RV Dump Stations In Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
39.8309° N, 77.2311° W
Quick Overview
Gettysburg is one of those places every American road-tripper ends up at eventually, and rolling in with the RV is a great way to do it. The Gettysburg National Military Park wraps roughly 6,000 acres of battlefield around a walkable historic town, and the ring of campgrounds just outside makes it an easy multi-day base. Before you arrive, though, it helps to sort out where you'll empty tanks and, just as importantly, where you'll leave the rig while you tour.
Access is straightforward. US-30, the old Lincoln Highway, runs east-west straight through town, and US-15 is the fast north-south route linking up to Harrisburg and down to Frederick, Maryland. Most of the campgrounds hang off US-30 west of town or off the PA-134 exit from US-15, so getting a big rig to a site is simple from either direction. Where it gets tight is the center of town: downtown Gettysburg is built around Lincoln Square, a compact historic grid with a traffic circle and short-term meters. That's no place for a motorhome, so the play is to park at the campground and drive in.
For dumping tanks, plan on the campgrounds. There's no overnight RV parking inside the national park, and the dump stations here live at the private campgrounds, either bundled with a stay or available for a fee. The borough also bans on-street parking from 2 AM to 6 AM and posts 3-hour limits, so overnight street parking downtown is out. None of this is a hassle once you know it, and the payoff is huge: you can spend days working the 24-mile Auto Tour, the cemetery where Lincoln spoke, and the Eisenhower farm next door, then roll back to full hookups each night. We'd happily spend a long weekend here.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Gettysburg
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All Dump Stations Near Gettysburg
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artillery Ridge Camping Resort | 2.0 mi | 4.4 | Dump Station | Free |
| Drummer Boy Camping Resort | 2.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Gettysburg Campground | 3.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Round Top Campground | 3.6 mi | 4.0 | Dump Station | Free |
| Gettysburg Battlefield Resort | 3.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| KOA - Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA | 5.2 mi | 4.7 | Dump Station | Free |
| Caledonia State Park | 14.3 mi | 4.7 | Dump Station | Free |
| Pine Grove Furnace State Park | 14.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
| Mountain Creek Campground | 16.1 mi | 4.4 | Dump Station | Free |
| Codorus State Park | 17.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Free |
Artillery Ridge Camping Resort
2.0 miDrummer Boy Camping Resort
2.0 miGettysburg Campground
3.0 miRound Top Campground
3.6 miGettysburg Battlefield Resort
3.8 miKOA - Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA
5.2 miCaledonia State Park
14.3 miPine Grove Furnace State Park
14.7 miMountain Creek Campground
16.1 miCodorus State Park
17.3 miTraveling to Gettysburg by RV
US-30 (Lincoln Highway) and US-15 are the two roads that matter. US-30 cuts east-west through town with the supermarkets and services along the York Street and Chambersburg Street corridors, while US-15 is a limited-access route connecting north to Harrisburg and I-81 and south to Frederick and I-70; the PA Turnpike (I-76) is about 30 miles north. Campgrounds sit off US-30 west of town and off the PA-134 exit from US-15, both easy for big rigs. Fuel and diesel are simple along both highways, with truck stops near the US-15 interchanges. For propane and RV service, several campgrounds sell propane on site and RV repair shops and mobile techs work the US-30 corridor and nearby Adams County towns. Just don't take the motorhome into downtown; the traffic circle and metered streets aren't built for it.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Gettysburg
Dumping tanks around Gettysburg is inexpensive but rarely free. A standalone dump at the area campgrounds typically runs about $10 to $20, and it's usually included when you book an overnight site, so most travelers just dump where they stay. Campground rates swing hard with the calendar: summer, and especially the early-July battle anniversary, commands peak pricing and books solid, while spring and fall shoulder weeks are cheaper and quieter with arguably better weather. Many parks close for winter, which thins options November through March. Beyond camping, a lot of Gettysburg is genuinely low-cost, the national cemetery, Sachs Covered Bridge, and the Eisenhower grounds are free, and the battlefield Auto Tour costs nothing to drive. Your bigger optional expense is a Licensed Battlefield Guide, which is worth it, plus fuel for the US-15 and US-30 running around.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
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Best Time to Visit Gettysburg by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
23F - 40F
Crowds: Low
Cold with snow and ice from November into April; many campgrounds go seasonal and close, so confirm dates ahead.
