Equestrian camping opportunities near Windsor Mill, Maryland provide direct access to historical trails and dedicated horse facilities. Located in central Maryland approximately 10 miles west of Baltimore, the area sits in the Piedmont Plateau region with elevations ranging between 300-600 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall offer cooler camping conditions in the 60-75°F range.
What to do
Trail riding at Gettysburg battlefields: Access historic trails directly from Artillery Ridge Campground, where riders can reach the battlefield within minutes. "We had a site right next to the trail going to Stangler Farm," notes Dave B. The campground connects to the battlefield area where visitors can experience Civil War history on horseback.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds feature stocked ponds or nearby waterways. "My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site," reports Justine I. from Artillery Ridge Campground. Similarly, campers at Gettysburg Campground enjoy creek access with "nice creek with ducks" according to Jenny P.
Hiking forest trails: Explore woodland paths at Cedarville State Forest, which offers multiple trail options. "We hiked the brown trail and it was a nice walk," shares Nurse N. The forest maintains both short and longer trails suitable for different skill levels, with equestrian trails that "go deep into the woods if you want a longer trail" according to Ben J.
What campers like
Historical immersion: The region's Civil War history creates unique camping experiences. "We camped at Artillery Ridge Campground, which served as an artillery storage/staging area for the Union during the battle," explains MJ B. The proximity to historical sites allows campers to learn about significant events while enjoying outdoor recreation.
Quiet woodland settings: Finksburg Forest offers secluded camping in a wooded environment near Windsor Mill. At Cedarville State Forest, campers appreciate that "we were 1 of 3 campers in this loop during our week-long stay. This made it peaceful and quiet," according to Kasey M.
Wildlife viewing: Natural areas support diverse wildlife. Ben J. reports seeing "a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates" at Cedarville State Forest. Forest trails frequently provide opportunities to spot deer and smaller woodland creatures during morning or evening hours.
What you should know
Tick prevention essential: Multiple forests in the region have significant tick populations. "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 State Forest. Another camper called it "Tickville" and noted that "in June at least the ticks were waaaay too plentiful."
Reservation requirements: Peak season fills quickly, especially for equestrian sites. "Staff was great" and "the whole campground was clean and well kept" at Artillery Ridge according to Dave B., but advance planning is necessary as sites book quickly during summer months and holiday weekends.
Weather considerations: The mid-Atlantic region experiences rapid weather changes. Justin G. reports at Camp Winery: "I spent most of the trip adjusting the water proofing so we stayed dry." Spring camping often encounters thunderstorms while summer brings humidity and occasional heat waves.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds offer various recreation options for children. Brett D. notes that "Pool, mini golf and live music were great" at Artillery Ridge Campground. Many locations maintain playgrounds, game rooms, and scheduled weekend activities for younger campers.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences. "We did Park Ranger tours to learn about the 1st shot and how the war started," shares MJ B. about visiting Gettysburg from Artillery Ridge. These tours, often free or low-cost, engage children with hands-on history lessons.
Security considerations: Camp Meade RV Park offers a secure environment for families. "Was great not to have to really worry about anything because you are securely on post," notes Elvin J. Military campgrounds require ID for entry but provide controlled access camping environments.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose appropriate sites for your RV size. Jim G. appreciated that Gettysburg Campground had "level sites, friendly and efficient staff, decently sized sites long enough for my 32' coach and a toad," though noting that "sites are quite packed together."
Hookup availability: Utility options vary between campgrounds. Nurse N. reports Cedarville State Forest offers "30 amp electric" connections but reminds campers about water access: "The idea is to use it to fill up tanks. Ranger let us know not to stay hooked up to it."
Dump station access: Facilities are available but sometimes have quirks. Ben J. notes Cedarville's "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."
