c
cara S.
Scout
ScoutPatapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Hilton area
Thought the campsites were extremely close together. There were A LOT of kids and no quiet hours. Good for families. Not good for a camping camping experience.
Best Campgrounds near Damascus, MD
Damascus, Maryland provides access to several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, including Little Bennett Campground in Clarksburg and Ramblin' Pines in Woodbine. The area features a mix of public and private camping facilities that accommodate various camping styles from tent sites to RV hookups and cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in the region are situated near natural features like the Patapsco River valley or within forested state parks, offering both recreational opportunities and natural scenery. Little Bennett Regional Park provides year-round camping with both primitive and developed sites, while several other nearby options like Greenbrier State Park and Gambrill State Park offer seasonal camping.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region, with many state park campgrounds operating from April through October. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when facilities reach capacity. Most developed campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, though amenities vary significantly between locations. The terrain around Damascus features rolling hills and wooded areas, with some campgrounds situated near water features like lakes or rivers. As one camper noted about Patapsco Valley State Park, "This is where this campground shines. It has access to many trails and the Patapsco River. Saw Mill trails is great for a family hike."
Campers consistently rate the proximity to natural features and recreational opportunities as highlights of the Damascus area. Several campgrounds provide access to extensive trail systems for hiking and mountain biking, with Catoctin Mountain Park and Patapsco Valley State Park frequently mentioned in positive reviews. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and swimming areas are available at larger facilities such as Greenbrier State Park. The region's campgrounds balance accessibility with a sense of seclusion, as many sites are within an hour's drive of Washington DC and Baltimore while still providing a natural setting. A visitor to Gambrill State Park described it as "a very peaceful and heavily wooded park, with minimal but perfectly adequate facilities," highlighting the balance between convenience and natural immersion that characterizes camping in the region.
Best Camping Sites Near Damascus, Maryland (125)
1. Little Bennett Campground
23 ReviewsClarksburg, MD5 milesWebsite+1 (301) 528-3430"Quiet woods in Maryland about 30 or 40 miles north of DC. Tenting, and RV spots partial to full service. Just of hiway 270. pricey ($66/night) for a state park, but nice."
"PROS Very nice small Montgomery County Park
No reservation fee to make on-line reservations
Reserved 137 days prior to arriving
Entrance gate required entry code Instructed by staff via gate phone"
2. Ramblin' Pines
17 ReviewsWoodbine, MD11 milesWebsite+1 (410) 795-5161$30 - $70 / night
"We stay at Ramblin Pines because it is close to family and a good proximity to visiting Baltimore and Frederick."
"We love this home away from home ❤️"
3. Cherry Hill Park
42 ReviewsBeltsville, MD22 milesWebsite+1 (301) 937-7116$999 / night
"Metrorail is about 6 miles from campground, near University of Maryland."
"Great camping amenities, soft cushioned sites, with power and water close by. DO NOT GET BASIC TENT SITES AS THEY ARE NEXT TO HIGHWAYS AND VERY NOISY!!! Premium tent sites would be a better choice."
5. Lake Fairfax Campground
25 ReviewsReston, VA22 milesWebsite+1 (703) 471-5414$30 - $70 / night
"We set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake ( site 27). It is slightly slant but still comfortable in the tent. Bathrooms are close by and kept clean."
"For tent camping I would suggests sites 30,33 or 35 these are tucked along the tree line. The bathroom facilities were the cleanest I have seen in a campground."
6. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
32 ReviewsGreenbelt, MD26 milesWebsite+1 (301) 344-3948$20 / night
"If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."
"The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter. Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"
7. Gambrill State Park Campground
14 ReviewsMiddletown, MD20 milesWebsite+1 (888) 432-2267$18 - $50 / night
"The site was very level, nicely shaded, and positioned a short distance from the bath house. There was also a water spigot located right at the entrance of the site."
"There was a walking path to the bathhouse between 13 and 14. Sites 8-11 were on a nice open field, with some smaller trees."
8. Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
42 ReviewsBoonsboro, MD29 milesWebsite+1 (888) 432-2267$23 - $29 / night
"This park just is near enough to Baltimore and DC to allow for a quick getaway and offers a lot to do."
"Maryland has some great state parks and this is one of them. Decent sized sites, clean bath houses. Swimming lake is excellent. Only basic amenities, but dump station."
9. Hollofield Area Campground
18 ReviewsWindsor Mill, MD22 milesWebsite+1 (410) 461-5005$19 - $27 / night
"It has 8 recreation areas and we stayed at the Hollofield Area in April- one of our first experiences in a Maryland State Park. Beautiful park with 70 miles of hiking/biking /multi use trails."
"This campground is pleasant, but the sites are situated quite close to one another."
10. Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park
24 ReviewsThurmont, MD25 milesWebsite+1 (301) 271-7574$23 - $29 / night
"This site is at the very top of the loop so it has a great cozy vibe and is spaced well away from other sites. The only downside is that the bathhouse is a walk downhill and then a walk back uphill."
"Deer Spring Loop is near the top of the mountain. This is not a pet friendly loop.
Site 112 is level, mostly shaded, backs up to the woods and has electric.
The site is between two cabins."
Recent Camping Photos near Damascus, MD
404 Photos of 125 Damascus Campgrounds
James W.
The Garden
Ch. A.
Little Bennett Campground
Nancy W.
Ramblin' Pines
Sammii D.
Evergreen Point Village
Shari G.
Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Shari G.
Marble Quarry Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Ethel B.
Horsepen Branch Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Natalie
Calico Rocks Hiker-biker Overnight (hbo) Campsite
Jarmonay N.
Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Andrea S.
Gambrill State Park Campground
Chrystal P.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Emerson K.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite — George Washington Memorial Parkway
Recent Reviews near Damascus, MD
1047 Reviews of 125 Damascus Campgrounds
- FFredrick K.
TravelerMarble Quarry Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Great place to get some peace and quiet
If youre looking for fun and people, go to the south campground. But if youre looking for true quiet and have a tent, check out the dispersed campsites. Good shower and bathroom setup that i bet would fare well in a tornado, its got that solid storm shelter feel. Next to a quiet airport, plenty of free firewood to gather
- DDebbie W.Scout
Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
Not as advertised on website. Loose dogs. Sites not as advertised.
Less amenities than advertised. We usually camp in more rustic locations and planned this trip simply for the fun of the amenities. Their website claims that the pool is seasonal but doesn't list anything else as seasonal. There was supposed to be mini golf, a giant bounce pillow, indoor basketball, an arcade with air hockey and a pool table. Mini golf was fine. The bounce pillow was deflated and full of water. The arcade/pool table/air hockey building was locked and the maintenance guy(who locks it up) was outside smoking before leaving early for the day. The employee at the camp store said it was supposed to be open until the store closed but that he probably just closed it early.
The rules state that dogs need to be on a leash at all times and, in the two hours we actually stayed, we saw four that weren't. One was staying near us and started chasing us when we rode our bikes by. One was wandering about 4 campsites down from it's owner. We mentioned it to the person at the camp store before we were chased and she just shrugged it off.
The map is incorrect. It lists site numbers that don't exist and doesn't list some sites that supposedly do. We spent a fifteen minutes trying to find a non-existent site before going back to the camp office and getting assigned a new site. They acted like it was a new thing caused by maintenance but we just looked and saw a review from ten months ago saying the map was messed up then.
The description of the site we paid for was non electric tent with a sand tent pad. The site we got was on a hill(no actual flat spot) overgrown with weeds, no tent pad, a slanted picnic table, and no actual parking spot. You had to drive over a drainage ditch and park on the hill. If our car didn't have high clearance we wouldn't have made it. There was also a hole in the middle of the site. And the map showed that number site on the corner where another unmarked site was. Our originally assigned site was supposedly in the same group of sites, so it would've been similar. Also don't believe the claim that they're"large sites." Most of them are crammed together. There are a few that look decent sized and flat, but they want you to pay an extra$30 to pick your own site.
We didn't even look in the bathrooms.
We left after two hours. Definitely a waste of$60+ dollars.
Next time we'll go over to the Brunswick Family campground. Their owners are lovely people who care about their customers.
Adam and Suzanne B.
GuideGreenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Beautiful setting
It is NOT closed for 2026! Spent the weekend here as it is only an hour from home. There are 4 large camping loops. Only loop C- cedar has electric. None of the loops have water hookups but all have spigots to fill your rig. There are also 3 fill stations at check in (which we missed). The campground is on a hill and the loop roads are narrow, hilly, and winding. We had no trouble with our 23 ft TT and saw some bigger rigs. There are some tight angles to get into a few sites. But, once you are in, the sites are spacious and mostly private. It is wooded without feeling overgrown. Loop D has some sites that are good buddy campsites. There are many hiking trails and a lovely lake. The only bad thing are the dated bathhouses. Mostly clean but there are only 2 showers for each fenced for each loop and they were yucky enough that we showered at our rig. It was busy but pretty quiet. It’s close to I-70
Beth B.
LegendPrince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Nice clean Campground
Stayed here for a week while working nearby. Easy to get to and set up. Office was closed when we arrived but arrival paperwork was posted outside office door. Even with busy road nearby, park was quiet and felt private. Sites were level and paved making setup easy. Sites had 1/2 site extra paved for vehicle with extra parking nearby. There was no litter in park, we observed a staff member daily making the rounds to keep everything clean. There was walking access into the park on wide private roads without traffic. With park access you are able to walk into national forest park from RV camp. National Forest visitor center close by, 1 exit away going south I95. Amenities in RV park included swimming pool, chess board with extra large pieces, playground and clean bath house. Firewood and ice on site.
