CW Camping

For residents of Maryland seeking an escape from the suburban sprawl without traveling hours to the mountains, CW Camping at Little Bennett Regional Park offers a distinct "wild" experience. Located within the 3,700-acre expanse of Montgomery County’s largest regional park, CW Camping—often referred to as the hike-in campsite—provides a rugged alternative to the more developed main campground loops. This site is specifically designed for those who prefer the solitude of the woods and are willing to trek a short distance to earn their stay. Managed by Montgomery Parks, the area serves as a perfect middle ground between traditional car camping and remote backcountry expeditions, making it a favorite for local scouts, youth groups, and adventurous families.

The atmosphere at CW Camping is defined by its seclusion. Unlike the primary Little Bennett Campground, which features paved roads and RV hookups, the hike-in area is surrounded by dense forest and rolling meadows. The site is noticeably quieter, offering campers the chance to fall asleep to the sounds of the Bennett Creek tributaries rather than the hum of air conditioners or nearby traffic. It is a place where self-reliance is part of the charm; there are no paved pads or electrical outlets here. Instead, you find a clearing that prioritizes communal gathering, featuring oversized fire rings and massive wooden benches that invite long evenings of storytelling and stargazing.

Location and accessibility are the defining features of the CW Camping experience. Situated within the northern section of Little Bennett Regional Park in Clarksburg, MD, the campsite is not accessible by car. To reach your destination, you must commit to a hike of approximately one mile from the nearest designated parking area. Most visitors utilize the Kingsley Parking Area on Kingsley Road (off Clarksburg Road) and follow a series of scenic natural surface trails. A popular route involves taking the Hard Cider Trail to the Purdum Trail, which eventually merges with a gravel service road leading directly into the camp clearing. This mile-long approach serves as a natural filter, ensuring that the site remains peaceful and exclusive to those reserved for the night.

While the site is remote, it is not entirely disconnected. The trail leading to the camp is well-maintained and wide enough to accommodate strollers or wagons for those bringing extra gear, though the terrain does involve several small ridges and changes in elevation. For Maryland locals, the park’s proximity to I-270 makes it easily reachable from Germantown, Bethesda, or Frederick. However, once you leave the parking lot and disappear into the trees of the Purdum Trail, the metropolitan surroundings vanish entirely. It is important to note that because this is a hike-in facility, all supplies—including water and food—must be packed in and all waste must be packed out, adhering to the "Leave No Trace" principles that protect this valuable natural gem.

• Exclusive hike-in camping permits for groups or individuals, accommodating up to 60 guests at a single site.
• Short-term reservation options through the Active Montgomery website, allowing for a one-night minimum stay (unlike the weekend minimums often found at the main park).
• Access to over 25 miles of natural surface trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
• Provision of chemical toilets (Port-a-Pots) located conveniently near the trail junction by the campsite.
• Maintenance of large-scale communal fire rings designed for group cooking and gatherings.
• Designated on-site parking at nearby trailheads like Kingsley or Froggy Hollow for permitted campers.
• Coordination of permits for youth groups and educational organizations seeking a primitive wilderness experience.
• Regular trail maintenance and park ranger patrols to ensure the safety and security of the backcountry areas.

• Large-scale "buddy" benches and wooden seating arrangements centered around multiple fire rings.
• Pet-friendly environment where dogs are allowed to join the adventure, provided they remain on a leash.
• Direct proximity to historic sites within the park, including the one-room Kingsley Schoolhouse and the ruins of the Norwood Tobacco Barn.
• Diverse wildlife viewing opportunities, with the park hosting over 175 species of birds, including Eastern Bluebirds and Woodcocks.
• Scenic creek crossings and bridges along the access trails that provide excellent photography spots.
• A "true wilderness" feel with no running water or electricity, perfect for practicing primitive skills.
• Kid-friendly trail grades that make the one-mile hike accessible for younger children and first-time hikers.
• Large, level clearing areas that allow for flexible tent placement for groups of varying sizes.

Reservations for CW Camping must be handled with a bit more foresight than a standard hotel stay. Montgomery Parks typically requires hike-in sites to be booked at least three days in advance to ensure administrative processing. While you can browse availability on the Active Montgomery portal, many users find it helpful to speak with the Park Permits Office directly for specific group needs. Use the following contact information for planning your trip:

Address: Little Bennett Regional Park (Access via Purdum and Logger's Trail), Clarksburg, MD 20871, USA

Phone: (301) 528-3430 (Campground Office) or (301) 495-2525 (Park Permits Office)

Online: ActiveMontgomery.org

When deciding where to spend your outdoor time in Maryland, CW Camping at Little Bennett is worth choosing specifically for its "gateway" nature. It is the ideal location for a Maryland resident who wants a backpacking experience without the multi-hour drive to the Appalachian Trail or the daunting elevation gains of Western Maryland. The one-mile hike is just long enough to feel like an accomplishment for children, yet short enough that you can still pack in a few extra luxuries like a cast-iron skillet or a favorite camp chair. It serves as a fantastic "practice run" for those looking to get into more serious thru-hiking or backcountry camping.

Furthermore, the site is worth choosing for its exceptional value and flexibility. Because it offers a one-night minimum and can accommodate up to 60 people, it is one of the most cost-effective and logistically simple ways to host a large group event in Montgomery County. You get the privacy of a dedicated group site without the premium price tag of the main RV loops. The lack of running water and electricity is not a drawback, but a feature—it forces a slower pace of life, requiring campers to focus on the basics of fire-building, water filtration, and communal living. For those who believe that the best memories are made around a shared fire after a day on the trail, CW Camping at Little Bennett is a Maryland destination that shouldn't be overlooked.