Spring
Mar - May
42F - 66F
Crowds: Medium
Cool warming to pleasant; May and early June bring the nicest weather and blooming battlefield grounds before summer crowds arrive.
Summer
Jun - Aug
64F - 85F
Crowds: High
Warm and humid; the busiest season, with the July 1-3 battle anniversary drawing reenactors and packing every campground.
Fall
Sep - Oct
46F - 68F
Crowds: Medium
Crisp and comfortable with strong October foliage over the battlefield and thinner crowds; a favorite time to visit.
Explore the Gettysburg Area
Leave the RV at the campground and drive into town, we can't stress this enough. Downtown Gettysburg has a traffic circle at Lincoln Square, 3-hour meters, and a 2-to-6 AM parking ban, so there's simply nowhere to put a motorhome. Start your visit at the National Military Park visitor center, then either grab the Auto Tour audio guide or, better, hire a Licensed Battlefield Guide who rides along in your own vehicle and brings the three days of 1863 to life; it's the best money you'll spend here. Time your trip carefully around late June and early July, when the battle-anniversary crowds and reenactors fill every site for miles, so book far ahead if those are your dates. And check your season: plenty of the campgrounds go seasonal and close in winter, so confirm November through March before you roll in. Fall foliage in October over the battlefield is worth planning around.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Gettysburg
Where can I dump my RV tanks near Gettysburg, PA?
Dump stations around Gettysburg are located at the private campgrounds rather than a free public site, and there's no overnight RV parking or dumping inside the national park. Parks like the Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA, Gettysburg Campground, Round Top Campground and Gettysburg Battlefield Resort all have dump stations, usually included with an overnight stay or available for a fee if you're passing through. Because these campgrounds ring the town just off US-30 and US-15, they're easy to reach with a big rig, and using the one where you're staying is almost always the simplest approach.
Is there overnight RV parking in Gettysburg National Military Park?
No. The national park does not allow overnight RV parking or camping anywhere within its roughly 6,000 acres; it's a day-use battlefield with an Auto Tour, visitor center and monuments. For overnight stays you'll need one of the private campgrounds that ring the town, most of them just a few miles out along US-30 or off the PA-134 exit from US-15. This actually works out well, since you can tour the battlefield during the day and return to full hookups at night, but plan your sleeping arrangements around a campground, not the park itself.
Can I park my RV downtown in Gettysburg?
It's not practical. Downtown Gettysburg is built around Lincoln Square, a compact historic grid with a traffic circle and short-term metered parking, and the borough bans on-street parking from 2 AM to 6 AM with 3-hour limits during the day. There's simply no good place to put a motorhome or a big trailer in the center of town. The Racehorse Alley garage handles overnight parking for cars, but the real answer for RVers is to leave the rig at your campground and drive a tow vehicle or car into town for shopping, dining and the downtown historic sites.
What are the best campgrounds for visiting Gettysburg by RV?
You have several solid full-hookup options ringing the town. The Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA Holiday sits off US-30 about three miles west with a pool and cabins. Gettysburg Campground offers 200-plus shaded sites along Marsh Creek just three miles from downtown. Round Top Campground is off the PA-134 exit from US-15 with a pool, store and dump station. Gettysburg Battlefield Resort has 264-plus sites, a farmhouse lodge and bathhouses. A bit farther out, Pine Ridge Campground offers full hookups in Michaux State Forest. Any of these makes an easy day-trip base for the battlefield.
How do I get to Gettysburg with a large RV?
