Cedarville State Park, Brandywine, Maryland

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, but to date is has not been located. 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.

Klaer Lodge - In 1937 Rev. Lee Klaer, director of The Student Service Project, and his students, built Klaer Lodge from stones found in the area. The Lodge is now a living memorial to the man who built it. Klaer Lodge is continually being updated. It sleeps twenty people and includes a kitchen, bathroom, comfortable living room and two dorm-style bedrooms. The lower part of the lodge is heated by a wood stove and a fireplace while the second floor is heated by propane furnaces. Outside is a large in-ground fire pit and picnic tables for your enjoyment.

Stone Cabin - (sleeps three) - Includes: Wood stove, Gas Range and Oven, Refrigerator, Electricity
Rustic cabins do not have indoor bathrooms or sinks. Bathrooms, shower house and water are situated conveniently nearby. Outside is a picnic table, fire ring and grill.

Chestnut Ridge Park has 20 back-in, water and electric sites. (dump station available on property).
Sites are graveled and include a picnic table and fire ring. Sites are located in Areas D & E.
50 wooded tent sites.Each site includes: a picnic table and fire ring. Sites are located in Areas A, B & C.
NEW! Sand tent pads are being constructed in Area C.

3 tent shelters. Each site includes: a picnic table fire ring, and 6 single camp style beds. (no linens)
Sites are located near the cabins.

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