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Best Equestrian Camping near Crownsville, MD

114 Reviews

Located 38 miles from Crownsville, Cedarville State Forest offers trails suitable for horseback riding with a family camping loop that accommodates both tent and RV campers. While the campground does not feature dedicated horse corrals, the forest maintains equestrian trails where riders regularly encounter wildlife including deer and rabbits. Sites are moderately spaced with gravel pads, picnic tables and fire rings. Electric hookups are available on the inner loop sites, and water spigots are positioned throughout the camping area for convenient access. The bathhouse provides clean facilities with hot showers, though water pressure and temperature can fluctuate during peak usage times.

Cedarville's trail system connects to several wooded paths designed for both hikers and equestrians, with trail markers helping riders navigate through the 3,510-acre forest. Equestrians should note that numerous visitors have reported significant tick presence throughout the warmer months, making thorough checks essential after riding. The forest includes archery practice ranges separate from the equestrian areas. Riders appreciate the mixture of terrain through forest and grassland areas. Firewood is available through a call-in system where rangers deliver bundles directly to campsites for $5 per crate. The proximity to Andrews Air Force Base means occasional aircraft noise, particularly helicopters and transport planes, which may startle some horses during flights.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Crownsville, Maryland (8)

    1. Camp Meade RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Odenton, MD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 722-4237

    2. Cedarville State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Brandywine, MD
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 888-1410

    $30 / night

    "We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."

    "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."

    3. Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    Ridgely, MD
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 820-1668

    $21 - $70 / night

    "Those can be found at the campground entrance. Each loop has a wood shed and clean, well-appointed bathhouse. There are water pumps along the road for refills."

    "We were looking to explore Maryland's Eastern Shore and picked Tuckaho because they had electric sites available. We were so pleased with our stay."

    4. Pohick Bay Campground

    38 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 339-6104

    $33 - $150 / night

    "We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids."

    "We enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night and walking the dogs down to the water. We were right next to a hiking trail that went down to the water and a beach area."

    5. Andrews AFB Military FamCamp

    2 Reviews
    Clinton, MD
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 981-4109

    $18 - $30 / night

    6. Martinak State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Denton, MD
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $18 - $77 / night

    "Though I live in Texas now, Maryland will always be home for me. Whenever I get the chance to head back, I almost make sure to check out some of the local fishing spots."

    "Park is that the Electric loop (B) has all of the sites on the outside of the drive loop so you are not looking across the road at other campers."

    7. Camp Winery

    1 Review
    Libertytown, MD
    43 miles
    +1 (240) 674-1702

    "Close to many cool things in the area too"

    8. Finksburg Forest

    Be the first to review!
    Finksburg, MD
    37 miles
    Website

    $22 - $100 / night

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Crownsville, MD

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Crownsville, MD

114 Reviews of 8 Crownsville Campgrounds

  • Wendy W.
    Jul. 4, 2020

    Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    Perfect First Family Camping Trip

    Tuckahoe is a hidden gem on Maryland’s mid-Eastern Shore region. With many of your standard amenities and a quiet atmosphere, it was a great spot for my first time camping with my kids.

    Our campsite was on the non-electric loop. We had a small creek and trail back up to our campsite. We only had a handful of neighbors and foot traffic at the time was almost nonexistent, so we practically had the park to ourselves.

    There is an electric loop with electric hookup, but no water or sewer. Those can be found at the campground entrance. Each loop has a wood shed and clean, well-appointed bathhouse. There are water pumps along the road for refills.

    There are 4 basic cabins on each loop and most sites are designed for RV and/or tent use. There are 3 sites that are tent-only on the non-electric loop.

    Multiple trails in the area are widespread. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a map! They also have equestrian trails with an equestrian center nearby. The lakefront boasts a picnic area with individual tables and grills, recycled tire playground, and kayak rentals (for a fee). Fishing is allowed, but no swimming (which was a bummer for us, but exploring some of the local creeks helped provide some relief from the summer heat).

    Nearby is Atkins Arboretum. Their 5 mile trail system covers around 400 acres. There are woods, “grasslands,” and “wetlands” to explore the various ecosystems of the Eastern Shore. They also had a goat area and garden play area for children. There is a fee through the Visitor’s Center which supports the center, but some of the trails can be accessed via other Tuckahoe trails.

    Centrally located, you’re still within easy access to a local town center (Denton), supplies, and dining. I can’t recommend Tuckahoe enough if you just want a quiet spot or you’re new to camping!

  • R
    Oct. 4, 2021

    Cedarville State Forest

    Peaceful

    We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop. We could hear and smell horses when we got to our campsite, but it didn't last forever. 

    The site was mostly clean, had a few pieces of small trash scattered around when we arrived. The sites were decently spaced out from one another, it didn't feel like we were right on top of the people across and next to us. Our site was close to the restroom, it had a little path leading to the restroom, and it looked like there was little trail paths all around leading to the restrooms from the different parts of the loop. The path leading to the restroom from our site was gravel and easy to walk on. The restrooms were clean, but the floor was wet almost the entire time we were there (likely due to the showers).