- CCaitlin R.Scout
Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Great Campground
Our family loved this campground. It was entirely wooded with plenty of shade, sites were close but separated enough to feel like you were in your own site. Our kids and others rode their bikes around the loop all weekend long. Bathrooms could have been a little cleaner and all the entrances except one were closed, but that’s what happens when you cut budgets for public lands.
- MMary J.Scout
Jellystone Park™ Williamsport
Easter Trailer Trash
We chose this campground expecting a family-friendly environment for Easter weekend, but unfortunately our experience was significantly impacted by repeated disturbances from a group of adults in nearby campsites. There was excessive screaming, loud music, and disruptive behavior that continued well past midnight, making it extremely difficult for families and young children to enjoy the holiday weekend. Even more concerning was the apparent lack of response to enforce quiet hours or address the ongoing noise issue. This does not reflect the family atmosphere many guests would reasonably expect during a holiday weekend. I strongly encourage management to take these complaints seriously and enforce campground rules consistently to ensure all guests can enjoy their stay. Families considering visiting during Easter weekend should be aware that this has been an ongoing issue.
- VVaught M.Scout
Brunswick Family Campground
Lovely campground on the C&O. Beware the trains!
This is a lovely campground that I recommend and would stay again. We have been twice: once as a family and once with a Scout troop. The RV sites are fairly large and clean. The tent-only sites are smaller and have a metal fire ring with a grate (nice!). The RV sites have mostly brick rings without grates. The bathrooms are fairly small (two showers on the female and one on the male) which might be an issue on busy weekends. The only real water entrance is the boat ramp, but you can climb down a cliff in other places. A, D, and E are sunnier. B and C and Nottingham are mostly wooded with mature trees. We used the site as a base for a bike trip along the C&O to go to Harper’s Ferry (14mi round trip along a gravel path). The staff were friendly and there is a small camp store.
But the trains! THE TRAINS!!! Every review will mention them for a reason. The site is adjacent to a rail yard that runs all day. Not just a passing train, but clanging car and engine changes. It’s LOUD. I slept with earplugs, but could still hear the noise. The yard really starts going around 5am and goes all day. It slows down after 8/9pm, but never stops entirely. The trains are the only reason for the removed star and it’s not the campground’s fault. But almost all of the real complaints are about the noise. If you want an extra quiet campground with only birds and running water, this is not the place for you. But if you don’t mind the loud bangs and low rumbles, this place is fine!
The entrance is beyond the train yard and about a mile down a widened part of the C&O. It is possible to be trapped inside or outside if a train is stopped at the crossing (30min for us, once).
In short, it’s a great campground if you bring ear plugs!
Nani C.TravelerOwens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park
Nice and Simple Spot!
Booked this site about a week before just as a spontaneous one night trip towards the end of fall. Was greeted with a nicely stocked firewood hut on the way in, unfortunately most of the wood wasn't dry due to rain the day before and the wood being out from under the hut awning, but we made do with the stacks of dead wood along the outside of the site. Our site had the main area with the picnic table and fire pit and then a large level tent pad a couple of steps below it. I believe we went the last weekend of the season so it wasn't too populated, despite this being a smaller campsite. We did have neighbors on each side of us and across from us, and the sites are a reasonable distance apart. The trees were thinned out by the time we went so there wasn't much privacy, but I can imagine that when they're grown in it adds much more privacy, at least from nextdoor neighbors. Everyone there was considerate and friendly, even the camp host. The bathrooms were clean, functional, and a short walk away from the site. Would recommend if you want a quick getaway without frill.
Guide to Damascus
Campgrounds near Damascus, Maryland offer options within the Catoctin Mountain range, where elevations reach approximately 1,900 feet in some areas. The climate features four distinct seasons with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s, while spring and fall deliver moderate temperatures ideal for outdoor recreation. Most established campgrounds in the region operate on paved or gravel pads with varying levels of tree coverage.
What to do
Hiking network access: Little Bennett Campground connects to numerous trails suitable for all skill levels. "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly," notes a camper from Little Bennett Campground.
Mountain biking options: Lake Fairfax Campground serves as a hub for mountain biking enthusiasts. "This is a great place to mountain bike as we noticed several groups camping and biking during our stay," explains a visitor to Lake Fairfax Campground.
Water recreation: Greenbrier State Park offers swimming and paddling options during summer months. "The lake is beautiful!" reports one camper, while another mentions the "nice lawn and sand areas for sitting and enjoying the lake view."
