Artillery Ridge Campground sits adjacent to the Gettysburg National Military Park in York County, Pennsylvania, offering equestrians direct trail access to significant Civil War battlefields. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 500-600 feet above sea level. Seasonal temperatures vary significantly, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows dropping below freezing, affecting camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Trail riding with historical context: The proximity to Gettysburg allows riders to explore both wooded areas and open battlefield terrain. At Gettysburg Campground, campers appreciate the convenient location. "Really nice place. Recommend a site by the creek. Cool laid back staff and clean bathrooms nice playground for kids. Not to mention it's a few minute drive to historic Gettysburg. It's nice and out of the way of the busy parts of town," notes Brandon W.
Horse-friendly accommodations: For equestrian camping near York, Pennsylvania, several facilities cater specifically to those traveling with horses. Ferryboat Campsites provides horse stables on site. "There are horse stable available as well on site," mentions Avery M., who also notes the campground's other amenities: "There is a small goat petting zoo, with very friendly pigmy goats and the camp is extremely pet friendly as long as they are on a leash."
Fishing and lake activities: Several campgrounds within 30-45 minutes of York offer fishing opportunities. At Little Buffalo State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy multiple water-based activities. "There is a large lake for fishing! You can rent boats there! There is a pool! The pool is very nice!" shares Amanda H., who adds that the park offers "a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones! There is also a splash pad!"
What campers like
Privacy and spacing between sites: Many campers prioritize well-spaced sites when horseback riding and camping near York, PA. At Starlite Camping Resort, the layout earns high marks: "Overall the sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy. Except for the Plateau sites, which have the amazing view, the rest of the campground had a great tree cover! 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," writes Craig F.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention facility cleanliness as a top priority. "The bathhouses are clean and private. Owners are super nice," notes Chris G. about Starlite Camping Resort. At Colonel Denning State Park, Casey L. reports, "Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites."
Natural surroundings: Access to nature trails and water features ranks high on camper preferences. "Wide open area to swim that was very clean and well kept. Hope to revisit soon!" says Casey L. about Colonel Denning State Park Campground, adding that "Trail head close to site and was a very difficult hike with amazing views!!"
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many equestrian-friendly campgrounds fill quickly, particularly during peak season. "Lake loop is the bigger of the two, however the 'sites' are smaller and it's more open. It is popular with group tenters," explains Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park, noting that "This campground is only open on the weekends, in season. Sites can be reserved on line, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts camping conditions significantly. "The campground is susceptible to flooding, so check the weather when you come!" warns Robin about Ferryboat Campsites after experiencing storms with heavy rain that made the river rise.
Terrain challenges: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain that can affect site selection. At Colonel Denning State Park, Casey L. advises: "If you stay in lower sites you are near the water and will have to walk up a large hill to get to bathrooms." Similarly, Starlite Camping Resort has notable elevation changes that Chris G. mentions: "This is a great family run campground... There is also a great view of the surrounding countryside because it's up on a big hill. If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. "Starlite offers a wide variety of amenities such as a community pool, general store, snack bar, playground area... daily activities," explains Brie A. about family options at Starlite Camping Resort.
Water access for children: Look for campgrounds with suitable swimming areas for different ages. Little Buffalo State Park offers specialized water areas: "There is 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!" Amanda H. explains, though she cautions, "No food allowed in the pool but you can bring picnic lunch for outside the pool."
Educational opportunities: Michaux State Forest offers learning experiences through its natural setting. "Michaux sits on the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and though they are scarcely more than foothills here compared to their majesty in more well-known areas like TN, NC, and VA, it is a place of peace and beauty all the same," notes Bridget D., adding that "Like much of the state, it's a young mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, with some open and sparsely wooded prairie/meadow sections."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: When horseback riding camping near York with an RV, site selection becomes critical. At Hibernia County Park, Jennifer S. advises: "Though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper. They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Hookup availability: Consider utility needs when booking. "We had a site right on next to the trail going to Stangler Farm. AT&T cell reception at our site was hit or miss, but good in the rest of the campground," reports Dave B. about Artillery Ridge Campground.
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds have terrain challenges affecting RV access. "There is a dump station available for the end. You can book your site on line and go straight to your site! No check in required," notes Amanda H. about Little Buffalo State Park, making it convenient for RV campers who need to handle waste disposal.