Access is easy from either direction. US-30, the historic Lincoln Highway, runs east-west straight through Gettysburg, and US-15 is the limited-access north-south route connecting up to Harrisburg and I-81 and down to Frederick, Maryland and I-70. The PA Turnpike (I-76) is about 30 miles north. Most campgrounds sit just off US-30 west of town or off the PA-134 exit from US-15, so you can get a big rig to a site without threading through town. The one place to keep the motorhome out of is the downtown core around Lincoln Square, where the traffic circle and meters aren't rig-friendly.
When is the best time to RV to Gettysburg?
Late spring and fall are the sweet spots. May and early June bring the nicest weather of the year, mild days, blooming grounds and manageable crowds, while September and October offer crisp air and excellent foliage over the battlefield with thinner traffic. Summer is warm, humid and the busiest season, peaking hard around the July 1-3 battle anniversary when reenactors arrive and every campground books solid. Winter is cold with snow and ice from November into April, and many campgrounds close seasonally, so if you're traveling in the off-season, confirm your park is open before you commit to the dates.
Are there dump station fees in Gettysburg?
Usually a small one if you're not staying overnight. Standalone dumps at the area campgrounds typically run about $10 to $20 per use, and dumping is generally included when you book a site, so most RVers simply empty tanks at the park where they're camped. There isn't a free public dump station in the borough, and the national park doesn't offer one either. If you're just rolling through and need to dump, call ahead to one of the campgrounds along US-30 or US-15 to confirm they'll take a non-guest and what the charge is, since policies vary by park and by season.
How much time do I need to tour the Gettysburg battlefield?
Plan on at least a full day, and two is better if you want to do it justice. The self-guided Auto Tour covers about 24 miles with numerous stops, monuments and overlooks, and you can easily spend three or four hours just driving and reading the markers. Add the museum and visitor center, the national cemetery where Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, and the Eisenhower farm next door, and a day fills quickly. Hiring a Licensed Battlefield Guide to ride along in your vehicle for a couple of hours is the single best way to understand the three-day battle, and it makes the rest of your touring far richer.
What free things can I do in Gettysburg?
Plenty, which makes this a great budget stop once you're parked. Driving the battlefield Auto Tour costs nothing, and the national cemetery, site of the Gettysburg Address, is free to walk. Sachs Covered Bridge, an 1852 red covered bridge over Marsh Creek used by both armies, is free and open around the clock as a photo stop. The grounds of the Eisenhower National Historic Site are open daily at no charge, with paid shuttle tours of the home on select dates. Downtown around Lincoln Square is free to stroll, with historic markers, shops and the David Wills House where Lincoln stayed before his famous speech.
Can I visit the Eisenhower National Historic Site from my RV base?
Yes, and it's an easy add-on. The Eisenhower National Historic Site sits less than four miles southwest of downtown, adjacent to the battlefield, and it was the only home Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower ever owned. The grounds are open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset, and access to the home itself is by shuttle from the national park visitor center on select dates in spring, summer and fall. Grounds and self-guided visits are free. From any of the ring of campgrounds around Gettysburg it's a short drive, so most RVers fold it into a battlefield day.
What is the weather like in Gettysburg for camping?
Gettysburg has a humid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with July highs in the mid-80s, and this is the busiest camping season. Winters are cold, with January lows around 22 to 23 and snow and ice common from November into April, which is why many campgrounds close seasonally. Spring and fall are the comfortable stretches: May and early June bring mild, pleasant days, and September and October offer crisp air and excellent foliage. For the best mix of good weather and manageable crowds, target the late-spring or fall shoulder seasons rather than mid-summer.
Do the Gettysburg campgrounds have full hookups?
Most of the major ones do. The Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA, Gettysburg Campground, Round Top Campground and Gettysburg Battlefield Resort all offer full-hookup RV sites along with pools, stores, laundry and dump stations, and Pine Ridge Campground in Michaux State Forest advertises 141 full-hookup sites. These parks are set up for the steady stream of battlefield visitors, so amenities are generally good. The main thing to verify is seasonality, since some go seasonal and close in winter. If you need specific hookup types or a pull-through for a big rig, call ahead, especially around the busy July anniversary week when sites are scarce.
Is Gettysburg a good RV trip for families?
