Cedarville State Forest campground sits on level terrain within a 3,510-acre mixed hardwood forest about 30 minutes from Chaptico, Maryland. The region features coastal plain topography with elevations ranging from 80 to 200 feet above sea level. Summertime temperatures typically reach the high 80s with moderate to high humidity, while spring and fall offer more comfortable conditions with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s.
What to do
Disc golf course: Bull Run Regional Park offers an 18-hole course popular with campers. "Great regional park with lots to do - trails, biking, boating. Sites are spacious and decently level (depends on the site I'm sure)," notes Kristen M.
Waterpark visits: Pohick Bay Campground features a pirate-themed water park for families. "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer. This is definitely a family campground. So my activities for kids and places to run around," shares Anne K.
Hiking trail exploration: Cedarville State Forest has multiple trail options for day hikes. "We hiked the brown trail and it was a nice walk. We have AT&T and had two bars pretty consistently," reports Nurse N., noting reliable cell service for navigation.
Wildlife observation: The forests around Chaptico support diverse wildlife viewing. "Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates," mentions Ben J. about his experience at Cedarville.
What campers like
Clean bathhouse facilities: Modern bathroom buildings with reliable hot water enhance stays. "Bathrooms don't look like much from the outside, but the inside is very nice. Clean, hot water, and good water pressure," comments a Cedarville visitor.
Spacious campsites: Bull Run Regional Park provides sites that feel private despite being in a developed campground. "The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone," explains Roberta K.
Ranger support: At Cedarville, staff assistance with firewood delivery stands out to campers. "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.
Proximity to DC attractions: Locations like Pohick Bay Campground offer wilderness camping with urban access. "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," writes Josh J.
What you should know
Tick prevention essential: All reviewers mention ticks as a significant concern in the area. "Bring bug and tick spray - definitely need it!" warns a Cedarville camper, while another notes, "I'll say I have never been to a site where I've left without at least one tick."
Aircraft noise common: Military and civilian aircraft regularly fly over campgrounds in this region. "It's close to a Naval base, and therefore you constantly hear airplanes, and helicopters at all times," explains Kasey M. about her Cedarville stay.
Campsite availability: Several campgrounds near Chaptico have limited sites that book quickly. At Cedarville State Forest, "The loop is very small, with all the sites pretty close together," notes Chris F. Consider reservations well in advance, particularly for weekends.
Drainage issues: Some campgrounds experience standing water after rainfall. "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!" explains a Cedarville camper about mosquitoes following rain.
Tips for camping with families
Campfire programs: Seasonal ranger-led activities enhance family visits. "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," shares Bridget H. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Playground proximity: Request sites near play areas for convenience with children. "Our 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. The site backed to the playground and the bathhouse," notes Ben G. about Pohick Bay.
Nature scavenger hunts: Several parks offer kid-friendly exploration activities. "My gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," mentions a Bull Run visitor.
Shower facilities: When camping with children, bathroom quality matters. "I'll go again just for the showers. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had," raves Yvonne B. about Bull Run's facilities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Many campsites require adjustment for RVs. "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," explains Drew M. from Bull Run Regional Park.
Hookup availability: For horse campgrounds near Chaptico, Maryland, options with full connections are limited. While Cedarville State Forest lacks equestrian-specific facilities, nearby options provide varied hookups. "Electric hookups (30-amp) are available at sites on the inner loop," notes a visitor at Cedarville.
Tree navigation: Some sites require careful positioning around obstacles. "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. about Cedarville State Forest.
