Austin Hawes Memorial - American Legion State Forest, near Pleasant Valley, Connecticut, is a charming campground that offers a cozy escape into nature. With spacious sites that provide a good amount of privacy, it’s a solid choice for those looking to unwind while still being part of a friendly camping community.

This spot is perfect for tent and RV campers alike, featuring amenities like clean bathrooms, hot showers, and easy access to drinking water. Visitors have noted the well-maintained facilities, and many appreciate the availability of ice and firewood right at the camp store. As one camper mentioned, “Hot showers and clean bathrooms are available,” which is always a plus after a day of outdoor activities.

For those who enjoy fishing and hiking, the campground is conveniently located near the Farmington River and the Henry Buck Trail. Reviewers have highlighted the peaceful surroundings, making it an ideal base for exploring the area. Just a short drive away, you’ll find local stores for any supplies you might need, including live bait for fishing.

While the campground is dog-friendly, be sure to pack some bug spray, as the summer months can bring out the mosquitoes. Overall, Austin Hawes Memorial offers a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, making it a great spot for your next camping adventure.

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.

Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

Searching for the best camping near Riverton, CT? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Connecticut camping has to offer. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Riverton. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Riverton

The Best Camping Near Riverton, Connecticut

First time here this past fourth of july!

Excellent campground for tent campers. Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots.

Definitely need to come back. Great rates on all sites. Excellent amenities available within a short walk. Extremely friendly relatable staff and excellent wood/ice supply.

Fishing the Farmington

Hot showers and clean bathrooms are available

Beautiful, quiet, great fishing, great hiking!

A few nice sites, most are ok, some small. Ours backed up to the river and was large but hiking trail along river had a lot of traffic. Host was pleasant, campground fairly quiet. No planned activities so not great if you like that kind of thing, perfect if you don't. Trophy trout river with excellent fishing, but catch and release only.

Basic state forest campground

Love camping here the sites are spaced apart nicely

Well spaced out lots, you have a lot of privacy, there is a drive in movie theater 10 min away (we always tailgate a movie as tradition) it’s close to a bunch of quaint towns. 

Favorite place to camp in CT.... 

 tried to just do the check boxes but it wouldnt let me submit without a bunch of dates i dont know.

No dispersed camping.

We were passing through Connecticut and needed a place to crash. Loved this campsite! Very chilled and secluded in your own site. I liked that it felt like a litrle community but still quotr private. They provide ice and firewood which is cool. Loved our camp site, lots of trees around too. Was very buggy so bring bug reppelant! Hot showers were fab and they have water and toikets too. Very easy to drive too as well snd friendly staff on site avail till 6pm. Great spot. Liked that the toilets were close from every site!

Cosy, comfortable, quirky, chilled 

Hawes is one of the few campgrounds in CT that's dog friendly. The sites are nice and large, with room for trailers, and they also have a few cabin sites as well.

There is access to the Farmington River from the campground for your fishing and paddling pleasure.

In the summer, this place is mosquito central, so bring lots of bug spray or be eaten alive!

The camp office only sells ice and firewood, but there's a Stop and Shop nearby, as well as a couple of general stores.

Last but not least - no cellphone service, which is either a good or bad thing, depending on how you feel about it.

Small, Quiet, Cute!

Fantastic campground not too far from New York. Super quiet, private campgrounds nestled in the trees, right on a river. This is an anglers campground, so there was some serious fishing going on. Not many kids or partiers. We jumped in the river and got out of the heat. Easy to get a reservation. Favorite spot to camp outside the city. Also lots of little cabins if you dont want to rent camp.

Quiet near the city

We had a great time ,  very friendly stuff 
We stayed right on the river side ,   No hook up ,  but they have a  dump station 

Great place 

If you like nice big private sites, peace and quiet while providing a great location for fishing and hiking (Henry Buck Trail) then this is your kind of place.   Our family likes to get out into the hiking trails and hit activities in the area vs the all inclusive campground experience and this camp site provided just that.  Not a negative against the camp site but bring your bug spray! Bugs and ticks abound but it's nature. What else do you expect:)

  

The Pleasant Valley General Store down the road is great.  Provides everything you need in addition to live bait and even a rod and reel to purchase if  you forget yours!   We also recommend the General Store nearby in Riverton!  Great place to have lunch!  Although we didn't the chance there's also a drive-in down the road!!!

Nice and Quiet

Nice campground, semi private. The sites are spread out enough but you’re not completely alone. You hear a lot of cars going by if you’re at a site that backs up to the main road. 
Bathrooms are nice, maintained, and well lit. You can get ice and firewood at the camp store at the entrance. 
The map made it seem like site 30 was going to be set back a little into the trees but it was pretty open and exposed. I’d say 29 looks like the best spot of that loop. 

Nice weekend!

Austin Hawes (also known as American Legion State Forest/Campground) is a great little place in a beautiful part of the State. They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers. Have camped here before in tents and a pop up, it's right on the Farmington River, so we have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well. The bathrooms have showers and flush toilets, there are hiking trails in and near the campground, and stores not too far. Sites vary in size and privacy. 

Photos of Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

Real photos from real campers