It's one of the better history-focused family RV trips in the Northeast. The battlefield is genuinely engaging for kids old enough to grasp the story, the Auto Tour lets you go at your own pace, and the campgrounds around town are full-service with pools, playgrounds and organized activities that give younger travelers something to do after a day of touring. Add the Eisenhower farm, the covered bridge, and the walkable downtown, and there's a good mix of learning and fun. Just plan around the weather and crowds: spring and fall are most comfortable, and the July anniversary, while exciting, is the busiest and priciest time to go.
Where can I dump my RV tanks near Gettysburg, PA?
Dump stations around Gettysburg are located at the private campgrounds rather than a free public site, and there's no overnight RV parking or dumping inside the national park. Parks like the Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA, Gettysburg Campground, Round Top Campground and Gettysburg Battlefield Resort all have dump stations, usually included with an overnight stay or available for a fee if you're passing through. Because these campgrounds ring the town just off US-30 and US-15, they're easy to reach with a big rig, and using the one where you're staying is almost always the simplest approach.
Is there overnight RV parking in Gettysburg National Military Park?
No. The national park does not allow overnight RV parking or camping anywhere within its roughly 6,000 acres; it's a day-use battlefield with an Auto Tour, visitor center and monuments. For overnight stays you'll need one of the private campgrounds that ring the town, most of them just a few miles out along US-30 or off the PA-134 exit from US-15. This actually works out well, since you can tour the battlefield during the day and return to full hookups at night, but plan your sleeping arrangements around a campground, not the park itself.
Can I park my RV downtown in Gettysburg?
It's not practical. Downtown Gettysburg is built around Lincoln Square, a compact historic grid with a traffic circle and short-term metered parking, and the borough bans on-street parking from 2 AM to 6 AM with 3-hour limits during the day. There's simply no good place to put a motorhome or a big trailer in the center of town. The Racehorse Alley garage handles overnight parking for cars, but the real answer for RVers is to leave the rig at your campground and drive a tow vehicle or car into town for shopping, dining and the downtown historic sites.
What are the best campgrounds for visiting Gettysburg by RV?
You have several solid full-hookup options ringing the town. The Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA Holiday sits off US-30 about three miles west with a pool and cabins. Gettysburg Campground offers 200-plus shaded sites along Marsh Creek just three miles from downtown. Round Top Campground is off the PA-134 exit from US-15 with a pool, store and dump station. Gettysburg Battlefield Resort has 264-plus sites, a farmhouse lodge and bathhouses. A bit farther out, Pine Ridge Campground offers full hookups in Michaux State Forest. Any of these makes an easy day-trip base for the battlefield.
How do I get to Gettysburg with a large RV?
Access is easy from either direction. US-30, the historic Lincoln Highway, runs east-west straight through Gettysburg, and US-15 is the limited-access north-south route connecting up to Harrisburg and I-81 and down to Frederick, Maryland and I-70. The PA Turnpike (I-76) is about 30 miles north. Most campgrounds sit just off US-30 west of town or off the PA-134 exit from US-15, so you can get a big rig to a site without threading through town. The one place to keep the motorhome out of is the downtown core around Lincoln Square, where the traffic circle and meters aren't rig-friendly.
When is the best time to RV to Gettysburg?
Late spring and fall are the sweet spots. May and early June bring the nicest weather of the year, mild days, blooming grounds and manageable crowds, while September and October offer crisp air and excellent foliage over the battlefield with thinner traffic. Summer is warm, humid and the busiest season, peaking hard around the July 1-3 battle anniversary when reenactors arrive and every campground books solid. Winter is cold with snow and ice from November into April, and many campgrounds close seasonally, so if you're traveling in the off-season, confirm your park is open before you commit to the dates.
Are there dump station fees in Gettysburg?
Usually a small one if you're not staying overnight. Standalone dumps at the area campgrounds typically run about $10 to $20 per use, and dumping is generally included when you book a site, so most RVers simply empty tanks at the park where they're camped. There isn't a free public dump station in the borough, and the national park doesn't offer one either. If you're just rolling through and need to dump, call ahead to one of the campgrounds along US-30 or US-15 to confirm they'll take a non-guest and what the charge is, since policies vary by park and by season.
