For a State Forest, the park is not special; it has nice, easy to navigate flat trails which is nice especially for novice hikers/trail walkers, but the park can be confusing to drive around, and during off season you need to call a park ranger for assistance. The park specializes in camping and seems like it would be nice for camping, but the park should have more signage for instructions/procedures during off season for more clarity. There are pretty trees and fall foliage to take advantage of. There should be more defined trailway and signs though for the different pathways. There is potential, but I would say that the park is average. I like the abundance of trees, (State Forests) and the pretty leaves during the fall time and the fact that this park is a lot better than Rosaryville, as the trailways are flat and not hilly and as dangerous as Rosaryville. There are regular parks that may not be state parks or forests that are more worth the experience. This is cool, if you are local to Brandywine or live in maybe Waldorf, Accokeek, Upper Marlboro or someplace, but if you are driving over half an hour coming from Bowie, Greenbelt, or other areas, than for a walking trail/hiking forget about it just not worth it. I don't know how the camping experience is never camped her but for trails nope. read more

Cedarville State Forest - Parks Near Me - Brandywine, Maryland

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What a gem of a campgrounds, so glad I found this spot in PG County. The online reservation system is great and easy to use. I like how there are pictures of each campsite so we were able to select a site that was just right for us. Checking in the day of the our trip was a breeze also, since we paid ahead for the site we just had to sign a few documents and get on our way. I will say, that charging $1 for a trails map caught us a bit offguard -- $1 hardly broke the budget but why charge us for a map if we're already paying for a campsite for the weekend? All the general family campsites are found in nice sized loop towards the back of the park. We went in early October and were pleased to see a good number of families and couples also out camping for the weekend. Generally, folks abode by quiet hours so no issues there but man were the kid campers chatty in the mornings. Neighboring kids seemed to get up an sunrise full of energy which woke us up a couple of times. Our site was clean and free of debris and we were able to set up camp within an hour or two. As we were setting up, the friendly camp ranger made rounds to come say hello and to ask if we needed anything which was a nice touch. The ranger made a few rounds around the camp loop each night just to make sure things were swell. Cedarville is great in that you don't have to buy wood only from the camp ranger (as is the case with many other sites that we tried to stay at). We were allowed to use fallen wood for campfires. We did buy one bundle of wood for $5 (got about 8 pieces) just to have as backups but our site was a goldmine of fallen limbs. I had a bow saw with me, so I just spent about an hour ear day cutting wood for the morning and evening fires. Feels so much more like camping when you gather and cut your own wood! We went for a long hike on Saturday through the blue, white, and orange trail areas. Remember to pack some water and a snack for those long hikes. The trails were well cleared and decently marked -- there were a couple of times where we were unsure exactly which trail we were on but we soon figured it out (with the help of that $1 map). The views from the trails were quite nice, definitely stopped to take a photo or two! Overall, a great camping experience for a getaway weekend. Just out of the way enough to allow you to take a break from it all, but still close enough to major roads like 301 to stock up on food, drinks, ice, etc. Definitely check Cedarville out! read more

Nice place to visit. You can call here, have picnics and do some hiking. They have pavillians that you can rent for family events. I grew up around the area and came here a lot. It's a small place but peaceful. read more

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A nice slice of calm, cool forest on the edge of suburbia. Nice place for a hike or a camping trip. Camping areas are split into three sections: equestrian, family, and youth...with enough space between each area to help keep the calm, quiet, serenity of the experience. Several hiking trails offer opportunities to see birds, squirrels, bunnies, etc. I think there's a play ground area, however we didn't visit that part of the grounds. read more

Cedarville State Forest - Parks Near Me - Brandywine, Maryland

The 7 mile Orange trail was good!! The main negatives were a few faded or missing markers and a down tree on the trail. Overall I totally loved running this trail and would would definitely return. The trail feels very secluded and private which I loved. It was about 90degrees however majority of the trail was shaded which provided a great break from direct sunlight. There's a short stretch through a grassland that's unshaded so I just sped through that area. I enjoyed nice views of swamps, bridges, a cool turtle crossing the trail, and the thousands of trees!! A few areas are muddy and have tree roots so watch your footing while pacing through this amazing trail!! read more

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Quiet and natural - This is a great place to enjoy nature. The play areas need maintenance

