Best Equestrian Camping near Leesburg, VA

Cedarville State Forest offers equestrian trails that wind through 3,510 acres of woodland, with multiple access points for horse trailers near the family camping loop. The campground features 30 sites with electric hookups suitable for both tent and RV camping, though no dedicated horse corrals are available on-site. Campers report hearing and smelling horses near their campsites, indicating active equestrian use in the area. The forest maintains several miles of marked equestrian paths that connect to a broader trail network. Bathrooms are clean with hot water and good pressure, though some campers note they close daily between 1-3 PM for cleaning.

Horseback riders access the forest's extensive trail system via well-marked paths that extend deep into the wooded areas. The brown trail provides a relatively level route suitable for beginning riders, while more experienced equestrians can explore the interconnected network of paths throughout the property. Trailer parking is available near the campground entrance, though space can be limited during peak seasons. Visitors should be aware that ticks are abundant in the area, particularly during warmer months, with multiple reviewers mentioning finding numerous ticks after trail rides. The forest's proximity to Washington DC (less than 60 minutes away) makes it a convenient option for urban equestrians seeking quick access to riding trails, though the campground itself is relatively small with sites positioned close together.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Leesburg, Virginia (11)

    1. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 631-0550

    $43 - $100 / night

    "We have lived in northern Virginia for over 30 years and never been to this campground until this month! Very nice campground with friendly staff and friendly campground hosts."

    "History buffs will like to explore the park surrounding the campground. Fun little water park within walking distance of all campsites that was great for kids."

    2. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 339-6104

    $37 - $170 / night

    "We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids."

    "Pohick Bay Campground in Virginia offers a peaceful escape with beautiful views and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. It's an ideal spot for families and nature lovers."

    3. The Cove Campground

    15 Reviews
    High View, VA
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 858-2882

    "Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes."

    "The road is gravel and could use some work, I’d recommend 4x4 drive. We really enjoyed it and will go back. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5, water situation and the roads could use some work."

    4. Camp Winery

    1 Review
    Libertytown, MD
    30 miles
    +1 (240) 674-1702

    "Close to many cool things in the area too"

    5. Cedarville State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Brandywine, MD
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 888-1410

    $30 / night

    "We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."

    "There are some abandon camp loops around the open campground which makes for some cool walks with your dog. Very pretty area with lots of trails and overgrown roads to walk."

    7. Camp Meade RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Odenton, MD
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 722-4237

    8. Andrews AFB Military FamCamp

    1 Review
    Clinton, MD
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 981-4109

    $18 - $30 / night

    9. Finksburg Forest

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    Finksburg, MD
    43 miles
    Website

    $22 - $100 / night

    10. Vagabond Isle

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    Big Pool, MD
    47 miles
    +1 (301) 800-8725

    $100 - $150 / night

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Leesburg, VA

1 Photos of 11 Leesburg Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Leesburg, VA

121 Reviews of 11 Leesburg Campgrounds


  • R
    Oct. 4, 2021

    Cedarville State Forest

    Peaceful

    We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop. We could hear and smell horses when we got to our campsite, but it didn't last forever. 

    The site was mostly clean, had a few pieces of small trash scattered around when we arrived. The sites were decently spaced out from one another, it didn't feel like we were right on top of the people across and next to us. Our site was close to the restroom, it had a little path leading to the restroom, and it looked like there was little trail paths all around leading to the restrooms from the different parts of the loop. The path leading to the restroom from our site was gravel and easy to walk on. The restrooms were clean, but the floor was wet almost the entire time we were there (likely due to the showers).

    If you need to buy wood it is $5 for 8 pieces and you call a number given to you in your registration packet. The ranger will then drive by and drop off the wood at your campsite. The inner ring of this loop has electricity, and the electric box was just on the far side of the picnic table in the corner.

  • Ben J.
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Cedarville State Forest

    Pretty cool for so close to DC

    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. There are some abandon camp loops around the open campground which makes for some cool walks with your dog. Very pretty area with lots of trails and overgrown roads to walk. Equestrian trails go deep into the woods if you want a longer trail. Bathrooms don’t look like much from the outside, but the inside is very nice. Clean, hot water, and good water pressure. The 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. It was hot, so it was OK. Hahaha. They sell firewood, but they were huge pieces and getting them to start burning was tough. LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers. Each site had picnic table, fire ring, and pretty level parking spot.

  • Kasey M.
    Aug. 26, 2020

    Cedarville State Forest

    Mosquitos, Overgrown & Quiet

    We chose this campground based on proximity to work. This campground was priced fairly, however, it does come with its downfalls.

    PROS

    Let me start with the positive, we were 1 of 3 campers in this loop during our week-long stay. This made it peaceful and quiet. 

    CONS

    It's close to a Naval base, and therefore you constantly hear airplanes, and helicopters at all times. 

    Other than the daily bathroom cleaning, this campground lacks maintenance on sites and walkways. They are both overgrown. 

    Playground, fishing, archery all seem blocked off at this time. 

