West Friendship, Maryland, sits within the rolling hills of Howard County at elevations ranging from 300-500 feet. The area experiences humid summers with temperatures frequently reaching the high 80s, while winter lows often drop below freezing. Camping options span from basic tent sites to upscale accommodations, with several campgrounds offering year-round availability for those seeking outdoor recreation beyond peak season.
What to do
Trail exploration at Little Bennett Campground: Located near Clarksburg, the campground features an extensive network of hiking paths through wooded terrain. "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly," notes Ray & Terri F., who appreciated the park's natural setting despite heavy tree coverage limiting satellite reception.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain stocked ponds for casual anglers. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, visitors can try their luck without traveling far from their sites. One camper reported, "My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site," highlighting the accessible fishing opportunities.
Historic exploration: The region's proximity to Gettysburg makes it ideal for history enthusiasts. Artillery Ridge Campground connects directly to significant Civil War sites. "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts," explains one visitor.
What campers like
Family-friendly amenities: Little Bennett Campground receives praise for its structured activities and recreational facilities. "Fun weekend trip very close to DC. Well kept park with lots of activities for kids - jumping pillow, laser tag, pedal cars, arts and crafts," shared a recent visitor, highlighting options beyond standard camping experiences.
Convenient location: Many appreciate the area's strategic position between major cities. Cherry Hill Park offers particular advantages for those visiting Washington DC. "Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can't be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments," explains Jennifer H., who found transportation options plentiful.
Variety of accommodations: Beyond standard camping, alternative lodging options meet diverse needs. Yurt camping near West Friendship provides enclosed shelter with basic furnishings. At Codorus State Park Campground, visitors can choose from "sites in wide-open park-like settings, and some that are treed," offering flexibility based on preference.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Sites fill quickly, especially for yurt and glamping accommodations near West Friendship. "Reserved 137 days prior to arriving," notes one camper at Little Bennett, indicating the planning required for peak season visits.
Varied site privacy: Campground layouts differ significantly in terms of site separation. Codorus State Park Campground gets mixed reviews regarding privacy, with one camper noting, "For the most part we didn't notice any that really seem to be right on top of each other, but we think the site we got was the best one in the park."
Seasonal limitations: While some facilities operate year-round, others have restricted seasons. "Open April 1 to October 31" applies to several area campgrounds, including Cunningham Falls State Park, requiring off-season campers to verify availability.
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Many campgrounds offer structured recreation on weekends only. At Washington DC / Capitol KOA, families find numerous options to keep children engaged. "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc)," notes Elise M., though she adds that site privacy varies by location type.
Swimming considerations: Pool rules vary by facility, with some imposing age or ability restrictions. One visitor to Cunningham Falls State Park Manor Area noted, "There is no swimming pool or lake," making it important to research water recreation options in advance when traveling with children.
Playground proximity: Consider site location relative to play areas. "The only complain we had was people walking through our sites due us being close to the playground and the noise level on the playground," mentioned one Artillery Ridge visitor, highlighting how a seemingly convenient location may impact quiet time.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Terrain throughout the region often requires adjustment. At Cunningham Falls State Park, visitors noted that "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," indicating the need for appropriate leveling equipment.
Hookup variations: Full-service sites aren't universal. At Ramblin' Pines, RVers appreciate the 50-amp service availability, though proximity to neighbors can be a consideration. One visitor noted, "The sites are pretty close together, but otherwise nice and well maintained."
Connectivity concerns: Cell reception and internet access vary widely across campgrounds near West Friendship. "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," reported one Little Bennett camper, suggesting travelers plan accordingly for communication needs.
