 Cedarville State Forest |
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Cedarville State Forest |
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The Piscataway Indian Tribe made this section of Southern Maryland its winter camping ground because of the mild climate and abundance of game. Legend says there is an Indian Burial ground in Cedarville State Forest, but to date it has not been found. The headwaters of the Zekiah Swamp are located in Cedarville. The swamp extends Southward through Charles County for 20 miles, emptying into the Wicomico River. The Swamp is one mile wide, and serves as a haven for wildlife. The surrounding land is mostly agricultural fields. In colonial times and there after efforts were made to drain the swamp for cultivation. Drainage ditches are still evident. To this day, the swamp remains wooded bottom land.
In 1930, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Forest, Park and Wildlife Service purchased 2,631 acres of land for a forest demonstration area. Later 879 more acres were added to bring the total to 3,510 acres. Cedarville was the postal address for the area, hence the name given to the State Forest. In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps, under the direction of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, developed roads and trails for fire protection and future access for the development of the area.
Entrance Service Charges
Honor system, chargeable at all times.
- $3/vehicle; $4/vehicle out-of-state residents
- $10 per small bus
- $20 per school/charter bus
SUMMER POSITIONS AVAILABLE
If you enjoy working outdoors, being around people and are interested in becoming a steward of the natural resources, then this is where you should be! Summer positions are available from March through October.
For further information, contact the Southern Maryland Recreational Complex at 800-784-5380 or 301-888-1410.
FEATURES
Hiking, Biking and Equestrian Trails--There are 19.5 miles of marked trails. The trails wind past the loblolly pine plantations planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's, by a charcoal kiln, and through farm areas where springs and streams were used to make "moonshine." Trails may be wet at times. For safety, visitors using trails located in designated hunting areas should wear bright orange during the hunting season.Self-guided off-road biking at Cedarville
Self-guided hiking at Cedarville
Self-guided horseback riding at Cedarville
Check out a copy of the Cedarville State Forest Trail Guide. This trail guide, complete with a topographical map of the multi-use trails, is available for sale at Cedarville State Forest headquarters. Youth Group Camping--Youth group passes are honored. A youth group camping reservation is required by calling the State Forest and Park Reservation Service at 1-888-432-2267. Youth group reservations accepted through the Reservation Service can also be made on-line at http://reservations.dnr.state.md.us The Maryland Park Service reserves the right to restrict the maximum and minimum number of vehicles and individuals admitted under one youth groups pass per visit.
Family Camping--Family camping is available from April to November. Registration is available on site (first come, first served) by calling 1-888-432-2267 or online at http://reservations.dnr.state.md.us. Contact the Park Office for specific dates.
Pets--Pets are permitted in the state forest and in the family campground. Pets must be on a leash at all times. Pet owners are responsible for picking up after their pets.
Picnicking--Picnic tables and grills are available along Cedar Forest Road. Two pavilions with fire places are available for large group rentals. Advance reservations are required for the pavilions by calling 1-888-432-2267.
Fishing--A four acre pond stocked with Bluegill, Catfish, Sunfish and Bass is open for bank fishing only. A Maryland Non-Tidal fishing license is required for persons 16 years and older.
Hunting--An area of Cedarville State Forest is designated for hunting. The trail map, available from the Forest Office, outlines the hunting area. The Maryland Hunter's Guide provides information on required licenses and seasons, as well as rules and regulations.
Special Events -- To host a special event at Cedarville State Forest, download the attached Special Event Request Form and mail it to the forest office.
Special Programs -- Campfire programs and special activities are available from March through December. Call 301-888-1410 for information.
Volunteers--The Friends of Cedarville State Forest (FCSF) in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Park Service help maintain and operate Cedarville State Forest. The Friends of Cedarville is an incorporated, non-profit group, which works with the staff of the Southern Maryland Recreational Complex to maintain and operate Cedarville State Forest. For volunteer information contact: SMRC Volunteer Coordinator at 1-800-784-5380.
Accessibility--Cedarville State Forest offers an accessible day use shelter and day use comfort stations. For additional accessible amenities in Maryland State Forests and Parks, visit the Accessibility For All section of this website.
DIRECTIONS TO CEDARVILLE STATE FOREST
- From Annapolis:
Follow Route 50 West to Route 301 South. From Route 301 South travel to Cedarville Road (at the very end of Prince George's County). At traffic light, take a left on Cedarville Road. As a landmark there will be a large white warehouse located on the left hand side. Take Cedarville Road to Bee Oak Road (on you right) which will be the main entrance to the forest.- From Prince George's County:
Travel Route 301/5 South and take a left on Cedarville Road. Follow directions above from Cedarville Road.- From Waldorf (Charles County):
Follow Route 5/301 north into Prince George's County. As soon as you cross into Prince George's County turn right onto Cedarville Road. Follow Cedarville Road to Bee Oak Road (on your right) which is the main entrance for the forest.- From Washington, D.C.:
Follow either Branch Avenue (Route 5) or Pennsylvania Avenue (Route 4). If using Route 5, follow Route 5 for directions from Prince George's County above. If using Pennsylvania Avenue (Route 4), follow Route 301 south from Prince George's County. At the end of Prince George's County and before you enter Charles County, turn left onto Cedarville Road. Follow Cedarville Road to Bee Oak Road (on your right) which is the entrance to the forest.
Southern Maryland Recreational Complex
Cedarville State Forest
10201 Bee Oak Road
Brandywine, MD 20613
(301) 888-1410
Call 1-888-432-CAMP(2267) for reservations
Click here to make reservations on-line for Cedarville State Forest
