Camping near Rouzerville, Pennsylvania provides easy access to both Gettysburg National Military Park and the surrounding Appalachian foothills. The area sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with mild spring and fall seasons, though summer temperatures can reach the high 80s with occasional thunderstorms. Most campgrounds in the region open from April through October with limited off-season availability.
What to do
Battlefield tours on horseback: Artillery Ridge Campground offers guided horseback tours of Gettysburg battlefields. "You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback. Nice catch and release pond in campground," notes a visitor to Artillery Ridge Campground.
Historic walking routes: Many campgrounds connect to walking paths linking historic sites. A camper at Round Top Campground shared: "I would assume the main purpose for most non-permanent visitors is to explore the battlefields and not spend too much time with campground amenities... the drive into town was short and had enough road side visuals to keep you from dwelling on the drive."
Farm animal interactions: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm provides unique agricultural experiences with daily animal feeding. "We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires. The weather is perfect right now highs reaching low 80s, so the evenings are super lovely!" explained a family that visited during summer.
River activities: The Potomac River offers water recreation options 25-30 miles from Rouzerville. "It is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite! The camp ground is part of river riders which offers lazy tubing, white water tubing, zip lining, and great kayaking down the river," according to a reviewer.
What campers like
Weekend themed events: Seasonal festivities occur at many Gettysburg area rv campgrounds. One visitor to Drummer Boy Camping Resort mentioned: "It was pretty full and everyone seemed to have a golf cart. They were constantly driving past our site... A yard sale, vendor sale, golf cart parade, as well as other activities going on."
Proximity to attractions: Most Gettysburg campgrounds are within 15 minutes of historical sites. A camper at Gettysburg Campground stated: "If you are looking for a campground that is very close to an historical National Park not to mention shopping and restaurants, this is for you."
Pool facilities: Multiple campgrounds near Rouzerville feature swimming pools for summer heat relief. "We camped here in May for Memorial Day weekend... The campground offers free mini golf, a pool and a splash pad pool area," noted a visitor to Drummer Boy Camping Resort.
Water views: Campgrounds with water frontage are highly rated by visitors. "Gorgeous spot on the river. Small campground with not a lot of amenities BUT THAT RIVER IS GORGEOUS. Lots of activities - tubing, zip lining, fishing," according to one camper.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Certain campgrounds experience railroad disruptions. A review of Harpers Ferry Campground warns: "Face the other way and you're looking at a 15 or so foot CSX rail line berm. The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains. The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will."
Site leveling challenges: Many area campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring stabilization equipment. "Our site was pretty level and an okay side. Our site was separated from our neighbors site with nice foliage," reported one visitor, while another noted issues with "annoying slope where the table and fire pit are not level to the camper."
RV facility variations: Water and sewer connections differ significantly between parks. "The site was unlevel and poorly maintained. The sewer consisted of a storage tank less than 10 ft from our picnic table. It stunk. There was no cable," according to one candid reviewer.
Seasonal camper dominance: Several campgrounds have high percentages of permanent residents. "There are lots of seasonals in the campground with 'stuff' spread out everywhere around their campsites. We were in a transient section in the back of the park with long pull-thrus that comfortably fit our RV and car."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Position your site near play areas for easier supervision. A visitor to Granite Hill Camping Resort advised: "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."
Farm experiences: Children often enjoy the animal interactions at agriculture-themed campgrounds. "The main attraction is the animals, but there is also a cute playground for the kids," observed one family at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm.
Swimming options: Book sites near pool facilities during summer months. "The pool with the slide was very clean. We would definitely go back to this place again despite the couple of cons," mentioned a family staying at Drummer Boy Camping Resort.
Activity planning: Check weekend schedules when booking. A camper noted: "Fun filled weekend of activities for the whole family. Close to historic Gettysburg battleground. Fantastic horse rescue on the campground."
Tips from RVers
Extension cords required: Bring additional power and water hookup extensions for odd connection placements. "The hookups are oddly spaced and you need to ensure you have extentions handy. My electric hookup didn't work on 30A," advised an RV camper at Granite Hill.
Advance reservations essential: Book sites 2-3 months ahead during peak season. One visitor to Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm mentioned: "Had to overcome a minor bit of confusion at checkin but the staff resolved it reasonably quickly. I have a non-traditional RV, which I informed the campground of when I made the reservation, but the gate security wasn't aware."
Site selection strategy: Request sites away from main roads to reduce noise. "Roads through the park are fairly narrow with potholes. Some roads are one-way but people don't pay much attention to that and went whichever way they wanted, especially those in golf carts," reported an RVer who stayed at a local campground.
Utility reliability varies: Be prepared for occasional service interruptions. "Electric went out 3 times, once for over 24 hrs. It was in the high 90°," reported one camper during a summer stay.
