Cedarville was the second state run facility I called home during my additional time spent in Maryland (May 7 to May 20^th), because this state-run forest met the twenty miles or more distance requirement from Smallwood (my initial facility) to Cedarville (my new facility). I could stay 14-days at this location.  

This forest is 3,510 acres and offers two types of campsites (electric and non-electric). I found Cedarville to be a safe environment that allows opportunities for family members and friends to spend quality time together or alone. Visitors can bicycle, hike, explore a variety of trails, fish and hunt.  Fire rings for campfires and a picnic table are provided on all campsites. A gray and black water dump station, trash dumpster, pavilion for group gatherings and freshwater spigots are in various areas. In addition, campsites are available to support youth groups and equestrian activity.

I must admit, finding this state forest was a surprise and a blessing. Otherwise, I would have been forced to live at one of the many Bureau of Land Management (BLM) properties managed by the State of Virginia (i.e. national forests, BLM, army corps, national parks and public lands), and commute back and forth to Maryland as needed.

Further research to identify and locate the same types of lands owned/managed by the State of Maryland were very disheartening because there weren’t any in comparison to other states. I also determined Maryland has allowed most of its public/forests lands to be developed into money making ventures. As a result, Maryland possess and/or manages limited state properties such as Cedarville State Forest, Smallwood State Park and Greenbelt National Park.

On the other hand, many other states have embraced its responsibility to care-for and protect their BLM properties like precious stones to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of these public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. These states are as follows: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Dakotas, Eastern States (i.e. Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri). As well as, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington State and Wyoming.

I hope you take the opportunity to visit and camp at national forests, BLM, army corps, national parks and public lands in the future. You will find these properties to be amazingly beautify as well as relaxing.