 / night
Guide
Arrived, quickly showed how to get to our site. We setup without issue and spent 3 nights without anyone bothering us on our tent site. The place was quiet by about 11:10, not sure if it was enforced or happened naturally. The out houses could have been cleaned a bit more regularly as it was a busy long weekend. Overall it was a great experience.
Guide
Spent a weekend at Gettysburg. 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. So close to history. We have been to Gettysburg before, but going with the kids again being older, we all had a greater appreciation of the sacrifice of this 3-day battle. 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. Later in the day we took a horse carriage ride through the battlefields, Picketts Charge and the peach orchard with a private guide to learn every ounce of the battlefield and the major players to learn about the 3 days of fighting that took place to how the civilians of Gettysburg were impacted. The three day battle claimed over 50,000 lives and we toured the town of Gettysburg to learn how the community had to deal with the aftermath of the masses who perished, the smell which went on for over 30 miles and limited resources such as clean water. It's amazing to see how history was so preserved but right across the street from battlefields where so many died stands fast food restaurants, and hotels. A little surreal. Would definitely recommend a ride out to Gettysburg and this campground, which is right next to the battlefields. Clean facilities. If you are into horses, this is the place for you! Though sites are not very private, everyone is very respectful, and you are not on top of each other. Quiet hours are observed, which is nice too. Store has a great variety of souviners, treats, and emergency camping items. You can't get any closer to history than here. Would definitely recommend if you are looking to visit Gettysburg.
GuideNice 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. My family and I will be coming back again for another stay.
Traveler
We camped in on of the cabins overnight on a recent road trip. Cabins are nice and spacious, bath facilities are some of the best I've seen. We didn't;t get to explore since we were traveling, but there's plenty to do in the area.
Scout
Took a few days off to see some fall colors and it did not disappoint! I stayed at campsite #18, it has a picnic table and fire ring with tons of chopped wood already there from previous campers. This spot wasn’t far off from one of the roads entering the forest but I never heard any traffic- just turkeys talking and the occasional motorcycle passing through. Easy to access- I drive a Hyundai Elantra. Did not have any problems with lantern flies like the previous comment but I did see (and kill) a few hanging around some trees. Overall, i found it to be a really nice, quiet, and accessible camp experience! Will definitely be back!
ScoutRelates to Teaberry Site Only. 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. Still trying to de-louse our rig and possessions so we can leave the area. Other than that is might be a better site for rent camping than an RV. 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. Also some traffic from people turning around etc. Wouldn’t want to have Site A.
Scout
The park itself is beautiful.
First, there is absolutely no privacy. The campsites are right next to each other with hardly any trees. The more dense woods is on the other side of the trail. You can see everything other campers do any they can see everything you’re doing.
Second, The campground is ON the hiking trail so everyone doing the loop walks along the sites. Including people with dogs off leash.
RangerWe arrived when it was dark out and had site #2. The camp hosts were fantastic and helped us back into a spot. The spot was hard to maneuver for a 41 ft 5th wheel because of the turning radius. There was also a drop off on the other side of the road which limited the turning radius as well. We only slept here but it looked like a nice place. The grounds are hilly.the well was dry so there wasn’t any water.
GuideWith all the dogs and kids here we were surprised how quiet it was! Our camp neighbors were super friendly. Check in was 0 hassle. The only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is that the wifi is unusable and the campsites are very tight. We weren’t able to set up the pen for our dogs because there’s no room.
LegendWe just love this little park! Easy to access, big rig friendly although there is a hill to get up to campground. They have water and electricity at most sites and some are dry. They have a very clean bathhouse with a dump station. We love the fishing access, boat rentals, great playgrounds and fun activities for the kids!
RangerInexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground.
Traveler
Starlite offers a wide variety of amenities such as a community pool, general store, snack bar, playground area, toilets, indoor shower stalls, daily activities, pets permitted, water/electric utilities and laundry units. Staff was very friendly! Loved the cleanliness and atmosphere as well!
TravelerSome reviewers have confused nearby State Parks with the actual State Forest, resulting in inaccurate information. Despite their proximity, Caledonia and Pine Grove Furnace State Parks are NOT considered State Forest land, and have completely different amenities, availability, and regulations.
Michaux State Forest sites fall in to 4 categories:
1. Designated motorized sites, which require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving
2. Designated motorized parking lot sites, which require the same free online permit but are open year-round
3. Primitive backpacking sites, open year-round (no permit required, should be at least 1 mi from a trailhead, and only 1 night per site allowed)
4. Primitive Cabins, which are on State Forest land but are managed by and booked through the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.
None of the sites available in Michaux have:
-electric or water hookups. If you used/saw one, you were in a State Park, not Forest.
-drinking water available at sites (some have a creek or springhouse, which must be treated first)
-restrooms (a very small number of sites have outhouses within 1/4 mi or so, but don't count on it)
All designated sites have some sort of fire ring, whether stones or metal.
