Connecticut offers several camping options within driving distance of Botsford, with terrain ranging from riverside locations to lakeside settings. Most campgrounds in this region are open seasonally from April through October, with limited availability during winter months. Camping areas provide varying levels of privacy, from secluded tent sites to more developed RV parks.
What to do
Water activities at Lake Compounce: Beyond the amusement park, Lake Compounce Campground offers water-based recreation options. "Great time! Would have been nice if they had a place to swim (in the camping area) besides for at the main park," notes one visitor. Sites with water views are limited but highly sought after.
Hiking trails at Mountain Lakes Park: About 35 minutes from Botsford, Mountain Lakes Park offers multiple hiking options with varying difficulty levels. "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," shares one hiker. The park remains relatively uncrowded during weekdays.
Beach access at Indian Island: For a day trip, Indian Island County Park offers "a walk to the beach area [that] was very serene, especially early morning before sunrise and didn't feel like we live in dense suburbia." The sunrise views from the beach are particularly noteworthy, though the swim area is "marginal - best for little ones."
What campers like
Clean facilities at Round Pond: Military families appreciate Round Pond Recreation Area for its well-maintained amenities. "Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only," notes one visitor. The recreation area is exclusive to active and retired military personnel.
Varied site options at Bear Creek: Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce offers multiple accommodation types from basic tent sites to full hookup RV sites. "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded. Restrooms are clean and spacious," reports a camper. Sites are designed with practical considerations for various camping styles.
Family activities at Riverdale Farm: Close to glamping options near Botsford, Connecticut, Riverdale Farm Campsites provides scheduled activities for children. "The campground is beautiful and the staff was wonderful! We started our camping season off right with a quick weekend stay," mentions a visitor. The campground features "a playground, game room, 'adult' lounge, a laundry, a swimming pond, and river access for fishing and swimming."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the area have poor connectivity. At Lake Waramaug, "cell service is basically non-existent. Our trip this weekend was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years." Most sites require a 5-10 minute drive to reach areas with reliable signals.
Seasonal considerations: Wildwood State Park Campground operates from April through mid-October, with varying amenities available throughout the season. During early spring camping, "water was off because we were a week shy of the season opening. Needed to move to dump station prior to leaving and had to drive to fill the fresh water tank once while there."
Noise issues: Several campgrounds report significant weekend noise, especially those with seasonal residents. At one location, a camper noted: "Night fell and the place turned into Margaritaville. The seasonal RVers have really taken over the place and while some have tasteful decor and lights, others not so much."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When glamping close to Botsford, Connecticut, consider sites with play facilities. Riverdale Farm Campsites offers "a playground, game room, 'adult' lounge, a laundry, a swimming pond, and river access for fishing and swimming." Some families report the playgrounds being exceptionally clean and well-maintained.
Educational opportunities: Lone Oak Camp Sites offers unique educational experiences. "We did an interesting tour of the neighboring farm where they make cow pots," noted one visitor. These educational activities are typically scheduled on weekends during peak season.
Food planning: Limited food options exist at most campgrounds, with small camp stores stocking only basics. One camper advised: "Plan on bringing your own food and cooking. It is a 10 mile drive that takes about a half an hour to complete to get any take-out." Most visitors recommend bringing groceries before arriving.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Bear Creek Campground, "Sites were large enough for RV. NO privacy, but tent sites were ok." RV campers should request pull-through sites when available, as some campgrounds have tight turning radiuses on interior roads.
Utility considerations: Water and electric hookups are standard at most campgrounds, but full hookups are limited. "Very nice campground. Has electric, water and cable TV connections," notes one RVer about Bear Creek. Many sites require using the dump station rather than offering sewer connections at individual sites.
Seasonal restrictions: Most glamping facilities close to Botsford, Connecticut operate seasonally. "No sewers sites that I could tell, and water was off because we were a week shy of the season opening," reports one early-season camper. Call ahead to confirm which utilities are active during shoulder seasons.
