Camping options near Fairfield, Pennsylvania range from 15-20 miles from the town center, situated within the rolling hills of Adams County at elevations between 500-700 feet. This region experiences distinct seasonal variations with humid summers averaging 85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, though Granite Hill Camping Resort offers year-round accessibility.
What to do
Horseback riding access: At Artillery Ridge Campground, camping connects directly to battlefield trails. "Very easy check in. Did it online and just pulled up to the little shack they have and grabbed our packet... direct access to battlefield trails right there," notes Peter K.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds feature fishing ponds where campers can try their luck without leaving the property. "My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site," reports Justine I., describing her experience at Artillery Ridge.
Mini golf courses: Family-friendly entertainment options exist at multiple parks. At Drummer Boy Camping Resort, "The campground offers free mini golf, a pool and a splash pad pool area," according to Laure D.
Farm animal interactions: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm offers unique agricultural experiences. "We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires," shares Kasey M.
What campers like
Swimming pools: Seasonal swimming options provide relief during hot summer months. "The pool was clean and roomy. We enjoyed hours hanging out there," Jeremy K. mentions about his stay at Round Top Campground.
Proximity to Gettysburg National Military Park: Most campgrounds advertise their convenient location to this historical site. "It's literally like a mile from downtown Gettysburg, which also has a lot of different things to do," David G. reports about Drummer Boy Camping Resort.
Riverside camping: For those willing to venture slightly farther, waterfront sites provide unique experiences. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "Our campsite was right along the water (all spots are along the water). We love walking and having a nice walk right from our campsite is a big bonus," Mikala S. explains.
Wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the shade and privacy provided by mature trees. "Trees and mountain area is pleasant," notes Alice G. about Round Top Campground, while Dave R. adds, "Our site was clean and wooded."
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds have nearby train tracks that may disrupt light sleepers. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will. Every hour through the night," warns Sherri C.
Varying site quality: Campground terrain can present challenges at certain sites. At Granite Hill Camping Resort, "the lots are filled with tree roots that someone was always tripping over, it took 2 hours to get our camper set up because of the very uneven stone lot," according to Priscilla M.
Seasonal staffing issues: Facilities may not operate at full capacity during certain periods. "A bit pricey esp. without many of the amenities open (slide, food bar, games) due to staffing shortage—affecting every business though," notes one camper about Drummer Boy Camping Resort.
Water pressure concerns: Utility connections can be inconsistent. "Water pressure is low, road traffic noise. Water and electric are in award spot on our site," reports Alice G. about Round Top Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Choose campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "Great campground with a lot of amenities for all," writes David G., while another camper at Drummer Boy notes, "There seem to be a lot of seasonal campers but everyone was extremely nice and welcoming."
Golf cart considerations: Many campgrounds permit or rent golf carts, which families find useful but can create traffic issues. "For some places within the campground, it's hard to find regular car/truck parking," Sabrina H. explains about Drummer Boy.
Weekend activities: Scheduled events can enhance family stays. "They have themed weekend events, live music, bingo, golf cart parades, and potluck," describes one Drummer Boy visitor, while camper F. adds, "Quiet during the week, weekends quite busy."
Playground proximity: Consider site location relative to play areas. At Drummer Boy, Chelsea comments, "In my opinion as a mom of small kids maybe the worst part was that there was only 1 playground, it was all the way at the front of the campground (we had to drive to it)."
Tips from RVers
Site width challenges: Many RV sites in the region have limited space between units. At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, one reviewer notes, "We chose a non-sewage site, the loop is quiet and large and they have the honey wagon 3x a week (free sewage dump service)."
Hookup positioning: Utility connections may require additional equipment or special arrangements. "The sewer consisted of a storage tank less than 10 ft from our picnic table. It stunk. There was no cable. Site was unlevel and poorly maintained," warns Charles S. about his Round Top Campground experience.
Extension cords needed: Be prepared with longer-than-standard connections. "The hookups are oddly spaced and you need to ensure you have extensions handy," advises Bobby S. about Granite Hill.
Wi-Fi reliability: Internet access varies significantly between campgrounds and even within the same property. "The only complaint we had was the WiFi was awful. Maybe it was because of the section we were in but once the campground filled up it was useless," reports Peter K. from Artillery Ridge.
