Little Bennett Campground Loop A Tent Area

For Maryland residents looking for a tranquil getaway without the long drive to the mountains or the coast, Little Bennett Campground in Clarksburg offers a premier outdoor sanctuary. As Montgomery County’s only public campground, it serves as a cherished "staycation" spot for locals in the Bethesda, Rockville, and Silver Spring areas. Nestled within the expansive 3,700-acre Little Bennett Regional Park, the campground is a haven of mature forests, meadows, and winding creeks. Loop A, specifically known for its dedicated tent area, is designed for those who appreciate the classic experience of sleeping under the stars, providing a sense of immersion in nature that feels worlds away from the nearby urban corridors.

The Loop A Tent Area is particularly favored by local families and first-time campers for its balance of privacy and convenience. Each site is thoughtfully carved into the woods, ensuring that the heavy vegetation provides a natural screen between neighbors. This layout allows campers to enjoy the quietude of the forest—punctuated only by the sounds of local wildlife and the rustle of leaves—while still remaining within a short walk of modern comforts. Whether you are looking to introduce your grandchildren to the joys of a campfire or seeking a peaceful solo retreat to reconnect with the Maryland landscape, Loop A provides an accessible and beautifully maintained environment that highlights the best of the state's natural heritage.

Little Bennett Campground is located at 23705 Frederick Road, Clarksburg, MD 20871, USA. For Marylanders, accessibility is one of its greatest strengths. Situated just a few miles off Interstate 270 (Exit 18), the campground is easily reached from both Frederick and the Washington D.C. suburbs. This strategic location makes it an ideal "basecamp" for those who want to explore the capital's attractions during the day—via a short drive to the Shady Grove Metro station—and return to the serenity of the woods by evening. The entrance is well-marked along Route 355 (Frederick Road), and the park's internal roads are paved, making the transition from the highway to your campsite smooth and straightforward.

Accessibility at the campground extends to all visitors, as the facility is designed with inclusivity in mind. Loop A features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that the joys of the outdoors are available to everyone. The campground office and camp store are also accessible, and the central bathhouses are equipped with features to accommodate guests with mobility needs. For those traveling with larger vehicles or RVs, the park offers specialized loops (like Loop D) with full hookups, though Loop A remains the heart of the traditional tenting experience with its designated tent pads and well-spaced sites.

Little Bennett Campground provides a robust set of services to ensure a comfortable and safe outdoor stay. The staff is local and professional, often praised by visitors for their helpfulness and knowledge of the regional trail systems. The services offered include:

• Wooded tent sites in Loop A, each featuring a level tent pad to protect your gear and ensure a good night's sleep.
• Full hookup sites in other loops for RV travelers, including water, electric, and sewer connections.
• Clean and modern bathhouses equipped with public restrooms, running water, and hot showers.
• An onsite camp store stocked with essentials such as firewood, ice, s'more supplies, and camping gear.
• A centralized laundry facility, which is a major convenience for those enjoying extended stays.
• Weekend activities (seasonal) including ice cream socials, guided nature hikes, and outdoor movie nights.
• Professional onsite services and a gated entry system for added security and peace of mind.

The features and highlights of the Little Bennett experience are rooted in the diversity of the surrounding regional park. Beyond your immediate campsite in Loop A, the park offers a playground of activities for all ages. Key highlights include:

• More than 25 miles of natural surface trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, ranging from easy meadow walks to more challenging forested loops.
• Family-friendly amenities such as a jumping pillow, pedal carts, laser tag, and a large playground area near the athletic fields.
• Historic sites scattered throughout the park, including the 19th-century Kingsley Schoolhouse and the Hyattstown Mill.
• A pet-friendly policy that allows dogs to join the adventure, provided they remain on a leash.
• Dedicated picnic areas with barbecue grills and picnic tables, perfect for hosting day-use gatherings.
• Excellent birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities, with frequent sightings of white-tailed deer, foxes, and over 175 species of birds.
• Stargazing opportunities that are significantly better than in the surrounding suburban areas due to the park's dense tree canopy and limited light pollution.

For Marylanders planning a trip, the campground operates primarily from March through November, with limited off-season availability in December. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made through the ActiveMontgomery system or by contacting the campground office directly.

Address: 23705 Frederick Road, Clarksburg, MD 20871, USA

Phone: (301) 528-3430

Email: littlebennettcampground@montgomeryparks.org

Little Bennett Campground Loop A is worth choosing because it offers an authentic, high-quality camping experience that doesn't require a weekend-long commitment to travel. For locals, it represents the perfect balance: it is close enough to home to be convenient, yet the 3,700 acres of protected land provide enough space to truly feel "unplugged." The specific focus on Loop A as a tent area ensures that you won't be bothered by the hum of RV air conditioners, allowing you to fully enjoy the natural soundtrack of the woods. The sites are known for being exceptionally large and secluded, a rarity for campgrounds so close to a major metropolitan area.

Furthermore, the variety of activities makes it a standout choice for families. While the kids are entertained by the jumping pillow or the "kid-friendly" guided hikes, adults can appreciate the well-maintained bathhouses and the proximity to local shopping at the Clarksburg Premium Outlets if they need a quick break from the wilderness. The campground’s commitment to cleanliness and the friendly, proactive nature of its staff—many of whom are your neighbors from across the county—ensure a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you are a veteran hiker looking to tackle the Browning Run Trail or a family pitching their first tent, Little Bennett Campground Loop A delivers a quintessential Maryland outdoor experience that is both restorative and fun.

Would you like me to help you find more information on the specific seasonal activity schedule for your visit or provide a list of the best moderate-difficulty hiking trails within the park?