Best Camping near Barkhamsted, CT

Are you in need of a campground near Barkhamsted, CT? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Barkhamsted is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Barkhamsted, CT. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Barkhamsted, CT (136)

    Camper-submitted photo from White Pines Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from White Pines Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from White Pines Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from White Pines Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from White Pines Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from White Pines Campsites

    1. White Pines Campsites

    11 Reviews
    17 Photos
    65 Saves
    Winsted, Connecticut

    White Pines is here to offer camping guests a wonderful campground experience in the beautiful northwest corner of Connecticut. Located in Litchfield County, White Pines is situated in a quiet neighborhood, on top of Wallens Hill, in Barkhamsted. You will find plenty to do during your stay, both on-site and off-site, or you may choose to simply relax at your site. Take a stroll along our Happy Tails Trail, with your pawsome friend, as you head to our dog park. Fish in our stocked pond, or visit the nearby Farmington River for some world class fishing. Join any of our offered activities, or create your own fun times. Whatever you choose, White Pines is a great family campground, where life is simple, friends are plentiful, and campfires burn brightly.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $74 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Austin Hawes Memorial - American Legion State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Austin Hawes Memorial - American Legion State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Austin Hawes Memorial - American Legion State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Austin Hawes Memorial - American Legion State Forest

    2. Austin Hawes Memorial - American Legion State Forest

    9 Reviews
    4 Photos
    147 Saves
    Riverton, Connecticut

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $17 - $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Oak Camp Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Oak Camp Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Oak Camp Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Oak Camp Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Oak Camp Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Oak Camp Sites

    3. Lone Oak Camp Sites

    12 Reviews
    15 Photos
    120 Saves
    Norfolk, Connecticut
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Compounce Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Compounce Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Compounce Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Compounce Campground

    5. Lake Compounce Campground

    11 Reviews
    4 Photos
    49 Saves
    Bristol, Connecticut

    Lake Compounce Campground is a one-of-a-kind family camping experience located steps away from Lake Compounce Family Theme & Water Park. Lake Compounce Campground provides one-bedroom cabins, two-bedroom cabins, cub huts, tipis, RV spaces, and tent sites. Plus, perks like discounted single-day admission to the park, themed weekends every weekend, family activities, and tons of amenities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

    6. Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

    20 Reviews
    48 Photos
    146 Saves
    Copake Falls, New York

    Taconic State Park is located along 16 miles of the Taconic Mountain Range and great for camping near New York, sharing a border with Massachusetts and Connecticut. Two developed areas, Copake Falls and Rudd Pond, offer an extensive trail system with terrain that varies from easy to challenging, offering spectacular views. The extensive campground at Copake Falls has sites to accommodate campers seeking a more rustic experience, as well as those seeking a more "home like" experience. There are 45 tent sites, 25 tent platforms, 36 trailer sites and three cabin areas for a total of 106 campsites and 18 cabins. The trailer sites allow trailers up to 30 feet in length, but do not offer hook up facilities. Centrally located restroom and shower facilities are located in all campsite areas. The cabin areas vary in number of cabins, location and size. The smallest cabins accommodate up to 4 people and the largest 6 people. All cabins have electricity, lights, hot and cold running water, a kitchen with a refrigerator and stove, a dining area, a picnic table, and outdoor camp fire ring with grill. The "Ironworkers" cabins are equipped with private showers and flush toilets; campers in the "Bash Bish" cabins utilize a centrally located shower facility with flush toilets. Some cabins in the Greenwich Cabin Area are wheelchair accessible and offer extra amenities such as a microwave, sofa, shower, dishwasher and cable television hookup.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Northampton / Springfield KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Northampton / Springfield KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Northampton / Springfield KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Northampton / Springfield KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Northampton / Springfield KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Northampton / Springfield KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from October Mountain State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from October Mountain State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from October Mountain State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from October Mountain State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from October Mountain State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from October Mountain State Forest

    8. October Mountain State Forest

    16 Reviews
    135 Photos
    84 Saves
    Lenox Dale, Massachusetts
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $17 - $140 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Onion Mountain Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Onion Mountain Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Onion Mountain Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Onion Mountain Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Onion Mountain Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Onion Mountain Park

