Gettysburg Campground: Modernized, but Rooted in History – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
Editor’s Note: The following article was produced by Gettysburg Campground. It is printed here by permission.
On the west side of Gettysburg, Pa., a short three miles from downtown near farms and monuments you will find Gettysburg Campground. This special property is located on Marsh Creek and set within mature landscaping; a quintessential, picturesque campground purchased by the Ott Family in 2021. However, not all facets of the property were in perfect condition. Campsites in the back half of the property sat in need of upgrading.
During the first few years of owning this campground, the Ott Family made improvements to other areas of the campground first. “Guests are searching for long, 50amp, full hook up pull thru sites and if they are not showing up in your available inventory then they are moving on to a campground that does,” says Gary Jr., co-owner and operations manager for Gettysburg Campground. Sites without sewer, 30 amp service and small in length were difficult to sell even at a discount leaving the Ott Family with the only decision make: renovate the sites.
In 2024 planning began for the overhaul of 135 sites. To layout the back section they decided to collapse smaller sites and turn them into longer pull thru sites. Sewer was added to all sites and new sod installed for the finishing touches on what became 88 pull thru sites. These modernized RV sites accommodate all styles of RVs and those towing extra equipment but they’re still set within tall trees for that classic campground feel. “We technically reduced our site count, but from our perspective, we actually gained 88 new premium sites at the premium rate,” Gary Jr said. While revamping this large section of the campground, the Ott Family identified a need for more cabins. They called Dan and his team at Lancaster Log Cabins after having much success with their product at other campgrounds owned by the Ott Family. The final stage for the 6 month long renovation included a large community fire pit area and designated area for 4 sets of cornhole boards.
During the off season, the Activities Team at Gettysburg worked on an enhanced Activities Program for 2025. New connections helped put the Ott Family in touch with many local historical reenactment groups. Over the course of 7 different weekends, guests of Gettysburg Campground will get a hands on, front row experience as “History Comes Alive” this season. The first Civil War themed weekend on May 10th featured several groups of historians in the field onsite camping as they would have during the Battle of Gettysburg. These campouts were accessible to guests and during the day featured a musket firing demonstration, a mock army enlistment & training program along with Civil War era food taste tests and so much more. “It was great to watch the kids connect with the reenacts and really plug into something other than a phone,” Gary Jr says. The upcoming Reenactment Weekend on May 31st will feature the first full size cannon firing demonstration at Gettysburg Campground since the Ott’s have owned it. The remaining weekends will feature more cannon demonstrations, musket firing demonstrations, Civil War camp outs with Union vs Confederate battles, a Civil War Ball, and even a dip into World War II history with tanks and other vehicles featured by the World War II American Experience Museum located in Gettysburg, PA.
Memorial Day Weekend 2025 Gettysburg Campground saw its first full house since the improvements were made. Gary Jr, on site for most of the weekend says, “The feedback has been very positive from our guests both first timers and families that have been coming for generations. It confirmed what we felt was the right direction to go with this location”.
The Ott Family first entered the Gettysburg market with their purchase of Artillery Ridge Campground & Horse Park in 2019. After seeing much success the first year, they went looking for more opportunities. Gettysburg Campground is an excellent compliment to Artillery Ridge, and while both campgrounds work together in some areas, they are their own individual campgrounds with unique features that set each one a part from the other. Gary Jr says, “It has been 7 years now in this competitive Gettysburg Market and we feel we are well positioned to continue to grow and provide a great value and camping experience for our guests for many years to come.” The Ott Family also owns Hershey Road Campground and Ocean City Campground. These 4 locations make up their “Explore All 4” brand.
