Little Bennett Campground
Facilities
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Located at: |
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Little Bennett Campground
23701 Frederick Road
Clarksburg, MD 20871
Little Bennett Campground is part of Little Bennett Regional Park, and offers visitors quality wooded campsites and miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails throughout 3,700 acres of forests and meadows. With more than 20 miles of trails to explore, 91 wooded campsites from which to choose, and a variety of weekend activities available for all age groups and interests, Little Bennett Campground is a perfect weekend get-away or vacation spot. For a comprehensive look at Little Bennett Regional Park and the campground, visit the Friends of Little Bennett Park.
Little Bennett Campground and Little Bennett Regional Park are operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, and are located in northern Montgomery County, Maryland, 30 miles north of Washington, D.C., 50 miles west of Baltimore, Maryland, and 15 miles south of historic Frederick, Maryland.
Special Announcements & Events at Little Bennett
Camping Season and Hours
Off-Season Use (November - March)
Campsite Descriptions
Interactive Campground Map
Group Camping
Reservations and Fees
Camper Ready Camping
Camp Store
Hawk's Reach Activity Center
Hiking and Equestrian Trails
Recreational Activities
Campground Activities and Events
Camping Gear Check Lists
Places to Play During your Stay!
Vicinity Map
Vehicle Regulations
Park Regulations
Seasonal Job Opportunity
Special Announcements & Events
New for 2013! Hike-In Camping Area
Big news! The former group camping area in the Kingsley Area of Little Bennett is now our Hike-In (only) Camping Area. Thiis change, in keeping with the Master Plan for Little Bennett Regional Park, will reduce vehicular traffic (the adverse effects of which were really beginning to show on this popular camping site), and help keep the campsites and trails cleaner, greener and safer.
What does this mean for campers? If you want to camp here, you'll park in any one of the ten parking areas in Little Bennett Regional Park, then hike into and out of the camping area with all your gear, food, and supplies on foot. Please remember, the Hike-In Camping Area is closed to absolutely all vehicular traffic. If you'd like to reserve a spot in the Hike-In Camping area, please call us at 301-528-3430.
If you have ADA concerns, call us at 301-528-3430 to get information on accessible campsites Little Bennett Campground (including the relocated Group Camping Area across from A-Loop--see below for details).
New for 2013! Group Camping Area Relocated
The Group Camping area is now located in the Little Bennett Campground off Rt. 355, at 23705 Frederick Road in Clarksburg. This area is across from Loop A and can accommodate groups up to 60 campers. A group fire ring, cooking grills, picnic tables and portable toilet facilities are provided for guests in this area. Although there is no running water on site, potable water is available in the Campground. For more information and to make reservations, please call 301-528-3430.
"Burn It Where You Buy It" Comes to Little Bennett Campground
In an effort to stop the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer, which is killing ash trees across the nation, the Maryland Department of Agriculture has put a quarantine order in effect beginning July 11, 2011. As a result, campers are not allowed to bring their own firewood into the campground. Campers will have to purchase it from the camp store. Additionally, any unburned firewood will have to be left behind at the campsite. Everyone's cooperations is greatly appreciated, and no one is more grateful than the ash trees.
Camping Season and Hours
Full-time camping for Little Bennett Campground for the 2013 camping season is
March 29-October 31, with a maximum stay of 14 days. A minimum two-day reservation is required on holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day). Limited camping is available on weekends only during March and November (see below). The campground is closed in December, January and February.
Check-In Time: 1:00 p.m.
Check-Out Time: 11:00 a.m.
For more information, please call us at 301-528-3430.
Off-Season Use (November - March)
Little Bennett Campground is closed for full-time camping during the winter months. Camping is available in March and November on weekends only. Parking at the activity center for hiking is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. - 2 p.m., and is controlled by a locked gate. Please plan your visit accordingly.
Campsite Descriptions
Each of Little Bennett's 91 campsites offers a tranquil setting with ample opportunities to enjoy the scenic splendor of the park. Campsite amenities include a two-vehicle gravel parking area, picnic table, campfire ring, and lantern post. Each of the 66 tent sites have a tent pad. Sixteen campsites are available with 30 amp/20 amp electrical hookups, and nine campsites are available with 50 amp/20 amp electrical hook-ups. This chart may help you choose the best campsite for your needs. It has site specifications including the amount of power on electric sites, and tent pad sizes on tent sites. Comfort stations with sinks, showers, toilet facilities and drinking fountains are located within walking distance of each site. Water spigots are randomly located throughout each camping loop. The central dump station is situated adjacent to the Contact Station. The laundry room, with coin-operated washers and dryers, is located behind the activity center.
