Nestled In Gettysburg Is A Family-Friendly Camping Escape With Cabins, Historic Charm, And Nearby Trails

You'd be hard-pressed to find a middle schooler who hasn't heard of the Battle of Gettysburg. This three-day Civil War conflict marked a significant victory for the Union, with more than 50,000 casualties overall. One of the best ways to learn about this critical Civil War confrontation is to visit the historic Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania. Located just minutes from the battlefield, Artillery Ridge Campground and Horse Park is one of the best jumping-off points for exploring the park and surrounding area.

The campground itself occupies the former site of the Union Artillery Reserve, a collection of cannons and weaponry used to suppress the enemy. A family-run facility, Artillery Ridge is a kid-friendly retreat with a calendar full of Civil War-themed events, including weekend-long reenactments with local historians. "These interactive events will have your whole family learning more about the Battle of Gettysburg and what daily life looked like back in the 1860s," per the Artillery Ridge website.

Families consistently praise the variety of amenities and activities that make Artillery Ridge feel more like a destination than simply a place to sleep. The mini golf course is free, while one Google Maps review says that Artillery Ridge has "the nicest arcade game room we've seen at any campground." From Memorial Day to Labor Day, guests can use the heated pool, which features a splash pad and is surrounded by shaded loungers. In addition to the playground, fishing pond, and Wi-Fi, the campground hosts live music nights, food trucks, and family-friendly programming like wagon rides.

At Artillery Ridge Campground, you won't be roughing it in the woods. RV sites make up the bread and butter of the campground, including pull-thru, pet-friendly, and full-hookup options. There are also tent campsites and a large group campground at the edge of the well-kept grounds. In addition, Artillery Ridge bills itself as "the closest campground to the battlefield horse trails" and offers 90 overnight horse stalls. Even if you don't have your own steed, you can book horseback tours of the battlefield on-site with the National Riding Stables.

Although tucked between mature trees and grassy patches, some guests find the spots too close together. However, most campers consider it a fair trade for the amenities, proximity to Gettysburg attractions, and opportunity to stay somewhere that genuinely welcomes kids. "Parents loved the safety and community feel of the campground," shared a guest with four kids on Google Maps. "We don't normally do repeat vacations-destinations but we would absolutely visit Artillery Ridge and Gettysburg again."

For guests who hate camping but love the outdoors, the campground offers 16 pet-friendly cabins scattered across the grounds, including ones modeled after an Old West jail and saloon, as well as traditional log-style structures. Cabins sleep between four and six guests and feature various bed configurations, including double, single, and bunk beds. They also come with air-conditioning and a fire ring, but campers have to bring their own bedding.

Surrounded by one of America's most-visited destinations, the campground offers a location like no other. From Artillery Ridge, campers can drive to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center and figure out which monument they want to see. Although not hiking trails in the traditional sense, the paths winding between monuments crisscross the entire area surrounding the campground.

Those looking for actual hiking trails can walk up Big Round Top, the highest point of the Battle of Gettysburg. But be warned, trees block the battlefield from view. For a longer outing, National Park Planner identifies the Bridle Trail Loop as the park's best path. Composed primarily of equestrian trails, this 7.25-mile route circles the southern side of the battlefield and will take over five hours to complete. You won't find much shade, so staying hydrated and avoiding the heat of the day is important. Keep in mind that temperatures can reach upwards of 85 degrees Fahrenheit with lots of humidity.

The campground also boasts its own trail leading to Historic George Spangler Farm, the best preserved field hospital in the Gettysburg area. Once a family farm, the Union 11th Corps treated over 1,900 Confederate and Union soldiers inside a barn visitors can still see today. Guided tours and other programs can be reserved in advance here. Just 15 minutes away, at Pennsylvania's scenic Pine Grove Furnace State Park, visitors seeking a more cardio-intensive hike can join the Appalachian Trail.