    9. Onion Mountain Park

    3 Reviews
    9 Photos
    146 Saves
    West Simsbury, Connecticut

    This town-owned park consists of 190 acres of wooded, rocky mountainside. Trails here are relatively easy on the flat but significantly more difficult on the hillside. The ground can be very wet after rains. Onion Mountain Park is accessed on the west side of West Mountain Rd. just south of Shingle Mill Rd. Visitors will find a good size parking lot.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Lake Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Lake Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Lake Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Lake Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Lake Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Lake Park

    10. Wilderness Lake Park

    13 Reviews
    18 Photos
    154 Saves
    Willington, Connecticut
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
Showing results 1-10 of 136 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Barkhamsted

Recent Reviews in Barkhamsted

551 Reviews of 136 Barkhamsted Campgrounds


  • Ricky H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Onion Mountain Park
    Nov. 5, 2024

    Onion Mountain Park

    Quiet overnight

    Very peaceful overnight camping, no permit required. Small campsite, first come first served basis. Other posts claim you can park right the site, but you can not. 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mirror Lake Retreat
    Oct. 31, 2024

    Mirror Lake Retreat

    I stayed up there for work it was nice

    I was only up there for a few days for work. But it was really nice and had great play scale

  • Missi N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Northampton / Springfield KOA
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Northampton / Springfield KOA

    Cute little campground

    Quiet (besides occasional plane overhead) lots of trees, spacious sites, clean and modern bathrooms and showers, nice friendly helpful staff.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spacious Skies Woodland Hills
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Spacious Skies Woodland Hills

    Tightly squeezed sites.

    Although sites are squeezed in, it is a nice family campground. However the site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow.Tricky footing for older folks like my wife and I. Particularly since my wife uses a cane.

  • Kathy T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Salt Rock State Campground
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Salt Rock State Campground

    Clean, but dated facilities

    Campground is a bit crowded with sites close together. The facilities were clean but quite old. There are some nice hiking trails along the river.

  • f
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset View Farms
    Sep. 21, 2024

    Sunset View Farms

    Lovely spot in the woods

    We booked last minute (2 hours before we arrived) and were met with the friendliest staff ready to help us at 7:30PM and get us checked in. Perfect spot if you don’t mind a 40 minute ride over to The Big E fair which is what brought us out to this part of MA. The restaurant was so nice, and to my surprise more than accommodating as I have celiac, they really went above and beyond. We will definitely be back next summer for a longer stay.

  • Jacob D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fernwood Forest Campground
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Fernwood Forest Campground

    Great and Friendly

    This campground has a lot of amenities for what you pay. You can get a site with just water, or electric and water. Can do RV or tent. Warm showers and playground for kids with communal areas. Quiet and dark both nights and the staff is very friendly, the campground is in the family. Will definitely stay here again!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kettletown State Park Campground
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Kettletown State Park Campground

    Great location, but not a good experience

    Camping Review:

    This campsite is beautifully located in the woods, offering a peaceful and serene environment. There are no busy roads nearby, which ensures a quiet setting during the day.

    However, there are several downsides to consider. The camping spots are uneven, making it challenging to set up tents or campers. Additionally, swimming at the nearby beach is restricted to residents of the village, so visitors are not allowed to swim there.

    During our stay, there were multiple large groups, including a Christian group that preached (screamingly) and played loud music until midnight, despite the designated quiet hours. Unfortunately, the management did nothing to enforce the rules, which was disruptive.

    Another significant issue was the state of the sanitary facilities. They were extremely dirty, with feces present in various places. It took a long time before anything was cleaned, which obviously kept us from using the facilities.

    Overall, while the location is beautiful, the poor management, noise issues, and dirty sanitary facilities seriously detract from the experience.

  • Cynthia K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Hammonasset State Park Campground

    Connecticut

       I had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.

        Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground. They divide the loops with names. I unfortunately chose Pequot. This loop has THE WORST bathrooms/showers on the South side of the campground. Looks like they were built in 1950s with rotten wood siding. Dirty. The showers were outside the bathroom- there was a bench & hooks OUTSIDE! We found out all the other loops had modern bathhouses.

