Equestrian camping near Kensington, Maryland presents challenges as most local campgrounds lack dedicated horse facilities. Located in Montgomery County at approximately 285 feet above sea level, Kensington's surrounding camping areas feature deciduous forest landscapes with moderate terrain. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more comfortable camping conditions with occasional rainfall.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Bull Run Regional Park offers an 18-hole course popular with campers. As one visitor notes, "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course" at nearby Pohick Bay Campground.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems accommodate various skill levels. "There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," shares a visitor at Bull Run Regional Park.
Water recreation: Boat rentals and water activities are available seasonally. One camper at Pohick Bay mentions, "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats" makes for enjoyable recreation options.
Wildlife observation: The region offers opportunities for spotting native species. A Cedarville Forest visitor notes, "Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and shower buildings receive positive reviews. One camper at Cedarville State Forest remarked, "Restrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm."
Spacious campsites: Sites generally provide adequate room for setup. "The sites for tents are big enough for a 4 person tent," notes a Cedarville visitor, while another adds that sites are "very well maintained, nice sites that aren't right on top of one another."
Family-friendly activities: Organized events enhance the camping experience. A Bull Run visitor shared, "This park has too many amenities to list. They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides."
Proximity to DC: Location makes these campgrounds practical for weekend trips. "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 a Pohick Bay camper.
What you should know
Limited horse accommodations: While horseback riders need options beyond Kensington, some parks have adjacent trail systems. At Camp Winery, a visitor noted it's "Close to many cool things in the area too," though specific equestrian facilities aren't mentioned.
Seasonal insect concerns: Ticks and mosquitoes are prevalent, especially in warmer months. A Cedarville visitor warned, "I've never left this park without at least one tick," while another advised, "Bring bug and tick spray - definitely need it!"
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience aircraft or traffic noise. A Bull Run camper noted, "There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away."
Limited availability: Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season. Sites fill quickly at smaller campgrounds like Cedarville, where a camper observed "the campground can fill quickly, especially if RV's are involved."
Tips for camping with families
Supervised activities: Some campgrounds offer 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," shared a visitor at Lichtman Camp.
Playground access: Select sites near play areas for convenience. A Pohick Bay camper recommended: "We had a great time here over a long weekend in August. The check in is a breeze and the staff is super nice and helpful."
Water features: Water parks and swimming areas provide cooling options during hot months. One camper mentioned, "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer" at Pohick Bay.
Beginner-friendly options: Some locations cater to first-time campers. A reviewer noted Cedarville is a "Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC."
Tips for RVers
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling blocks at some campgrounds. A Bull Run visitor advised, "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level."
Water and electric access: Check hook-up locations when selecting sites. A camper at Andrews AFB Military FamCamp noted the campground has "drinking-water, electric-hookups, thirty-amp-hookups" among its amenities, though military ID is required for entry.
Dump station considerations: Facilities vary between campgrounds. A Cedarville visitor mentioned, "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."
Size restrictions: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. A Cedarville reviewer noted, "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."
