Barkhamsted, Connecticut sits at an elevation of around 650 feet within the Litchfield Hills region, offering camping opportunities amid the hardwood forests and river valleys. The Farmington River flows through the area, creating opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and cooling off during summer months when temperatures average 70-85°F. Seasonal operation varies widely across rv campgrounds near Barkhamsted, Connecticut, with several extending beyond traditional summer months.
What to do
Fishing in trophy waters: Austin Hawes Memorial Campground in American Legion State Forest provides direct access to the Farmington River, known for excellent fishing. "Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots," notes Tom C. about the fishing quality. The river has catch-and-release regulations for its trophy trout section.
Paddling on calm waters: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers boat rentals and paddling opportunities on its scenic lake. "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards / kyacks etc. Worth every penny," shares Mellisa T. The lake remains calm enough for evening stargazing over its reflective surface.
Hiking through state forests: Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park features multiple hiking trails, some unmarked, that connect to the broader trail network. "There is a trailhead at the end of the campground that connects to the other trails in Taconic State Park," reports Katherine P. Nearby Bash Bish Falls is accessible via a short drive from the campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Wilderness Lake Park maintains well-kept bathroom facilities despite being a relatively small operation. "The bathrooms and showers are clean and the water stayed hot until the last weekend of the season (Oct 12-14, 2018)," notes Seth K. about nearby accommodations. Even during shoulder season camping, hot showers remain available at most established campgrounds.
Lake swimming: Prospect Mountain Campground offers both a swimming pool and pond for cooling off. "We liked this campground a lot! Lots of trees and shade. Great pool. The sites on the water looked nice- hoping to try for that next time!" shares Stephanie. Swimming options vary by location, with some camps offering both natural and developed swimming areas.
Private, wooded sites: Austin Hawes Memorial Campground features spacious sites that offer privacy among the trees. "Well spaced out lots, you have a lot of privacy," explains Austin S. about the site layout. The campground's location along the river adds to the appeal, though some sites back up to hiking trails with foot traffic.
What you should know
Cash-only policies: Some private campgrounds in the region have specific payment requirements. Wilderness Lake Park accepts "cash or Venmo only so be prepared," advises Hails L. This differs from larger commercial operations and state parks that typically accept credit cards.
Variable cell service: Unlike the reliable coverage mentioned for some campgrounds, Lake Compounce Campground offers more consistent connectivity. "Wifi was okay, but we couldn't stream anything from it," reports Tina about their experience, showing that even connected campgrounds have limitations.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds have extended seasons beyond summer. "We stayed in September 2021. CG is pretty empty during the week and gets busy during the weekend," Richard notes about Lake Compounce Campground. This pattern of weekday availability and weekend crowds is common across most campgrounds in the region during shoulder seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Prospect Mountain Campground offers kid-friendly amenities beyond just camping. "Great family campground for families with younger kids. They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," Sandra S. explains about the recreational options available to families.
Water activities for kids: Wilderness Lake Campground offers free water equipment. "They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake," Rob L. mentions. This provides cost-effective recreation without needing to transport your own equipment.
Rainy day options: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground includes indoor facilities for inclement weather. "Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten," Kurt S. describes, highlighting the importance of having backup plans when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Site layout challenges: Beyond hookup placement issues, RV campers should check site lengths and access paths. "The sites were set up a little weird with the hookups not where it made sense to park," one reviewer mentioned about site layout issues. At Lake Compounce Campground, a different configuration is noted: "Long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded," Diane R. explains about their RV experience.
Water and electric only: Lake Compounce Campground provides partial hookups that may require planning for longer stays. "Has electric, water and cable TV connections," Richard notes, while another camper mentions, "Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station." This arrangement is common at several rv camping options near Barkhamsted, requiring dump station use during longer stays.
Winter camping preparations: For RVers camping in colder months, Westover ARB Military FamCamp requires special preparation. "Open year round. Water is turned off October 15-April 15. Water available from rest room spigot. You will need at least 25' hose," Frank L. advises. This seasonal limitation affects several campgrounds in the region, with varying winterization schedules.