     My first impression of this campground is it's loud, crazy busy & there's traffic noise from the beach road. I actually liked it! This is a fun campground for families. There were kids on bikes, scooters, skateboards,roller blades. Watch your speed! They don't always watch out for your car.

      I found out most people stay through Sunday & leave on Monday. There were still lots of campers left. Lots of tent campers. 

       I chose site 14 on the Pequot Loop because I thought I would have a view of one of the ponds. There was tall vegetation, so that was out.

     The sites on the other side of the loop were right by the main beach road. Noisy during the day, but quiet at night. 

      There are some sites with shade, but most are sunny. 

       There's no electricity at most of the sites. Our site was full sun(yay for the solar panel!). On Beach Road in the campground there's 2 rows of full hookup sites, but they go FAST! I tried.

    NO PETS! Including dogs.

       No WiFi, but there's cell service. At least 5 dump stations. 

     The beach was popular. 

      There was a stream running from a pond that kids were playing in. 

     They have a beautiful Nature Center. A couple of easy hikes through one of the preserves.

      This was a good base camp for the area. Gillette Castle & other state parks are within driving distance. Connecticut is a beautiful state!!

  • carol T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Waters Edge Family Campground
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Waters Edge Family Campground

    BEWARE WATERS EDGE CAMPGROUNDS THEY WILL KEEP ALL YOUR MONEY

    JUNE 30,2024  my husband & I were seasonals at waters edge campground Lebanon Connecticuit  gave them a 30 day notice we were leaving this place wasnt for us just awful the owners are just money hungey thieves they told us they were keeping our deposit wich we expected because it says non refundable deposit so okay fine but we paid for the whole season its open april15 to october15 gave a 30 day notice left june 30 they refused to give us back the money for july ,august,september,to october 15 they ket 750 plus 2500 dollars told us were not getting our money back So iam sure they rented the site thats double dipping so fair warning I dont want this to happen to anyone else they will Rob you blind oh and they broke our ice maker when they dewinterized our trailer and never owned up to it came down to my floor in camper soaked with water from my freezer and didnr bother to clean tthe mess and said  it must have been broken nefore so they are also dirty liars I didnt want to even give a one star rating but had to put somethin i give the a big fat 0

  • SomadNomad M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Granville State Forest
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Granville State Forest

    Gotta chance

    Dyrt says $17-$54 went through all the hoops to book one for tonight said $17 per night went to check out expecting a few extra fees, $58.50.....that's over the max advertised....DYRT YOU NEED TO GO THROUGH AND DELETE BAD ENTRIES. YOU ARE A DISSAPOINTMENT.

  • SomadNomad M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from October Mountain State Forest
    Aug. 17, 2024

    October Mountain State Forest

    WHAT!?

    First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed, second it yells you that the fee is $17.50 per site, I expected a little added extra fee for booking etc.... check out was $58.50 per night. I would have if they weren't so manipulative about it.

  • Brett D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Greylock Campsite Park
    Aug. 1, 2024

    Mt. Greylock Campsite Park

    Awesome wooded spacious sites

    Campground has great amenities and great feel to it. Stayed for 2 nights while on a trip further up north. Will definitely be back to this campground again. They also has great live music on a Saturday night

  • Emily F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

    Perfect for a chill weekend with friends

    I can here to spend time with friends and i feel like we got lucky with our site. It had a nice wooded area behind us and felt more private than some of the other site.

    The swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock. Close to great hiking.

  • G Y.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Waramaug State Park Campground
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Lake Waramaug State Park Campground

    Quiet Rustic Camping

    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. Note that we are a Scout family and my husband and son have camped many days well off the grid with only the gear and food in their backpacks. That skews our point of view. 

    First off, Connecticut’s state campgrounds are not KOA’s. 

    Do not expect top of the line activities that private campgrounds have.

    What it does have are clean, large sites that are partially wooded and not out in the open. 

    The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing. Bring your own gear but kayak and canoe rentals are available. The swim area is marginal- best for little ones. 

