Connecticut's camping sites near Bridgewater offer diverse terrain options with elevations ranging from 200 to 1,600 feet across the region. Located in western Connecticut's Litchfield Hills, the area experiences moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F from June through early September when most campgrounds operate. Late summer evenings can drop to the 50s, requiring campers to pack accordingly for temperature shifts.
What to do
Archery activities: At Cozy Hills Campground in Bantam, families can participate in organized archery sessions. "Family activities, like archery, were excellent," notes one visitor who appreciated the structured activities beyond typical camping recreation.
Fishing opportunities: Point Folly Campground offers direct lake access for anglers. "Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing. Small little island," reports a camper who enjoyed the variety of water activities. Bantam Lake provides good fishing spots particularly on the western shore, which experiences less wind interference.
Survival skills training: Macedonia Brook State Park serves as an excellent location for wilderness skills development. A scout leader explains, "The place is great it's perfect for teaching scouts of all ages how to take and prepare for the wilderness survival badges." The park's rustic setting makes it ideal for outdoor education.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront options: Point Folly attracts repeat visitors with its waterfront positioning. "It's not much of a campground yet it has me returning at least twice a year since friends recommended it to me," writes one regular camper who prefers the western side where sites are less affected by wind.
Family-friendly environment: Kettletown State Park receives praise for its welcoming atmosphere for families with children. "The reason why I said place is perfect kids? It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night!" shares an enthusiastic parent who appreciated the open space.
Clean facilities: Black Rock State Park maintains well-kept facilities according to campers. "The staff greeted with warm welcomes and big smiles... And the grounds staff smiled and waved as they went by," reports one visitor who noted the "REALLY HOT showers" and accessible dish washing areas.
What you should know
Wildlife awareness: Wildlife encounters extend beyond what's mentioned in existing reviews. At Kettletown State Park, a camper advises, "One thing that I have to say to watch out for raccoons and skunk, they love to find food. Be sure put foods in the car!"
Cell service limitations: Steep Rock Association campsites offer complete disconnection from technology. "There is no cell phone coverage at any of the campsites," states one reviewer who found this information important for planning purposes.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the region operate only from late May through early September, with some extending into October. Freedom Farm Homestead offers 20 sites for tents and RVs but requires advance planning due to limited availability.
Tips for camping with families
Pool depth considerations: Cozy Hills Campground features a family-friendly swimming pool. "The pool is nice, no deep end, really safe for younger kids," explains a visitor who found this feature particularly beneficial for families with small children.
Site selection strategy: Macedonia Brook State Park offers varying site layouts that affect your camping experience. "The camp sites were laid out kind of odd, making some of them right up on a neighbor spot even when they didn't need to be," notes one camper who recommends visiting during less busy periods.
Evening entertainment: Star-gazing opportunities enhance the camping experience at several locations. A Kettletown camper mentions, "Plus you would see awesome stars during the nighttime!" making this a natural nighttime activity for families without requiring special equipment.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Gentiles Campground presents navigational challenges for larger vehicles. "Roads were narrow and steep and hard to maneuver bigger trailers and rigs," cautions an RVer who struggled with the terrain.
Utility availability: Black Rock State Park provides necessary amenities for RV campers. "No water or electric hookup but I have solar and a generator... They also have a dump station and a place to fill up ur water tank as well," explains a self-contained RVer who found the facilities adequate despite lacking hookups.
Seasonal site availability: Many RVers recommend securing reservations well in advance, particularly for sites at popular locations like Lake Waramaug and Kettletown State Park where RV-compatible sites are limited and typically fill 2-3 months ahead of summer weekends.
