Road noise from Route 8 reaches some sites at Austin Hawes Memorial Campground, but the Farmington River flowing through the property provides a natural counterpoint. This state forest campground in Pleasant Valley operates seasonally from May through September, drawing anglers and paddlers to its riverfront location.
Sites vary considerably in size and privacy, with some offering direct river access while others sit closer to the main road. Christine N. found it "very chilled and secluded in your own site," though campers report hearing traffic from certain spots. The campground accommodates both RVs and tents, with full hookups available including electric, water, and sewer connections. A dump station serves those camping without hookups.
The Farmington River defines much of the camping experience here. Designated as a trophy trout fishery with catch-and-release regulations, it draws serious anglers throughout the season. Campers also use the river for tubing, swimming, and kayaking when water levels permit. The Henry Buck Trail provides hiking access directly from the campground, connecting to broader trail networks in the surrounding state forest.
Cell phone service remains spotty to nonexistent throughout the campground, which some visitors appreciate as a digital detox opportunity. Mosquitoes and ticks are abundant during summer months, making bug spray essential. The camp office sells ice and firewood, while Pleasant Valley General Store down the road stocks supplies, live bait, and fishing equipment. White Pines Campsites offers another option for those seeking different amenities.
This campground works well for anglers, paddlers, and campers who prioritize river access over extensive amenities, particularly those comfortable with minimal cell connectivity and seasonal insect activity.
Description
30 sites in pine woods. Dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing. No swimming. One pet/site permitted. *Early season is designated as rustic camping only - no bathrooms, showers or running water available. Portable toilets available. Water is anticipated to be available by May 1st, depending on weather.
Fee Info
$17/night/campsite for CT residents plus a Processing Fee $27/night/campsite for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee $50/night/Rustic Cabins for CT residents plus a Processing Fee and 15% occupancy tax $60/night/Rustic Cabins for non-residents plus a Processing Fee and 15% occupancy tax A refundable $50 security deposit is required at the time of cabin check-in, and is payable by cash or check only.
Reservation Info
Payment may be made by credit card, money order, or traveler check when calling the toll-free number or by credit card online. There is a $9.00 fee for making each reservation.
Reservations may be canceled up to two days prior to the intended stay by contacting the Reserve America Call Center. A $9.00 fee will also apply for cancellations or reservation changes.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Austin Hawes Campground will be undergoing necessary infrastructure updates to the bathhouses during the 2026 camping season. The project consists of two phases: - Phase 1: Demolition of the campground's North loop bathhouse (campsites 18-35) and construction of a new bathhouse in its place - Phase 2: Immediately following the completion of phase 1, Phase 2 will include the demolition of the campground's South loop bathhouse (campsites 1-17) and construction of a new bathhouse in its place One of the campground's bathhouses will be available to campers during each phase of the project. Additionally, two handicapped accessible portable toilets will be available in the loop undergoing demolition/construction.
**The Camp Office is open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Campers checking in for cabins must be on site by 5:30 p.m. for check in. Running water is not available at this campground during the early season.**
Location
Public CampgroundAustin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest is located in Connecticut
Directions
Take Route 44 east from Winsted to Route 318 east to Pleasant Valley, or use Route 44 west from New Hartford to Route 181 north to Pleasant Valley.
Address
WEST RIVER ROAD (P.O. BOX 1)
Pleasant Valley, CT 06063
Coordinates
41.93515129 N
73.00391282 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 30 min from Waterbury, CT
- 32 min from Hartford, CT
- 46 min from Springfield, MA
- 1 hr 2 min from Pittsfield, MA










