CAMP DANCING BEAR

camp dancing bear

For Maryland residents seeking a unique and adventurous outdoor destination for groups, Camp Dancing Bear in Monkton stands out as an exceptional choice. This facility, part of the larger Camps Running Bear and Dancing Bear complex, is not a typical public campground offering individual daily campsites. Instead, it specializes in group rentals, making it an ideal venue for organizations, youth groups, scout troops, churches, and even large family gatherings looking for an immersive and activity-rich outdoor experience.

Nestled on 228 beautiful acres of natural settings, including frontage on the Gunpowder River, Camp Dancing Bear offers a rustic yet amenity-supported environment. Its focus is on providing a comprehensive outdoor setting that encourages team building, adventure, and connection with nature. For Marylanders, this means a fantastic opportunity to organize impactful group outings without having to travel far from home.

The essence of Camp Dancing Bear lies in its combination of natural beauty and purpose-built facilities designed to facilitate group activities. From its large open field for tent camping to its various recreational amenities, the camp provides a versatile backdrop for a wide array of programs. It's a place where learning, adventure, and camaraderie are fostered, ensuring that groups can achieve their objectives while enjoying the tranquility and excitement of the Maryland outdoors.

As a dedicated group rental facility, Camp Dancing Bear provides a more structured and private experience than typical public campgrounds. This allows groups to tailor their activities, fostering a strong sense of community and shared experience. For Maryland organizations and families planning memorable gatherings, Camp Dancing Bear offers a distinctive and highly capable venue.

Camp Dancing Bear is located at 1240 Blue Mt Rd, Monkton, MD 21111, USA. This prime location in northern Baltimore County places it within easy reach for a significant portion of Maryland's population, particularly those residing in the Baltimore metropolitan area, as well as those coming from southern Pennsylvania.

Monkton is a picturesque, rural community known for its scenic landscapes, equestrian traditions, and the Gunpowder Falls State Park. The camp's setting off Blue Mount Road provides a secluded natural environment, ensuring groups can enjoy peace and privacy during their stay.

A major advantage of this location is its proximity to significant population centers. It is described as "only 10 minutes north of Hunt Valley, MD," a major business and retail hub. This means groups can quickly and easily access the camp from major thoroughfares like I-83, which connects Baltimore directly to southern Pennsylvania. For groups traveling from Baltimore, Annapolis, or even Washington D.C., the drive is relatively straightforward and manageable, making it an excellent choice for weekend retreats or multi-day programs without extensive travel.

Furthermore, the camp's natural surroundings are a key aspect of its accessibility. Being on the Gunpowder River and part of the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy, it offers immediate access to a rich natural environment for hiking, river activities, and nature exploration. This strategic balance of natural immersion and convenient access to urban and suburban areas makes Camp Dancing Bear a highly practical and desirable location for Maryland groups seeking an outdoor adventure close to home.

Camp Dancing Bear primarily serves as a public group rental facility, rather than offering individual daily campsites. Its services are designed to accommodate organized groups, youth organizations, and private events. Key services include:

• Group Accommodation: The camp features a large field specifically for tent camping for groups. There is also one cabin available that sleeps 4-6 people.
• Dedicated Facilities: It includes a large pavilion, offering a covered space for gatherings, meals, and activities regardless of weather.
• Bathhouse: A crucial amenity for group camping, the camp provides a bathhouse with two showers in both bathrooms, available during the spring, summer, and fall months.
• Water Access: A water spigot is available on site for potable water needs.
• Recreational Equipment: The camp is equipped with a GaGa pit, a volleyball sand area, climbing and outdoor work-out stations, and swings, providing built-in recreational options for groups.
• Fire Circle: A dedicated fire circle is available for campfires, storytelling, and communal gatherings.
• Vehicle Access: The site is "ideal for scout groups, and other youth groups that want to tent camp and have easy access to their vehicles, gear trailer, etc.," indicating convenient parking and loading/unloading areas.
• Access to Ropes Courses: Trails from Camp Dancing Bear lead directly to both lower and upper ropes courses, a significant service for groups seeking team-building and adventurous activities (access and instruction for ropes courses would typically be arranged separately or as part of a package).
• River Access: Trails also lead to the Gunpowder River and a 3/4 mile parallel hike along the river bed, offering opportunities for nature exploration and river-based activities (though direct swimming or specific river services might vary).

