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The Litchfield Hills region surrounding Bantam, Connecticut features several established campgrounds within a short drive of town. Point Folly Campground sits directly on Bantam Lake, providing waterfront sites for tents and RVs from early May through Columbus Day. Cozy Hills Campground, located on Bantam Road, offers 178 sites with full hookups for RVs, tent camping areas, and cabin rentals from mid-April to mid-October. Within 20 miles, campers can access Lake Waramaug State Park in New Preston and Black Rock State Park in Watertown, both offering more rustic camping experiences with fewer amenities but scenic natural settings. The White Memorial Conservation Center also maintains camping areas near Bantam Lake, including the primitive Windmill Hill Campground for tent campers seeking a more secluded experience.
Most campgrounds in the Bantam area operate seasonally from May through early October, with limited winter camping options. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. As one camper noted about Point Folly, "The campground is right on Bantam Lake which is great for boaters, kayakers, fishermen and families. The east side of the lake is much more windy than the west side." Weather considerations include occasional summer thunderstorms and potential flooding at some lakeside sites. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though spotty in more remote areas. Ticks are prevalent, particularly in spring and early summer, with several reviewers mentioning the need for thorough checks after camping.
Family-friendly amenities vary significantly between campgrounds. Private facilities like Cozy Hills offer more developed infrastructure including camp stores, playgrounds, and organized activities. State park campgrounds provide basic amenities with access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and swimming areas. Site privacy is inconsistent across the region, with some campers noting close proximity to neighbors. A reviewer at Lake Waramaug State Park mentioned, "Sites are huge with bathrooms, water, and showers close by. You will almost always have a view of the water. Wouldn't even try to stay here on a weekend unless you like seeing your neighbors' every move as there is zero privacy." Wildlife sightings are common, with beaver, deer, and various bird species frequently spotted from campsites.
"While this might be fine for some dogs, I have 2 young border collies that will jump that fence like it is not even there."
"We stayed near the water. Clean private bathrooms were a plus. Clean pool but only 3 feet deep."
from $72 - $122 / night
Check Availability"We used White Pines as our base while exploring this part of Connecticut and it worked out really well. We spent most of Saturday away from camp and came back tired and ready for an easy evening."
"We visited toward the end of the camping season and loved seeing this part of Connecticut as summer was winding down. The cooler evenings made sitting around the fire especially nice."
from $50 - $62 / night
Check Availability"My family has been camping at Lake Waramaug for over 20 years. I can say most of what’s been said is true or partially so but whether it’s bad or good depends on your point of view."
"One of my favorite so far , went with family , to comply w covid and social distancing, the camp only rent your site and no one on your left or right or across ! Amazing !"
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful state park, very clean .. fishing, lake swimming, hiking trails. Bathrooms, free showers .. stores within a 5 minute drive. Most of the camp ground site are not secluded .."
"The family next to me offered me dinner one night after I spent the whole day working on my RV. Spanish rice chicken the works the plate could barely hold it all."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"teaching scouts of all ages how to take and prepare for the wilderness survival badges place is clean it has running water has a porta potty and festival you don't have to worry because the state of Connecticut"
"Our camp spot was right above the river the flows behind this spot. You can go sit down by the water. But be careful!"
from $14 / night
Check Availability"Tall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane."
"The Housatonic river is wide and shallow but good for soaking on a hot day and right behind pretty much every campsite. The riverside sites have a clear view, the others you walk through the woods."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites."
"There’s two brand new bathrooms on site one of which is conveniently located right by the pool. Owners are doing new renovations to make this place look good!"
from $55 - $150 / night
Check Availability"Affiliated with Lake Compounce Amusement Park adjacent to campground."
"It is adjacent to an amusement park so there were lots of families here. None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out."
"The campground is right on Bantam Lake which is great for boaters/kayakers fisherman and families. I have found the east side of the lake to be much more windy than the west side of the lake. "
"Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing. Small little island"
TravelerThe staff were very friendly and helpful. The facilities: bathrooms, showers, dump station were spotless. The sites vary from tent only to some sites offering electric. Quiet, peaceful, lovely campground!
RangerNice campground. Pull through was helpful for quick overnight stay. I like that there are some walking paths and a dog beach. We would return.
ScoutWe visited toward the end of the camping season and loved seeing this part of Connecticut as summer was winding down. The cooler evenings made sitting around the fire especially nice. I would absolutely come back during fall because this area feels made for that kind of trip.
GuideDefinitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.
BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it
ScoutCame here with a few friends and spent most of the weekend cooking outside and catching up. Exactly what we needed.
ScoutWe booked White Pines because we wanted to spend a few days exploring northwest Connecticut rather than staying in one place the entire trip. It turned out to be a really good home base for that kind of weekend. We headed out during the day and then came back in the late afternoon to cook at our site and relax. One evening we ended up sitting around the fire talking until we realized how late it had gotten. No television, no plans for the night, and nobody staring at their phone. Those are usually the moments we remember most from camping trips, and we had plenty of them here.
ScoutWe used White Pines as our base while exploring this part of Connecticut and it worked out really well. We spent most of Saturday away from camp and came back tired and ready for an easy evening. Made dinner outside, started a fire, and didn’t move again until bedtime. Sometimes that is exactly what you want from a campsite.