Either the "girl" at the front desk is stupid, rude or just arrogant. When I asked to camp she referred me to the website and 800 number...fair enough. Then I inquired if they would take a same day booking and the creep nonchalantly said " I really don't know" So she w oaks there, was doing nothing when I came in and did not know even the basics nor would she get up off her duff and find out! Nevertheless I called and was able to reserve a site in the family campground which was virtually empty . The sits were unkempt, dirty...in poor repair as was the surrounding forest poorly maintained. Never again. Lazy b read more

Solid camp ground. Not all spots have electric or water hooks ups. Signs a little confusing at times. Spots were clean and nice though. Quite and relaxing place. Fishing was poor, lake needs to be dragged or given better access for fishing. Possibly stocked. Front desk worker was not helpful when I asked ab other places nearby to dish. Overall enjoyed my visit and the wildlife. Place could be much better if a few things were done different. read more

My fiancé and I hiked the blue trail during the weekend. The hike was fun Nd very friendly beginner hiker. Trail was flat. Lots of nice and interesting views. Lots of bugs and flies but that was expected. Many wet surfaces along the trail. I would like to return to camp. It was nice to find this quiet, we kept and spacious park in the middle of waldorf and brandywine! read more

I visited this park for the first time the other day to hike it with my dog. We did the 7 mile loop which was super fun with views of forest, creeks, a little camp ground and a cool meadow. I saw a few people but they were very nice and courteous. The only thing is that for a paid park ($3 for in state and $5 for out of state I think) I expected a little better maintenance than the free parks I visit, but there were huge puddles all over the place and a broken bridge. I think it might be best to try and manage those puddles because they are breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which were following us in swarms. Overall, with some more bug spray in hand, I would definitely hike here again. read more

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Overgrown and LOADED with ticks. Bath house was the only plus to this campground. Clean and private.

Awesome park! Visited with my wife and kids. Nice venture to jog and get some fresh air for the kids to play. read more

Cedarville State Forest - Parks Near Me - Brandywine, Maryland

A very peaceful place to hike. I hiked the Holly Trail Orange Blazes. The trail was set far from the main road so you couldn't hear any traffic. This particular didn't have anything but nature. Not tables or a playground or a building. You get close to the trees because the trail is narrow. You could hear lots of birds chirping and the sounds of nature. It was truly nature at its best. read more

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Located just 45 minutes from downtown DC is this little-known treasure of a state forest. I only discovered it when husband and I decided at the last minute to go camping over Labor Day Weekend. Normally we'd head out to Shenandoah, but we weren't interested in messing around with 66 on the Friday of a long weekend, or fighting what we'd knew would be hordes of other people. So I hopped on the Maryland State Park website and found Cedarville State Forest so nearby *and* with a campground. Even better, you can reserve a site in advance -- the exact one you'd like from a map online -- something National Parks and most state parks don't allow. I was a bit worried it wouldn't feel removed enough, since it's so close to Waldorf and Route 5, but once you enter the park it's like being in a whole other world (you can hear lots of planes from Andrews AFB and National, but that's about it from civilization). Cedarville State Forest was established in 1934 as CCC Camp S54, staffed by 160 men -- mostly African American, from Baltimore and Washington -- who built roads and trails here in an effort to preserve the land for future recreational use. Adding to its historical significance, CSF was also the site of three charcoal kilns which operated until the 1950s, burning wood from the surrounding forest and producing nearly two tons of charcoal each week, used in Maryland State Parks for heat and by campers. One of these kilns still stands, and is easily accessible by road or by taking a spur from the Blue Trail. The land itself supports Cedarville Bog (at the headwaters of the Zekiah Swamp), carnivorous plants unique to the area, 50+ species of trees including white and loblolly pines, holly, and magnolia, great-horned owl and beaver, a fish hatchery, two archery ranges, forestry practice demonstration areas, two amphitheaters, a fishing pond, hunting grounds, and nearly 20 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. Husband and I found the hiking trails really easy with very little elevation changes whatsoever. They're often wet and muddy, however, particularly after rains. The nearly 30-site campground is quite nice and reasonably priced (about $20 a night for a non-electric site). Despite not being filled to capacity, it was pretty loud over Labor Day weekend since the sites are fairly close together and the loop itself is small. I imagine with fewer people, the campground is even more pleasant. All equipment must be kept on the gravel pad which limits tent placement options, but at least the pads are level and large. Sites on the outer loop are non-electric, sites in the inner loop have electricity -- we even saw tent campers with floor fans, laptops, and mini fridges, something we've *never* encountered elsewhere (I mean, really, what's the point of those amenities for camping?). Firewood is available for sale at the entrance to the campground, eight pieces for $3, bought on the honor system with their little drop box. The bathhouse is the most pristine and modern I've ever seen while camping, with incredibly nice shower facilities. One thing to note is that there's no alcohol permitted -- in any MD state park for that matter -- but people are flauting this rule. Honestly, camping and beer go hand-in-hand... We were really happy to discover this little natural oasis so close to home. Now we can pick up and camp more easily on short notice, or head out for a day-hike. Hopefully other folks will do the same and help keep our nation's parks alive and well. read more

