Best Campgrounds near Barkhamsted, CT

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:

• Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A family at Lone Oak Camp Sites said, "The activities are fun for the kids and there's a giant pool."
• Bring Your Own Food: Many campgrounds are remote, so pack enough food for your stay. A camper at Lake Waramaug State Park Campground advised, "Plan on bringing your own food and cooking."
• Check for Quiet Hours: Respecting quiet hours is important for a good experience. A visitor at Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Campground — D.A.R. State Forest noted, "Most fellow campers respect the quiet hours, and each other."

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.