Cedarville State Forest offers a variety of camping experiences within its 3,510-acre woodland setting near Brandywine, Maryland. Located in Charles County at about 200 feet above sea level, the area features predominantly flat terrain with sandy, well-draining soil. Summer temperatures typically range from 75°F to 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide cooler camping conditions between 50°F and 70°F.
What to do
Hiking trails for all abilities: The forest maintains multiple trail systems beyond just the equestrian paths. The brown trail at Cedarville gets positive reviews from campers. "We hiked the brown trail and it was a nice walk," reports a visitor at Cedarville State Forest. Trails range from 0.5 to 2.5 miles in length with minimal elevation change.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural setting provides chances to observe local fauna. "Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates," notes one camper at Cedarville State Forest. Early morning and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing times.
Disc golf course access: For those seeking recreation beyond horseback riding, nearby Bull Run Regional Park features a complete disc golf course. "The park has golf frisbe course, decent water park for kids, hiking trails, small creek/river you can explore," explains a visitor. The course is approximately 1.5 miles in length and suitable for beginners.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: The layout of sites provides adequate room for setup and activities. "Very well maintained, nice sites that aren't right on top of one another. Multiple loops for groups or individuals," says a Cedarville State Forest camper. Sites typically offer 30-40 feet of separation between neighbors.
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and shower facilities receive positive mentions despite their basic nature. At Pohick Bay Campground, a camper notes, "Amenities and such are what you'd expect - clean but not new." Shower facilities include hot water and reasonable water pressure.
Ranger service: On-site staff provide useful support including firewood delivery. "The ranger delivers firewood to your site within about 10-15 min of calling, which was very convenient. Cost was $5 for 8 logs," reports a Cedarville visitor. Rangers are typically available from 8am to 10pm daily during peak season.
What you should know
Insect concerns: Ticks and mosquitoes are frequently mentioned as significant issues in the Brandywine area. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns a Cedarville visitor. Another camper at Camp Meade RV Park adds that "we had a nice shady spot, what was great with a heat of 94F" but notes that shaded areas often have more insects.
Site selection matters: Not all sites are equally level or spacious. "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," advises a Cedarville camper.
Seasonal flooding: Heavy rainfall can create challenging conditions. "There was a fairly heavy day of rain. The mouths of the metal culverts in our loop were bent downward from campers driving over them, which obstructed the flow. Result was lots of standing water at our campsite," reports a visitor to Bull Run Regional Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites near play areas for convenience with children. At Bull Run Regional Park, "This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it. The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish."
Organized activities: Some parks offer structured programming for younger campers. "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," notes a Bull Run visitor. Activities typically run on weekends during peak season.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences rapid weather changes, particularly in spring and fall. "I took my girlfriend car camping in Cedarville State Forest. The camping trip turned more into a stay in the tent the whole trip. We set up camp and ate dinner only to be hit by a tornado watch in the area," recalls one camper.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many sites require additional equipment for proper leveling. "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," mentions a visitor to Lichtman Camp. Most sites require 1-2 inches of correction on at least one side.
Limited maneuvering space: Some campgrounds in the Brandywine area have tight turning radii and obstacles. "The camping loop is small, with all the sites pretty close together," notes one Cedarville camper. RVs longer than 30 feet may have difficulty at certain sites.
Hookup locations: Utility connections aren't always ideally positioned. "30 amp electric. No issues there," reports an RVer, though water spigots sometimes require additional hose length. Typical electric hookups are located within 20-25 feet of designated parking areas.
