Cedarville State Forest features 10 miles of shared equestrian and hiking trails across its 3,510 acres. The park's loop campground accommodates both tent and RV campers, with electric hookups available on the inner loop. While corrals aren't provided, horses are allowed in designated areas with proper containment. The forest maintains multiple riding trails near the camping area, with water access points for horses during rides. Firewood costs $5 per crate through a self-service system, and campers should prepare for aircraft noise from nearby Andrews Air Force Base.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Bull Run Regional Park offers an 18-hole disc golf course perfect for beginners and experienced players alike. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," shares Rachel L. from Pohick Bay Campground.
Trail exploration: Most trails in the area are well-marked and suitable for day hikes of varying lengths. At Cedarville, trails cross through hunting areas, so wearing bright colors during hunting seasons is essential. "There are multiple trails to hike here too. I've never left this park without at least one tick," notes Bill G., highlighting the importance of tick prevention.
Water recreation: Several parks offer boating and water activities during summer months. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats" is available at Bull Run Regional Park, according to Anne K., while other nearby parks feature fishing spots and water access.
What campers like
Proximity to urban amenities: Equestrian camping near La Plata provides easy access to nearby services. "If you've forgotten anything you can pop on by the Target or Costco right outside the forest," mentions moonbeans about Cedarville State Forest, making it convenient for riders who need last-minute supplies.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain good bathroom facilities despite their rustic settings. "Bathrooms don't look like much from the outside, but the inside is very nice. Clean, hot water, and good water pressure," says Ben J., important considerations for horse riders after a day on trails.
Accessibility: Most equestrian camping options sit within an hour of Washington DC while maintaining a natural setting. Josh J. from Pohick Bay Regional Park notes, "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."
What you should know
Tick prevention: Horseback riders should take extra precautions against ticks. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns Ben J., reinforcing the need for tick checks after trail riding.
Site limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on site size or accessibility. "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," explains Nurse N. about Cedarville State Forest.
Weather considerations: The region experiences occasional severe weather that can impact horse camping plans. "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," shares Justin G. from Cedarville State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Scheduled activities: Look for campgrounds with organized programs. "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," explains Ben G., highlighting family-friendly options.
Playground accessibility: Consider campsite proximity to play areas when traveling with children. "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse," continues Ben G., describing the convenience of certain sites at Pohick Bay Campground.
Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be louder than others, affecting family sleep. "This place is packed full of people who like to stay up late and make lots of noise. Park rules aren't very well enforced," warns Kelli T., suggesting families with younger children might prefer weekday visits when campgrounds are typically quieter.
Tips from RVers
Drainage issues: RVers should check site conditions, especially after rain. "While we were here, there was a fairly heavy day of rain. Couple inches, I suppose, but nothing Biblical. The mouths of the metal culverts in our loop were bent downward from campers driving over them, which obstructed the flow. Result was lots of standing water at our campsite," reports Stuart O. from Bull Run Regional Park.
Site leveling: Many sites require additional equipment for proper leveling. "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," shares Drew M., providing practical advice for RV setup.
Hookup limitations: Understand what utilities are available before booking. "30 amp electric. No issues there," notes Joe C., though he cautions about tick abundance during summer months at Cedarville State Forest.
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