Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm

For Pennsylvanians, and indeed all adventurers seeking a unique blend of historical exploration and outdoor recreation, Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm in Dover, PA, offers a truly distinctive camping experience. More than just a place to park your RV, this large and spacious campground provides a family-friendly environment with a charming working farm, offering a peaceful atmosphere that makes for a memorable getaway.

Part of the renowned Thousand Trails network, Gettysburg Farm is a destination designed for RVers, featuring a variety of sites to accommodate different needs, from full hookups to water and electric options. While it boasts a substantial size, campers often find a sense of tranquility, especially with the park running along a beautiful creek, adding to its serene ambiance. It's a place where kids can delight in visiting friendly farm animals, and adults can relax amidst the quiet countryside, all while being just a short drive from one of America's most significant historical sites.

Reviews consistently highlight the unique charm of the on-site farm with its animals—horses, pigs, goats, and lambs—which prove to be a major hit with children. Beyond the farm, the campground offers a solid array of amenities designed to keep everyone entertained, including a playground, basketball courts, an arcade area, and mini-golf. While some aspects like drainage and laundry facilities have been noted as areas for improvement, the overall sentiment points to a positive experience, especially considering the value for Thousand Trails members.

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, exploring its advantageous location, the diverse services and amenities it provides, its unique features, and why it stands out as an excellent choice for Pennsylvania locals seeking a blend of outdoor fun, historical access, and a touch of farm life.

Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm is conveniently located at 6200 Big Mt Rd, Dover, PA 17315, USA. While the name suggests close proximity to Gettysburg, the campground is actually situated in Dover, a charming borough in York County, Pennsylvania. This location offers a strategic balance, providing a quiet, rural setting with "beautiful rolling hills and farmland" while maintaining excellent accessibility to major historical sites and urban conveniences.

The most significant accessibility highlight is its fantastic proximity to the historic Gettysburg battlefield, being only a "short drive away," typically around 30-40 minutes. This makes it an ideal base for Pennsylvanians eager to explore the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg National Military Park, its museums, and historical attractions. The drive itself is often described as "very pretty" with "no traffic to speak of," enhancing the overall travel experience.

Beyond Gettysburg, the campground's location in Central Pennsylvania provides convenient access to other popular destinations:

• Hershey, PA: Approximately 50 minutes to an hour away, offering the sweet delights of Hersheypark, Hershey's Chocolate World, and other family-friendly attractions.

• York, PA: Around 20-30 minutes away, providing additional shopping, dining, and cultural opportunities, including the Central Market House.

• Local Amenities: The smaller town of East Berlin is about 7 minutes away, where campers can find basic necessities, groceries, and local eateries.

For daily needs, campers can easily access shops, cafes, and grocery stores in nearby towns. The rural nature of the surroundings, coupled with convenient access to major routes, ensures that visitors can enjoy a tranquil camping experience without sacrificing the ability to explore the rich history and vibrant attractions that Pennsylvania has to offer. While some GPS systems might try to guide visitors down unpaved roads if a turn is missed, careful navigation ensures a smooth journey to this well-situated campground.

Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm provides a comprehensive range of services designed to make any RV or tent camping stay comfortable and enjoyable. As part of the Thousand Trails network, it aims to meet the needs of diverse campers. Based on visitor reviews and official information, the following services are available:

• RV Sites: The campground features 224 total spaces, including numerous full hookup sites (water, electric, and sewer) in the "nicer" part of the grounds, as well as sites with just water and electric (30 amp or 50 amp service). Both back-in and some parallel sites are available, though leveling can be tricky on some.

• Tent Sites: Dedicated tent sites are also available for traditional campers.

• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is provided for RV waste disposal.

• Bath Houses: Multiple bath houses are located throughout the campground. While one near a review's site was closed for "remodeling" and seemed dated, there was an operational one in the center of the grounds near the dump station.

• Laundry Room: A laundry room is available, though reviews suggest it can be small for the size of the campground, sometimes requiring a wait for machines.

• Paid Campground WiFi: WiFi service is offered, but it is a paid service. This can be a useful alternative for those who struggle to get a Starlink connection due to tree coverage.

• General Store/Camp Store: A small general store is on-site, offering some camper equipment for sale, as well as food for the farm animals.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Most, if not all, sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings for outdoor dining and campfires.

• LP Gas: Available for purchase (metered, by weight, and bottle exchange options).

• On-site RV Service and Storage: For added convenience, the park offers on-site RV service (staffed and self-service wash) and secure RV storage.

• Pets Welcome: Pets are allowed on the property, though a fee may apply for pet-friendly rental units, and specific rules (e.g., leash, cleanup) are in place.

Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm offers a variety of engaging features and highlights that contribute to its family-friendly appeal and unique camping experience:

• Friendly Farm Animals: This is arguably the biggest highlight. The campground features a delightful array of farm animals, including horses, pigs, goats, and lambs. Kids (and adults!) love visiting and feeding the animals, creating a memorable, interactive farm experience. Food for the animals can be purchased at the general store.