• Awesome Ropes Course Access: A major highlight and differentiator is the availability of an "Awesome ropes course," with trails leading directly to both lower and upper courses. This provides excellent opportunities for team building, challenge-by-choice activities, and adventurous recreation for groups.
• Dedicated Group Facilities: The presence of a large pavilion, bathhouse with showers, and a water spigot caters specifically to the needs of groups, offering convenience and comfort for larger gatherings.
• Versatile Outdoor Activities: The camp boasts a variety of recreational features, including a GaGa pit, volleyball sand area, climbing and outdoor work-out stations, and swings, ensuring there are ample activities to keep groups engaged.
• Natural Riverfront Setting: Located on 228 acres with access to the Gunpowder River, the camp offers a beautiful natural backdrop for outdoor activities, including hiking along the riverbed.
• Flexible Camping Options: While primarily tent camping, the availability of a cabin that sleeps 4-6 provides a flexible accommodation option for group leaders or those needing a slightly more sheltered space.
• Ideal for Youth and Scout Groups: The design and amenities specifically cater to scout troops, churches, and other youth organizations, making it a highly suitable venue for their unique programming needs.
• Proximity to Camp Running Bear Amenities: Being co-located with Camp Running Bear, groups at Camp Dancing Bear may have indirect access to features at Running Bear, such as the large tree swings (a favorite among campers) and a larger dining hall (for very large events, though this would need direct inquiry).

As a group rental facility, Camp Dancing Bear typically focuses on providing competitive group rates and value-added experiences rather than traditional individual daily promotions. "Promotions or special offers" would generally revolve around booking incentives for groups. Potential offers might include:

• Group Rate Structures: The primary "offer" is the availability of specific group rental rates, often requiring a minimum number of people or an equivalent payment. This structure inherently provides value compared to individual bookings if that were an option.
• Off-Peak Season Discounts: Groups booking during non-peak times (e.g., certain weeks in spring or fall, or specific weekdays) might be eligible for reduced rental fees. The bathhouse is closed in winter, indicating a potential closure or very limited services during those months.
• Long-Term Rental Discounts: For organizations looking to book the facility for extended periods (e.g., multiple days, a full week), there may be discounted rates for the duration of the stay.
• Package Deals for Ropes Course/Activities: While ropes course access is a feature, a "special offer" could be a bundled package that includes rental of the camp along with facilitated ropes course activities or other specialized programming.
• Early Booking Incentives: Groups that book far in advance might receive a slight discount or priority scheduling.
• Returning Group Loyalty: Established groups that consistently book with Camp Dancing Bear might receive preferential rates or booking advantages for future years.
• New Summer Camp Opportunities (2024): A specific offer mentioned is for those "interested in starting a new summer camp for youth" to contact the owner for potential use of the facility during June, July, and early August. This is a unique opportunity for new program development.

It is essential for interested groups to directly contact Camp Dancing Bear to discuss their specific needs, group size, desired dates, and inquire about current pricing and any applicable group rates or booking incentives. The camp emphasizes public group rentals, not daily campsites with hookups.

For bookings, inquiries, or more detailed information about Camp Dancing Bear, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1240 Blue Mt Rd, Monkton, MD 21111, USA

Phone: (443) 255-3821

Mobile Phone: +1 443-255-3821

Email: Public information suggests emails such as luckyhenneman@aol.com and hennemanbear@aol.com. It is always best to confirm the preferred contact method when making initial inquiries.

For submitting inquiries, applications, and signed safety waivers, the mailing address provided is: Al Henneman, Camps Running and Dancing Bear, 12500 Fellowship Court, Reisterstown, MD 21136.

Direct communication is highly recommended to discuss group specific needs, availability, rates, and any particular requirements for your event or camping trip.

For Maryland residents, particularly those organizing events for youth groups, scout troops, churches, or large family reunions, Camp Dancing Bear in Monkton is an exceptionally suitable and valuable local resource. Its primary suitability lies in its dedicated focus on group rentals, offering a tailored and private outdoor experience that is often hard to find at public campgrounds. This means local organizations can secure an entire space for their specific programming, fostering stronger bonds and achieving their objectives in a controlled and supportive environment.

The camp's prime location in northern Baltimore County, "only 10 minutes north of Hunt Valley," ensures excellent accessibility from major Maryland population centers. This convenience minimizes travel time, allowing groups to maximize their time engaging in activities and enjoying the natural surroundings. Being situated on the Gunpowder River and within the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy further enhances its appeal, providing a beautiful and ecologically rich backdrop for outdoor education and recreation right in their backyard.

Moreover, the array of features and amenities specifically designed for groups, such as the large pavilion, bathhouse with showers, and various recreational stations (GaGa pit, volleyball, climbing), makes planning and executing group activities much simpler. The highlight of having access to an "awesome ropes course" directly from the camp provides an unparalleled opportunity for team building and adventure that few other local venues can offer. For Maryland groups looking to instill values, build camaraderie, and provide memorable outdoor experiences for their members, Camp Dancing Bear provides the infrastructure and natural setting to do so effectively. It's a local gem that caters to structured outdoor education and recreation, making it an ideal choice for community-focused organizations within the state.

CAMP DANCING BEAR

1240 Blue Mt Rd, Monkton, MD 21111, USA