Best Tent Camping near Ashford, CT
The forested landscapes surrounding Ashford, Connecticut offer several tent camping options within a short drive. Primitive tent campsites can be found at Onion Mountain Park, approximately 30 miles northwest of Ashford, where walk-in tent sites provide a secluded camping experience. For tent campers seeking water access, Selden Neck State Park Campground and Chapman Pond Preserve offer tent-only camping along the Connecticut River, though these require boat access. Buck Hill Campground in nearby Rhode Island provides established tent camping with pond access and is suitable for groups needing multiple tent sites.
Most tent-only campgrounds in the region have basic amenities with varying access requirements. Onion Mountain Park features primitive tent sites accessible via hiking trails rather than direct vehicle access, with campers reporting a short but definite hike required to reach the camping area. Sites typically include established fire rings but limited other facilities. Campers should bring their own water, as most primitive tent camping areas lack potable water sources. The terrain at many sites consists of uneven forest floor with roots and natural obstacles, requiring careful tent placement. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with restrictions common during dry summer months.
Tent campers frequently note the peaceful atmosphere at these locations. According to reviews, Onion Mountain Park offers "very peaceful overnight camping" with sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. One camper advised bringing a smaller tent as "the spot is not very big" but mentioned the convenience of finding "a firepit already set up." At Selden Neck State Park, tent platforms provide stable surfaces for camping with "plenty of flat area to pitch a tent, nice picnic table and fire pit." The island location creates a unique backcountry tent camping experience with minimal development beyond the four designated campsites. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many backcountry tent sites having limited or no connectivity.