The Rouzerville area sits at approximately 900 feet elevation in the foothills of South Mountain, offering a transitional climate between Pennsylvania's lowlands and mountain regions. The area experiences moderate seasonal changes with spring and fall typically providing the most comfortable camping temperatures. Sites throughout the region feature varying terrain from open meadows to dense woodlands with both established facilities and primitive options.
What to do
Horseback battlefield tours: Take guided horseback tours at Artillery Ridge Campground where you can explore historic Gettysburg from a unique perspective. "You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback. Nice catch and release pond in campground," notes Zack in a review.
Lake activities: Fish and paddle at the 43-acre Hunting Creek Lake in Houck - Cunningham Falls State Park. "The 43 acre Hunting Creek Lake offers great (and busy weekend) fishing. Trolling motors are permitted, but ideal for paddling," writes Dave V.
Hiking trails: Explore the trails at South Mountain or follow creek-side paths near camps. "The Catoctin Trail, but all the trails I was on do not permit biking," mentions a camper about Cunningham Falls. At the Appalachian Trail section near Rouzerville, trails range from easy walks to more challenging routes with elevation changes.
What campers like
Peaceful water features: Creeks and streams provide natural soundscapes at many sites. "We were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river. Not far to go anywhere walking," reports Kelly J. from Gettysburg Campground.
Fall foliage viewing: The area transforms during autumn months. "Loved this campground for the scenery during leaf peeping season. Our site was level and well separated from others," says Laure D. about her October stay.
History immersion: Camp within walking distance of significant historical sites. "The park is a perfect location if you want to explore Gettysburg National Historical Site as you can literally walk across the street and be in the park," mentioned a visitor at Artillery Ridge Campground.
What you should know
Site spacing variations: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. "I haven't seen this much space between campsites in a long time. The place was clean, paved roads, great price and very quiet," notes Ellen C. about her stay at Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park.
Seasonal planning: Water features and facilities have varied availability. "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," shares Larry N. from Granite Hill Camping Resort.
Primitive options: For those seeking a more rustic experience near Rouzerville, consider yurt camping or primitive sites. "Great primitive campsite that has undergone major restorations and preventative measures to reverse the damage from huge camping crowds of the past. No fires, but there are two privies and a really nice spring near the campsites," explains Cory D. about Annapolis Rock Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Seasonal festivals: Plan around local events for added activities. "If you're there around Columbus Day weekend, check out Colorfest in the town of Thurmont!!" suggests Ella P. about her experience at Cunningham Falls.
Kid-friendly hiking options: Choose appropriate trails for younger hikers. "The 3-yo had no issues on the trails. The volunteer staff were awesome and extremely helpful," reports Buck P. about his family trip to Cunningham Falls.
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with learning at historical sites. "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," shares MJ B.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Bring appropriate equipment for uneven terrain. "It took 2 hours to get our camper set up because of the very uneven stone lot, thankfully we had enough wood to get the jack up without having to over extend it," advises Priscilla M. from her experience at Granite Hill.
Hookup variations: Electric-only sites are common, with limited full-hookup options. "About half the sites have sewer, but there are two dump stations that are centrally located and easy to get to. Make sure to bring your leveling blocks, some sites do have a slope to them of 3-4"," recommends Gregory L. about Gettysburg.
Off-season advantages: Consider yurt camping near Rouzerville, Pennsylvania during shoulder seasons. "We stayed in October so there was plenty of activities for kids from crafts, games, dancing, to trick or treating. The resort ensured safety for the kids during trick or treating and closed all vehicle traffic for 2 hours," mentions michael R.
