I've been putting in at Smallwood a lot. Would like to shorten my runs but I've been warned by some fellow anglers that there has been some vandalism issues at some smaller ramps especially Marshall Hall. Any thoughts?

deer camera and some personal protection

You will always be safer at the larger ramps with more traffic or on site bait store etc.  Smallwood and Leesylvainia are your best bets.  I launch out of Hope Springs just because I like Aquia Creek.  To me it's worth the run to make sure my trailer/truck are safe in the lot.  

I guess it can anytime but I would be more worried about things like this happening after dark unless it is in a very isolated area.