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Best Campgrounds near Bridgeport, CT

393 Reviews

State parks and forests within driving distance of Bridgeport, Connecticut feature a mix of coastal and inland camping environments. Kettletown State Park Campground in Southbury offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with electric hookups and water access during its May to September season. About 45 minutes east, Hammonasset State Park Campground in Madison provides beachfront camping with family-friendly amenities. For year-round options, campers can venture to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in New York, approximately 30 miles northwest of Bridgeport. The region also includes several private campgrounds like Branchbrook Campground, which caters to both tent and RV campers with full hookup sites.

Most campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, especially during the peak summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Connecticut state parks typically operate camping facilities from late May through early September, with limited off-season availability. Cell service varies considerably, with stronger coverage near coastal areas and spotty reception in more remote locations. As one camper noted about Housatonic Meadows State Park: "After a beautiful 8 am crossing of the sound on the Port Jeff Ferry, we landed in Bridgeport at 9:20 and shot north on 8 and in an hour and 20 minutes arrived at the Park." Tick prevention is essential during warmer months, particularly at inland parks where campers have reported finding numerous ticks at sites.

Family-oriented amenities distinguish many campgrounds in the region. Hammonasset State Park receives consistent praise for its beach access and nature center. According to one visitor: "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." Site privacy varies significantly, with many campgrounds featuring closely spaced sites. At Kettletown State Park, campers report that "sites were super close together and the boundary lines were unclear." For those seeking more seclusion, weekday camping often provides a quieter experience, as weekend occupancy rates tend to be high throughout the summer. Wildlife sightings, including deer, rabbits, turtles, and beaver, add to the camping experience at several parks in the region.

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Best Camping Sites Near Bridgeport, Connecticut (71)

    1. Kettletown State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Stevenson, CT
    16 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. Wildwood State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Wading River, NY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (631) 929-4314

    $20 - $250 / night

    "The beach is in a walking distance. You can swim or fish there. This camp site has a relatively new and clean facility.

    There are many farms near by where you can get fresh veggies and fruits."

    "However there are too many loud families and the sites are too close in proximity for me."

    3. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

    9 Reviews
    Cross River, NY
    22 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"

    4. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    34 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."

    5. Blydenburgh County Park

    11 Reviews
    Hauppauge, NY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (631) 854-3713

    "just a great place to get away from home"

    "The group camping on the fox sites is accessible by a dirt drive in. I felt like I was suddenly transported upstate when in fact I had only driven 2 towns over, (about 20 minutes from home.)"

    6. Branchbrook campground

    2 Reviews
    Ansonia, CT
    16 miles

    7. Mountain Lakes Park

    3 Reviews
    North Salem, NY
    21 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."

    8. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Fishkill, NY
    38 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."

    9. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    41 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 947-2792

    $17 - $20 / night

    "Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."

    "The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."

    10. Cathedral Pines County Park

    4 Reviews
    Middle Island, NY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (631) 852-5502
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Recent Camping Photos near Bridgeport, CT

188 Photos of 71 Bridgeport Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bridgeport, CT

393 Reviews of 71 Bridgeport Campgrounds

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Gentiles Campground

    Nice place to stay

    Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites. Most sites seem pretty level, but there are some steep roads in the CG. There is an airport next to CG, but it is for single engine private planes only so not a problem. Not by a major road so little traffic noise. I would stay here again.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Croton Point Park

    Not the Best Place to Go in the Northeast By a Longshot

    Croton Point Campground is a modest little campground, located along the Hudson River within Croton Point Park in NY. In addition to camping, the park itself offers many of its own attractions, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, cabin rentals, and a host of other family-oriented activities just along the Hudson. 

    The park, which is honestly probably the largest attraction here, is located just an hour and a half outside of the city. This proximity is both its perk and its downfall, as the park itself, but particularly the campground, has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of, let alone hope to justify. 

    This includes all manner of restrictions on how you can camp, where you can camp, what equipment can be used, and use in relation to what particular site you may have been lucky enough to reserve. Much of this you can understand while imagining what may have taken place here to bring them to such measures, but it doesn't make it any easier to contend with. 

    In terms of the actual camping conditions Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded, with regular patrols🚓(actual patrols) being made day and night, by both the Park Rangers and what appears to be general park staff members, all looking to see if you or your family might be doing something that they might consider outside of the guidelines or not in compliance with the many restrictions. 

    This is not to say you can't possibly have a good time here. It just might mean being a bit more diligent toward reviewing the potential legitimacy of your normal camping routine to ensure it meets with many restrictions and guidelines imposed, while also making yourself comfortable with some fairly regular surveillance during your stay here. These all being things we hoped to get away from while camping ourselves It just turned out to be a bit much for our particular liking.

  • Mike W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    First time here

    Nice facility, friendly staff. They pack us in pretty tight in some sites.