Interactive Campground Map
The map below shows the individually numbered campsites' locations, as well as the campground's roads, trails and amenities.
Click on each camp site number to view a photo.
Download a printable version: Little Bennett Campground-Revised Map Rev. April 2013 (pdf, 380.38 KB) Group Camping
The Little Bennett Group Camping area can accommodate groups of up to 60 people. A group fire ring, smaller cooking rings, picnic tables, and portable toilet facilities are provided for guests in this area. Water is available across the road in A-Loop. Call for more information and fees: 301-528-3430.
Hike-In Camping
Hike-In Camping is available off the Kingsley/Purdum Hiking Trails (the former Group Camping Area). Picnic tables, fire rings, and a portable toilet are available for use. You'll need to carry water in as there's no water available at this site. This site must be reserved and parking passes are required for overnight parking in Little Bennett Regional Park. Please note: the “Carry In, Carry Out” rule especially applies at this site. For more information on fees and reservations, please call 301-528-3430.
Reservations and Fees
Advanced reservations are recommended. Payment is required in advance and is non-refundable. Reservations will be accepted after January 1 for any dates during that year's camping season. Please call the Contact Station for camping fees and more specific information: 301-528-3430.
Camper-Ready Camping
Come enjoy the great outdoors without making a huge investment in gear! If you're thinking about camping, but don't want to make the investment in equipment to try it, we have just the thing for you! Camper-Ready Camping is now available at Little Bennett Campground. For an additional rental fee per night, plus the site fee (two-night minimum), your campsite will come all set up for you, with a four-person tent, two camp chairs, a propane stove, and a lantern. Bring your own bedding, cooking gear, and food supplies, and your campsite will be waiting for you to enjoy sleeping under the stars. One week advance notice is required. Camper- Ready Camping is available on campsites B30, B31, and B32 only. Please call the Contact Station for camping fees and more specific information: 301-528-3430.
Camp Store
A camp store is operated at the Contact Station. Basic camping supplies, sodas, ice cream, ice, snacks, and park souvenirs are available for your convenience. Bundles of firewood can be purchased here as well to create a cozy campfire. Check out the camp store hours.
Hawk's Reach Activity Center
Campground staff can provide information about activities and routinely scheduled events at our on-site activity center. Weekend activities may include children's crafts, a guided nature hike, ice cream socials, hayrides, and use of the game room during inclement weather. Detailed information about these activities and more can be found on our 2013 Event & Activities Calendar.
Hiking and Multi-Use Trails
Campground staff can provide maps for the more than 20 miles of trails meandering throughout Little Bennett Regional Park. Biking and horseback riding are restricted to trails designated for their use. Hiking on our trails offers an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery Little Bennett offers and catch glimpses of local wildlife. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trails. Take a look at Little Bennett Regional Park Trails and its Historic Sites.
Recreational Activities
Open playfields are located within the campground for various recreational activities. Horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and several large playgrounds are available for our campers. Recreational equipment including footballs, volleyballs, horseshoes, soccer balls, and frisbees are available at the Contact Station. A refundable security deposit is required for use of this equipment.
Little Bennett Regional Park is home to three orienteering courses. Orienteering maps are available to help users navigate their way around the courses. Bring your own compass, and choose between the Beginner Level(pdf, 1.2MB), Advanced Beginner Level (pdf, 1.3MB), or Intermediate Level (pdf, 1.7MB) to practice, test, and master your orienteering skills. We recommend you print off your own map and coordinates using the links above, to ensure you have everything you need to navigate your way through the park.
Little Bennett Campground has a small Trainer Level Orienteering Course (pdf, 60KB) . If you're new to the sport of using map and compass to navigate from point to point, this course may be just what you need to get started. This course gets progressivley harder, and simulates some situations you may encounter on a real orienteering course. So grab your map and compass, and get lost finding your way around Little Bennett Campground!
NOTE: All four of the courses shown above begin at the Hawk's Reach Activity Center located in the campground. Orienteerers who are non-campers during the camping season or weekend users during the off-season will be required to "walk in" to the starting point.. Parking is available off Route 355 at 23701 Frederick Road, the Little Bennett maintenance employee parking lot. If you have any questions, call 301-528-3430.
