Welcome to the Gettysburg National Military Park Information.
Here you will find all you need to know about the historical significance, geography, and natural features of the park.
Gettysburg National Military Park
15610 Vaughn Road
Brecksville, PA 44141
216-524-1497, 440-546-5991
Getting There
From the North or the South
Take US 15 to Gettysburg. Keep an eye out for signs directing you to the National Park Visitor Center.
The visitor center is between Taneytown Road (State Route 134) and Steinwehr Avenue (Business Route 15).
From the East or the West:
Take US Rt. 30 to Gettysburg and turn South on Baltimore St. (Route 97). Follow signs to Steinwehr Avenue (Business Route 15).
History of Gettysburg National Military Park
The Battle of Gettysburg ocurred on July 1-3 1863. The bloodiest single battle of the American Civil War, the defeat sustained by the Confederacy and the Union victory despite immense casualties has become known as a major turning point in the war. Significant sites on the battlefield began to be preserved almost immediately after the 1863 battle. The park came under federal ownership in 1895. Administered by the National Park Service (NPS) since 1933, the park now incorporates a significant portion of land across which the battle, its aftermath and the commemoration occurred.
Size of Gettysburg National Military Park
5,989 acres in size
Geography of Gettysburg National Military Park
The park is situated in south central Pennsylvania east of Appalachian Mountains. The park is fifteen miles east of South Mountain, which rises to 2,000 feet above sea level. The topography of the park is rolling hills and valleys with elevations averaging between 500 to 580 feet above sea level.
Natural Features at Gettysburg National Military Park
Mature and maturing woodlands and woodlots, agricultural fields, pasturelands and intermittent streams cause Gettysburg National Military Park to resemble a mosaic of different landscapes. This diverse ecology provides habitat to 187 bird, 34 mammal, 17 reptile and 15 amphibian species documented to date. Floral inventories have recorded 553 species of vascular plants, of which 410 are native.
List of Campgrounds:
McMillan Woods Youth Campground
McMillan Woods Youth Campground is the only on-site camping available within park borders. This campsite is seasonally available to scout troops and youth organizations only. Camping reservations are accepted through a lottery system beginning the first of every year. To obtain the form, either call Staci Burchett at (717) 334-1124, extension 423 or submit this application.
Artillery Ridge Campsite
Artillery Ridge campsite is a privately owned and operated campsite in the immediate vicinity of Gettysburg National Military Park. Artillery Ridge offers camping opportunities for tent camping, RV/trailer camping, and log cabin rentals. In addition to 30/50 amp hookups, laundry facilities and dumping stations, other amenities offerd by this campsite include: free wireless internet, swimming pool, fishing pond, paddleboats, horseshoes, playground, and a game room. Artillery Ridge also offers a one-hour and two-hour horseback tour of Gettysburg.
Gettysburg Campground
Gettysburg Campground is a privately owned and operated campground in the near vicinity of Gettysburg Natioal Military Park. Gettysburg Campground has a variety of campsites available:
- 20 rustic tent sites
- 144 campsites with water and electric hookups
- 96 campsites offering full hookups.
Additionally, Gettysburg Campground offers rustic cabins and full facility cottages (you provide linens) for rent. Other amenities include laundry facility, country style store, an ice cream parlor, playground, swimming pool, Wi-Fi, Dump stations, and a pump-out service. While staying at Gettysburg Campground, enjoy horseshoes, bingo, mini-golf, shuffleboard, sand volleyball, swimming, trout fishing on March Creek (adjacent to the campground), and daily hay rides.
Gettysburg/Battlefield KOA
KOA Operates a privately owned campground in the near vicinity of Gettysburg. KOA makes accomodations for RVs, trailers, and tent camping. Additionally, camping cabins and cottages are available for rent at this campsite. Services include a pavilion and meeting room, free wireless internet, kitchen services, and 50 amp service. On-site recreation activities include swimming in the swimming pool, playing mini-golf, and bicycle rental.
For more information on area camping, contact:
Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau
89 Steinwehr Ave.
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: (717) 334-2100
Visitor Centers & Programs
Gettysburg Military Park Visitor Center is the place to begin. The center has all the information on park tours, information on the town of Gettysburg, and is the meeting point for licensed guided tours. The visitor center is home to the museum which houses the Rosenteel Collection of Gettysburg relics, and the Electric Map program, where the battle is diagrammed and intrepreted through a dynamic map. The shuttle fo Eisenhower National Historic Site is located at the visitor center.
Cyclorama Center is located next door to the main visitor center. The Cyclorama Center conducts regular screenings of an orientation film, and also houses many of the museum’s exhibits.
Soldier’s National Cemetary is across from the visitor center. This cemetary is where fallen Union soldier’s were buried following the battle at Gettysburg. Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address on this site on November 19, 1863.
Eisenhower National Historic Site is located adjacent to the Gettysburg Battlefield and is the home and farm of President Dwight. D. Eisenhower. This site served as a respite from Washington during Eisenhower’s presidency, and was an important location for conducting efforts to relieve Cold War tensions. Visitors may tour the President’s home, roam around the farm, or participate in ranger programs.
McMillan Woods Youth Campground is the only on-site camping available within park borders. This campsite is seasonally available to scout troops and youth organizations only. Camping reservations are accepted through a lottery system beginning the first of every year.
Weather of Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg has a typical humid continental climate, with hot humid summers and cold moist winters. Spring and Autumn tend to be mild, but can swing towards either warm or cold extremes, so visitors are encouraged to check local weather forecasts and be prepared for all sorts of weather. Impressive electrical storms are common throughout the summer.