Dog-Friendly Camping near Damascus, MD

Little Bennett Campground features multiple campground loops located about a mile from Damascus, Maryland in a wooded setting at 500 feet elevation. The area experiences significant temperature swings between seasons with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Camping options range from tent sites to RV hookups, with electrical service available primarily in D loop while other loops focus on more primitive camping experiences.

What to do

Hiking network access: Little Bennett Campground connects to an extensive trail system for day hikes of varying difficulty. "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly," mentions Ray & Terri F., noting the accessibility directly from camp.

Swimming in Cunningham Falls: The lake at Cunningham Falls State Park provides a natural swimming area during summer months. "We love hiking to the falls, swimming in the lake, visiting Misty Meadow farm and creamery, and relaxing!" says Regina C.

Mountain biking trails: Lake Fairfax Campground in nearby Reston offers dedicated mountain biking trails. According to Amy B., "A lot to do: mountain bike trails (horses and walking, too); wooded hikes with water along the trails (great for dogs in the summer heat), skateboard park, BMX park."

Bounce pillow activities: For families with children, Ramblin' Pines offers unique recreational options. Michelle L. reports, "The camground offers a lot for the money. There's a pond for fishing, a pool for swimming and a little general store for all your needs, the kids loved the bounce pillow."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Damascus feature good site separation. At Greenbrier State Park Campground, "Decent space between sites, with trees, though could easily see the neighbors," explains Elinor, highlighting the balance between privacy and community.

Natural camping areas: The Garden provides a small, pet-friendly camping experience on a working farm. "James and his lovely wife warmly welcomed us on a moments notice. Got in late and felt immediately taken care of. Farm super cool," reports Heather P.

Well-maintained facilities: Cleanliness consistently earns positive reviews at area campgrounds. Michael A. found Little Bennett's sites "well maintained, and felt separated enough to have some privacy. Staff were amazing about maintaining safe conditions for campers."

Outdoor play options: Natural playgrounds appeal to families with children. Jennifer S. at Hollofield Area Campground describes "a 'natural' playground in the loop... aka, large rocks and overturned trees. The kids loved it."

What you should know

Seasonal reservation patterns: Little Bennett books quickly during peak seasons, particularly for RV sites with hookups. "We reserved 137 days prior to arriving," notes one camper, suggesting advanced planning, especially for holiday weekends.

Weather variability: Temperatures can fluctuate significantly in this region. Sarah K. noted that at Greenbrier State Park, "The beach by the lake is PACKED every weekend with day trippers - we avoided it since we are careful due to COVID," highlighting how conditions change with seasons and visitation.

Road noise proximity: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. At Gambrill State Park Campground, Chris F. reports, "You can hear (when its quiet) the low hum of noise from a nearby road, but I didn't find it troubling."

Tent pad surfaces: Many tent sites in the area use gravel rather than grass surfaces. At Greenbrier State Park Campground, Sarah K. appreciated the "Big, immaculately groomed tent pads," though some campers find gravel requires additional padding for comfort.

Tips for camping with families

Check campground activities schedule: Many local campgrounds run seasonal programs for children. At Little Bennett, Ryan D. shares "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."

Campground playgrounds: Several facilities include dedicated play areas. "There's a water park, paddle boats, playgrounds, trails, skate park, sports fields, and the bathrooms are the nicest I've ever seen," reports Brittany V. about Lake Fairfax Campground.

Consider weekday visits: For fewer crowds and better site selection, midweek camping offers advantages. Rebecca C. at Hollofield Area Campground notes "The campground and park fill up on the weekends but are nearly empty during the week."

Explore educational opportunities: The region offers historical sites within short drives. Georgia H. discovered Little Bennett provides "activities for kids on special days. Took our grand daughter there for her first camping trip and she loved the bouncing strawberry and the hikes."

Tips from RVers

Electric hookup locations: For RVs requiring electrical service near Damascus, Cherry Hill Park provides reliable hookups. Beth R. lists among the pros: "50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer," making it suitable for larger rigs needing full services.

Site leveling considerations: RV campers should note topography differences between loops. Ray & Terri F. reported of Little Bennett, "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup. D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C& E are tents only."

Low clearance warnings: Some area campgrounds have access restrictions. For Hollofield Area Campground, Travyl Couple warns, "ALSO- 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.)"

Electrical limitations: Not all campgrounds offer equal electrical service. Napunani observed at Little Bennett: "Trees falling on Park power lines caused power outage for hours," suggesting backup power options may be needed during stormy weather.