    This park is remote from all conveniences- pack it in or expect a drive. There have been several times I’ve driven to the Dunkin Donuts miles down the road for coffee but I find using a French press is more convenient. For takeout there’s the White Horse on 202. It’s ranked a top restaurant in the state - the food is good. 

    Never have we had issues with wildlife besides squirrels and ducks. Leave no trace is important - it keeps the unwelcome wildlife out. 

    There have been issues with the bathrooms off and on over the decades. It seems like they’ve finally fixed everything. Our trip of 7/27-28 showed everything was fine.

    The only on-site services are firewood and ice sales. The little food shack is out of business. 

    Yes, 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. Being forced to put away the devices is heaven in my mind. You can drive about 5+ minutes out and get cell service. Regarding rowdiness, of the 20+ times we’ve camped only twice was it a problem. 

    Also, this place is not glamping. The area is rural, so cows do moo at 6am, and kids are up even earlier. If you like to sleep in skip and rent a B&B. 

    Also if you want a better place to swim go to Mt.Tom state park about 10 minutes up the road. It’s a day use only park-no camping- but the lake is gorgeous and there are very few people there.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Peppertree Camping
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Peppertree Camping

    Amazing stay

    We had our very first camping experience with our new camper at this campground and it was everything we could have imagined and more. It’s a beautiful campground, the gentleman and his family who own it are sooooo nice and they helped us a lot when it came to learning how to properly use our camper. All the fellow campers that we met were extremely nice. It’s a quiet campground, located right on a river. My children spent hours in it playing and fishing. Looking forward to returning.

  • Laura D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Brialee Family Campground
    Jul. 10, 2024

    Brialee Family Campground

    Best Camping Experience

    This was our families first time staying at Brialee Campground.  The cabin was absolutely beautiful and clean.  The staff were friendly and helpful. The activities were great and kept my grand children busy.  Swimming and the lake were fun.  I cannot say enough wonderful things.  We had such a great time I booked my reservations for Next July 2025 before I left.

    A special thank you to Sherri for the personal tour and showing us the ropes!  She is the best.

    The D'Avanzo Family



Guide to Barkhamsted

Camping near Barkhamsted, Connecticut, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "The hike from site 44 to the fire tower is only 0.6 miles and gets you a great view."
  • Fishing: The nearby lakes provide great spots for fishing. A camper at Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Campground — D.A.R. State Forest noted, "There is a campers only beach on upper highland lake that was easy walking distance from the campsite and fishing opportunities there as well."
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Bring your own gear or rent kayaks and canoes at some campgrounds. One family shared, "If you have your own paddleboard or canoe or kayak, this would be a good place to use them."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A visitor at October Mountain State Forest mentioned, "The bathrooms were clean and well-maintained."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer large sites that provide some privacy. A reviewer at Austin Hawes Memorial - American Legion State Forest said, "The sites are spread out enough but you’re not completely alone."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Wilderness Lake Park noted, "The staff was friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lake Compounce Campground mentioned, "The campground is a bit noisy with machinery, but we didn't mind."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A camper at White Pines Campsites pointed out, "The campground store is likely not going to be open so bring everything you need."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. One camper at Lake Waramaug State Park Campground warned, "There are lots of skunks and squirrels that will get into EVERYTHING even in a bin."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Site Selection: Choose your site carefully to avoid noise and maximize privacy. A reviewer at Northampton / Springfield KOA mentioned, "The site was very nice and felt private."
  • Road Navigation: Be cautious of narrow roads in campgrounds. A camper at Lone Oak Camp Sites warned, "The roads are narrow with a lot of blind curves."
  • Plan for Power Needs: Check if your campground has electric hookups. A visitor at October Mountain State Forest noted, "The sound didn’t reach where I was staying at site 33."

Camping near Barkhamsted, Connecticut, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, you'll find something that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Barkhamsted, CT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Barkhamsted, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 136 campgrounds and RV parks near Barkhamsted, CT and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Barkhamsted, CT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Barkhamsted, CT is White Pines Campsites with a 3.6-star rating from 11 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Barkhamsted, CT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Barkhamsted, CT.

  • What parks are near Barkhamsted, CT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Barkhamsted, CT that allow camping, notably Northfield Brook Lake and Hop Brook Lake.