Artillery Ridge Campground provides specialized facilities for horseback enthusiasts visiting Gettysburg National Military Park. Located adjacent to the historic battlefield, this equestrian-focused campground offers direct trail access for riders wanting to explore the grounds on horseback. The proximity to downtown Gettysburg creates convenient access to both attractions and supplies. Most sites feature water and electric hookups with gravel pull-through designs that accommodate horse trailers. The campground's integration with National Riding Stables provides opportunities for both experienced riders bringing their own horses and visitors wanting to tour the battlefield on rescue horses.
What to do
Explore historical battlefields on horseback: The unique location of Artillery Ridge Campground allows riders to access Gettysburg's historical grounds directly. One visitor notes, "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."
Go fishing at nearby sites: Multiple campgrounds in the Emigsville area offer fishing opportunities for all skill levels. At Hibernia County Park, a visitor mentioned "The lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails" and "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing." Another camper had immediate success: "My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site."
Explore hiking trails: The region features various trail systems for all ability levels. At Colonel Denning State Park Campground, campers appreciate the well-maintained paths: "There were some great trails in the area. Our family of six made the trek up the Flat Rock Trail to the overlook. A six mile round trip with a 1200 ft climb. Spectacular views."
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently highlight facility cleanliness across campgrounds near Emigsville. At Colonel Denning State Park, one reviewer stated, "Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites." Another mentioned, "the bathrooms were the absolute cleanest bathrooms we've seen in a state park."
Peaceful waterfront sites: Water features enhance many camping experiences in the region. At Gettysburg Campground, one camper noted, "Really nice place. Recommend a site by the creek. Cool laid back staff and clean bathrooms nice playground for kids." Another visitor appreciated "The tenting area is calm and has a creek right next to it to listen to in the evening and morning."
Educational ranger programs: Several campgrounds offer informative programming. A Colonel Denning State Park visitor shared, "The park rangers had an owl program on Friday night and ended up calling in several screech owls. Very cool to hear their eerie cries in the woods. There was also a chaplain who came around offering a Sunday morning church service at the amphitheater."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations and construction: Campground facilities vary throughout the year. At Little Buffalo State Park Campground, a visitor noted, "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."
Site layout challenges: Some campgrounds have tight spacing between sites. At Gettysburg Campground, a camper observed, "If you're looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn't it. 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."
Limited hookups at some locations: Campers should research utilities before arrival. At Hibernia County Park, a reviewer stated, "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank. There is one spigot at the 'bathroom'."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access may require additional fees: Several campgrounds charge separate admission for swimming facilities. A Little Buffalo State Park visitor warned, "2nd downfall, you have to pay to get in the pool, yes even if you are camping!!! 3rd downfall, I am pretty sure it's the most expensive state park in PA!"
Kid-friendly fishing spots: Dedicated children's fishing areas provide great family activities. At Hibernia County Park, a camper mentioned, "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing" while another noted, "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground."
Scheduled activities: Many campgrounds offer structured programming for families. At Starlite Camping Resort, a visitor highlighted, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Terrain at some campgrounds requires preparation. At Hibernia County Park, a camper shared, "Though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper. They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds provide full-service dump stations. A Hibernia County Park reviewer warned, "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home."
Watch for steep approaches: The hilly terrain around Emigsville can challenge larger rigs. At Teaberry Parking Area Campsites, an RVer noted, "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."
