Best Tent Camping near Avon, CT
Tent campsites near Avon, Connecticut provide several options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking primitive camping experiences in the region's natural settings. Onion Mountain Park offers free tent camping in a peaceful, wooded environment with established fire pits, while River Highlands State Park River Campground provides tent sites with the benefit of electric hookups along the scenic Connecticut River. Both locations are within a reasonable drive from Avon and offer distinctive outdoor experiences.
Most tent campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. At Onion Mountain Park, campers access sites via hiking trails rather than driving directly to their spots. As one reviewer noted, "It's up the yellow or blue trail depending on which one you take. However, it's not a long walk to the parking area from the campsite." Many locations lack facilities like drinking water, showers, or modern restrooms, so campers should prepare accordingly with adequate water supplies and sanitation equipment. Fire regulations vary by location, with several sites permitting campfires in designated rings or pits.
The natural setting provides the primary appeal for tent camping in the Avon area. Sites at Onion Mountain Park feature existing fire pits and are described by users as "very peaceful" with good primitive spots found off trail routes. A review mentioned that "we ended up finding a very primitive spot off the blue trail (on top of the mountain), where we settled down for the night." For those willing to venture slightly farther, Chapman Pond Preserve offers tent platforms with picnic tables and outhouses with views of the Connecticut River. These tent-only experiences typically provide more seclusion than developed campgrounds, though sites tend to be small and best suited for individual tents rather than group camping. Wildlife encounters are common, so proper food storage is essential, particularly at sites without bear boxes.
