Gettysburg campgrounds operate year-round, though winter camping is more limited at state parks. The region sits at approximately 500 feet above sea level with summer temperatures averaging 83°F and winter lows reaching 22°F. Camping options surround the battlefield on all sides, with many sites situated on land that served historical purposes during the Civil War.
What to do
Horseback battlefield tours: Artillery Ridge Campground offers guided horseback tours through Gettysburg National Military Park. As camper Jeffrey H. notes, "The fantastic horse rescue on the campground. You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback."
Historical exploration: Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA provides easy access to historical sites. "The campground was just minutes from downtown Gettysburg," shares Dave B., who found the central location ideal for battlefield exploration. The campground serves as a convenient base for historical day trips.
Hiking trails: Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground offers multiple trail networks including the Appalachian Trail. "Take a hike on the AT and then up to Pole Steeple for a great view!" suggests Amanda H. This park marks the halfway point of the Appalachian Trail and maintains interpretive exhibits about through-hikers.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer fishing access. Greg W. at Artillery Ridge Campground mentions, "Nice little fishing pond," while Justine I. reports, "My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Gettysburg Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and grounds. Brandon W. shares, "Really nice place. Recommend a site by the creek. Cool laid back staff and clean bathrooms."
Wooded campsites: Codorus State Park Campground provides shaded sites with natural separation. J K. reports, "The sites are very cool and wooded with a lot of privacy. I look back at this stop and really want to go back and spend more time here."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming facilities. Catherine H. at Codorus State Park notes, "There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground."
Camp stores: Many campgrounds maintain well-stocked stores for essentials. Dave B. at Artillery Ridge Campground says, "The camp store has everything that any camper could need, and the game room is really nice."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most Gettysburg area campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak season from April through October. State park campgrounds typically open reservations 11 months in advance.
Winter camping limitations: While private campgrounds operate year-round, state parks have seasonal closures. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground is open from March to mid-December, offering extended shoulder season camping.
Site variations: Granite Hill Camping Resort has sites with varying terrain. Bobby S. cautions, "The hookups are oddly spaced and you need to ensure you have extensions handy." Other campers note uneven sites requiring leveling blocks.
Cell service fluctuations: Reception varies significantly between campgrounds. Dave B. at Artillery Ridge reports, "AT&T cell reception at our site was hit or miss, but good in the rest of the campground." Carly E. notes that Pine Grove Furnace has "pretty much nonexistent" cell service with Verizon.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When camping with children, select sites near playground facilities. Larry N. at Granite Hill Camping Resort recommends, "We stayed in the 'C' row site. Great shade and access to the playground. You can let the kids play all day while sitting at your campsite cooking and just hanging."
Swimming options: Caledonia State Park Campground features a pool within walking distance of campsites. Stephanie S. mentions, "We chose this park for the nice pool (short walk from campsites)."
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds organize scheduled events for children. Ray L. at Gettysburg Battlefield KOA shares, "They have plenty of activities for the kids from swimming, mini golf, and a scavenger hunt! They also had live music one night!"
Nature programs: Several campgrounds run educational programs focusing on local history and nature. Ranger-led programs at state parks typically run weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: RVers should confirm hookup positions before arrival. Jim G. at Gettysburg Campground advises, "The amenities of Gettysburg Campground are quite good: full hookups with cable, all working as expected. Level sites, friendly and efficient staff, decently sized sites long enough for my 32' coach and a toad."
Water fill stations: Not all campgrounds offer water at each site. Adam P. notes about Pine Grove Furnace State Park, "If traveling in an RV you will need to fill your fresh water tank as each site does not have water hook up."
Navigating tight spaces: Some historical campgrounds have limited turning radius. Bill B. cautions about Gettysburg Battlefield KOA, "We stayed in site 55. Big site but hard to get into. There are a couple of pull-thru sites that are much easier."
Road noise consideration: Sites nearest to campground entrances often experience more traffic noise. Jim G. mentions that at Gettysburg Campground, "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."
