Cedarville State Forest — Attraction in Waldorf

The absolute peace and beauty is just undeniable outside of the 3 & 6 year old that we brought with us for their first time camping and they almost never listen as it is anyway. However they've been technology free since Sunday without complaint which we love. The trails, bike riding, walking playing in the woods and water has offered a host of things to do. As well they have learned to build a fire after harvesting their own wood, pitch a tent, learned how to wash laundry by hand and hang out dry, cook like Gordon Ramsay over a fire, and the absolute best (and a win for us... sleep without a television!!) This place has been a joy and we will definitely return as well as recommend to others. Yes, the ticks have been an issue but, it's the woods, it's THEIR HOME, NOT OURS, they belong here, we don't. So, if you decide to come, expect it don't complain, ÝOU are invading THEIR space, bring spray and use it. The squirrels are smart, lock up your stuff, They made off with the majority of a loaf of our bread on the third day. But were quickly forgiven because they're so cute. Have a great stay!!! *Last minute edit: The "fishing" pond... other than some adorable frogs, dragonflies, water skippers, snakes (I'm sure) and rowdy little gray squirrels that "lake" is dead. The actual water smells foul, the odor of death floats up from it with the breeze. A plethora of Water skippers take over with nothing to eat them. Not one single attempt from anything below to eat anything above. From live bait we provided to food products and lures. Its no wonder each time we went no other human showed up unless they were just riding...

I’ve visited this park frequently now since it is very close to home, and I highly recommend it to locals for hiking or trail biking.

It has several lovely walking and biking trails that run through the natural cedar woods, and the trails are very well maintained and kept clean. So are the few facilities on site.

Be warned though, that since it is a cedar forest, it is well populated with ticks, and the ticks in the forest are the species capable of spreading Lyme disease, so bug spray is an absolute necessity. As long as you’re responsible and prepared like any good outdoorsman though, you shouldn’t have to worry.

I also wish there were a few more bathroom and water stations available along the trail, so be sure to bring plenty of your own water if you visit, and be aware there are few opportunities to relieve oneself along the trails. That’s the primary reason I rate it...

Stayed at site 16 in the family camping loop, in October 2022. Bathrooms were kept clean/stocked, firewood was restocked each day but did run out early on Saturday night. Camp Host site was empty every day but the day we left, and we didn’t see any staff/rangers other than in the morning cleaning the bathhouse. Very small campsites, very close together with almost no trees/bushes in between, and most were only a few feet from the camp road. Would be good if you had a large group/family to break up across sites, but not good if you want any privacy at all. Also seemed like a good campground for kids/families. Pet friendly, which is great, but several off-leash dogs. Quiet at night. Access to one trail from the campground, which leads to other trails. *Edit to add: does not have camp sink to wash dishes, which some MD State Parks have in/near...