Nestled on 150 acres in scenic Adams County, Granite Hill Camping Resort is steeped in colonial and agricultural history. Before becoming the beloved campground it is today, the land was a working farm, situated within the boundaries of the Manor of the Maske, William Penn’s family holding. The property has a deep connection to early settlers, including its original owner, David Stewart, whose family name remained tied to Granite Hill for over a century.
The original owner of Granite Hill was David Stewart, who settled in what was then York County sometime during the great influx of Scotch-Irish, Dutch, and Catholic settlers during the period 1733-1740. Mr. Stewart’s name appears on several historical documents and his final resting place is the Lower Marsh Creek Cemetery, a scant few miles from Granite Hill. The Stewart name remained attached to Granite Hill for more than a century. Ancestor David Stewart is recorded as owner of several properties, including Granite Hill during the Battle of Gettysburg and his name is also listed in a request for war reparations from the Confederacy. Following the Civil War, David Stewart sold Granite Hill to Felix Drais in 1865. The reason given for the sale of the family lands was the “overcrowding” of Adams County and he was rumored to have moved to the frontier territory of Missouri.
Felix Drais was a Union soldier from Ohio who was wounded in the Peach Orchard on the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. He convalesced in Gettysburg, married his nursemaid and returned home to civilian life in Ohio. Evidently, homesickness on his wife’s part forced his hand and he purchased Granite Hill from the Stewarts and returned to Gettysburg to live out his days. Not much is known about his offspring but his grandson, Jim Lott, was to play a crucial role in the history of Granite Hill.
Jim Lott grew up at Granite Hill and actively participated in the family farming operations. When his grandfather, Felix Drais, passed away Granite Hill came into his possession. He continued to operate the farm for decades but found farm life increasingly difficult to manage, as his children had no interest in farming. It was during this period that the seeds of Granite Hill Campground were sown.
Jim needed additional farm labor so he took advantage of government programs, which transported city folks to rural communities to experience agricultural life. The rural communities benefited from additional hands around the farm during critical periods. Additionally, Jim was a noted square dance caller and would host dances in the barn on a regular basis. Folks would come some distance for the dances, which would often last late into the night. Some asked Jim if he would mind if they pulled a camper and spend the night on the property. To their surprise, the next time they asked, Jim informed them that he had “run a few electric lines to the woodlot next to the old hand pump well”. Granite Hill Campground became the first campground developed in Gettysburg. Jim subsequently assisted farmer friends of his in the development of additional campgrounds in Gettysburg.
In 1972, Jim sold Granite Hill to Joe & Lil Cornett of West Chester, Pennsylvania. The Cornett’s presided over the development of Granite Hill from an active farm with a campground on the property to a full-fledged camping resort. They added a swimming pool their first full season and founded the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival in 1979. In 1980, the Cornetts opened the Granite Hill Waterslide, which was replaced in 1997 with Granite Hill Adventure Golf. Along the way, many improvements to the facility were undertaken, both large and small. In 2002, at the time of the sale of Granite Hill to their daughter and son-in-law Cyndie Cornett Winkelmann and Rich Winkelmann , Granite Hill’s 150 acres were home to 300 sites and a internationally acclaimed bluegrass festival that had been running for over twenty years.
Under the Winkelmanns, Granite Hill entered the modern era with the installation of a computerized reservation system and a multi-phase infrastructure upgrade. They expanded into new areas, opening the Granite Hill Bed & Breakfast in 2008 and Sterling Pavilion in 2010. The campground continued to evolve with the addition of Wi-Fi, a pet-friendly dog park, and in 2023, the introduction of Granite Hill Mining Co.
Today, the Winkelmanns are focusing on more renovations, a refreshed mini-golf course, new playground equipment, and new pickleball courts. And while the resort has transformed over the years, the land still honors its agricultural roots, with a portion of the property still being farmed, just as it has been since the 1730s.
Granite Hill is a place where history and memories collide, and its future promises even more exciting developments for generations of guests to enjoy.
Cyndie and Rich Winkelmann are the heart and soul behind Granite Hill Camping Resort, bringing their passion and dedication to every corner of the campground. Both Gettysburg natives, they know this area like the back of their hands and are committed to making every guest feel at home. Cyndie focuses on the administrative side, ensuring everything runs efficiently behind the scenes, while Rich takes charge of operations and maintenance, keeping the campground in perfect shape.
They work seamlessly together to promote and execute the renowned Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival, bringing their shared vision and dedication to life every year. From planning to execution, Cyndie and Rich’s combined efforts ensure that the festival continues to thrive, offering a top-tier experience for performers and guests alike.
When they’re not making Granite Hill shine, Cyndie and Rich stay active in their personal lives as well. Cyndie is an avid runner, having completed 20+ marathons, including five Boston Marathons! Rich is a passionate cyclist and mountain biking enthusiast, often riding through the nearby Michaux State Forest or promoting the Michaux Endurance Series, one of the longest-running mountain bike race series on the East Coast. In the off-season look for the Winkelmann family on skis and snowboards anywhere there is snow, but you’ll often find them at the local ski hill, Liberty Mountain Resort just 3 miles from Granite Hill!
Cyndie and Rich’s commitment to Granite Hill and their active lifestyles keep them both motivated to deliver an exceptional experience for their guests, year after year.
