Gettysburg National Military Park
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When General John Buford positioned his dismounted cavalry on three ridges west of the village of Gettysburg on June 30, 1863, he set the stage for the biggest battle in the Civil War. His actions delayed Ewell's corps until Reynolds and the Black Hats arrived and took up positions on Cemetery Ridge and the surrounding hills. Lee's invasion was doomed from that moment on. Today, you can join the million or so people who visit the Gettysburg National Military Park every year. Stand on Seminary Ridge as you imagine Buford's mere 3,000 men standing against Ewell's 20,000. This place in Pennsylvania may have been the "High-Water Mark of the Confederacy," but it's also the place where the war was won for the Union.
How to Get There
Aside from the small Hagerstown Regional Airport, there are four other major airports within 70 miles: Washington Dulles, Reagan Washington, Harrisburg, and Baltimore-Washington International. There's also a bus stop at the park itself.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to Gettysburg National Military Park
Visit Gettysburg National Military Park
The best time to visit Gettysburg National Military Park is during the summer. You can truly get a sense of what it was like on those four days in 1863. The park itself is open all year, with the exception of major holidays, but the visitor center and museum are only open from March 1 until November 30. While you're at the park, be sure to visit both Seminary Ridge and Cemetery Ridge. You can stand in the shade of the copse of trees that was the focal point of Pickett's Charge. You can even climb Little Round Top where Colonel Joshua Chamberlain led the famed bayonet charge of the 20th Maine against a numerically superior foe and held the Union line on July 2, 1863.
As of July 26, 2022, Little Round Top was scheduled to be closed for 18 months thereafter. Check with the National Park Service about its availability before visiting.
Ticket Information
Because entering the battlefield itself, or even the museum, is free of charge, there are no tickets necessary to visit the Gettysburg National Military Park.
Family-Friendly Options
The family-friendly options at the Gettysburg National Military Park include the Heritage Trails program, the Junior Rangers, and other educational programs. The Heritage Trails program is designed specifically for scouting groups. Participating young people can hike one of five trails in and around the park and visit not only the park's museum but also the Eisenhower National Historic Site, which is adjacent to the battlefield. When it comes to the Junior Rangers, there are seven activities that children can complete while visiting the park. To earn the Junior Ranger designation, your children will have to complete at least three of the seven. The educational programs include both the ability to use certain areas of the park as classrooms and additional opportunities geared toward home-schooling programs.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
It's a nifty idea to experience the park "in order" as the different events during the four days of the battle unfolded. You can begin on the Chambersburg Pike from which Buford approached Seminary Ridge. Explore the seminary itself, and stand on the ridge. As the Union troops withdrew, eventually, in the face of superior numbers, they went to Cemetery Ridge. Follow along their path. After that, you can explore the Peach Orchard and the Devil's Den.
If it's open, then you can climb Little Round Top. Your next destination could be Culp's Hill where the Union XII Corps reinforced the right flank. Finally, stand at the copse of trees and survey the mile of open ground over which Pickett and two other commanders charged, which really brings home the finality of what those soldiers faced. There really is no bad place to take photos in the whole park, so have your camera ready.
Gettysburg National Military Park Accommodations
On Site Accommodations
The only on-site accommodation is the McMillan Woods Campground, which is a tent-only campground for scout groups and other youth groups. Aside from the visitor center, there are 10 portable toilets scattered throughout the park.
Campgrounds Nearby
If you want to stay close to the Gettysburg battlefields, then Artillery Ridge Campground is an ideal place to park your RV. In fact, the staff can even house your horses as you camp. You and your family can have fun exploring the park’s many trails on horseback.
Another one of the RV campgrounds in Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania, worth checking out is Drummer Boy Camping Resort. It is just minutes from downtown Gettysburg, so if you want to explore Civil War history, this is the place to stay. There are also ghost walks in town and other nearby areas to explore.
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Activities Near Gettysburg National Military Park
Things to Do
Geocaching
There are multiple geocaches scattered throughout the park, most of which deal with information and activities related to the battle. There are also caches in the town of Gettysburg.
Hiking
There are five hiking trails of various lengths up to moderate difficulty in the Gettysburg National Military Park: Billy Yank Trail, Johnny Reb Trail, Big Round Top Trail, Culp's Hill Trail, and the Gettysburg Trail.
Fishing
Marsh Creek and Little Marsh Creek, both of which are adjacent to the park, feature famous trout fishing. You can catch brook, rainbow, and brown trout in both creeks along with largemouth bass, crappie, and panfish.
National Sites
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
Southern Pennsylvania experiences all four seasons, so it's a good idea to dress appropriately based on when you visit. It's always a good idea to have sunglasses because there is very little shade in the park. During the summer, bring lots of water, especially if you plan on hiking the trails. Sunblock is a must if you visit during the summer, and loose-fitting clothes will help you stay cool. A hat with a wide brim will protect your face. In all seasons, having energy bars is a good idea, too. In the colder weather, remember to dress in layers so that you can remove them if you get too warm through exertion.
Safety & Accessibility
The visitor center and museum are fully accessible. There are 26 miles of paved roads and paths within the park. Many of the sections of the park, however, are exactly as they were in 1863, or as much as is possible, so those areas won't be fully accessible. Still, the views from the paths and roads are unobstructed, and there are certain areas off the paths and roads that are mowed regularly, which makes them accessible by scooter when the weather and ground are dry.
Conclusion
The pivotal battle in the eastern theater of the Civil War took place at Gettysburg. By visiting the park, you can honor the fallen, injured, and maimed. Be sure to branch out in your explorations throughout the United States. Visit Vicksburg, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Shiloh, and even Appomattox Court House in your Civil War quest.
FAQ
Yes, there are quite a few RV-friendly campgrounds, many of which have full hookups.
For camping, it's not RV-friendly. For driving along the roads through the park, it is. The park accommodates tour buses, so you will be able to drive through it with all but the largest rigs.
The park closes 30 minutes after sunset. Also, the visitor center and museum aren't open all year. Little Round Top is currently not available to visit as of October 2023, so check with the park or the National Park Service for more information before visiting.
Yes, there are quite a few family-friendly activities available at the park, and it's always good for children to get an education in history.
With the exception of service and guide animals, pets are disallowed in almost all areas of the park.