Most horse campgrounds near Riverdale, Maryland require traveling at least 40 miles from the city center. The area sits at approximately 50 feet above sea level with relatively flat terrain. Campgrounds with equestrian trails are concentrated in the eastern and northern regions of Maryland, with state parks being the primary providers of facilities that accommodate both riders and horses.
What to do
Trail riding options: Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers 20 miles of multi-use trails open for horseback riding, biking and hiking. A camper notes, "There are a few trails here. Nearby is the Chesapeake bay with all its amenities, an Arbouretum that is a bit over priced. And access to the Tuckahoe River for fishing and kayaking."
Water activities: Martinak State Park Campground provides river access for various water activities. As one visitor explains, "Campsites and bathrooms are clean. Beautiful waterfront great for kayaking and water sports. No real hiking trails. Overall small quiet campground."
Disc golf course: Parks in the region offer alternatives to horseback riding. A visitor to Pohick Bay Campground recommends, "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course." Another camper adds that Pohick Bay is "just a few miles outside DC" making it accessible for day trips.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Despite being near urban areas, several campgrounds provide a sense of isolation. A camper at Tuckahoe State Park Campground appreciated that "people keep to themselves and you feel kinda like your by yourself even though the park is usually full. Which I love."
Clean facilities: Martinak State Park maintains well-kept amenities. One reviewer mentioned, "Bath houses are kept clean. They have quite a few playgrounds throughout the park, which was a major plus for us."
Proximity to DC: For equestrians and regular campers alike, locations near Riverdale provide easy access to urban amenities while offering camping experiences. A camper at Pohick Bay noted, "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
Limited equestrian facilities: The data confirms few designated horse camping areas exist within 30 miles of Riverdale. While some parks permit trail riding, dedicated horse corrals are not listed as amenities at the reviewed campgrounds.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds near Riverdale operate seasonally. Cedarville State Forest runs "April to October," while Tuckahoe State Park operates from "March 25 to November 27."
Insects and wildlife: Be prepared for ticks in wooded areas. One Cedarville visitor warned, "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers."
Site selection matters: Campground layouts vary significantly. A Tuckahoe camper cautioned, "We booked site 21, blind. The web site does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit, length and with were an issue."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. A visitor to Camp Meade RV Park appreciated having "nice clean restrooms and showers" and "a nice shady spot," essential amenities for family camping.
Scheduled activities: Some parks organize family-friendly events. A Pohick Bay camper reported, "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."
Junior ranger programs: Educational opportunities exist at several parks. A visitor to Martinak noted, "If you're looking to learn and explore with your kids, there is an extensive junior ranger program."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds have varied terrain. A Martinak visitor noted, "Sites are level, in a loop around the bath house," while another reported, "Easy to navigate through with a trailer."
Hookup limitations: Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds offer limited hookups. At Tuckahoe State Park, "The campground is wooded and only has electric hookups available. The sites are well spaced."
Dump station quality: For RVers seeking horse campgrounds near Riverdale, Maryland, functional dump stations are important. A camper appreciated that Tuckahoe has a "Good dump station and potable water fill. Spigots throughout the campground."
