While no horse campgrounds are specifically designated near Highland, Maryland, several camping options exist within a 30-mile radius. The area sits within Maryland's Piedmont region at approximately 400 feet elevation, characterized by rolling hills and deciduous forests. Summers are typically humid with temperatures averaging 85°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions for camping activities.
What to do
Hiking through wooded trails: Cedarville State Forest offers multiple well-maintained hiking paths through mixed hardwood forest. A visitor noted, "We hiked the brown trail and it was a nice walk," while another mentioned, "There are decent trails to hike here too."
Fishing opportunities: Gettysburg Campground provides creek access for fishing enthusiasts. As one camper observed, "Great spot. Nice creek with ducks. Close to battlefield," and another mentioned, "My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site."
Water recreation: Pohick Bay Campground offers various water activities during warmer months. A reviewer shared, "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," and another mentioned, "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer."
Disc golf courses: Some local parks feature disc golf facilities for outdoor recreation. A camper at Bull Run Regional Park noted, "Park has golf frisbe course, decent water park for kids, hiking trails, small creek/river you can explore, playgrounds."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. A visitor to Bull Run Regional Park remarked, "The bathrooms are also clean and have hot showers," while another appreciated that "Bath houses are clean and well maintained."
Proximity to historic sites: Many campers value the access to nearby historical attractions. At Artillery Ridge Campground, a reviewer noted, "Close to historic Gettysburg battleground. Fantastic horse rescue on the campground. You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities for animal sightings. One camper at Camp Meade RV Park shared, "Did stay here after visting Vicksburg. Nice clean restrooms and showers. Friendly hostess and we had a nice shady spot, what was great with a heat of 94F."
Quiet atmosphere: Many campgrounds offer peaceful settings despite proximity to urban areas. A Pohick Bay visitor noted, "Nice and quiet here during winter more so during week than weekends," and described it as a "Nice quiet clean campground 30-40m from DC."
What you should know
Seasonal concerns: Ticks can be a significant issue, especially in warmer months. At Cedarville State Forest, a camper warned, "I've never left this park without at least one tick," while another advised, "Bring bug and tick spray - definitely need it!"
Site limitations: Some campgrounds have constraints on vehicle size or site layout. A visitor to Cedarville State Forest noted, "The site itself was very small - difficult to get 2 cars and two tents in - and the fire ring was smaller as well."
Weather preparedness: Rain can affect camping conditions significantly. One camper recalled, "When the rain did calm down Cedarville state forest offered some very serene and peaceful views."
Noise considerations: Proximity to urban areas can introduce noise factors. A reviewer at Bull Run Regional Park mentioned, "The only drawback is that it is not quite. 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
Playgrounds and activities: Gettysburg Campground offers numerous child-friendly amenities. A camper shared, "It is a wonderful place to have Kids. tons of things for them to do," and another noted, "Playground and mini golf available."
Scheduled events: Some campgrounds organize regular activities for children. At Bull Run Regional Park, a visitor described, "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground."
Water features for hot days: Facilities with water attractions provide relief during summer heat. One camper at Pohick Bay explained, "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."
Educational opportunities: The historical significance of the region offers learning experiences. A visitor to Artillery Ridge Campground shared, "We did Park Ranger tours to learn about the 1st shot and how the war started to stand in the footsteps of General Buford at Senitary Ridge in the cupola overseeing the battlefield."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Not all sites are naturally level. A Bull Run camper noted, "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level."
Hookup availability: Electrical and water connections vary by location. At Cedarville State Forest, a visitor mentioned, "The site was very small 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."
Dump station facilities: Some locations provide waste disposal options with varying degrees of convenience. A reviewer at Cedarville commented, "They 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."
Military access restrictions: For RVers with military credentials, additional options exist. Regarding Camp Meade RV Park, a camper shared, "Was great not to have to really worry about anything because you are securely on post. I forgot all about revielle 🤣. They reminded me."
