Cedarville State Forest offers equestrian trails through its central Maryland woodlands, situated within 50 miles of Chesapeake Bay. The park maintains several miles of marked riding paths at elevations between 100-250 feet above sea level, providing year-round access except during hunting seasons. Trail conditions vary seasonally with summer months bringing higher tick populations that require proper protection for both horses and riders.
What to do
Trail riding exploration: Riders can access multiple interconnected trail loops from the camping area at Tuckahoe State Park Campground. The park features "20 miles of hiking trails are also open for biking and horseback riding" according to reviewer Mary S., making it suitable for day trips or weekend excursions.
Fishing near horse trails: Set up camp then head to nearby fishing spots accessible from the riding paths. "Fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. The campground was fully booked for the weekend but the other areas weren't crowded as I've seen at other MD state parks," notes Sean R. about Tuckahoe's balanced use areas.
Evening wildlife observation: Many trails pass through prime wildlife viewing areas. "Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates," reports Ben J. about his experience at Cedarville State Forest, highlighting the diverse wildlife visible from horse trails.
What campers like
Well-spaced sites: The camping areas provide adequate separation between sites. "The wooded area makes you feel a little more secluded from any neighbors," writes Kasey M. about Martinak State Park Campground, which offers spacious sites for equestrian campers.
Clean facilities: Despite heavy use by both equestrians and standard campers, bathrooms remain serviceable. "Bathrooms are clean and the hosts, who I have spoken to many times, are friendly and knowledgeable about the area," states Bill G. about Cedarville's facilities that accommodate trail riders.
Natural water features: Proximity to water adds value for horse camping. "Beautiful waterfront great for kayaking and water sports. No real hiking trails. Overall small quiet campground," notes Laura M. about Martinak's riverside location that provides water access after trail rides.
What you should know
Seasonal tick concerns: Protection for both horses and humans is essential. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns Ben J. about Cedarville, a consideration especially important for horse campers spending extended time on trails.
Site limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on larger rigs and horse trailers. "We booked site 21, blind. The web site does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit," cautions Buck P. about his stay at Tuckahoe, emphasizing the importance of calling ahead to confirm trailer accessibility.
Seasonal closures: Check for hunting season restrictions when planning equestrian camping trips to Pohick Bay Campground. "We stayed here for 2w while visiting friends in Alexandria. Took me 25-30m to get there so you are far away from bustle of city but not so far that going in to enjoy breakfast or the sights is a feat," notes Josh J. about this year-round option.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas to balance horse activities with family needs. "We had a great time here over a long weekend in August. The site was spacious. We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse," recommends Ben G. about Camp Meade RV Park, which offers secure facilities.
Educational opportunities: Several horse campgrounds near Churchton offer junior ranger programs. "If you're looking to learn and explore with your kids, there is an extensive junior ranger program," mentions Jean C. about Martinak State Park, providing structured activities for children between trail rides.
Safety protocols: Establish clear rules about approaching horses. "Was great not to have to really worry about anything because you are securely on post," explains Elvin J. about Camp Meade's controlled environment, which extends to horse management areas.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: Seek sites with access to both water and power for horse-related equipment. "Great campground hidden away in the city. Clean sites include table and fire pit. 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," advises Nurse N. about Andrews AFB Military FamCamp.
Dump station accessibility: After multiple days with horses, easy access to cleaning facilities becomes important. "The pump out station was very nice," notes Sean R. about Tuckahoe, which matters for extended equestrian camping trips requiring regular maintenance.
Weather preparedness: Regional storms can impact trail conditions. "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," recounts Justin G., highlighting the need for weather monitoring when planning horse activities.
