Best Campgrounds near Botsford, CT

Campgrounds in the Botsford, Connecticut area encompass a range of accommodations from primitive tent sites to full-service RV facilities and rustic cabins. The region includes several established state parks, with Kettletown State Park Campground and Black Rock State Park offering diverse camping experiences within a short drive. These mixed-use campgrounds typically accommodate tents, recreational vehicles, and in some locations, cabins or yurts. The landscape features wooded terrain with access to lakes and rivers, providing both recreational opportunities and scenic camping environments for visitors seeking different levels of amenities.

Camping in this part of Connecticut operates primarily on a seasonal basis, with many facilities open from May through September. Kettletown State Park functions from late May to early September, while some private campgrounds like Cozy Hills Campground extend their season from mid-April through mid-October. Winter camping options are limited, with only select facilities like Gentiles Campground advertising year-round operation. Reservations are strongly recommended at most established campgrounds, particularly on summer weekends when sites fill quickly. "Sites are close together so recommend reserving two for more space. Well maintained and secure. Staff patrols for safety," a camper wrote about Kettletown State Park.

The camping experience across the region varies significantly between state parks and private facilities. Most state park campgrounds provide basic amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and centralized shower facilities. Several campgrounds offer waterfront locations, though access and swimming permissions vary by location. Campers have noted cleanliness concerns at certain locations, particularly regarding bathhouse facilities. "CT should really invest in better quality bath houses," mentioned one review about Kettletown State Park. Private facilities like Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce typically offer additional amenities including firewood sales, trash service, and on-site markets. Family-friendly activities are prevalent throughout the region, with hiking trails, fishing areas, and recreational facilities commonly available at most established campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Botsford, Connecticut (89)

    1. Kettletown State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Stevenson, CT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 264-5678

    $17 - $50 / night

    "We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway.  This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again. "

    "Semi private with great view and nice walks to the water. Noise was not a problem overnight as to having problems with noises neighbors at other CT state parks."

    2. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

    9 Reviews
    Cross River, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 864-7317

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Close to the city and civilization, yet large enough to have nice trails and creeks to feel away from it all. The camping sites are very different so it’s useful to go in person and select the area."

    "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well"

    3. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Fishkill, NY
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 225-7207

    $17 / night

    "When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."

    "We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."

    5. Mountain Lakes Park

    3 Reviews
    North Salem, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 864-7312

    "Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in."

    "A gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County. A dirt road loops through the property with trails off and through it."

    6. Black Rock State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Thomaston, CT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8088

    $17 - $50 / night

    "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."

    7. Gentiles Campground

    7 Reviews
    Plymouth, CT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8437

    $55 - $150 / night

    "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!"

    8. Cozy Hills Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-2119

    $72 - $122 / night

    "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."

    9. Lake Compounce Campground

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, CT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 583-3300

    "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."

    10. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 245-1817

    $20 - $70 / night

    "Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need."

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Botsford, CT

487 Reviews of 89 Botsford Campgrounds


  • Sue B.
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    Great State Forest Campground

    Austin Hawes (also known as American Legion State Forest/Campground) is a great little place in a beautiful part of the State. They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers. Have camped here before in tents and a pop up, it's right on the Farmington River, so we have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well. The bathrooms have showers and flush toilets, there are hiking trails in and near the campground, and stores not too far. Sites vary in size and privacy.

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Black Rock State Park Campground

    Nah

    If you want to feel like you are camping in the middle of a lawless low income housing project, this is the place for you. We camped next to a woman with 2 pit bulls, which was surprising, given the "no dogs allowed" rule, and were surrounded by people partying despite the "no alcohol" rule. Teens congregate in the bathroom so they could charge their devices but did not appreciate you being there to use the bathroom they clearly took over, and even though it's 2025, I still prefer no boyfriends hanging out in the women's bathroom. Call me whatever. Used to camp here years ago, clearly it has gone downhill. Park Ranger? What's that?