• Proximity to Gettysburg Battlefield: Its fantastic location, just a "short drive away" from the historic Gettysburg National Military Park, makes it an ideal base for exploring one of America's most significant historical sites.

• Beautiful Creek Access: The park runs along a "beautiful creek," which adds a peaceful atmosphere and provides opportunities for "good fishing" (if you can find a clearing) and enjoying the natural surroundings.

• Swimming Pool: A well-maintained swimming pool provides a refreshing way to cool off during warmer months, often with a dedicated worker maintaining it in the mornings.

• Recreational Amenities: The campground boasts a variety of activities including a playground, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard, and putt-putt (mini-golf), ensuring plenty of outdoor fun for all ages. While the putt-putt course might need some work, it's operational.

• Indoor Entertainment: A small arcade area and a banquet hall where bingo is played offer indoor entertainment options, particularly useful on rainy days.

• Spacious Grounds: The campground is described as "large and spacious," with plenty of trees and open fields for walking or playing with pets.

• Quiet Atmosphere: Despite being a large campground with many families, it's noted for being "very quiet," contributing to a relaxing stay.

• Long-Term and Seasonal Sites: The presence of "alot of permanent sites here" indicates a stable community feel, and annual sites are available for those looking for a seasonal home away from home.

As a Thousand Trails property, Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm's "promotions" are primarily tied to the Thousand Trails membership programs, which offer significant value for frequent campers.

• Thousand Trails Membership Benefits: The most prominent "special offer" is the ability for Thousand Trails members to stay with no nightly fees, as mentioned by a reviewer who received a "one year free trial with our camper purchase." This is a key advantage for those with a Camping Pass or Enhanced Membership, providing access to over 200 locations across the US.

• Free Trial Offers: Occasionally, Thousand Trails offers free trial memberships or discounted introductory periods, allowing potential members to experience the network, including Gettysburg Farm, at a reduced cost or for free for a limited time.

• Annual Sites: For locals or frequent visitors who wish to have a consistent camping spot, annual sites are available. Inquiring about these long-term options can provide a sense of having a "second home" and may come with specific annual pricing structures.

• No Membership Needed to Book: While membership offers the best value, it's possible to book a stay without a Thousand Trails membership, though rates would be higher (e.g., around $80 a night mentioned in a review if paying without membership benefits).

• Group Bookings: Thousand Trails campgrounds, including Gettysburg Farm, can accommodate groups of 10 or more RV/rental reservations, making it suitable for rallies, family reunions, or other special events. They offer event coordinators to assist with planning.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on membership options, current rates for non-members, or any specific seasonal promotions, prospective campers should visit the official Thousand Trails website or contact their reservation department directly. It is always wise to inquire about the best way to book for your specific needs to maximize value.

To learn more about Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, inquire about availability, make a reservation, or ask any specific questions regarding your stay, please use the following contact details:

Address: 6200 Big Mt Rd, Dover, PA 17315, USA

Ranger Station/Front Desk Phone: (717) 292-7191

Mobile Phone: +1 717-292-7191

General Reservations (for non-members or specific assistance): (877) 570-2267

Thousand Trails Member Services: (800) 388-7788

Check-in time for campsites is 12:00 PM (noon), and check-out is 11:00 AM. For late arrival arrangements or specific inquiries about your reservation, it's best to call the Reservation Department. The official Thousand Trails website also provides a detailed page for Gettysburg Farm, where you can often find a park map, information on amenities, and an option to book online.

Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for Pennsylvania locals, particularly those seeking a blend of outdoor recreation, unique family experiences, and convenient access to historical sites. Its appeal stems from a strong combination of spacious grounds, engaging amenities, and its prime location in Central Pennsylvania.

For residents across the state, especially those in the Harrisburg, York, and Lancaster areas, the campground offers an ideal retreat that's close to home. Its proximity to the iconic Gettysburg battlefield—just a "short drive away"—is a major draw, allowing locals to easily immerse themselves in American history without extensive travel. The relatively short distance to family attractions in Hershey also expands the range of day-trip possibilities, making it a perfect hub for diverse Pennsylvania adventures.

The unique "farm" aspect, with its friendly horses, pigs, goats, and lambs, provides an unparalleled experience, especially for families with children. This hands-on interaction with animals creates memorable moments and distinguishes Gettysburg Farm from many other campgrounds. Beyond the farm, the array of on-site amenities—including a swimming pool, playground, basketball courts, and mini-golf—ensures that there's plenty of entertainment for all ages right within the park. The "very quiet" atmosphere, despite the campground's size, ensures a peaceful and relaxing stay.

While some operational aspects like laundry facilities and drainage have been noted by visitors, the overall sentiment remains positive, especially given the value proposition, particularly for Thousand Trails members. The consistent positive feedback on the spacious sites and friendly ambiance underscores its suitability for repeat visits. For Pennsylvania locals looking for a well-rounded camping destination that blends rustic charm with recreational opportunities and historical significance, Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm offers a compelling and rewarding choice for creating lasting family memories.

Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm

6200 Big Mt Rd, Dover, PA 17315, USA