Cedarville State Forest offers equestrian camping opportunities within a 3,510-acre protected woodland approximately 22 miles southeast of Washington DC. The forest contains mature oak, hickory, and pine stands with elevations ranging from 160 to 230 feet above sea level. The camping area is located within the Zekiah Swamp watershed, contributing to tick populations that are particularly active during warm months.
What to do
Trail riding: Cedarville State Forest features several marked equestrian trails accessible directly from the campground. One visitor noted, "Equestrian trails go deep into the woods if you want a longer trail" at nearby Bull Run Regional Park.
Disc golf course: Try the 18-hole disc golf course at Pohick Bay Campground, where one camper recommended "taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course."
Wildlife viewing: The forest ecosystem supports diverse wildlife. A camper at Cedarville reported, "Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates."
Archery: Practice at the dedicated archery range within Cedarville State Forest. The range is open during regular park hours but requires bringing your own equipment.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Cedarville maintains well-kept restrooms for campers. According to one visitor, "Bathrooms don't look like much from the outside, but the inside is very nice. Clean, hot water, and good water pressure."
Spacious sites: The camping area offers adequately sized sites with good separation. One camper mentioned, "very well maintained, nice sites that aren't right on top of one another. multiple loops for groups or individuals."
Quiet atmosphere: Despite proximity to DC, Camp Meade RV Park offers a peaceful setting for horse camping, though one visitor noted, "I forgot all about revielle. They reminded me."
Trail system: Equestrian trails are properly marked throughout the forest. The network connects various sections of the forest with clear directional signs at intersections.
What you should know
Ticks are prevalent: Multiple visitors warn about ticks at Cedarville. One camper at Prince William Forest Park shared a similar experience, reporting they "had a bunch of candy" as tick repellent during their stay.
Aircraft noise: Due to Andrews Air Force Base proximity, expect periodic aircraft sounds. A camper noted, "It's close to a Naval base, and therefore you constantly hear airplanes, and helicopters at all times."
Shower schedule: The shower facilities close daily between 1-3 PM for cleaning. A camper confirmed: "Restrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm."
Firewood protocol: Cedarville uses an honor system for firewood purchases. The ranger delivers wood to campsites upon request, typically within 10-15 minutes of calling.
Tips for camping with families
Bring proper tick protection: Apply appropriate repellents for both humans and animals. One camper warned, "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers."
Weather preparedness: The area can experience sudden storms. A camper at Cedarville State Forest recalled, "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."
Site selection: Choose sites away from pavilions if seeking quiet. One camper shared, "We stayed in site 21, which was fine enough except for its proximity to the nearest pavilion and all the small children screaming."
Campfire planning: Bring fire starters as campground wood can be challenging to ignite. A visitor noted, "They sell firewood, but they were huge pieces and getting them to start burning was tough."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Some camping spots require adjustment for RVs. One camper explained, "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level."
Campsite selection: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles. A camper advised, "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."
Dump station awareness: The facility includes a sanitary dump station just outside the camping loop. The water hose design may require caution, as one camper warned, "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."
Water spigot rules: Water spigots positioned around the camping loop are for filling tanks, not continuous hookup. A ranger will remind guests not to stay connected to the spigots.
