Cedarville State Forest includes horse-friendly trails through its 3,510-acre woodland located 60 miles from Leonardtown, Maryland. The forest sits in the Coastal Plain region with elevations ranging from 80 to 200 feet above sea level. While the main campground doesn't have permanent horse facilities, the extensive trail network accommodates equestrians who bring their own portable containment systems.
What to do
Trail riding: The forest maintains several color-coded equestrian trails that connect with camping areas. "We hiked the brown trail and it was a nice walk," notes a camper from Cedarville State Forest. Riders can access multiple trail difficulty levels suitable for different experience levels.
Disc golf: Visit Pohick Bay Regional Park for an 18-hole disc golf course. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," suggests Rachel L. The course provides a recreational alternative when not riding.
Wildlife viewing: Forest areas support diverse wildlife observation opportunities. "Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates," reports Ben J. about Cedarville State Forest. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife sightings.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Despite proximity to urban areas, the forest provides relative seclusion. "We were 1 of 3 campers in this loop during our week-long stay. This made it peaceful and quiet," writes Kasey M. about their Cedarville experience.
Clean facilities: Bathroom maintenance receives positive mention from multiple visitors. "Bathrooms don't look like much from the outside, but the inside is very nice. Clean, hot water, and good water pressure," notes Ben J. at Cedarville State Forest.
Convenience to DC: The location serves as an accessible weekend getaway. "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," shares a visitor about Pohick Bay Campground.
What you should know
Tick prevalence: Prepare for significant tick populations affecting both humans and horses. "I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns Ben J. about Cedarville State Forest. Multiple visitors mention tick issues regardless of season.
Bathroom schedule: Restroom facilities close daily for cleaning. "Restrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm," reports Nurse N. from Cedarville. Plan accordingly, especially if spending full days at the campground.
Firewood access: Campground provides firewood through ranger delivery. "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 a Cedarville State Forest visitor.
Site variations: Campsite quality and size vary considerably. "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. Site 5 or 7 wouldn't have that problem," advises Nurse N.
Tips for camping with families
Scheduled activities: Look for organized events during your stay. "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. about Pohick Bay Campground.
Playground accessibility: Consider campsite location relative to play areas. "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse," recommends Ben G. This minimizes walking distance for children.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences sudden weather changes. "We set up camp and ate dinner only to be hit by a tornado watch in the area. I spent most of the trip adjusting the water proofing so we stayed dry," recounts Justin G. about his Cedarville experience.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many sites require adjustment for comfortable setup. "Nice layout, not all sites are level (half)," notes Robert P. about Pohick Bay Campground. Bring leveling blocks, especially for larger rigs.
Water access: Plan for your water needs based on site location. "We had site 18. Which is next to one of the water spigots. The idea is to use it to fill up tanks. Ranger let us know not to stay hooked up to it," advises Joe C. about Cedarville State Forest.
Electrical supply: Verify amperage availability before booking. "30 amp electric. No issues there," reports Joe C. from Cedarville. Some sites offer 50-amp service while others provide only 30-amp connections.
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