Equestrian camping options near Derwood, Maryland exist within a 20-45 mile radius in the Potomac River watershed region. The area sits at approximately 400 feet elevation in Maryland's Piedmont region, characterized by rolling hills and mixed deciduous forests. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions between 50-75°F.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Visitors seeking horse-friendly trails can access Bull Run Regional Park's multi-use paths, located 35 miles from Derwood. "The park is absolutely beautiful. So much to do and centered around many historical sites. It's a gem," notes one visitor at Bull Run Regional Park.
Fishing access: Creek fishing is available at several regional parks. "Creek fishing don't go here, but you can in fact kayak down the creek," explains one camper about water activities at Bull Run Regional Park. For better angling, try the pond at Artillery Ridge Campground where "my husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site."
Historical exploration: When staying at equestrian-friendly campgrounds near Derwood, plan day trips to nearby historical sites. "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts," shares a visitor describing Artillery Ridge Campground's historical connections.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. At Cedarville State Forest, "the small loop here accommodates both tent and RVs... The sites for tents are big enough for a 4 person tent." Another camper notes that "we were 1 of 3 campers in this loop during our week-long stay. This made it peaceful and quiet."
Clean facilities: Multiple campers highlight bathroom cleanliness as important. At Pohick Bay Campground, a visitor notes "amenities and such are what you'd expect - clean but not new." Bull Run Regional Park receives high marks for "clean and well maintained" bathhouses, with one camper declaring "I'll go again just for the showers...They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls...Best camping showers I've ever had."
Creek-side camping: For those traveling with horses who enjoy water proximity, consider creek-adjacent sites. "It is a wonderful place to have Kids... we were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river," says a camper at Gettysburg Campground. Another visitor recommends "a site by the creek" for the ambient sounds and atmosphere.
What you should know
Pest considerations: Ticks are a significant concern when camping with horses near Derwood. At Cedarville State Forest, one camper warns "I have never left this park without at least one tick." Another visitor calls it "Tickville" noting "Lots of trails but in June at least the ticks were waaaay too plentiful." Bring appropriate repellents for both humans and horses.
Weather impacts: Heavy rain can affect site conditions. One camper at Cedarville observed: "When the rain did calm down Cedarville state forest offered some very serene and peaceful views." Another noted drainage issues: "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."
Noise factors: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation routes or facilities. A Camp Meade RV Park camper mentions "I forgot all about revielle 🤣. They reminded me," referring to military base sounds. At Bull Run, a reviewer notes "the only drawback is that it is not quite [quiet]. There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away."
Tips for camping with families
Seasonal programming: Many parks offer structured activities for families traveling with horses or seeking general camping experiences. "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 a visitor at Camp Winery.
Playground access: When selecting sites for equestrian camping with children, consider playground proximity. At Bull Run, one camper notes "only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located." Another visitor at Artillery Ridge mentions they "were in spots 86,85,89 for a month long stay... The only complain we had was people walking through our sites due us being close to the playground."
Water features: Waterparks and swimming areas provide additional entertainment for families. A Pohick Bay visitor mentions "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer," while another notes "this is definitely a family campground. So my activities for kids and places to run around." These amenities offer recreation options beyond horseback riding during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Many regional sites require adjustments for RVs. At Bull Run Regional Park, "our site was very level, but I could see that some others were not so much, so you might want to ask about that." Another camper at Pohick Bay notes "sites are spacious and decently level (depends on the site I'm sure)."
Utility access: Full hookups are available at several campgrounds within driving distance of Derwood. "The amenities of Gettysburg Campground are quite good: full hookups with cable, all working as expected. Level sites, friendly and efficient staff, decently sized sites long enough for my 32' coach and a toad." RVers should verify specific equestrian accommodations when making reservations.
Site spacing: RV campers note varying site sizes across regional campgrounds. "The sites were very clean, no trash, and pretty level. The staff, Glenda, were very helpful," reports an Artillery Ridge visitor. However, at Gettysburg Campground, "the two drawbacks are that the sites are quite packed together and the noise of traffic—at least in the frontmost sites—can get rather loud at night."
