South Mountain rises approximately 2,140 feet above sea level in southern Pennsylvania, creating a natural divider between the Cumberland Valley and Gettysburg. The area's microclimate tends to be slightly cooler than surrounding lowlands, with fall temperatures averaging 5-10 degrees lower than nearby towns. Tent sites throughout the region typically range from basic walk-ins to more developed locations with electric hookups and water access.
What to do
Creek fishing opportunities: At Gettysburg Campground, you'll find a peaceful creek with various fishing spots. "Nice creek with ducks. Close to battlefield," notes Jenny P., who appreciated the natural water feature within the campground. Sites near the water provide convenient access for those planning to fish.
Historical battlefield exploration: Artillery Ridge Campground offers direct access to battlefield trails. "The campground is only a mile and a half from town which was awesome and direct access to battlefield trails right there," reports Peter K. The location served as an artillery storage area during the Civil War, making it historically significant.
Lake swimming: Houck Area at Cunningham Falls State Park features a 43-acre lake with a swimming beach. "The beach area at the lake was fantastic! My kids loved it plenty of areas to grill and dogs are allowed," says Casey L. The swimming area includes a sandy beach and designated areas for families to gather.
Hiking through forests: The Catoctin Mountains offer numerous trails connecting campgrounds. "There are very few electric sites on the three lower loops, the fourth loop is all electric sites," explains Dave V. about Cunningham Falls State Park's Houck Area layout. "There are plenty of trails, including the Catoctin Trail, but all the trails I was on do not permit biking."
What campers like
Creek-side relaxation: At Twin Bridge Campground, the stream provides natural entertainment. "Our kids love the creek and playing in and around it," according to Jwalker. "Twin Bridge is close to the stream with trees. This was a very nice site and we had more space between us than others had," another camper observed about the water access.
Quiet camping environments: Cunningham Falls State Park's Manor Area offers peaceful natural settings. "Cell service doesn't work, electric hook ups only. This state park is beautiful and off the grid!" explains Regina C. The lack of connectivity creates a more immersive outdoor experience.
Level, well-maintained sites: Gettysburg at Battlefield Resort provides organized camping areas. "They are spacious, clean, events and activities," notes Charlene M. about the sites. Another visitor adds, "Most of the sites are level, and nice bathhouse facilities."
Family-friendly amenities: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated family activities. At Granite Hill Camping Resort, "they plan lots of weekend events," according to Cindy P. The campground includes "free showers, a playground, mini golf and two small ponds for fishing," making it suitable for families with various interests.
What you should know
Site spacing variations: Many campgrounds have limited privacy between sites. At Gettysburg Campground, "the sites are quite packed together and the noise of traffic– at least in the frontmost sites– can get rather loud at night," according to Jim G. Consider requesting sites farther from entrance areas if seeking more seclusion.
Seasonal water availability: Campgrounds near South Mountain have different operating schedules. Cunningham Falls State Park is typically open "April 1 to October 31," with limited services during shoulder seasons. Certain water facilities may close earlier in fall than the campgrounds themselves.
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely across campgrounds. One visitor to Granite Hill Camping Resort noted, "The bath house needs cleaning more regularly. If they invested a little bit on upkeep this would be an awesome place." Always bring portable sanitation supplies as backup.
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "This is a very busy campground and I was advised it normally sells out on weekends, so securing a site in advance is wise," reports a visitor to Cunningham Falls. Many campgrounds fill completely for holiday weekends months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: At Granite Hill Camping Resort, families can select sites near play areas. "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. It's only 15 yards for the play set," explains Larry N.
Water features for kids: Hagerstown/Antietam Battlefield KOA offers creek access that children enjoy. "My kids were obsessed with the goats and the little mining table," shares Mike N. Another visitor notes, "You can get a site along the creek where you can tube or kayak (they rent them out here)!"
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds provide learning experiences through historical connections. "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," recounts a visitor describing activities near Artillery Ridge Campground.
Evening entertainment: Campgrounds often schedule nighttime activities for families. Gettysburg Battlefield Resort offers "themed weekends and fun activities for the whole family," including "outdoor movies" during summer months. This provides structured entertainment after a day of exploring.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: At Cowans Gap State Park Campground, RVers should plan for hookup limitations. "The hookups are oddly spaced and you need to ensure you have extensions handy. My electric hookup didn't work on 30A," cautions Bobby S. Bring extra-long hoses and cords to accommodate various site configurations.
Pull-through availability: Some locations offer easier access for large rigs. "A perk for us for our first trip with a camper was the pull-through sites," notes an RVer at Jellystone Park in Williamsport. These sites eliminate the need for difficult backing maneuvers.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at several campgrounds. "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," reports Priscilla M. about Granite Hill. Bring additional leveling blocks and stabilization equipment.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer full-service hookups. "There is a large BlueGrass festival here every year so we thought it was totally legit. Couldn't tell you a thing about the campsites," notes Beth M. about facilities at one location. Always confirm dump station availability and hours of operation before arrival.