    If you need to buy wood it is $5 for 8 pieces and you call a number given to you in your registration packet. The ranger will then drive by and drop off the wood at your campsite. The inner ring of this loop has electricity, and the electric box was just on the far side of the picnic table in the corner.

  • V
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    A Gem of a State Park

    We were looking to explore Maryland's Eastern Shore and picked Tuckaho because they had electric sites available. We were so pleased with our stay. The campground is well maintained and the sites are great. We have a small travel trailer and our site was pretty level and nicely private. We backed up to a hiking trail which was nice. There's lots to do here. There's a disc golf course and the camp store has discs available to use. We've never played before but had a blast learning, now we're hooked. We also enjoyed kayaking on the lake. If you enjoy birding this park is great, we saw so many cool birds. There's an arboretum and horse riding trails. We will definitely be going back!

  • Melissa C.
    Mar. 2, 2017

    Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    Really nice to kayak

    Tuckahoe State Park is tucked away onto the Eastern Shore of Maryland, close to the Chesapeake Bay. It features every kind of camping you can imagine. RVs, tents, youth group, etc. while I was only there for one chilly April night, my partner and I were looking forward to kayaking along the lake and creek. I was new to the sport and it was windy so the lake was a bit scary to kayak but the creek was perfect. With all the vegetation growing back, it felt like you were in Florida. There were interpretive signs all along the creek to teach about the birds, amphibians, and even beavers one might see. One of the downsides to the campground was that the bathrooms were small and far away from the campsites. That is, if we went to the right ones. Could have been user error.

  • Ben J.
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Cedarville State Forest

    Pretty cool for so close to DC

    Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates. Moderate privacy and space, especially considering how close it is to DC. 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. Bathrooms don’t look like much from the outside, but the inside is very nice. Clean, hot water, and good water pressure. The 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. It was hot, so it was OK. Hahaha. They sell firewood, but they were huge pieces and getting them to start burning was tough. LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers. Each site had picnic table, fire ring, and pretty level parking spot.

  • Kasey M.
    Aug. 26, 2020

    Cedarville State Forest

    Mosquitos, Overgrown & Quiet

    We chose this campground based on proximity to work. This campground was priced fairly, however, it does come with its downfalls.

    PROS

    Let me start with the positive, we were 1 of 3 campers in this loop during our week-long stay. This made it peaceful and quiet. 

    CONS

    It's close to a Naval base, and therefore you constantly hear airplanes, and helicopters at all times. 

    Other than the daily bathroom cleaning, this campground lacks maintenance on sites and walkways. They are both overgrown. 

    Playground, fishing, archery all seem blocked off at this time. 

    Trails seem open but are across and through hunting areas. They are also muddy from the rain. There is even standing water around our site which brings us to...the MOSQUITOS! We tried fans, tiki torches, and many deet free or light deet products before having to buy 100% deet so we could be outside. These things are awful!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2024

    Pohick Bay Campground

    Good trip

    We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids. The waterpark is new and loud so we avoid but nice if you have young kids. Careful low bridge on Route 1 exit ramp little warning when taking ramp off I95. Go around to next exit. The check in at the cap store is crowded and narrow even with renovations but our 34 ft makes it okay. Bring bikes. Long bike trail along road. Farmers markets in Lorton and things to do in DC. Park at Huntington or Springfield metro. Short boat ride straight across from Ft Belvoir new family campground. Ice cream shop in season by water docks. Bathrooms clean always hot water three stalls each. Sink outside for dishes. Playground buts up against inner circle which are the only sewer sites. Others are electric water. Careful some near steep drop off. Stick to main road or inner circle or first circle if in big unit. Must go round circle to get to those spots which can be annoying. Two speed bumps. Camp store sells smores ingredients, limited candy, no eggs or bacon get those off Rte 1. Past entrance on Rte 1 is a Food Lion, McDonalds. Gas stations along Rte one are tight so fill up before exiting to campground. If you are desperate there is gas 7/11 at corner of Pohick and Rte 1 but its sketchy. Up the road off Rte 1 is Fort Belvoir Access w a drivers license however cant shop without military sponsored ID. Great bbq at Telegraph Rd and greek at Olympians family restaurant. Movie theater on Telegraph is nice. Springfield Mall close. Take Onville Rd which is a backroad by Pohick Church to shortcut to Rte 1. Pohick Rd past camping turn deadends into private neighborhood. Do not pass camp entrance. Hard to turn around if you do. Near End of Pohick is a small walk with overlook. See birds at point. Drive a car not RV. Park at lot on right before road split deadend. Gunston Hall on left can see from campground and water. Tours are nice.

  • Sam D.
    Aug. 29, 2016

    Martinak State Park Campground

    Great Fishing

    Though I live in Texas now, Maryland will always be home for me. Whenever I get the chance to head back, I almost make sure to check out some of the local fishing spots.

    This is a great place to catch some good action fish. I've always had some success whenever I've been here. It's a fun place to spend a night or two and relax.