Historical exploration: Gambrill State Park provides access to Civil War historical sites. "This area is very rich in Civil War history so many people will stay at Gambrill as it is a great middle point between Gettysburg and Antietam Battlefields," explains a reviewer familiar with the region.
What campers like
Natural seclusion: Hollofield Area Campground offers wooded sites despite urban proximity. "We were surprised at the quiet, understated beauty of the forestry around the perfectly level campsite," shares a visitor to Hollofield Area Campground.
Spacious campsites: The Garden provides well-separated sites for greater privacy. A visitor notes, "Farm super cool," while another camper at The Garden appreciates that "James and his lovely wife warmly welcomed us on a moments notice."
Wildlife viewing: Gambrill State Park offers opportunities to spot native species. "Visit in May and the forest will be filled with songbirds. If you are lucky, you may see foxes and bears along with the standard woodland creatures," reports one camper.
Family amenities: Ramblin' Pines features recreational facilities for all ages. A visitor mentions, "It has a pool, jump pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, barnyard with goats, and multiple playgrounds. I really like all the trees."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season. At Greenbelt Park Campground, "This is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online."
Seasonal operation: Many campgrounds close during winter months. "We were at site D72 for 4 days. The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," explains a Little Bennett visitor staying during their operational season.
Cell service varies: Connectivity fluctuates based on location and carrier. At Gambrill State Park, one camper reported, "At 12:35pm on a Friday, T-Mobile via Nighthawk MR-1100 - 63 mbps down, 13 mbps up and 39 ms ping."
Bridge outages: Access routes may change due to weather damage. At Greenbelt Park, "There's normally a walking path from the campground to the metro station that takes you into DC, but as of Oct 2023 the bridge is out due to a storm."
Tips for camping with families
Activity programming: Cunningham Falls State Park offers organized nature programs. "During peak season, there are nature programs going on," notes a visitor to Cunningham Falls State Park.
Playground access: Little Bennett Campground features play areas for children. "My family loves this camp ground. It's conveniently located, it's quite, it's beautiful and there is plenty to do to keep the kids busy," reports one family camper.
Natural play spaces: Hollofield Area includes natural features repurposed for play. "The 'natural playground' aka, large rocks and overturned trees. The kids loved it," shares a family who visited with children.
Loop selection: Choose camping loops based on family needs. At Cherry Hill Park, a visitor notes, "Loop A is for organized groups/youth/scouts, Loop B is for tents and RVs under 30 ft, Loop C is for tents, and Loop D is for tents and RVs under 35 ft."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional equipment for proper leveling. A visitor to Cherry Hill Park advises, "Cons: Gravel pad," while others note variation in pad levelness throughout area campgrounds.
Electric service details: Confirm amperage before booking as it varies by location. "PROS: 50 amp hook-up, water, sewer," reports an RVer at Cherry Hill Park, while another camper at Gambrill State Park notes more limited options.
Site size limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. At Hollofield Area, a camper advises, "APPROACH THIS PARK ONLY FROM THE WEST IF YOUR VEHICLE IS OVER 11 FEET HIGH. (There is a 11' bridge coming east bound into this park.)"
Water fill locations: Many sites lack direct water hookups. "No toilet/shower facility in FHU loop so had to hike to facilities in Loops B & E," mentions a camper at Little Bennett, while another notes, "There is a dump station and a place to fill your water tank."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find RV rentals in Damascus, Maryland?
Where can I find RV rentals in Damascus, Maryland?
While Damascus itself has limited RV rental options, several nearby campgrounds offer RV accommodations. Cherry Hill Park provides RV rentals and is known for its excellent amenities and cleanliness. Another option is Prince William Forest RV Campground, which offers a clean campground with bathroom facilities and a pool, making it a good nature getaway less than an hour from the DC area. For additional options, check with local RV dealerships in the greater Montgomery County area or online RV rental platforms that offer delivery to your preferred campsite.
What are the nearest camping options to Damascus, Maryland?
What are the nearest camping options to Damascus, Maryland?
Damascus has several excellent camping options nearby. Brunswick Family Campground is a short drive away, offering riverside sites that campers find mesmerizing with welcoming staff. Owens Creek Campground in Catoctin Mountain Park provides peaceful, shaded campsites with creek access and more privacy than neighboring parks. Other nearby options include Cunningham Falls State Park Manor Area with its family-friendly amenities and Greenbrier State Park (temporarily closed) which features hiking trails, a lake for paddling and fishing, and proximity to sections of the Appalachian Trail.
Which is the most popular campground near Damascus, MD?
Which is the most popular campground near Damascus, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Damascus, MD is Little Bennett Campground with a 4-star rating from 23 reviews.
What parks are near Damascus, MD?
What parks are near Damascus, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Damascus, MD that allow camping, notably Rock Creek Park and Greenbelt Park.
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