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Ten Mile River Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Not a public campground!

    Ten Mile River Shelter and campsite is not a public campground. Sure, anyone can camp there, but it is designated for folks hiking the A.T., whether thru-hikers, section hikers, or whatever. While there are no rules about who can camp there, during thru-hiking season, consideration should be made for folks who rely on places like this during a long distance hike. It is at least a mile if not a mile and a half from approved parking (on the side of the road off the A.T.) to camp, either from the A.T. or a combo of the A.T. and a blue blaze trail (which is easier, imo). There are also no fires allowed on the CT A.T.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Great staff but back-to-back campsite

    We stayed a coupe of days in Oct. This is a beautiful site to camp out. The staffs are friendly and very attentive.
    Bathroom and water pressure was ok. But one shower location for 50 campsites. Three small showers units and three toilet.
    I never stayed a state campsite where the sites are so close each other. If you like a “normal” distance to your neighbors, I'd not recommend this place.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    Good amenities and fun experience!

    Campsites Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between. Nice and level. Amenities Bathrooms are older and need of some repair but let me tell you I was very happy to see a normal shower head with real hot water! So no complaints here. Laundry facilities were clean and open 24/7 with reasonable prices 2.50/2.00 washer/dryer. And the dryers actually worked. Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue. We have Starlink but in a wooded campsite, connecting is an issue but luckily their WiFi was great. Had no issues and could stream just fine. Halloween! We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun. Would definitely go back. Also, staff was super nice.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    Convenient pit stop

    This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Point Folly Campground

    Great

    I’ve been coming here for decades. Little store has what you need if you can find the shop keeper. Great access to bantam lake. You can leave you canoes/kayaks tied up in the water. Great fishing. Love it overall. The only issue I have is the pit toilets are brutal. If you are tent camping, beware!

  • Christine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    Quiet and clean

    So far it's been pretty quiet but we are here at the beginning of October on a Monday. Nice area.


Guide to Botsford

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

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Lake Waramaug is perfect for water sports. One camper mentioned, "The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. A visitor said, "The best part of this campsite are the endless trails in the area."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Kettletown State Park, are near rivers and lakes where fishing is popular. One reviewer noted, "Access to the river was great."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at Bear Creek Campground said, "Friendly staff and really clean bathrooms and shower area."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the lively environment. One camper shared, "This is a fun campground for families. There were kids on bikes, scooters, skateboards, roller blades."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the natural beauty. A reviewer at Macedonia Brook State Park mentioned, "The brook was great for the kids to explore."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get loud, especially on weekends. A camper at Lake Waramaug State Park warned, "I would never camp here on a weekend.... it is a party place then."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or restaurants nearby. One visitor noted, "The campground store is likely not going to be open so bring everything you need."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Riverdale Farm Campsites mentioned, "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless raccoons at night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A family at Kettletown State Park enjoyed the hiking trails, saying, "The shorter hiking trails in the area were really beautiful."
  • Choose the Right Campsite: Look for sites that offer privacy and space. One camper at Hammonasset State Park Campground noted, "The sites were super close together and the boundary lines were unclear."
  • Pack Snacks: Bring plenty of food and drinks. A visitor at Wildwood State Park Campground suggested, "You can swim or fish there. This campsite has a relatively new and clean facility."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Clarence Fahnestock State Park advised, "Careful which site you choose."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can be a big plus. A camper at Bear Creek Campground mentioned, "Has electric, water and cable TV connections."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Choose quieter sites if you prefer peace. A visitor at Croton Point Park said, "The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm."

Camping near Botsford, Connecticut, has something for everyone. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Botsford, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Botsford, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 89 campgrounds and RV parks near Botsford, CT and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Botsford, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Botsford, CT is Kettletown State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Botsford, CT?

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

What parks are near Botsford, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Botsford, CT that allow camping, notably Hop Brook Lake and Northfield Brook Lake.