  • J
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Wildwood State Park Campground

    Our go-to spot

    My wife and I love this campground. It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound. (A little rocky on the north shore)

  • Alicia B.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    River Highlands State Park River Campground

    Beautiful But Beware of Arachnids

    We only visited for the day and left around dawn, but the campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river. As a heads-up, the outhouse did have quite a few wolf spiders (which might be expected in a natural setting like this). Otherwise, it’s a peaceful and scenic spot worth seeing!

  • Brittany V.
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Skyridge Trails Campground

    Fantastic new campground!

    A little over a year old, and they have tons to do! Weekly themed events, spacious sites with fantastic views. The sites are level gravel with full hook ups and include a fire pit and picnic table. Beautiful swimming pond and a serene fishing pond located on site. The outpost has anything you might have forgotten to bring and everyone is ready to make sure you are enjoying your stay!

  • H
    Jun. 28, 2025

    Hammonasset State Park Campground

    Worst Camp Hosts

    Absolute worst Camp Hosts. They cancel every event they schedule while receiving free beach camping all summer. They’re an embarassment and a constant disappointment for young children. Shame on you and shame on Hammonasset.

  • T
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground

    Ok, sites too close together

    Small campground and the sites are close together I’ve stayed in site 8 and 11, seems like site 9 may be the best since only site 8 is directly next to it though. No amenities other than porta potty’s. The state park is nice but the campground isn’t the best, one of my visits the site next to me was playing music from their car radio the whole day

  • Kim J.
    Jun. 8, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    Very nice campground however…

    We have enjoyed our stay. Nice campground with lots of activities and things to do. However, we picked this place because it has an enclosed dog park. It does have an enclosed dog park but the fence is only 3 feet high. 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.

Guide to Bridgeport

Camping near Bridgeport, CT, 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 explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park, have great trails. One visitor mentioned, "Going for a hike here in the morning before heading out" made their stay enjoyable.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, check out Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner. A reviewer said, "The campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore," making it a fun spot for families.
  • Beach Access: Campgrounds like Hammonasset State Park Campground are close to the beach. One camper noted, "The beach was popular," highlighting the fun you can have by the water.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Clarence Fahnestock State Park said, "The bathrooms are very outdated and not cleaned often enough," but others found them "very old and very clean."
  • Secluded Sites: Many campers enjoy the privacy of certain sites. One reviewer at Mills Norrie State Park Campground mentioned, "Lots of large tent sites, some in an open area & others fairly private."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner offer tons of activities. A family shared, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during peak times. A visitor at Hammonasset State Park Campground warned, "It sounded like a rave throughout the night."
  • Site Proximity: Many sites are close together, which can affect privacy. A camper at Rocky Neck State Park Campground noted, "The sites are quite close together."
  • Booking in Advance: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. One camper at Wildwood State Park Campground advised, "If you are looking for a site it’s best to book far in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids, like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner. A parent mentioned, "The activities are fun for the kids and there’s a giant pool."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and games to keep everyone entertained. A family at Kettletown State Park Campground found it "great for kids" and enjoyed the "beautiful trails."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise during quiet hours. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park suggested, "When I plan my trip around the spring, fall, or summer weekends that look sparse it is quiet."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at New York City North-Newburgh KOA said, "The RV/trailer only section is really nice, wooded."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. One camper at Hammonasset State Park Campground mentioned, "There are some sites with shade, but most are sunny."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can get busy. A visitor at Rocky Neck State Park Campground noted, "It appears that youngsters run the place, very polite and helpful."

Camping near Bridgeport, CT, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Bridgeport, CT?

The best campgrounds near Bridgeport include Hammonasset State Park Campground, located about an hour east along the coast. This popular destination offers beautiful beachfront camping with well-maintained facilities, abundant showers and bathrooms, and a camp store with essentials. For a different experience, Kettletown State Park Campground offers riverside camping with hiking trails in a more wooded setting. Both parks require reservations, especially during peak summer months. Other options within driving distance include Devil's Hopyard State Park and Macedonia Brook State Park, though they tend to be more primitive in their amenities.

What RV rental and camping options are available in Bridgeport?

While Bridgeport itself has limited RV campgrounds, several quality options exist within driving distance. Wolf's Den Family Campground is a well-equipped RV park located east of the Connecticut River with access to attractions like Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera. For those seeking waterfront options, Watch Hill Fire Island Campground offers beautiful beachside camping with nearby amenities. For RV rentals, check local dealers like Cruise America or peer-to-peer platforms like RVshare and Outdoorsy that connect you with local RV owners. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations for RV sites, especially during peak season, and many offer hookups, dump stations, and other RV-specific amenities.

Are there any free camping options near Bridgeport, Connecticut?

Free camping options are extremely limited near Bridgeport, Connecticut. Most camping in the area requires fees, especially at state parks like Devil's Hopyard and Kettletown. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in nearby New York offers camping with minimal fees, though not free. For those willing to travel further, Croton Point Park in New York's Hudson Valley region offers more affordable options with spectacular river views. For truly free camping, you'll likely need to explore dispersed camping options in state forests further north in Connecticut or western Massachusetts, though these typically lack facilities and require proper permits.

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