To say you have gone camping sometimes is an understatement; to some of you camping means a tent in the woods, sleeping bags on the hard ground, ghost stories around a campfire on a starry night...
Well, this is partially true; in resort camping, however, you'll trade the tent for an RV and your sleeping bag becomes your blanket instead of your bed. However, whether camping in the rough or RVing in luxury, there is continuity in the campfire on a starry night.
The Campground
When entering Gettysburg from route 30, you take the third exit at the traffic circle and travel out through town on route 34 until it meets business 15, otherwise known as the Emmitsburg Road. Gettysburg Battlefield Resort is located at 1960 Emmitsburg Road, just outside of Gettysburg Pennsylvania. Gettysburg Battlefield Resort is the second of three resort campgrounds under
Gettysburg Battlefield Resort is a private, member only, resort campground situated in beautiful South Central Pennsylvania surrounded by the famous Civil War Battlefield of the name it shares. In fact, the campground itself is the only campground in Gettysburg that is officially located on the battlefield. Although others may tout the same bit of local trivia, they would be wrong. It is a documented historical fact that from right here in this campground the Union Army entered by the Emmitsburg road and dropped artillery on this location while Cavalry occupied the area for the entire 3 day battle as they mounted their assault on Little Round Top. There are documented casualties engraved on the 'Lost Monument' recently discovered on the resort property.
The resort is not only home to its members but also home to the 22nd North Carolina, a reenactment group that sets up camp on designated holidays and weekends. They reenact skirmishes, make arrests throughout the resort and interact with the campers. They provide an education for the youngsters and elders alike and after dark share Civil War ghost stories around a bonfire. There is also a stocked catch and release pond, a nature trail, paddle boats and a gazebo for the members enjoyment.
What's New
Gettysburg Battlefield Resort is a membership campground that is continuously making improvements and upgrades to the grounds. Over the past several years bathrooms and shower houses have been remodeled and the electric has been upgraded as well as the septic system. Sites have been stoned and leveled and additional full hookup sites have been added. There are also several cabins available for those with the cabin option included with their membership.
Recently the old pavilion was torn down and replaced with the new structure that exists today. The new pavilion is home to Sunday morning church services, dances and karaoke, and a plethora of craft events and activities planned through the camping season.
New water and electric sites are being constructed as this review is being compiled. As the resort continues to grow its membership base it becomes necessary to grow physically to accommodate all who camp here.
What's Near
Gettysburg Battlefield Resort is situated on the southern end of the famous battlefield. Just outside the entrance and a short drive toward town, the battlefield can be easily accessed by car. Monuments and historical building can be seen throughout the National Park and you won't want to miss visiting the newly constructed Visitor's Center, located just a short drive from the campground on the Baltimore Pike.
The traffic circle in the center of town is home to many shops and restaurants. Two wineries, Hauser Estate and Adams County have stores located on the traffic circle. Saturday morning the circle is full of market stands selling fresh produce, jarred jellies and jams and home made soaps, fresh baked goods and hot coffee from the Ragged Edge coffee shop.
Grocery stores, dollar stores, a natural food store and Walmart are all close and easy to find when you're out and about exploring the town. An enjoyable Saturday afternoon with family and friends is found a few miles outside Gettysburg in the town of Orrtanna. The above mentioned
Adams County Winery has free wine tasting, free tours of the winery and a free concert on the grounds every Saturday afternoon from noon until 5 PM. It's a family friendly environment, bring your lawn chairs and let the children run while you enjoy the music and a cool Sangria on a warm summer afternoon.
What's Needed
The General Store at Gettysburg Battlefield Resort has been newly expanded and has gifts, camping supplies, food-stuff as well as hand dipped ice cream, snacks and drinks. The lodge is spacious yet cozy with several sectioned off areas. One for Wifi usage, another for watching movies on a large screen TV, a play area and one for just relaxing in front of a fire. The sun-room is the perfect place to keep an eye on the kids while they enjoy the Olympic size swimming pool and it's also where bingo is included in the weekend activities. Both bath houses are well appointed, air conditioned and heated seasonally and although the laundry facilities are substantially more expensive than other campgrounds, to be fair, the washers and dryers are larger capacity front loaders.
On a personal note, my husband and I have made this resort our home park 12 years ago and have to say that it is nothing less than exceptional resort operations management that has has given Gettysburg Battlefield Resort its current first rate status.
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