ScoutBrought our dog along and really appreciated having a trail we could walk together. It was nice being able to get out for a walk without even leaving the campground.
ScoutI do not recommend staying at this campsite. As you can't drive to the Campsite, as you have to come on a kayak or canoe.
The Bantam area sits within the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut at approximately 900 feet elevation, creating a temperate camping environment with average summer temperatures ranging from 60-85°F. Camping spots near Bantam, Connecticut typically require reservations 2-3 weeks in advance during summer months. Winter camping options are limited as most campgrounds close by mid-October and don't reopen until late April or early May.
Fishing opportunities: At Point Folly Campground, campers access prime fishing spots on Bantam Lake. "Clean and quiet. Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing. Small little island," notes one camper. The campground sits directly on the lake, providing easy water access for anglers.
Hiking trail access: Several excellent hiking trails extend from campgrounds in the region. The Macedonia Brook State Park trail network offers challenging terrain with elevation changes of 300-800 feet. A reviewer remarked, "The loop hike over the mountains was good, at times more intermediate than beginner and I wouldn't try to go it with younger kids."
Swimming options: Lake Waramaug State Park Campground provides lake swimming, though some find the designated swim area basic. As one camper noted, "The swim area is marginal- best for little ones." For more swimming options, some campers recommend visiting nearby Mt. Tom State Park, about 10 minutes from the campground.
Site privacy levels: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. At Black Rock State Park Campground, "The sites are very spacious and clean," according to one visitor. This contrasts with more densely packed private campgrounds in the area.
Clean facilities: Many campers specifically mention bathroom cleanliness as a key factor. A visitor to Bear Creek Campground noted, "Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper."
Disconnecting from technology: Limited cell service at some campgrounds provides a technology break for those seeking it. At Lake Waramaug, a long-time visitor explained, "Cell service is basically non-existent. Our trip this weekend was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years. Actually we were a bit disappointed because this camp ground is a great place to disconnect and relax."
Bear activity: Black bears frequent several campgrounds in the region. "We and several other neighboring campers spied a pretty big black bear not far enough away in the late morning hours," warned a camper at White Pines Campsites. Proper food storage in sealed containers is essential.
Toilet facilities vary: Bathroom amenities differ significantly between campgrounds. At Macedonia Brook State Park, facilities are basic: "No bathhouse, just portable toilets and a few water pumps." Other parks offer more developed options with hot showers.
Seasonal campers impact: Some campgrounds have large seasonal populations that affect the camping experience. At White Pines, a visitor observed, "The seasonal RVers have really taken over the place and while some have tasteful decor and lights, others not so much. Even 50 yards away from the RV section and I felt like I was in a dance club parking lot."
Kid-friendly swimming: For families with young children, choose camps with appropriate swimming areas. A visitor to Cozy Hills noted, "Pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids."
Family activities: Cozy Hills Campground offers organized programming for children. "Lots and lots of activities for kids! Arts & Crafts, Arcade, Bingo, Casino Night etc," shared one camper. These structured activities can help keep children entertained during longer stays.
Site selection matters: When booking with children, research specific site locations. As one family noted at Cozy Hills, "It's very hilly. A golf cart is recommended if your site is far from the pool." Sites closer to bathrooms and activities typically work better for families with small children.
RV site access: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain for larger rigs. At Gentiles Campground, a visitor cautioned, "Roads were narrow and steep and hard to maneuver bigger trailers and rigs."
Dump station availability: Few campgrounds in the area offer full hookups. Bear Creek Campground "does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station" according to one RVer. Plan accordingly for longer stays.
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds in the Bantam area feature uneven terrain. At White Pines Campsites, visitors noted, "A lot of the sites we drove by were pretty sloped- I would recommend a drive through if you can beforehand."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds in Bantam, CT located?
Bantam is located in the Litchfield Hills region of Connecticut, offering several camping options in the surrounding area. Point Folly Campground is situated right on the shores of Bantam Lake, providing easy water access. For those looking to explore more of the region, Windmill Hill - Connecticut White Memorial Campground is located in nearby Litchfield and offers a peaceful woodland setting. Both campgrounds are within a short drive of Bantam's town center, making them convenient for visitors looking to explore this scenic area of Connecticut.
Can you camp at Bantam Lake and what facilities are available?
Yes, camping is available at Bantam Lake through Point Folly Campground, a small, quiet campground located right on the shoreline. The campground offers basic facilities including water access, pit toilets, and a dumping station. It's particularly popular with boaters, kayakers, and fishing enthusiasts who appreciate the direct lake access. The eastern side of Bantam Lake tends to be windier than the western shore, which can be a consideration when selecting a campsite. For those seeking a more developed camping experience near water, Kettletown State Park Campground is another option in the region with hiking trails and recreational opportunities.
What makes Cozy Hills Campground in Bantam unique compared to other camping options?
Cozy Hills Campground stands out for its accessibility and comprehensive amenities in the Bantam area. Unlike some of the more rustic options nearby, Cozy Hills is fully equipped with reservable sites, water hookups, toilet facilities, and is big-rig friendly for RV campers. Its location provides a convenient base for exploring the Litchfield Hills region while offering more amenities than public campgrounds like Black Rock State Park Campground. The campground's name reflects its setting among the rolling hills of western Connecticut, providing a comfortable yet scenic camping experience that balances convenience with natural surroundings.
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