    Trails seem open but are across and through hunting areas. They are also muddy from the rain. There is even standing water around our site which brings us to...the MOSQUITOS! We tried fans, tiki torches, and many deet free or light deet products before having to buy 100% deet so we could be outside. These things are awful!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2024

    Pohick Bay Campground

    Good trip

    We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids. The waterpark is new and loud so we avoid but nice if you have young kids. Careful low bridge on Route 1 exit ramp little warning when taking ramp off I95. Go around to next exit. The check in at the cap store is crowded and narrow even with renovations but our 34 ft makes it okay. Bring bikes. Long bike trail along road. Farmers markets in Lorton and things to do in DC. Park at Huntington or Springfield metro. Short boat ride straight across from Ft Belvoir new family campground. Ice cream shop in season by water docks. Bathrooms clean always hot water three stalls each. Sink outside for dishes. Playground buts up against inner circle which are the only sewer sites. Others are electric water. Careful some near steep drop off. Stick to main road or inner circle or first circle if in big unit. Must go round circle to get to those spots which can be annoying. Two speed bumps. Camp store sells smores ingredients, limited candy, no eggs or bacon get those off Rte 1. Past entrance on Rte 1 is a Food Lion, McDonalds. Gas stations along Rte one are tight so fill up before exiting to campground. If you are desperate there is gas 7/11 at corner of Pohick and Rte 1 but its sketchy. Up the road off Rte 1 is Fort Belvoir Access w a drivers license however cant shop without military sponsored ID. Great bbq at Telegraph Rd and greek at Olympians family restaurant. Movie theater on Telegraph is nice. Springfield Mall close. Take Onville Rd which is a backroad by Pohick Church to shortcut to Rte 1. Pohick Rd past camping turn deadends into private neighborhood. Do not pass camp entrance. Hard to turn around if you do. Near End of Pohick is a small walk with overlook. See birds at point. Drive a car not RV. Park at lot on right before road split deadend. Gunston Hall on left can see from campground and water. Tours are nice.

  • N
    Feb. 19, 2020

    The Cove Campground

    Beautiful nature. Not so beautiful bathrooms.

    Pros: Very friendly and accommodating staff. We camped in October and we had pretty much the entire place to ourselves. Beautiful lake and overall picturesque setting. Free range, friendly goats wander around, which is kinda fun. Cons: WiFi signal weak and intermittent, even close to router. We camped in sites with hookups near office and entrance and the toilets are really far. The showers are even farther-like a 15-20 minute walk with bad signage directing to. The view from the showers were breathtaking, but the showers themselves left much to be desired. We had told they had just been cleaned, but they were so old and rust stained that it still felt kinda gross. Cobwebs along ceiling, dim lighting and worn paint added to the overall dinginess. There are no hooks to hang a towel and no shower curtain, wall or door so the bench with my clothes and towel got wet as did the floor, so you step out of shower into a puddle.

  • Anne K.
    Apr. 26, 2020

    Bull Run Regional Park

    Typical

    Lots of trees to protect from hot Virginia sun

    Woke up to sounds from gun range.

  • dito S.
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Pohick Bay Campground

    Pohick Bay Campground

    Pohick Bay Campground in Virginia offers a peaceful escape with beautiful views and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. It's an ideal spot for families and nature lovers. Don’t forget to register dito sim to stay connected during your visit!

  • Kelsey K.
    Jul. 4, 2021

    Pohick Bay Campground

    Family oriented, but super close and not private

    Initially disappointed by the tiny spot we got, but we were able to move. Majority of the spots are extremely close to the next and doesn't allow much privacy. Very few trees in between. We chose another spot that was available, however, we found out the first night that there is a boat area and bright light all night right behind us and the light came through the tent. Another dissapointment. We camped in a tent and did 3 nights, 4 days. (4th of July weekend) We loved the family friendliness that allowed us to walk right down the street/trail to take our kids to the water park. They give you a discounted price if you are camping. They also have mini golf and disc golf near by as well. If we come again, we will definitely be more particular about our spot. They also had bathrooms and showers not to far from our spot that were actually clean.

  • Jenifer K.
    May. 11, 2019

    Pohick Bay Campground

    Woods and City

    We stayed here for 3 nights at a back in with w/e. We enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night and walking the dogs down to the water. We were right next to a hiking trail that went down to the water and a beach area. We were working in Arlington/DC only a 25 min drive away and it was nice to come home to some nature.


Guide to Leesburg

Horse camping in Virginia offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the companionship of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds that cater to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the scenic trails.

Tips for equestrian camping near Leesburg, Virginia

  • Pohick Bay Campground provides ample space for horse camping, along with electric hookups and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
  • Bull Run Regional Park features reservable sites and is known for its clean facilities, making it a great choice for families with horses.
  • Lichtman Camp 1 — Prince William Forest Park offers a peaceful environment with amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, perfect for a relaxing stay with your horse.

Equestrian campgrounds include these amenities

  • Camp Winery allows pets and has a welcoming atmosphere for horse campers, making it a cozy spot to unwind after a day of riding.
  • The Cove Campground is equipped with features like firewood availability and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable camping experience for you and your horse.
  • Cedarville State Forest offers electric hookups and a market nearby, providing convenience for equestrian campers looking to stock up on supplies.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Pohick Bay Campground, you can enjoy kayaking and fishing, adding variety to your outdoor adventures.
  • Bull Run Regional Park boasts extensive hiking trails and historical attractions, perfect for exploring the rich history of the area.
  • Finksburg Forest is known for its peaceful surroundings and beginner-friendly hiking trails, making it an excellent choice for families with young riders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Leesburg, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Leesburg, VA is Bull Run Regional Park with a 4-star rating from 42 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Leesburg, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Leesburg, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.