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."
