Tent camping near Botsford, Connecticut offers distinct four-season opportunities within Connecticut's transitional climate zone. The region maintains higher elevation woodland areas with average summer temperatures ranging from 70-85°F and cooler evenings that drop into the 50s. Many primitive camping locations require hikers to navigate moderate terrain with elevation changes of 300-800 feet to reach suitable sites.
What to do
Hiking network access: Onion Mountain Park provides direct trail access with minimal walking from parking areas. According to a camper, "We ended up finding a very primitive spot off the blue trail (on top of the mountain), where we settled down for the night. The spot is not very big so make sure to bring a smaller tent." Trails range from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging routes.
Swimming in designated areas: Croton Point Park offers seasonal swimming with supervision. One visitor noted, "Short 5 minute drive to nearby supermarket to pick up food or firewood. I would highly recommend it. Oh...and did i say, gorgeous scenery along the river and a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty!"
Trail exploration: Across multiple camping areas, trail networks connect to larger systems. At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, "I believe there are over 40 miles of trails in this area. Would definitely recommend for those who want to camp near NYC but not drive too far." Trail markers are typically color-coded with maps available at most information centers.
Stargazing opportunities: Some campgrounds offer clearer night skies. A camper at Mountain Lakes Park mentioned it has "a gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County." Sites away from urban light pollution provide better astronomical viewing.
What campers like
Proximity to urban centers: Camping options within 60-90 minutes of major cities appeal to weekend campers. A visitor to The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center appreciated that "This campsite is accessible by public transportation. There is a shuttle run by the campsite to and from Tuxedo Park Train Station (reservations on shuttle required)."
Lake activities: Several camping areas feature water recreation. At Sebago Cabin Camp, one visitor shared, "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day." Lakes throughout the region typically have designated swimming areas with seasonal lifeguards.
Diverse shelter options: Beyond standard tent sites, several locations offer alternative accommodations. As one camper noted about Mountain Lakes Park, "A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in. The area, as the name implies, is home to several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes."
Primitive camping experiences: For those seeking more secluded options, several parks offer primitive sites. At Onion Mountain Park, a camper advised, "The spot is not very big so make sure to bring a smaller tent (no group sites) but has a firepit already set up. We set up the tent and started a fire (very easy as there are sticks and wood everywhere)."
What you should know
Reservation processes vary: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, often through different systems. At Hidden Lake Farm, you'll find "2 lodging options to choose from. Pets welcome!" with only 5 sites total, making advance planning essential.
Access limitations: Some sites require significant walking from parking areas. At Onion Mountain Park, "We arrived at the parking lot of Onion Mountain Park at around 2 pm and proceeded to get our bags packed for the hike. I saw in the other review, that it is classified as a walk-in but it's definitely more of a hike."
Wildlife precautions required: Bears and other wildlife necessitate proper food storage. As one camper at AMC Harriman noted, "They do have bear boxes available as this is bear country." At Onion Mountain Park, campers report, "We did put a bear bag about 100 feet away."
Noise considerations: Train noise affects some camping areas. At Croton Point Park, one camper mentioned, "The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm. Great site for a party, try to stay away from this end of the site or choose a site away from other bookings if you'd like quiet."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds include dedicated play areas. At Croton Point Park, families appreciate that there is "a model airplane air field and a decent playground for young kids."
Educational opportunities: Nature centers enhance family camping experiences. Sebago Cabin Camp offers structured activities as one camper shared: "Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too."
Family-friendly site selection: Choose sites based on bathroom proximity and terrain. At Ward Pound Ridge, one camper noted, "There are port-a-potties very close to the sites, which is very important when you have young kids."
Cabin alternatives: For families transitioning to camping, cabins provide comfort. One visitor to Sebago stated, "We were able to rent a cabin which was equipped with an outside grill and picnic area. It is great if you are going with a group/family and people want to sleep inside a cabin as oppose to a tent outside."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Full-service RV sites are scarce near Botsford. Croton Point Park offers some RV accommodation with "a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites." Most RV sites in the region have limited amenities.
Site dimensions: RV campers should verify size limitations before booking. One RVer at Croton Point Park noted, "All sites appeared level. The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Alternative camping styles: Some parks offer alternatives between tent and RV camping. At Sebago, "They have rustic cabins. These do not have plumbing or heat. It is a step up from cabin camping."
Seasonal considerations: RV camping options decrease significantly during winter months. Most full-hookup sites close seasonally, with Croton Point Park being one of the few year-round exceptions within reasonable distance of Botsford.
