Cedarville Campground

For Maryland residents looking for an authentic and accessible outdoor retreat in Southern Maryland, Cedarville Campground, nestled within the expansive Cedarville State Forest, offers a premier local camping experience. Conveniently located near Waldorf, this campground provides a necessary escape from the bustle of the D.C. metro area, allowing families and outdoor enthusiasts to reconnect with nature without a lengthy drive.

Cedarville is not a private resort but a well-managed Maryland State Forest, ensuring a focus on conservation, education, and providing genuine natural recreation. The forest itself covers over 3,510 acres and serves as the headwaters of the Zekiah Swamp, Maryland’s largest freshwater swamp. This unique geographical feature provides a lush, shaded environment and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities that enhance the camping experience significantly.

The campground is designed to accommodate various camping styles, ranging from modern RVs to primitive tent setups, and even includes specialized facilities for equestrian campers. Visitors consistently praise its quiet, wooded atmosphere, making it a peaceful and restorative option for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday right here in Prince George's and Charles Counties. It embodies the best of Maryland’s public lands—clean, affordable, and focused on outdoor adventure.

Cedarville Campground is situated within the boundaries of Cedarville State Forest, with the address often associated with the nearest major town being Waldorf, MD. The exact park entrance is accessible via Bee Oak Road, just off Cedarville Road. This location offers an ideal balance: it feels deeply secluded and forested, yet it remains remarkably close to the amenities of Southern Maryland suburbs like Brandywine and Waldorf.

The campground’s strategic position makes it highly accessible for local users across the state, and particularly those in the D.C., Prince George’s County, and Charles County areas. A short drive from major arteries like Route 301 and Route 5, campers can easily pop out of the forest for any forgotten supplies at nearby shopping centers, including major retail outlets. This ease of access contributes significantly to its appeal as a convenient, local retreat.

The primary contact address for the State Forest headquarters is:

10201 Bee Oak Road, Brandywine, MD 20613, USA

While the address is listed as Brandywine, its practical proximity to Waldorf makes it a highly desirable spot for the Southern Maryland community.

As a Maryland State Forest facility, Cedarville Campground provides essential and well-maintained services focused on a comfortable camping experience. The campground is divided into distinct loops to cater to different needs:

• Family Camping Loop: This is the main loop offering a mix of electric and primitive sites. The inner loop sites are equipped with electricity (30-amp hookups available), while the outer loop is designated for more traditional, primitive tent camping without electric service.
• Site Furnishings: Every campsite, regardless of type, includes standard amenities such as a picnic table, a metal fire ring with a grill grate, and a lantern post for convenience.
• Sanitary Facilities: A centrally located, renovated bathhouse provides campers with clean flush toilets and hot showers. Water spigots (blue water) are conveniently located throughout the loop for fresh drinking water.
• Equestrian Camping Loop: A separate area is designated for campers bringing their horses, offering primitive sites and a separate bathhouse. A horse is required for reservations in this loop.
• Utility Services: A sanitary dump station and a water-fill station are available near the entrance of the campground for RV owners. Firewood is available for purchase on-site.
• Pet Policy: The campground is pet-friendly, welcoming dogs on leashes, though standard State Park rules apply regarding keeping pets secured and cleaning up after them.

The major draws of Cedarville Campground are the natural environment and the vast network of trails that encourage exploration of the unique Zekiah Swamp headwaters. The forest setting is lush and heavily wooded, offering deep shade and a peaceful ambiance that many campers appreciate.

• Extensive Trail System: The forest boasts over 19 miles of marked trails, which are multi-use, accommodating hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. These trails offer glimpses of the historic loblolly pine plantations planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the remnants of colonial-era drainage ditches.
• Stocked Fishing Pond: A four-acre pond is regularly stocked with various fish, including sunfish, bass, bluegill, and catfish, providing excellent bank fishing opportunities for licensed anglers (age 16 and older require a Maryland Non-Tidal fishing license).
• Historical Interest: Visitors can explore remnants of the forest’s history, including a demonstration charcoal kiln located near the Blue and White Trailhead, highlighting the region's past wood-charcoal production.
• Group & Picnic Areas: The park offers multiple designated picnicking areas with tables and grills. Two reservable picnic pavilions, complete with fireplaces, grills, and electricity, are available for larger family reunions or group outings.
• Designated Hunting Area: A designated portion of the State Forest is available for seasonal hunting, following Maryland DNR regulations, appealing to local sportsmen.
• Natural Beauty: The campground is a haven for wildlife watching and stargazing, benefiting from the distance from major city lights, providing a peaceful experience under the Maryland night sky.

To make reservations or inquire about specific rules and seasonal activities at Cedarville Campground, Maryland users should utilize the official channels for the Maryland Park Service. Given that it is a State Forest, reservations are necessary, particularly during the peak season from April through October.

• Address: 10201 Bee Oak Road, Brandywine, MD 20613, USA
• Park Office Phone: (301) 888-1410
• Park Reservations: 1-888-432-CAMP (2267)

Cedarville Campground is worth choosing for Maryland residents who prioritize a quiet, immersive, and affordable state park camping experience rich in outdoor activities. Unlike more crowded private resorts, Cedarville offers a more traditional camping atmosphere within a protected natural environment.

It is the ideal local choice for those who value hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding, as its 19+ miles of trails and stocked pond are its biggest draw. The proximity to the Zekiah Swamp headwaters guarantees a lush, shaded, and biologically diverse setting. Its split-loop design—offering both electric and primitive sites—provides flexibility, catering to both the modern RV camper and the traditional tent camper.

Choosing Cedarville means supporting Maryland’s public lands while gaining access to a beautiful, well-maintained forest where you can easily find tranquility, explore history, and enjoy quality time outdoors with family and friends. The convenient access from Waldorf and the D.C. area makes it an effortless local destination for frequent, restorative nature breaks.

Cedarville Campground

Waldorf, MD 20601, USA