Best Campgrounds near Benson, MD
Camping opportunities around Benson, Maryland include established campgrounds with varied accommodation options within a short drive of Baltimore. Patapsco Valley State Park offers both tent and RV camping across multiple areas including the Hollofield Area and Hilton Area campgrounds, located approximately 20 miles northwest of Baltimore. Nearby Ramblin' Pines provides full-hookup RV sites, cabin rentals and tent camping in a wooded setting, while Cherry Hill Park features a range of options from traditional tent sites to glamping accommodations. Several campgrounds in the region accommodate both overnight and extended-stay campers with facilities ranging from primitive to resort-style amenities.
Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with most open from April through October, particularly within the state park system. "The sites are pretty close together, but they are impeccably clean. You get a fire ring with grill grate, and firewood is available for a small fee," noted one Patapsco Valley camper. Road access is generally good throughout the region with most established campgrounds accommodating both small vehicles and larger RVs. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer weekends and fall foliage season when campgrounds reach capacity. The region experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and mild to cold winters, making spring and fall particularly popular for camping.
Campers report that the proximity to urban areas combined with natural surroundings creates a unique camping experience. While some visitors appreciate the convenience of camping near major highways and suburban areas, others note the surprising sense of seclusion. According to a visitor at Hollofield Area Campground, "It may be close to suburbia and convenient to major highways, but you will feel like you are truly secluded in the woods." Family-friendly amenities appear frequently in reviews, with several campgrounds offering playgrounds, swimming pools, fishing ponds and hiking trails. Sites with electrical hookups typically fill first, and campers seeking more privacy often prefer tent-only areas which tend to be more spacious and separated from RV sections. Cleanliness of facilities receives consistent mentions across reviews, with bathroom conditions varying by location and age of infrastructure.
