Cedarville State Forest offers equestrian camping opportunities near Caret, Virginia, with approximately 19 miles of multi-use trails winding through 3,510 acres of forest. The campground operates seasonally from April through October, accommodating both tent and RV campers with 30-amp electric hookups at select sites. The camping area features a single loop with 27 sites situated on gravel pads.
What to do
Trail riding: Cedarville's trail system features color-coded routes of various lengths suitable for riders of all experience levels. "Great regional park with lots to do - trails, biking, boating. Sites are spacious and decently level," notes Kristen M. about Pohick Bay Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The forest ecosystem supports diverse wildlife including deer, rabbits, and various bird species. "Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates. Moderate privacy and space, especially considering how close it is to DC," reports Ben J. about Cedarville State Forest.
Disc golf: Regional parks near Caret offer disc golf courses for alternative recreation. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," suggests Rachel L. from Pohick Bay.
What campers like
Proximity to urban areas: Horse camping options provide natural settings within reasonable driving distance of Washington DC and other metropolitan areas. "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 the sights is a feat," shares Josh J. about camping near the region.
Quiet weekday stays: Campers report fewer crowds midweek for those seeking solitude. "Nice and quiet here during winter more so during week than weekends," notes Josh J. about Pohick Bay.
Clean facilities: Many horse camping areas maintain well-serviced amenities. "Bathrooms don't look like much from the outside, but the inside is very nice. Clean, hot water, and good water pressure," shares Ben J. from his stay at Cedarville State Forest.
What you should know
Seasonal tick presence: Equestrian trails and camping areas throughout the region 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 Ben J. about Cedarville State Forest.
Firewood access: Campgrounds near Caret have varying systems for firewood distribution. "The ranger delivers firewood to your site within about 10-15 min of calling, which was very convenient. Cost was $5 for 8 logs," explains Nurse N. about Cedarville State Forest.
Aircraft noise: Due to proximity to military installations, some equestrian camping areas experience periodic overhead flights. "It's close to a Naval base, and therefore you constantly hear airplanes, and helicopters at all times," mentions Kasey M. about camping in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Scheduled activities: Some campgrounds coordinate regular family-friendly events. "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," shares Ben G. about Pohick Bay.
Playground access: Many sites position family campsites near recreational facilities. "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse," notes Ben G. from his family camping experience.
Beginner-friendly trails: Horse trails in the region often feature level terrain appropriate for younger or less experienced riders. "Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC," states moonbeans about Cedarville State Forest.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV sites vary in accessibility due to natural features. "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," advises Nurse N. about Cedarville State Forest.
Water and electric placement: Utility hookups require planning for RV positioning. "Which is next to one of the water spigots. The idea is to use it to fill up tanks. Ranger let us know not to stay hooked up to it. 30 amp electric," explains Joe C. about Cedarville.
Dump station features: Equestrian-friendly campgrounds provide dump facilities with varying configurations. "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," notes Ben J. from his camping experience.
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