How much time do I need to tour the Gettysburg battlefield?
Plan on at least a full day, and two is better if you want to do it justice. The self-guided Auto Tour covers about 24 miles with numerous stops, monuments and overlooks, and you can easily spend three or four hours just driving and reading the markers. Add the museum and visitor center, the national cemetery where Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, and the Eisenhower farm next door, and a day fills quickly. Hiring a Licensed Battlefield Guide to ride along in your vehicle for a couple of hours is the single best way to understand the three-day battle, and it makes the rest of your touring far richer.
What free things can I do in Gettysburg?
Plenty, which makes this a great budget stop once you're parked. Driving the battlefield Auto Tour costs nothing, and the national cemetery, site of the Gettysburg Address, is free to walk. Sachs Covered Bridge, an 1852 red covered bridge over Marsh Creek used by both armies, is free and open around the clock as a photo stop. The grounds of the Eisenhower National Historic Site are open daily at no charge, with paid shuttle tours of the home on select dates. Downtown around Lincoln Square is free to stroll, with historic markers, shops and the David Wills House where Lincoln stayed before his famous speech.
Can I visit the Eisenhower National Historic Site from my RV base?
Yes, and it's an easy add-on. The Eisenhower National Historic Site sits less than four miles southwest of downtown, adjacent to the battlefield, and it was the only home Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower ever owned. The grounds are open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset, and access to the home itself is by shuttle from the national park visitor center on select dates in spring, summer and fall. Grounds and self-guided visits are free. From any of the ring of campgrounds around Gettysburg it's a short drive, so most RVers fold it into a battlefield day.
What is the weather like in Gettysburg for camping?
Gettysburg has a humid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with July highs in the mid-80s, and this is the busiest camping season. Winters are cold, with January lows around 22 to 23 and snow and ice common from November into April, which is why many campgrounds close seasonally. Spring and fall are the comfortable stretches: May and early June bring mild, pleasant days, and September and October offer crisp air and excellent foliage. For the best mix of good weather and manageable crowds, target the late-spring or fall shoulder seasons rather than mid-summer.
Do the Gettysburg campgrounds have full hookups?
Most of the major ones do. The Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA, Gettysburg Campground, Round Top Campground and Gettysburg Battlefield Resort all offer full-hookup RV sites along with pools, stores, laundry and dump stations, and Pine Ridge Campground in Michaux State Forest advertises 141 full-hookup sites. These parks are set up for the steady stream of battlefield visitors, so amenities are generally good. The main thing to verify is seasonality, since some go seasonal and close in winter. If you need specific hookup types or a pull-through for a big rig, call ahead, especially around the busy July anniversary week when sites are scarce.
Is Gettysburg a good RV trip for families?
It's one of the better history-focused family RV trips in the Northeast. The battlefield is genuinely engaging for kids old enough to grasp the story, the Auto Tour lets you go at your own pace, and the campgrounds around town are full-service with pools, playgrounds and organized activities that give younger travelers something to do after a day of touring. Add the Eisenhower farm, the covered bridge, and the walkable downtown, and there's a good mix of learning and fun. Just plan around the weather and crowds: spring and fall are most comfortable, and the July anniversary, while exciting, is the busiest and priciest time to go.
What is the highest-rated dump station in Gettysburg?
The highest-rated station is Caledonia State Park with a rating of 4.7/5 stars.
Are there free dump stations in Gettysburg?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Gettysburg.
All Dump Stations Near Gettysburg (56)
RV Dump StationsArtillery Ridge Camping Resort
RV Dump StationsDrummer Boy Camping Resort
RV Dump StationsRound Top Campground
RV Dump StationsGettysburg Campground
RV Dump StationsGettysburg Battlefield Resort
RV Dump StationsKOA - Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA
RV Dump StationsPine Grove Furnace State Park
RV Dump Stations




