Drummer Boy Camping Resort

A highlight of camping at Drummer Boy Camping Resort is its access to the Gettysburg National Military Park, where the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg took place. It encompasses the Gettysburg Recreational Park, where you’ll find plenty of family-friendly facilities, including children’s playgrounds, recreational courts, and a skate park. Fitness junkies can take advantage of the 20-station fitness trail while those after lighter exercise can enjoy a stroll along the picturesque walking path.

Gettysburg campers are also within easy access of the Michaux State Forest, which sprawls across 85,000 acres a short drive west of the campground. It’s named after a French botanist who gathered plants at the request of King Louis XVI and was previously dotted with charcoal kilns. Grassy meadows now sprawl across these former industrial areas while the dense woodlands provide a setting for hiking and mountain biking. A section of the famous Appalachian Trail also extends through the Michaux State Forest for those wanting a longer walk.

Adjacent to the Michaux State Forest lies Caledonia State Park, which is named for the Caledonia Furnace that was established here in the 1830s. It lies at the northern end of the Blue Ridge Mountain, with rich soils that are ideal for the cultivation of fruit. Aside from encompassing part of the Appalachian Trail, Caledonia State Park is also home to the Totem Pole Playhouse, where theatrical performances are presented during the summer months.

The campsites at Drummer Boy Camping Resort are a five-minute drive from the center of Gettysburg, where you’ll find a supermarket for stocking up on groceries and gas stations if you need to fill up your RV rental. There’s also a wide selection of fast-food restaurants and eateries where you can dine on everything from Mexican to Italian and Chinese cuisine.

Gettysburg is packed with engaging museums that detail the lives of soldiers and civilians during the Civil War. Head to the Seminary Ridge Museum to explore its interactive exhibits while learning about the historic battle that took place here. Also of note is the Gettysburg Museum of History, which boasts more than 4,000 artifacts from a variety of American wars. Get up close to relics from the Civil War and learn about the life of JFK, then browse the exhibits celebrating American icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley.

If you’re interested in the historical lives of Gettysburg’s residents, head to the Rupp House History Center that occupies a 19th-century family home once belonging to John Rupp. Learn how the Battle of Gettysburg impacted the family both during the event and its aftermath as you tour the period-furnished rooms or attend one of the regular living history events. Another popular way to explore the area is on the Gettysburg Candlelight Walking Tours, which offer an after-dark look at some of the area’s haunted landmarks. Follow your knowledgeable guide along Baltimore Street to discover the haunted history of the downtown area or opt to tour Carlisle Street to the Gettysburg College Campus.

One of Gettysburg’s most famous sites is the Gettysburg National Cemetery, which was created as the final resting place for Union casualties during the American Civil War. It now contains more than 3,500 interments, with sections for veterans of the Spanish-American War and World War I, as well as their spouses and children. Wander between the battlefield monuments, memorials, and markers or coincide your visit with the annual "Remembrance Day,” which is marked by a parade and memorial ceremonies by re-enactors.

Whether you want to explore the historical museums of Gettysburg or get active in the surrounding natural areas, book an RV in Adams County and start planning your Pennsylvania camping trip.