Little Bennett Campground provides year-round cabin and yurt camping near Damascus, Maryland, situated in the rolling hills of Montgomery County at an elevation of 480 feet. The area experiences moderate seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows around 25-35°F. Camping facilities in this region are predominantly established campgrounds with varying levels of amenities, from rustic sites with basic facilities to full-service campgrounds with modern conveniences.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Little Bennett Campground features extensive trail networks for day hikes through mature forests. "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly," notes one visitor. Trail difficulty ranges from beginner to intermediate with most routes under 5 miles.
Water activities: Cunningham Falls State Park offers swimming, fishing and boating opportunities on its 43-acre Hunting Creek Lake. "The beach area at the lake was fantastic! My kids loved it with plenty of areas to grill and dogs are allowed," according to a reviewer. The lake permits trolling motors but is ideal for paddling.
Historical exploration: Within 30 miles of Damascus, visitors can explore Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. "Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is literally next door. Harpers Ferry Lower Town and Bolivar Heights are a few minutes by car," reports a camper at Harpers Ferry KOA. The C&O Canal towpath also provides historical context through the region.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Ramblin' Pines offers well-maintained campsites with adequate space between neighbors. "Nice large sites with friendly staff. Lots of free activities for children and it's close to home," writes one reviewer. Most sites include fire rings and picnic tables.
Natural setting: Many campers appreciate the wooded surroundings at campgrounds in the Damascus area. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded," states a reviewer about the RV section at Little Bennett Campground. Sites with the most privacy are typically located at the perimeter of camping loops.
Washington DC access: Cherry Hill Park provides convenient transportation options to explore the nation's capital. "They have a bus stop for metro service to the city, but we took the 20 minute drive," explains one camper. Travel time to downtown DC averages 30-45 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds in the Damascus area fill quickly during peak seasons. For yurt camping near Damascus, Maryland, book at least 2-3 months in advance for summer weekends. At Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park, "It was August 1st and the bugs were minimal," indicating optimal late summer camping conditions.
Weather considerations: Spring brings frequent rain showers while summer can be hot and humid with temperatures frequently exceeding 85°F. "When we arrived we noticed puddles that were growing and leak from the adjoining sites water hook up," noted one camper, highlighting drainage issues that can occur at some sites after heavy rainfall.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. In some locations, cell reception is minimal or non-existent. At Little Bennett, one visitor reported: "AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster(1 bar), 8 MB/s with it(2 bars). There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy. OTA TV was descent using an external omni antenna."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Brunswick Family Campground offers child-friendly facilities near the Potomac River. "The staff is extremely nice and helpful with everything. Our spot was on the river with a short walk to the boat ramp and access," according to a reviewer. The playground equipment suits children ages 5-12.
Weekend activities: Structured programs provide entertainment for children at several campgrounds. "There are arts & crafts, indoor movie theatre, games, civil war reenactments, wine tastings, etc. We were certainly never bored, and the kids thought they had died and gone to heaven," reported a visitor at Harpers Ferry KOA.
Safety considerations: While most campgrounds maintain good security, supervise children near water features. "The Shenandoah River is beautifully clean clear and cool," notes a Brunswick Family Campground reviewer. Parents should note that most river access points lack lifeguards.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request end sites when available for more privacy and easier parking. "Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air," cautions a visitor about Harpers Ferry Civil War Battlefields KOA.
Utility connections: Most full-hookup sites in the Damascus area provide 30/50-amp service, water, and sewer. "Site #D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back. Site #D69 gravel parking pad," notes a Little Bennett camper, suggesting bringing leveling blocks for uneven terrain.
Road conditions: Internal campground roads vary in quality and width. "The road into the campground was badly in need of repair. Site was not level and infested with black flies," warns one Brunswick Family Campground visitor. RVs over 35 feet should call ahead to confirm access and appropriate site availability.
