Connecticut camping destinations near Bridgewater provide outdoor experiences within the rolling Litchfield Hills region, where elevations range from 200-1,000 feet. Most campgrounds in this area of northwestern Connecticut operate seasonally, typically closing between late October and early May due to the region's cold winters with average January temperatures of 20-30°F.
What to do
Hiking at Taconic State Park: The park offers multiple trail options for outdoor enthusiasts. One camper noted, "There is a trailhead at the end of the campground that connects to the other trails in Taconic State Park," while another mentioned, "There are plenty of nearby hikes for exploring."
Fishing opportunities: Rudd Pond at Taconic State Park provides accessible fishing with largemouth bass. A visitor shared, "The sites were a little close together, but being able to fish and catching 2 decent-sized largemouth bass made everything all ok!! There is plenty of fishing access from shore and you can rent a boat for the whole day to fish on the water."
Swimming beaches: Several area campgrounds feature swimming areas with varying amenities. A camper at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground commented, "Great beach, 5 minute drive from campground. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten."
Historical sites: The region offers access to significant historical locations. A camper at Interlake RV Park noted, "Close to FDR home and library...a must to see. Quaint towns nearby," indicating the proximity to national historic sites within a 30-minute drive.
What campers like
Family-friendly environments: Many campgrounds in the area cater specifically to families with children. At Prospect Mountain Campground, "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing. They also have a nice little store and snack bar."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently comment on bathroom conditions and amenities. A visitor to Kettletown State Park remarked, "I love kettletown, it's a favorite that is very close to home. It's a small camp ground and it's absolutely beautiful. The bathrooms are always kept clean and stocked and there are a ton of watering spots."
Stargazing opportunities: The region offers dark skies for astronomy enthusiasts. A camper at Lake Taghkanic noted, "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."
Recreational amenities: Beyond natural features, many campgrounds provide additional recreation. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, "It offers a pool, playground, and activities that include bocce ball, shuffleboard, and horseshoes. The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. For example, Clarence Fahnestock State Park runs "from April 15 to December 4," making it one of the longer-season options in the region.
Site privacy varies: Campground layouts differ significantly throughout the area. At Rudd Pond, "The campsites are pretty close together, so if the campground is full, you are rather close to your neighbors," while at Lake Taghkanic, platform sites provide better separation.
Bathroom facilities: Quality and availability of restrooms varies by campground. A camper at Lake Compounce noted, "Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper," while another at Kettletown mentioned, "This is the only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars," referring to bathhouses needing updates.
Noise levels: Some campgrounds experience higher noise levels on weekends. A visitor to Fahnestock State Park shared, "It was not a super quiet place. The site was littered with small pieces of trash," indicating potential maintenance issues at certain locations.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas ideal for children. At Rudd Pond Area, a camper noted they have a "Pond for fishing & swimming. Kiddie pond, children's playground," making it suitable for various age groups.
Recreational programming: Many campgrounds schedule regular activities for younger campers. At Prospect Mountain, "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides... They also have a mini golf course and a mining area where kids can 'mine' 'gems'. Kids had a blast!"
Pool amenities: Several campgrounds maintain pools with family-friendly features. One visitor mentioned, "Nice pool with time for adult only swim time," indicating Prospect Mountain balances family and adult needs effectively.
Nature exploration: Area campgrounds often provide natural features for children to explore. At Rondout Valley, "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish. The nearby towns are adorable and offer shopping, hiking, farms, and more."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV sites with full hookups are available at several campgrounds. At Interlake RV Park, a visitor noted it offers "Full hookups, tents and cabins to rent. Sites are well groomed. We had one and a babbling brook was 30 feet behind us."
Leveling considerations: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring additional preparation. A camper at Kettletown State Park mentioned, "Site 11, while large, was uneven and had some large tree roots that would be easy to trip over."
Pull-through accessibility: Several RV parks offer easy-access sites. At Lake Compounce Campground, a visitor noted, "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded."
Dump station access: While not all campgrounds offer full hookups, many provide dump stations. Lake Compounce "does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station," making it suitable for shorter stays without full service.
