Michaux State Forest stretches across 85,000 acres near Myersville, Maryland, with elevations ranging from 500 to 2,100 feet. The forest's varied terrain creates diverse camping conditions from spring through fall, with summer temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding valleys. Forest roads vary in quality, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles during wet conditions.
What to do
Trail riding for all levels: The forest offers routes for novice to experienced riders. At Teaberry Parking Area Campsites, equestrians can access varied terrain. "The first 3.5 days there were lantern flies actively trying to get into our rig... and then day 4 they were gone. It was traumatic," warns one camper about seasonal pests.
Historical sites exploration: Combine horse camping with history at Artillery Ridge Campground, where "you can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback." Located about 45 minutes from Myersville, the campground connects to significant Civil War sites. "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."
Off-season camping: Winter camping opportunities exist for experienced equestrians. "Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail. You can park at Pine Grove State Park and then hike your way into locations or park at other trail heads," notes a regular visitor to Michaux State Forest.
What campers like
Natural water features: Streams and ponds enhance the camping experience. At Gettysburg Campground, riders appreciate "a nice creek with ducks" and sites "right by river." Another camper mentions, "The tenting area is calm and has a creek right next to it to listen to in the evening and morning."
Spacious trailer parking: Horse trailer accommodation varies between sites. The Cove Campground offers "spacious and mostly level" sites that can handle larger rigs. As one camper notes, "Campsites were spacious and mostly level. The road is gravel and could use some work, I'd recommend 4x4 drive."
Multiple camping styles: Options range from primitive to more developed. "Michaux State Forest sites fall into 4 categories: Designated motorized sites, Designated motorized parking lot sites, Primitive backpacking sites, and Primitive Cabins." Horse campers particularly appreciate the designated parking lot sites where "horse camping is allowed" and "Teaberry has a few hitching posts and a two step mounting block available."
What you should know
Permit requirements: While Michaux requires permits, other options have different systems. Bull Run Regional Park has a reservation system with additional fees. One camper notes, "There are occupancy AND transaction fees that really add up if you're only there a few nights. But the real kicker is a 2-night minimum stay. Even mid-week."
Seasonal challenges: Weather impacts accessibility. "Appalachian mountain range, not bad with 4wheel drive. Stayed first at camp, moved to atv parking. Very remote and atvs in and out," reports one Michaux visitor. Spring brings muddy conditions while summer can introduce insect pressure.
Resource planning: Many equestrian sites lack amenities. "None of the sites available in Michaux have electric or water hookups. If you used/saw one, you were in a State Park, not Forest," clarifies one experienced camper. Most sites don't have drinking water available, so riders must bring sufficient water for horses.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with activities: Select campgrounds with options for non-riders. Camp Winery offers a "very beautiful spot" that's "close to many cool things in the area too," making it suitable for mixed groups where not everyone rides.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds balance horse facilities with family features. "Fun filled weekend of activities for the whole family. Close to historic Gettysburg battleground. Fantastic horse rescue on the campground," notes a visitor to Artillery Ridge Campground.
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for natural encounters. "One of the drawbacks of this campground is that a lot of the trees are black walnut trees and the squirrels do not shy away from dropping the walnuts like bombs on your head, car, or table when you're preparing breakfast," warns a Gettysburg Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for trailers: Choose locations with adequate parking. At Michaux, "Designated motorized parking lot sites also serve as equestrian sites" and provide more room for rigs with horse trailers than standard campsites.
Hook-up availability: Plan for limited services at equestrian sites. "Camp one had flush toilets on one end, a pit toilet on the other," notes a visitor to The Cove Campground, highlighting the rustic nature of many horse camping facilities.
Waste disposal: Research sanitation options before arrival. Most primitive equestrian sites in Michaux lack dump facilities, requiring advance planning for longer stays with horses and RVs.