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I spent last weekend camping at Cedarville State Forest in a travel trailer. It was a very good experience. The staff is friendly and helpful. When I checked in on Friday, the attendant noted that it may be difficult to get in to the spot I reserved due tot he size of my trailer (31'). She offered a couple other suggestions, and I picked one. It worked out well. The family campground is small, and there is a pretty decent amount of space between the campsites. It was challenging maneuvering the trailer, but it can be done. As the website notes, there are no water hook-ups, so plan ahead. There is a water fill station (next to the dump station) right before you get to the campground, but it's not on the map they give you and not very well marked. Restrooms were clean and well-maintained. I used this as a "home base" for exploring things in the area, but it's also a nice place to hike or just relax. I would stay here again and definitely recommend it. read more

This place has a nice campground and I would rate it higher if it were open year round. I prefer to camp in the off season due to fewer crowds and fewer/no bugs. Unfortunately this campground is only open from April to October. This I is a shame since the weather is moderate enough for year round use. read more

This park is a great place to hike, run, bike, or walk your dog. It feels like you're in the middle of nowhere with you're actuality quite close to Waldorf and even DC. I prefer the Holly Loop which is 7ish moderate miles with mild inclines, some mud, and lots of varied views. Park admission is $3 but it's worth it. read more

Hiked here with my dogs many times. Trails are well marked and always kept passable by hikers, bikers and the occasional horseback rider. Really no views of anything but the forest; but if that's what you're looking for, this place will do the trick. Far less crowded than Rosaryville and less mountain bikers dodging you and your pets. read more

Clean, pretty, quiet. Staff was extremely helpful and the price was right. Lots of Poison ivy off the paths. Lots of deer. Great place I would recommend it to anyone. read more

Nice area to go on the trails and hunt walk and fish the staff area nice to the people that go there frequently fixes on the trails and other parts of the park overall I would recommend to come here in the if you are in the area read more

This park has some great horseback riding trails, all of them are very well marked and clear. Be careful on the weekends as many bike riders do not respect trail rules and give horses the right of way. read more

I like to give credit when I stay at a nice campground.We are from Pa.and were going to a concert at MGM Casino,so we stayed here rather drive home afterwards.So quiet and peaceful,the layout is nice and the campsite is spacious.Clean bathrooms,great water pressure in showers. Friendly,knowledgeable staff. read more

The facility was nice,bathhouse excellent amenities and very clean. Privacy is non existing with lots of traffic experienced while camping. My greatest negative is that the campers are downright mean, inhospitable and wierd! No one says good morning, hi how are you doing or nothing almost as if they wish to not acknowledge your mere presence just a strange experience! The camp host is wonderful very friendly and inviting. Parks personnel are attentive and friendly. Camp grill is excellent to cook on and grounds are well kept. read more

Great place to go for a walk or bike ride. Really cool place in the fall when the leaves are changing color.

I trail ride fairly often at this park. The entrance fee of $3 is reasonable, but it is included if you pay for the $75 (MD residents) or $100 (out of state residents) MD state park pass. The only reason for the 4 out of 5 stars is after a storm it seems to take them an unusual amount of time to clear the downed trees. I understand waiting until it has dried up, but a several times we had to go around trees that took a few weeks to clear. Other than that, the trails are well marked. The bridges seem solid. During the weekdays we can sometimes ride 11 miles and possibly only come across two or three hikers. Even on the weekends the hikers and bikers and even other riders are fairly scarce. Most bikers are good about stopping for the horses (not just for the horse and rider's safety, but also for their own). Anywhere you go, there are going to be people that think they don't have to follow the rules. There are many signs reminding the hikers and bikers to yield to the horses. Some just don't realize that means they should stop and move to the side. Horses can not only spook and run off, but can kick at the things that startle them. read more