While Chesapeake Beach, Maryland offers limited dedicated equestrian camping facilities, the surrounding area provides options for horse owners. The region sits in Maryland's coastal plain with elevations generally below 100 feet and a humid subtropical climate. Summer temperatures average 87°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring milder conditions ideal for trail riding and camping.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Cedarville State Forest maintains designated equestrian paths accessible from camping areas. The forest features "multiple loops for groups or individuals" with trails that are "well-maintained with excellent signage," according to Donald G. who stayed at Cedarville State Forest.
Disc golf course: Pohick Bay Regional Park offers an 18-hole disc golf course that draws visitors year-round. Rachel L. calls the park "a hidden gem in the area" and specifically recommends "taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course" at Pohick Bay Campground.
Kayaking and canoeing: Tuckahoe State Park provides water access for paddlers with a dedicated kayak launch area. Jessica K. notes the park has "great hiking, biking, kayaking and fishing" and that "if you stay on the tent side there is a kayak launch" at Tuckahoe State Park Campground.
What campers like
Spacious, shaded sites: Many campers appreciate the forested sites that provide privacy between neighbors. According to Mary S., Tuckahoe State Park offers "spacious, wooded sites" with "lots of shade and trees on large sites and space between sites make this a pleasant campground."
Clean facilities: Cedarville State Forest maintains well-kept bathrooms and showers despite heavy use. Nurse N. reports that "restrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm" and notes the "two showers were included" at Martinak State Park Campground.
Ranger services: Park rangers at Cedarville State Forest provide firewood delivery to campsites upon request. Nurse N. mentions that "the ranger delivers firewood to your site within about 10-15 min of calling, which was very convenient. Cost was $5 for 8 logs."
What you should know
Tick prevention essential: Multiple parks in the region have significant tick populations, especially during warmer months. Ben J. warns that at Cedarville State Forest there are "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers."
Limited equestrian facilities: While there are horse trails near Chesapeake Beach, most campgrounds lack dedicated horse corrals. Camp Meade RV Park and other area campgrounds require horse owners to bring portable corrals or high-lines.
Variable site sizes: Some campgrounds have restricted spaces that may challenge larger rigs or multiple tents. Buck P. cautions about Tuckahoe State Park: "The web site does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit, length and with were an issue."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds feature family-friendly amenities and structured activities. Ben G. found Pohick Bay Campground ideal with their "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."
Junior Ranger programs: Parks like Tuckahoe State Park offer educational opportunities for children. Jean C. notes that "if you're looking to learn and explore with your kids, there is an extensive junior ranger program" at Lichtman Camp 1.
Water recreation options: Families enjoy the water features available at many parks. Anne K. points out that Pohick Bay offers "Pirate's Cove waterpark" which is "definitely a highlight in summer" along with "boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Most campgrounds near Chesapeake Beach offer electric service, but amperage varies. Joe C. found at Cedarville State Forest there was "30 amp electric. No issues there" and noted it's "next to one of the water spigots. The idea is to use it to fill up tanks."
Dump station quality: RVers should note the condition of sanitation facilities. Ben J. observed that Cedarville "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."
Site levelness: Horse campgrounds near Chesapeake Beach Maryland typically have varying terrain. At Tuckahoe State Park, Mary S. noted "parking pads on the electric loop are asphalt" while the non-electric loop has "very finely crushed rock" on both parking and tent pads.