Artillery Ridge Campground provides equestrian facilities beyond the stall and riding arena mentioned in the existing description. The campground's proximity to Gettysburg National Military Park creates opportunities for history exploration, with direct trail access from the property. The terrain is relatively flat with gravel sites, most offering water and electric hookups.
What to do
Explore historic Gettysburg: Artillery Ridge Campground offers unique access to Gettysburg's battlefield trails. "The campground is approximately a 3 minute drive from everything in the town of Gettysburg. The battlefields are very close as well," notes Dave B. Another camper adds, "You can't get any closer to history than here."
Fishing at local ponds: Visitors at Gettysburg Campground appreciate the on-site creek. "Nice creek with ducks. Close to battlefield," writes Jenny P. Greg W. at Artillery Ridge mentions, "Nice little fishing pond," making it suitable for casual anglers.
Swimming facilities: For families wanting swimming options, several campgrounds maintain pools. "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!" reports Amanda H. about Little Buffalo State Park Campground.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention cleanliness. "The sites were very clean, no trash, and pretty level. The staff, Glenda, were very helpful. Clean restrooms," reports Greg W. Another visitor notes, "The whole campground was clean and well kept."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Colonel Denning State Park Campground receives high marks for family experiences. "We love how large site 15 is and that it is near the trail head. Bathhouse is very nice and clean," writes Casey L. Another visitor adds, "We had a great time visiting the park! 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."
Equestrian convenience: Beyond Artillery Ridge's horse facilities, other equestrian campgrounds near Hanover, Pennsylvania, offer varying levels of horse accommodation. "Dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites," notes one Colonel Denning visitor, indicating pet-friendly policies that often extend to equestrian visitors.
What you should know
Peak season crowding: During busy periods, some campgrounds become congested. At Artillery Ridge, "the campground can feel crowded during peak season when horse owners gather for battlefield tours and events." At Gettysburg Campground, one camper notes, "If you're looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn't it."
Limited privacy at some sites: Site spacing varies considerably. "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," reports Jim G. about Gettysburg Campground.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking more solitude, Michaux State Forest offers less developed sites. "Michaux State Forest campgrounds have vault toilets and the sites are well-maintained. I went in late fall and was the only camper at the area I stayed in," shares Jen S. The forest offers designated motorized sites requiring free permits and primitive backpacking sites.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites near amenities: When traveling with children, proximity to facilities matters. At Colonel Denning, "If you stay in lower sites you are near the water and will have to walk up a large hill to get to bathrooms," advises Casey L. Consider this when booking with small children.
Plan for playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Artillery Ridge, one visitor mentions being "close to the playground" but notes "the noise level on the playground" as a consideration. Site selection can impact your experience.
Budget for swimming fees: Starlite Camping Resort "offers a wide variety of amenities such as a community pool, general store, snack bar, playground area," according to Brie A. However, at some parks like Little Buffalo, "you have to pay to get in the pool, yes even if you are camping!"
Tips for RVers
Check hook-up locations: Artillery Ridge has "full hookup RV sites near the horse area, making it convenient for travelers with horse trailers," but layout can be challenging at some campgrounds. One camper at Colonel Denning noted, "We have a small 19" travel trailer which was almost impossible to park due to very tight sites."
Hill considerations: Terrain affects larger vehicles. "If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills," advises Chris G. about Starlite Camping Resort, which sits "up on a big hill" with "a great view of the surrounding countryside."
Site leveling needs: Many campgrounds require minimal leveling. At Starlite, "the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed," reports Craig F. Artillery Ridge sites are described as "gravel and relatively level," good news for RV campers concerned about stability.
