Cedarville State Forest offers equestrian camping near Annapolis, Maryland with trails specifically designed for riders. The forest contains approximately 20 miles of multi-use paths through mixed hardwood forest at elevations ranging from 100 to 250 feet above sea level. Trail conditions remain relatively stable even after rainfall due to the well-drained sandy loam soil common to Maryland's coastal plain region.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Cedarville State Forest maintains several color-coded trails that connect directly to camping areas. According to one visitor, "There are some abandon camp loops around the open campground which makes for some cool walks with your dog. Very pretty area with lots of trails and overgrown roads to walk. Equestrian trails go deep into the woods if you want a longer trail."
Fishing and boating: Martinak State Park Campground provides excellent water access for anglers. "This is a great place to catch some good action fish. I've always had some success whenever I've been here," reports one regular visitor. The park features "beautiful waterfront great for kayaking and water sports."
Disc golf course: Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers an 18-hole disc golf course for visitors seeking recreational alternatives to horseback riding. One camper notes, "Tuckahoe offers two loops: a tent/cabin site, and an electric site for RVs. The sites are well maintained... There is opportunity to see a great night sky if the clouds stay away."
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Many equestrian campers appreciate the natural setting at Cedarville. According to one review, "Each site had picnic table, fire ring, and pretty level parking spot." Another camper mentioned, "Great campground hidden away in the city. Clean sites include table and fire pit."
Well-maintained facilities: Pohick Bay Campground receives positive feedback for its upkeep. "The check in is a breeze and the staff is super nice and helpful. They gave us a great intro to the park as we were first timers," states one review. Another camper adds, "Sites are spacious and decently level (depends on the site I'm sure)."
Wildlife viewing: The natural area surrounding equestrian camping sites provides opportunities to observe local fauna. One Cedarville camper reported, "Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates." At nearby Pohick Bay, a visitor noted, "Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!"
What you should know
Tick prevention essential: Equestrian campers should be prepared for ticks, especially during warm months. A Cedarville visitor warned, "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers." Another review confirmed, "I've never left this park without at least one tick."
Weather considerations: Camp Winery provides an alternative to forest camping with more open terrain. While experiencing weather challenges at Cedarville, one camper shared, "I took my girlfriend car camping in Cedarville State Forest. The camping trip turned more into a stay in the tent the whole trip... When the rain did calm down Cedarville state forest offered some very serene and peaceful views."
Limited privacy: Some campsites offer minimal separation between neighbors. As one camper described, "The loop is very small, with all the sites pretty close together." Another mentioned, "Moderate privacy and space, especially considering how close it is to DC."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds near Annapolis offer family-friendly facilities. At Cedarville, site selection matters as one camper noted, "We stayed in site 21, which was fine enough except for its proximity to the nearest pavilion and all the small children screaming 'stop drop and roll' at the top of their lungs."
Water activities for children: Andrews AFB Military FamCamp provides facilities for military families, though "Need military id and reservations to go." At nearby Pohick Bay, one visitor shared, "They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning."
Site selection for families: When booking equestrian camping trips with children, site location impacts experience. One Cedarville visitor advised, "Site 6 was good but not for larger rigs. We have a pop up and had to navigate around a tree that would have been very difficult for larger rigs. Site 5 or 7 wouldn't have that problem."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RVers visiting equestrian camping areas should note the limited hookup options. A Cedarville Forest reviewer explained, "The small loop here accommodates both tent and RVs, which is fine but some of these damn things are so huge, I have trouble believing they could wedge themselves here." Another mentioned, "Clean sites include table and fire pit. Restrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm."
Water access points: RVers should plan water needs carefully. "Dump station and trash were just outside of the loop," noted one Cedarville camper. Another explained, "They have a new dump station, but the hose has an anti-freeze up in the air with a pull cord valve. This means every time you pull to turn the water on, you get a shower."
