Camping sites near Avon, Connecticut are predominantly seasonal, with most facilities open from early May through mid-October. The region sits within the Farmington Valley at elevations ranging from 200-400 feet, creating moderate terrain variations at campgrounds. Summer temperatures typically range from 55°F overnight to 85°F during peak daytime hours, with higher humidity levels during July and August.
What to do
Fishing access: 15-minute drive to Austin Hawes Memorial Campground in Pleasant Valley provides direct Farmington River fishing. "Trophy trout river with excellent fishing, but catch and release only," notes Melissa R. The campground connects to numerous fishing spots as Tom C. confirms: "Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots."
Hiking trails: 1-2 miles from campsites at Onion Mountain Park offer moderate difficulty routes. "We ended up finding a very primitive spot off the blue trail (on top of the mountain), where we settled down for the night," shares Nora S. The trail system connects to multiple routes as Marshall S. explains: "My BSA troop has been going here for years to help new scouts learn to camp."
Swimming options: 3 separate facilities within 30 minutes of Avon. Black Rock State Park Campground includes lake swimming with Mathew D. noting it's "a nice family friendly campground that makes for easy trips. The campground also has a lake for swimming, trails for hiking, and some nice quiet areas for fishing."
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Premium locations along the Farmington River are highly rated. "We stayed right on the river side, No hook up, but they have a dump station," explains Andrzej K. about Austin Hawes Memorial Campground. Campers appreciate the separation between sites as Dawn D. confirms: "Love camping here the sites are spaced apart nicely."
Nighttime quiet: Enforced quiet hours at Prospect Mountain Campground make it popular with families. "Lots of trees and shade. Great pool. The sites on the water looked nice- hoping to try for that next time!" writes Stephanie. The natural setting contributes to dark night skies as Megin F. shares: "The grounds were absolutely beautiful and very well maintained!"
Clean bathroom facilities: Regularly maintained at most campgrounds within 30 minutes of Avon. "Bathrooms are nice, maintained, and well lit. You can get ice and firewood at the camp store at the entrance," mentions Emily M. about Austin Hawes. For premium facilities, Diane R. describes Lake Compounce Campground: "Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: No reception in several campgrounds near Avon. Katherine P. warns about Austin Hawes: "Last but not least - no cellphone service, which is either a good or bad thing, depending on how you feel about it." Plan communications accordingly before arrival.
Wildlife awareness: Bears present in the area require proper food storage. Lake Compounce Campground has reported wildlife: "This is an interesting camp ground. As I am set up for bed I see one other large green tent that looks deserted. People left their left over food scraps in the grass by my camp so not only has my dog been eating it, I also hear coyotes. Won't be surprised if I see a bear in the morning," reports A J.
Campsite selection: Significant variations between sites at same campground. "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," advises Emily M. Request specific sites when booking based on privacy needs.
Tips for camping with families
Activity schedules: Daily programs offered at several campgrounds throughout summer. Lone Oak Camp Sites runs extensive programming as Natalie N. describes: "It is family oriented and has plenty of activities, but we ignored all that and were pleasantly left alone." Programming focuses on children according to Jean T.: "We had an enjoyable stay at Lone Oak. The facilities were very clean and they had a well organized group of employees."
Swimming options for different ages: Pools with varying depths available. Prospect Mountain Campground has "Nice pool with time for adult only swim time," according to Gale S. Some pools specifically designed for younger swimmers as noted by Ann S.: "Pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids."
Space between campsites: Varies significantly across locations. Ann S. cautions about Cozy Hills: "The only downside was the real lack of privacy at almost all the sites we saw. It was more like staying in a summer cottage colony. Most sites were not wooded and provided no buffer from one to the next." Look for sites with natural barriers if privacy is important.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Water/electric available at most campgrounds, but sewer connections restricted. Ray B. notes about Lake Compounce: "Very well maintained and friendly staff will stay again when in the area. Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station."
Pull-through accessibility: Limited options for larger RVs within 30 minutes of Avon. Lake Compounce offers "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded," according to Diane R. Site arrangement affects privacy: "The sites were long so even though you face your neighbor, the sites were long enough that our door wasn't directly across from our neighbor."
Seasonal variations in occupancy: Weekdays significantly less crowded than weekends. Richard notes about Lake Compounce: "CG is pretty empty during the week and gets busy during the weekend." This pattern affects bathroom availability and campground noise levels throughout the peak summer season.
