There are a lot of ways to make the perfect s’mores, but here in Montgomery County, Maryland, we’re giving you the perfect place to make the perfect s’mores. Certain parks have designated campfire rings to ensure everyone is staying safe and having fun.
Campfire rings can be found at five Montgomery County, Maryland parks, Black Hill Visitor Center, Brookside Nature Center, Locust Grove Nature Center, Maydale Nature Classroom & Robert C. McDonell Campground.
The campfire rings are spacious, and some fire rings include a picnic shelter rental like the Oak Grove fire ring at Locust Grove Nature Center or auditorium seating and a large stone campfire circle at the Woodland Amphitheater at Brookside Nature Center.
Little Bennett Campground located in Clarksburg is the perfect getaway for those traveling with RVs. The campground offers full hookups, pull-thru sites, and tent pads. Campsite amenities include a fire ring to roast s’mores. After eating your delicious treat, head out and explore the over 25 miles of trails and meadows.
Swaine’s Lockhouse in Potomac takes guests back in time to the 1900s to see what it was like to live in a lockhouse. Features and amenities at the lockhouse include a 1910s kitchen and bathroom along with two bedrooms.
Another place to roast your s’mores and rest your head is at the Cherry Hill Park Campgrounds. Located just outside of Montgomery County, this park offers luxury accommodations for camping and glamping community. The park gives guests access to two pools, a splash pad, mini golf, and of course a fire ring!
But before you decide to light your fire and start roasting, there are some things to be aware of.
A permit must be purchased by an adult and the purchase sites vary. Different instructions are provided for each Nature Center. For example, Locust Grove Nature Center requires a permit purchase from ActiveMontgomery.com while a visitor needs to call and inquire about a campfire ring at the Maydale Nature Classroom, Brookside Nature Center, & Black Hill Visitor Center. Reservations must be made 14 days in advance. The cost of renting also depends on where and how big of a space you choose with prices ranging from $150-$175 for three hours.
Included in the rental are wood logs and an empty safe bucket. Visitors are responsible for a starter, kindling needed to start the fire, trash bags, food, & utensils including roasting sticks. Along with the rental equipment are rules and guidelines to follow.
Important Guidelines:
- An adult from the group must start the fire.
- An adult must always watch the lit fire.
- An adult is responsible for extinguishing the fire.
- Flames must always be kept under two feet high.
- The fire must be extinguished with water.
Other guidelines include visitors are responsible for filling the safety bucket, returning the safety bucket when done, and throwing all trash away. Balloons and pinatas are prohibited.
There are parks with multiple campfire rings including two fire rings at Brookside Nature Center and three fire rings at Locust Grove Nature Center.
More important things to know before you go are: refunds are only given when a cancellation is made by the Maryland National Capital Park & Planning Commission or by the Nature Center. Inclement weather cancellations are credited towards future use. To purchase a permit on ActiveMontgomery, an account needs to be created.
Once you reserve your spot and gather your supplies, you’re ready to start roasting!
