The best things about being an RVer are touring, exploring, and staying in campgrounds. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is a great place to tour, explore and stay on an RV trip regardless of the season.
In this article, we will talk about places to visit during various times of the year.
Winter
You would not think of Gettysburg as a winter destination but it has a lot to offer. The coldest season offers a peaceful, quiet time to visit the battlefield and reflect on history.
Stop by the Jennie Wade House Museum to learn about her importance to the Union soldiers. Also be sure to check the website for the limited winter dates, though.
Wade did not die in vain as the only civilian to perish in the Battle of Gettysburg. She is buried in the Evergreen Cemetery.
If you enjoy the supernatural with your history, you will enjoy the scary ghost stories, tales and ghost tours at the Jennie Wade House. There is a gift shop as well where you can purchase the Jennie Wade House Haunted DVD.
Spring
There’s no better place in Gettysburg to visit as the flowers bloom than Spangler’s Spring. This natural spring supplied Union and Confederate soldiers with water during the battle.
In the past visitors could sip from this spring, but fear of contamination ceased this delight. During the spring, you can tour the area by bus, carriage, bicycle, or on foot. You can also explore the Adams County Pour Tour, which consists of a craft wine, beer, cider and spirits trail. This is a self-guided tour sure to please your palate.
Summer
Summer is the most popular time to visit Gettysburg. The temperatures stay in the eighties, all the stores are open and many places host concert events. The Fourth of July is a spectacular time to visit. You will want to be sure to attend the Patriotic Pops Concert and Fireworks.
Summer is also a great time for kids. Click here to learn about Land of Little Horses; Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium; Explore and More Children’s Museum and nine other child friendly attractions.
Looking for a hands-on military experience for kids? Then the Join the Army Rangers program is perfect for your children ages 5 to 13. They learn how to sign up for the Army, take a pledge, and see get to see Civil War uniforms and replicas.
Fall
Fall is my favorite time of year to visit Gettysburg. The air is crisp, and the nights are cool. It is the perfect time for a carriage ride.
The slow pace and cooler weather allows the mind to use all five senses and really experience everything in Adams County. Envision riding along seeing the fall leaves on the trees and watching them softly fall to the ground, feel the breeze in your hair, smell the hint of rain in the air, and taste the fruit of the land as you sip on some fresh apple cider.
Where to stay
Gettysburg Farms Campground is an actual working farm with animals. It has a nice pool and farm-like clubhouse. It was nice to have the animals come right to your campsite or go to their pen and feed them.
Occasionally, a goat or two would wonder into the clubhouse. We had a site near the shower house, and it was rustic but clean. It was about 40 minutes from the battlefield and shops.
The staff was friendly, and we enjoyed our stay there. We would visit here again. The advantage to staying here is that it is a Passport America participant. You can read more about the farm on the Passport America website.
Conclusion
Gettysburg is rich with history, packed with events, shops, activities and educational experiences for all ages, all seasons, and all year. There are many camping options available in the area ranging from inexpensive to high end high dollar resorts.
Gettysburg is not a one-time, one-stop destination. So, return often, learn a lot, and enjoy one of our nation’s most significant towns.
