Little Bennett Campground offers tent sites on gravel pads, full hook-up RV spots, and dog-friendly accommodations across multiple camping loops. The campground sits at approximately 500 feet elevation in Montgomery County's largest park, encompassing 3,700 acres of Maryland Piedmont forest. Most sites provide natural screening through vegetation, creating privacy between neighboring campers, while bathhouses with showers serve most camping areas, though Loop E requires a longer walk to facilities.
What to do
Trail exploration throughout the seasons: Little Bennett Campground features an extensive network of hiking trails where visitors can enjoy the changing landscape year-round. According to one camper, "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly" while another mentions that the "spaces are big" with "lots of nature trails" for exploration.
Waterpark fun for families: Lake Fairfax Campground offers an on-site waterpark that requires an additional fee but provides excellent entertainment for children. One visitor notes, "There is a water park that is an extra cost which is fun for kids." The campground also features fishing opportunities, a skateboard park, and BMX facilities within the same complex.
Metro access to Washington DC: The region provides excellent access to urban attractions without requiring driving into the city. Greenbelt Park Campground is particularly well-positioned, with one camper noting it's "a quiet spot in a semi-urban area" where "you can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods."
What campers like
Spacious, naturally separated sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy offered by vegetation between sites. A visitor to Cherry Hill Park mentioned their "brick patio with patio furniture" while another praised the "50 amp hook-up, water, sewer" and amenities including "playground, mini golf, swimming pool, hot tub, basketball court."
Well-maintained facilities: Cleanliness consistently appears in positive reviews across multiple campgrounds. At Bull Run Regional Park, campers noted "bath houses are clean and well maintained" and praised the site layout where "your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone."
Kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds in the Montgomery Village area offer numerous recreation options for children. One visitor mentioned Bull Run has "tons of amenities" including "a climbing wall on one afternoon" and "a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides," making it "great family friendly."
What you should know
Varying seasonal operations: Not all campgrounds operate year-round, with some closing during winter months. Little Bennett operates from April through October, while Lake Fairfax runs "March 22 to September 7." At Ramblin' Pines, however, one reviewer simply noted it's "open all year."
Reservations recommended for weekends: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months and holidays. One camper at Cherry Hill Park advised, "Plan and reserve your DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park!"
Pricing considerations: Campgrounds in this region tend to charge higher rates than more rural locations. Bull Run visitors noted "occupancy AND transaction fees that really add up if you're only there a few nights" and "a 2-night minimum stay," even midweek in spring. Another camper stated, "Out-of-state campers pay higher camping fee than Maryland residents, $66/night" at Little Bennett.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. A visitor to Patapsco Valley State Park mentioned "a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park," noting it's "the perfect little getaway from the city for camping, fishing and hiking" though trails are "not stroller friendly."
Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds offer water features that children particularly enjoy during summer months. One family reported that at Cherry Hill Park, "We loved the brick patio with patio furniture. Close to plenty of attractions," while the pool area was described as "nice looking" though weather-dependent.
Nature discovery programs: Some parks organize educational activities specifically designed for younger campers. Bull Run visitors mentioned a "nature scavenger hunt" where "you even get a prize when you finish" and praised the overall experience as "great for kids!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection for leveling: Many RVers note the importance of selecting level sites, which varies significantly between campgrounds. One camper at Little Bennett reported, "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," while another mentioned "very spacious, level" sites with "50A service, water and sewer hookup."
Cell service limitations: Mobile connectivity varies between campgrounds, with Little Bennett reporting "AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster(1 bar), 8 MB/s with it(2 bars)" and "no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy," though "OTA TV was descent using an external omni antenna."
Turning radius considerations: Some campgrounds have limited maneuvering space at entrances or check-in areas. One RVer noted they were "instructed by staff via gate phone to proceed to campsite as check-in at camp store is at dead end with insufficient turning space for pickup towing 28ft bumper pull."