Some, but not all, designated sites have picnic tables.
Cell service varies greatly. Some sites will have none without a decent drive or hike, while others have 4 bars.
Fires are not permitted at all from March 1 to May 25, and are also banned when fire danger is deemed too high.
Alcohol is permitted, except in picnic areas.
Designated motorized parking lot sites also serve as equestrian sites, and horse camping is allowed here. Teaberry has a few hitching posts and a two step mounting block available.
Pets are allowed as long as they are under control at all times and are not disturbing others. If your dog's recall is anything but perfect, they haven't earned the privilege. Use a leash or long line; remember that if your out-of-control dog gets into a fight with an aggressive but leashed dog, the fault is yours. It's not worth two sets of vet bills.
This is my go-to local place for camping and hiking alike. Michaux sits on the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and though they are scarcely more than foothills here compared to their majesty in more well-known areas like TN, NC, and VA, it is a place of peace and beauty all the same. Like much of the state, it's a young mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, with some open and sparsely wooded prairie/meadow sections.
ScoutThey will pull you in then discard you with no notice
ScoutStayed a month
TravelerCounty park so no booze but camp sites are under trees
ScoutMy brother and I stayed here last fall, I believe site 18. It was a short walk from vehicle to campsite which included a fire ring and picnic table only. Site was off a dirt road that had a fair amount of traffic (bicycles, trucks delivering firewood). Overall it was a nice basic site for getting away. No cell service (verizon) unless you bushwacked up the hill behind camp.
RangerCampground park was ok. It has some nice features and not so nice features. The bathrooms are not temperature controlled so it is a bit muggy in the bathrooms during the summer. The pool is nice and renovated but also is small. They have a lot of surveillance cameras throughout the park that the front desk monitors. We were in spot 71 with a 41 ft 5th wheel and it took a bit of strategizing to get out. The roads are a little narrow. You bring your trash to the dumpsters. However, you cannot beat the location. It is right next to the National park and 10 mins from downtown. The park also has free mini golf.
Scout
They offer the typical tent camping environment, mostly out in an open field and good walk to showers/head. Other than that was enjoyable place to stay.
GuideWalk in tent site. No amenities, dispersed camping only. Next to a water source that runs well in Spring/Early summer. Midsummer and early Fall can be iffy, so bring a backup. Close to Caledonia State Park if you want showers. They do charge a small fee ($4). This site is right in the middle of a trail, so expect people walking through. All reservations are free, but must go through the PA state park motorized camping website.
TravelerGreat campsite - Site 8, Hairy Springs; long walk from vehicle so pack lightly. Had great water source from boy scouts (easy to fill buckets) and large place to put up tent. 2 different fire rings, no picnic table. Not much hiking available from the site- be careful if walking down the stream as it disappears underground (very cool to hear, babbling brook style) but very easy to get turned around in the thickets... Saw evidence of BEAR near our tent after hiking - but stayed the 2nd night with no incident. (Yelling "HEY BEAR" every couple minutes.. haha - scary!) Beautiful night sky!
GuideWe enjoyed our stay here — but mostly because we liked being right on the water. If it weren’t for that this would not be the campground for us. The weather was hot so lots of tubing and fishing and kayaking in the river — we loved to sit out and watch the water go by. Wood at the camp store is incredibly expensive — they don’t sell to nightly campers by anything more than the small bundle ($8) — thankfully a lien seasonal let us buy some of his stock, otherwise we wouldn’t have been able to afford more than one fire over the weekend. Come for the river and the kind seasonal people (which is the majority).
ScoutIdeal location More roads and rocks than grass and trees Spots were easy to pull into Camp store had many offerings Bathrooms were kinda gross
LegendAmazing location surrounded by the national park. The grounds are nice and shaded, and you don’t feel crowded. 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 don’t by the summer and it looks like it’s going to be really nice. A pool, mini golf, pavilion, and premium sites are being constructed.
I also want to say that we lost water one morning, and by the time I called in they had already fixed it. The customer service here is excellent, some of the best I’ve experienced.
GuideWe arrived late moring on Saturday. Reserved site 16 and it was plenty big enough for my 34ft trailer, but not enough to fit my truck. Campground is very clean and the spots are not too close to each other. Rangers are on site a lot and enforce the no alcohol policy, so keep it on the down low. We did get a chance to explore the park itself because the weather was cold and rainy.
RangerCampsites were a little close and most are open so no privacy. Near battlefields and Gettysburg museum. Had a stand selling local produce when we stayed. The pool was closed for renovation when we stayed.
RangerSmall sites but some are along the creek. Playground and mini golf available. Close to battlefields
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Columbia, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Columbia, PA is Starlite Camping Resort with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Columbia, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Columbia, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
