Best Equestrian Camping near Quantico, VA

Cedarville State Forest offers equestrian trails and camping facilities approximately 30 miles from Quantico, Virginia. The campground features 20 sites with electric hookups suitable for horse trailers and RVs up to moderate size. Equestrian trails wind through the forest with multiple access points near the camping area. Horses are frequently seen and heard from the family camping loop, creating an authentic rural atmosphere. The forest maintains several miles of designated horse trails that connect to a broader trail network. Bathrooms and water spigots are conveniently located throughout the camping area, though no specialized horse washing facilities are available.

Riders access the extensive trail system directly from the campground, with clearly marked equestrian paths separated from hiking routes. The brown trail provides a particularly good riding experience with excellent signage throughout the forest. Ticks are abundant during summer months, requiring preventative measures for both horses and humans. Firewood delivery is available through a simple phone call system, with rangers dropping wood directly at campsites. The relatively flat terrain makes this an ideal location for beginner trail riders. Military aircraft from nearby Andrews Air Force Base occasionally fly overhead, but most horses quickly acclimate to the distant sound. Cedarville's proximity to Washington DC (less than 60 minutes away) makes it popular for weekend equestrian camping trips while still providing a genuine forest experience.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Quantico, Virginia (6)

    1. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    12 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."

    2. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    22 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."

    4. Cedarville State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Brandywine, MD
    26 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."

    5. Andrews AFB Military FamCamp

    2 Reviews
    Clinton, MD
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 981-4109

    $18 - $30 / night

    6. Camp Meade RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Odenton, MD
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 722-4237
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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Quantico, VA

1 Photos of 6 Quantico Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Quantico, VA

102 Reviews of 6 Quantico 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.

  • 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.

  • moonbeans
    Oct. 15, 2022

    Cedarville State Forest

    Great beginner’s campground

    Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC.

    If you’ve forgotten anything you can pop on by the Target or Costco right outside the forest.

    Also, you can purchase wood while checking in and the Rangers don’t mind if you take a bit extra. Just bring your own starters and kindling (or a small hatchet/saw).

    Planes do occasionally fly over the area so consider bringing earplugs if you are a sensitive sleeper. The noise wasn’t really noticeable when I went on a Saturday (the neighboring campsite’s dogs were louder).


Guide to Quantico

Cedarville State Forest equestrian camping area caters to horse enthusiasts approximately 30 miles northeast of Quantico, Virginia. The campground sits in a mixed hardwood forest at 150 feet elevation, with relatively flat terrain ideal for novice riders. During summer months, temperatures average 85°F during the day, dropping to comfortable 65°F overnight conditions.

What to do

Disc golf adventures: Bull Run Regional Park maintains an 18-hole disc golf course for camping visitors. "The park has golf frisbe course, decent water park for kids, hiking trails, small creek/river you can explore, playgrounds," notes Tom C. about Bull Run Regional Park.

Water recreation: Family campers can enjoy Pirate's Cove waterpark during summer stays. "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer. Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," explains Anne K. about Pohick Bay Campground.

Wildlife observation: The forest and waterways support diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. "Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" reports Kathie M. about Pohick Bay Campground.

Hiking network: Multiple trail systems accommodate hikers of varying experience levels. "We hiked the brown trail and it was a nice walk," shares Nurse N. about Cedarville State Forest.

What campers like

Quiet weekday stays: Midweek camping offers more solitude at horse campgrounds near Quantico. "Nice and quiet here during winter more so during week than weekends," says Josh J. about Pohick Bay Campground.

Spacious sites: Many equestrian camping areas provide extra room for horse trailers. "Sites are spacious and decently level (depends on the site I'm sure)," notes Kristen M. about Pohick Bay Regional Park.

Clean facilities: Bathroom buildings receive regular maintenance. "Bathrooms don't look like much from the outside, but the inside is very nice. Clean, hot water, and good water pressure," explains Ben J. about Cedarville State Forest.

Easy firewood access: Rangers deliver wood directly to campsites. "The ranger delivers firewood to your site within about 10-15 min of calling, which was very convenient. Cost was $5 for 8 logs," reports Nurse N. about Cedarville State Forest.

What you should know

Tick prevention: Ticks are prevalent, particularly in summer months. "Bring bug and tick spray - definitely needed! We hiked the brown trail and it was a nice walk," warns Nurse N. about Cedarville State Forest.

Aircraft noise: Military training operations create overhead air traffic. "It's close to a Naval base, and therefore you constantly hear airplanes, and helicopters at all times," mentions Kasey M. about Cedarville State Forest.

Limited space: Some camping loops accommodate both equestrian and standard camping. "The small loop here accommodates both tent and RVs, which is fine but some of these damn things are so huge, I have trouble believing they could wedge themselves here," cautions Bill G. about Cedarville State Forest.

Seasonal closure: Most equestrian campsites near Quantico close during winter. "We stayed in site 18. 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," notes Joe C. about Cedarville State Forest.

Tips for camping with families

Scheduled activities: Some campgrounds organize regular family events. "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 Regional Park.

Camp cabins: Cabin options suit families new to equestrian camping. "Our family stayed here in a cabin on a long weekend trip to DC. This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it," reports Bridget H. about Bull Run Regional Park.

Shower facilities: Private shower stalls available at most equestrian campgrounds. "Best review I can give us of the bathrooms. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had," praises Yvonne B. about Bull Run Regional Park.

Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas when camping with children. "We got a site on thr inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious," recommends Ben G. about Pohick Bay Regional Park.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: Some campsites require additional blocks for proper leveling. "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," advises Drew M. about Bull Run Regional Park.

Electric options: Most equestrian campgrounds offer 30-amp service. "30 amp electric. No issues there," confirms Joe C. about Cedarville State Forest.

Dump station access: Convenient waste disposal facilities available on departure. "Dump station and trash were just outside of the loop," notes Nurse N. about Cedarville State Forest.

Cell service: Reasonable connectivity for most major carriers. "We have AT&T and had two bars pretty consistently," reports Nurse N. about Cedarville State Forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Quantico, VA is Pohick Bay Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 39 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Quantico, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.