  • David G.
    May. 22, 2020

    Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    Nice State Park campground close to Baltimore and DC

    Tuckahoe is a go to for us for several reasons.  It is less than 40 mins from Annapolis and close to DC and Baltimore.   Yet it is isolated and quiet.  There’s some great trails as well as walking between the camp loops and picnic areas.  The electric loop has pretty level pads with paved drives.  They are sticklers about parking on the pad and the driveway.  There is one bathhouse per camping loop they are a 6 to 7 out of 10.  Nothing fancy.  

    The hikes are scenic with the lake and the creek.  There’s also an awesome native plant arboretum nearby.   Adkins Aboretum.    Water is available at several locations around each loop.  Each loop has a handful of cabins available also.   Take everything you need.  There’s not much around for supplies.  Firewood is available at he front for $5 a pack.  Nicely dried and the sales help the park.   There’s also a picnic loop with some awesome playgrounds and slides.   Also good place for birding, fishing and stargazing.

Guide to Crownsville

Cedarville State Forest provides equestrian-friendly trails 38 miles from Crownsville, Maryland. The forest's network of paths winds through 3,510 acres of mixed woodland and open grassland terrain, making it suitable for both novice and experienced riders. While camping sites are designed for both tent and RV campers, the facilities include unique amenities specifically useful for horse owners.

What to do

Disc golf course access: At Pohick Bay Campground, the 18-hole course offers a recreational option between trail rides. "Pohick Bay is my go-to weekend camping spot. Just a few miles outside DC, Pohick Bay is a hidden gem in the area. I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," notes Rachel L.

Kayaking on Tuckahoe Creek: Tuckahoe State Park provides water access between sites 46 and 48. "The walk to Tuckahoe Creek from the parking area is very short, and the creek leads to Tuckahoe Lake (no gasoline motors) with more of the creek on the other side of the lake," explains Mary S.

Wildlife observation opportunities: Horse campgrounds near Crownsville provide excellent wildlife viewing. Pohick Bay Campground supports diverse wildlife. "Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" shares Kathie M.

Archery range practice: Many equestrian-friendly parks in the region maintain separate archery facilities. Tuckahoe State Park includes this option along with multiple trail activities. "20 miles of hiking trails are also open for biking and horseback riding. Archery range, disc golf, hunting," notes Mary S.

What campers like

Well-spaced campsites: At Cedarville State Forest, the camping areas provide adequate separation between sites. "Very well maintained, nice sites that aren't right on top of one another. Multiple loops for groups or individuals," says Donald G.

Clean, functional facilities: The bathhouses at Martinak State Park receive regular maintenance. "Bathrooms were like brand new. Water and electric on our loop," reports Rhonda S.

Firewood delivery service: Some equestrian camping areas provide convenient firewood options. "The ranger delivers firewood to your site within about 10-15 min of calling, which was very convenient. Cost was $5 for 8 logs," notes Nurse N.

Seasonal variation: Fall brings special beauty to Pohick Bay Campground. "This is definitely a family campground. So my activities for kids and places to run around. Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer. Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," shares Anne K.

What you should know

Tick prevalence: Horse campgrounds near Crownsville require vigilant tick checks. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns Ben J.

Variable site sizes: Some sites have limitations for larger rigs. At Tuckahoe State Park Campground, "We took out 1st trip to Tuckahoe over the 4th of July weekend. We really liked the park, but beware, the sites can be small! I watched people with 25+ footers struggle to back into the sites," cautions Buck P.

Aircraft noise considerations: The proximity to military installations affects some camping areas. "Planes do occasionally fly over the area so consider bringing earplugs if you are a sensitive sleeper. The noise wasn't really noticeable when I went on a Saturday," advises moonbeans.

Seasonal closures: Many facilities operate on limited schedules. Martinak State Park has upcoming restrictions: "August 1, 2021, the boat ramp will close for a year; that will likely diminish the appeal of this park for those who want to get out on the river for fishing or boating," advises Jean C.

Tips for camping with families

Multiple playground options: Martinak State Park Campground provides various play areas. "For kids, there's a simple swingset in the loop and a larger, newer playground," notes Jean C.

Organized activities: Some parks schedule regular family programs. Pohick Bay offers structured entertainment: "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," shares Ben G.

Junior ranger programs: Educational opportunities enhance family camping near Crownsville. "If you're looking to learn and explore with your kids, there is an extensive junior ranger program," explains Jean C.

Accessible trails: Shorter, level paths accommodate younger hikers. Camp Winery offers "Very beautiful spot, did some tent camping. Close to many cool things in the area too," according to Sammii D.

Tips from RVers

Dump station quality: Tuckahoe State Park Campground provides functional services for RVs. "Good dump station and potable water fill. Spigots throughout the campground," notes Adam and Suzanne B.

Electric hookup locations: Inner loop sites often provide better utility access. At Pohick Bay, "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious. We are tent campers but almost all our neighbors were in an RV or trailer. The site had water and electric which was nice," explains Ben G.

Site leveling considerations: Surface conditions vary across facilities. "Sites are level, in a loop around the bath house. There are also a few cabins available to rent," describes Jean C. about Martinak State Park.

Water access locations: Martinak State Park provides distributed water sources. "Water and electric on our loop," reports Rhonda S.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Crownsville, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Crownsville, MD is Camp Meade RV Park with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Crownsville, MD?

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