Equestrian camping near Severna Park, Maryland provides access to multiple trail systems across Charles and Prince George's counties. The area averages 43 inches of rainfall annually with summer temperatures reaching 90°F. Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds are situated within state forests or parks that maintain dedicated bridle paths connecting to broader trail networks.
What to do
Trail riding at Tuckahoe State Park: This park offers 20 miles of hiking trails also open for biking and horseback riding. "There's very finely crushed rock on the non-electric loop. This includes the parking pad and tent pad," notes a visitor, highlighting the park's accessible surfaces for equestrians.
Disc golf at Pohick Bay Regional Park: The 18-hole disc golf course provides a recreational alternative when taking breaks from trail riding. A regular visitor mentions, "Just a few miles outside DC, Pohick Bay is a hidden gem in the area. I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course."
Kayaking at Martinak State Park: Located about 45 minutes from Severna Park, the park offers river access for paddling. "Beautiful waterfront great for kayaking and water sports. No real hiking trails. Overall small quiet campground," reports one camper, making it ideal for equestrians who also enjoy water activities.
Archery practice at Tuckahoe State Park: The park maintains a dedicated archery range alongside its trail system. A visitor notes, "Small park but many activities: Canoe/kayak launch, fishing, 20 miles of hiking trails also open for biking and horseback riding, archery range, disc golf."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers well-spaced campsites. "It's super close to home and I love the small feel to it. People keep to themselves and you feel kinda like your by yourself even though the park is usually full," shares one camper.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses receive regular maintenance at most parks. A visitor to Martinak State Park Campground reports, "Bathrooms were like brand new. Water and electric on our loop."
Natural surroundings: The wooded settings provide shade and habitat diversity. "The wooded area makes you feel a little more secluded from any neighbors," explains a Tuckahoe camper, making it appealing for equestrians seeking a more natural camping experience.
Ranger presence: Regular patrol helps maintain safety and order. A Martinak visitor noted, "The ranger was on patrol regularly. We felt very safe!"
What you should know
Tick prevention essential: Cedarville State Forest and surrounding areas have significant tick populations. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns one camper who visited the forest.
Weather impacts: Trail conditions vary significantly with rainfall. "We arrived on a Sunday. Very quiet, many open RV spots around us. Lots of trails but in June at least the ticks were waaaay too plentiful," reports a Cedarville visitor.
Aircraft noise: Military bases in the region cause intermittent noise. "It's close to a Naval base, and therefore you constantly hear airplanes, and helicopters at all times," notes a camper about Cedarville State Forest.
Bathroom availability: Many campgrounds close facilities for daily cleaning. "Restrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm," explains a visitor to Cedarville State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Pohick Bay Campground offers multiple play areas. "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious," notes a family camper, adding "There is plenty of things to do here to keep a family occupied."
Scheduled activities: Many parks offer organized programming. A Pohick Bay visitor shared, "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. "If you're looking to learn and explore with your kids, there is an extensive junior ranger program," reports a visitor to Martinak State Park.
Multiple playgrounds: Camp Meade RV Park provides secure recreational areas. "Was great not to have to really worry about anything because you are securely on post," mentions a military family visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Check campground maps before booking. "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 width were an issue," cautions an RV owner at Tuckahoe State Park.
Dump station access: Facilities vary widely between parks. "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," reports a Cedarville visitor.
Electric availability: Most parks offer limited hookups. "The campground is wooded and only has electric hookups available. The sites are well spaced," notes a Tuckahoe camper.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared to level your rig. "Sites are spacious and decently level (depends on the site I'm sure)," explains a Pohick Bay visitor, suggesting that site research before arrival is crucial.