Campground Activities and Events
Little Bennett Campground offers a variety of activities and events to compliment your camping adventure. From nature crafts to outdoor movies and hayrides, we've put together a season of activities for all campers. Detailed information can be found on our 2013 Activities & Events Calendar, while the 2013 Activity & Events Flyer lets you see everything at a quick glance. Check it out!!
Camping Gear Check Lists
Whether you're new to camping, or a veteran, we've created various camping check lists to make it easier for you to get ready for your camping trip. The Comprehensive Camping Gear Check List with Descriptions is good for anyone who hasn't camped before. It shows a full list of items that you should or could take, along with a brief narrative or tip about each item. Once you've read and understood what you'll need, you can print the Comprehensive Camping Gear Check List to track items while you pack. The Essential Camping Gear Check List is a short list that will help to prepare you for a simple and relaxing adventure with little thought. Take this list of items, and you should have the core basics needed for a camping adventure. Enjoy, and Happy Camping!
Places to Play During Your Stay
Little Bennett Campground is only a short drive away from a wide variety of adventures in Montgomery County. Check out this list of local places to visit and play - click on the links for more information!
Hyattstown Mill Arts Project (2 miles)
Black Hill Regional Park (5 miles)
Black Hill Boat Rental
Nature Programs at Black Hill Visitor Center
Little Bennett Golf Course (6 miles)
South Germantown Recreational Park (10 miles)
Splash Playground
Mini-Golf South Germantown
Rock Creek Regional Park (17 miles)
Lake Needwood Boat Rentals
Needwood Golf Course
Meadowside Nature Center
Cabin John Regional Park (19 miles)
Cabin John Ice Rink
Cabin John Indoor Tennis
Cabin John Miniature Train
Locust Grove Nature Center
Wheaton Regional Park (22 miles)
Wheaton Miniature Train & Carousel
Wheaton Indoor Tennis
Wheaton Ice Arena
Brookside Gardens
Brookside Nature Center
Northwest Park Golf Course (23 miles)
National Capital Trolley Museum (24 miles)
Sligo Creek Golf Course (25 miles)
Sightseeing: Washington, D.C., historic Baltimore, and historic Frederick are less than an hour away. Many Civil War sites and historic monuments are nearby. If you are planning a visit to the Nation's Capital, be sure to ask campground staff for information on nearby public transportation, including Metrorail service.
Vicinity Map
Door-to-door directions to this location
Vehicle Regulations
Little Bennett is a family campground, so please be a safe and observant driver. Use of all motorized vehicles is limited to paved roadways. Maximum vehicle speed is 20 mph on park roads and 5 mph on camping loops. Parking is allowed in designated areas only. These regulations are strictly enforced.
Park Regulations
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited
- Campers, and camping equipment consisting of any combination of tents and RV's, are limited to a 14-day stay.
- Campers will be assigned to a site and may not move to a new site without prior approval by campground staff
- Tents must be set up within thirty feet of the parking pad
- No more than two tents or one RV and one tent may be placed on one campsite
- No more than six individuals may occupy one campsite (including visitors)
- Only registered campers or visitors may use common park facilities or outdoor areas
- Children must be under adult supervision
- Campground visitors must register and pay at the Contact Station and must be visiting registered campers
- Motor vehicles and/or camping vehicles must be parked on the parking pad of the assigned site.
- No more than two vehicles may be parked at any campsite
- Campsites must be kept clean at all times.
- Trash and refuse must be placed in dumpsters
- Fires are permitted only in the grill or firering provided. Firewood must fit inside of the firering. Fires must not be left unattended
- Cutting any standing tree is considered destruction of property and subject to criminal penalty
- It is unlawful to cut, injure or mutilate any plant, tree or shrub, or damage any structure, picnic table, property or equipment that is on park property.
- The use of chainsaws for any reason is prohibited
- It is unlawful to catch, injure, destroy or interfere in any way with any wildlife
- Nails, knives, or other sharp devices may not be driven into any structure
- It is unlawful to possess or discharge any firearm, bow and arrow, sling shot, airgun or fireworks
- Quiet must be maintained between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Pets are permitted if kept on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length. Pets must not be left unattended and waste must be cleaned up
- Washing vehicles, dishes, pots and pans at water outlets is prohibited. Hoses may not be permanently attached to any water outlet
- Permits will be revoked without refund if campers do not obey these rules and regulations and Department of Park and Planning regulations governing all park areas.
Seasonal Job Opportunity
For an opportunity to work at the campground, check out the job description and learn how to apply. Call or stop by for more information.
Date of last update: June 18, 2013 CFH
Montgomery County Department of Parks