Artillery Ridge Campground provides equestrian-focused campsites near Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania, with direct access to the Gettysburg National Military Park. Located at 610 Taneytown Road, the campground features horse accommodations including stalls and a riding arena. Tent campers and RVers have access to relatively level gravel sites, both open and partially shaded. Amenities include a fishing pond, swimming pool, free mini-golf, and camp store. Most equestrian sites offer pull-through access with full hookups to accommodate larger rigs typically used by travelers with horses. The National Riding Stables operates on site with rescue horses available for guided battlefield tours. Bathroom facilities are clean but can become muggy during summer months. The location combines proximity to downtown Gettysburg with unique riding opportunities in historically significant areas.
What to do
Explore historical landscapes: Ride directly into Gettysburg National Military Park from Artillery Ridge Campground, where trails begin steps from the entrance. "The camp store has everything that any camper could need, and the game room is really nice. The whole campground was clean and well kept. The campground is approximately a 3 minute drive from everything in the town of Gettysburg," notes Dave B.
Go fishing in multiple locations: Cast a line at one of several local fishing spots including Little Buffalo State Park's lake. "My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site," shares Justine I. about her experience at Artillery Ridge Campground. At other locations like Gettysburg Campground, there's "a great creek with ducks. Close to battlefield," according to Jenny P.
Take guided tours: Sign up for specialized tours throughout the Gettysburg area. "We took a horse carriage ride through the battlefields, Picketts Charge and the peach orchard with a private guide to learn every ounce of the battlefield and the major players," shares MJ B. about their experience while staying at Artillery Ridge Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathhouses and common areas at many horse campgrounds near Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania receive high marks. "The bathrooms are clean. It is nice and dark at night!" writes Amanda H. about Little Buffalo State Park Campground. Similarly, at Gettysburg Campground, a reviewer noted "porta potties were cleanest I have ever seen even with a ton of recent rain."
Proximity to attractions: Locations close to historical sites and outdoor recreation. "Not far to go anywhere walking," mentions Kelly J. about Gettysburg Campground. Brandon W. adds that it's "a few minute drive to historic Gettysburg. It's nice and out of the way of the busy parts of town."
Equestrian amenities: Dedicated facilities for those traveling with horses are a major draw. At Michaux State Forest, "Designated motorized parking lot sites also serve as equestrian sites, and horse camping is allowed here. Teaberry has a few hitching posts and a two step mounting block available," according to Bridget D.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Some facilities close during winter months. "The campground is closed summer 2018 but should be open next year after they finish their project on fixing the park to make it better," mentioned Danielle W. about Colonel Denning State Park, indicating renovation periods affect availability.
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. At Starlite Camping Resort, "the sites felt very secluded," according to Craig F., who added: "Too often private campgrounds attempt to squeeze as many sites as possible and end up with campers on top of their neighbors, but at Starlight, the sites felt very secluded."
Permit requirements: Free permits are needed at some locations. "Designated motorized sites, which require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving," notes Bridget D. about Michaux State Forest.
Terrain challenges: Some campgrounds have significant elevation changes. "Yes, it is quite hilly throughout the campground, but the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed," explains Craig F. about Starlite Camping Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Consider swimming options: Pool facilities vary between equestrian campgrounds. "They offer a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones! There is also a splash pad! There are 2 slides for fun!" writes Amanda H. about Little Buffalo State Park Campground.
Seek out youth activities: Look for campgrounds offering scheduled programming. "There are regular activities for all ages including bingo, crafts and live music," recommends Elizabeth L. from her experience at Starlite Camping Resort.
Explore educational opportunities: Many horse campgrounds near Seven Valleys offer learning experiences. At Colonel Denning State Park Campground, "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," shares Nate & Erika L.
Choose campsites strategically: Location within campgrounds matters for families. "We love the dog friendly sites near the water, the kids and pups play all day! We love how large site 15 is and that it is near the trail head," recommends Casey L. about Colonel Denning State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Pay attention to terrain when selecting sites. At Ferryboat Campsites, "Site was level and shaded, but very close to neighbors. Most sites were occupied by permanent or seasonal residents," notes Robin.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited at some locations. "We had two sites this trip with water and electric, but they do have quite a few full hook-up sites," shares Craig F. about Starlite Camping Resort. "Water pressure and electric were both great throughout the stay."
Spacing between sites: Privacy varies significantly between campgrounds. Jim G. observes about 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."
Access for large rigs: Consider approach roads and site dimensions. "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."
