Maryland offers several upscale glamping options near Benson and throughout the surrounding region. Most locations sit at elevations between 300-500 feet with moderate temperatures throughout spring and fall camping seasons. Winter camping remains available at select locations with seasonal activities changing from water recreation to holiday-themed events.
What to do
Explore DC landmarks: Washington DC / Capitol KOA serves as an access point for exploring national monuments. "The park is close to Washington DC and offers a conceirge service for tours and things to do. On site are pools, splash pad, rv supplies and repair parts, a snack bar and lots more," notes Scott C., who suggests getting a site at the end of a row for better spacing.
Hiking trails: Little Bennett Campground features an extensive network of well-maintained hiking paths. "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly," mentions Ray & Terri F., who stayed at site D72. The trails vary in difficulty level, making them accessible to different skill levels.
Holiday events: Beyond summer activities, campsites transform for seasonal celebrations. At Bull Run Regional Park, families can participate in structured events. "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," explains Bridget H., highlighting the organized activities available during holiday weekends.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm receives praise for its natural setting. "Such a wonderful campground. We have visited 5x this year. Wooded sites, open sites, tent sites. All great!" comments Amy R. The campground offers a mix of site types with varying levels of tree coverage.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathrooms at Codorus State Park Campground. "Paved sites, modern, clean bathrooms," reports Mike C. The park maintains high standards for its facilities despite high visitor traffic during peak seasons.
Lake recreation: Many visitors appreciate the water activities at Cunningham Falls State Park. "Gorgeous area but not a lot around there," notes Linda C. The park features a lake with swimming areas and fishing opportunities, though the swimming areas can become crowded during summer weekends.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Cherry Hill Park fills quickly during peak seasons. "The price is a little steep, but with all the amenities you get, it is well worth it. We had a premium site for seven nights," shares Jonathan B. Reservations should be made 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Site conditions: Some campgrounds have variable site quality. "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," reports Napunani at Little Bennett Campground. Always check with the park office about specific site characteristics when booking.
Seasonal openings: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. Codorus State Park Campground only operates from "2nd Friday April to November 1," limiting off-season access. Cunningham Falls State Park operates from "April 1 to October 31," so winter camping options are limited.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Ramblin' Pines offers specialized areas for children. "It has a pool, jump pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, barnyard with goats, and multiple playgrounds. I really like all the trees," writes Sean M., noting the variety of entertainment options for younger campers.
Swimming options: Several parks offer swimming facilities with varying restrictions. "The pool is decent but a bit far of a walk from the camp sites," mentions Joe R. about Cherry Hill Park. Some locations prohibit swimming in natural bodies of water but provide pool facilities as alternatives.
Educational programs: Many parks schedule ranger-led activities. "During peak season, there are nature programs going on," a camper mentions about Cunningham Falls State Park. These programs typically run on weekends and holidays, providing structured learning opportunities for children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Bull Run Regional Park provides various site options with utilities. "The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone," Roberta K. explains. These pull-through sites simplify arrival and departure for larger rigs.
Dump station access: When selecting a glamping site near Benson, Maryland, confirm waste disposal facilities. "No dump station though!! Dump before you get here," advises Chelsea B. about Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park. Some parks require using facilities at neighboring campgrounds.
Site leveling: Pay attention to site grading information. "My site was level and was raked by the hosts before we got there," reports Chelsea B. at Cunningham Falls State Park. Request details about specific sites when making reservations, as terrain varies significantly even within the same campground.
