Lake Waramaug State Park Campground features large camping sites set across rural northwestern Connecticut at an elevation of 800 feet. The camping area accommodates up to 3 tents per site with direct access to the eponymous lake. Most sites have deep drainage ditches to manage groundwater during wet seasons, though many contain roots and stumps. Winter temperatures in the region typically drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Paddle the lakes: Mountain Lakes Park has several bodies of water accessible directly from camping areas. "There are also many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds which is always a huge plus in my mind," notes Ethan K., who visited Mountain Lakes Park.
Hike to waterfalls: Taconic State Park offers access to Bash Bish Falls via connected trails. "A very short hike (or drive) to the beautiful Bash Bish falls," writes Erin B. about Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park. Another camper added: "The swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock. Close to great hiking."
Explore mountain viewpoints: Trails from some glamping sites lead to lookout points. A visitor at Taconic State Park mentioned: "There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible."
Access amusement parks: Lake Compounce Campground offers direct access to rides and attractions. "This is attached to an amusement park but far enough away not to be a bother," explains Diane R. who stayed at Lake Compounce Campground.
What campers like
Large campsites: Lake Waramaug offers substantial sites for group camping. "You can get a VERY large site that easily fits 3 tents," reports katrina M. from Lake Waramaug State Park Campground.
Swimming options: Several parks provide lake access with swimming areas. One visitor to Taconic State Park noted: "There was a very large open grassy field for play/sports, a playground and life guarded portion of the lake for swimming."
Weekend activities: Structured events keep campers entertained. "The staff were very friendly and they had some activities like bingo and corn hole the weekend we were there," reports Tina about Lake Compounce Campground.
Clean facilities: Several glamping options near Brookfield maintain well-kept restrooms. "Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper," notes Diane R. about Lake Compounce.
What you should know
Site conditions vary widely: Not all glamping sites are equal in terms of cleanliness or setup. "Upon arrival, I liked the atmosphere and friendly service but our site was filthy. A bag of dog poop by a tree, trash under the picnic table, cigarette butts littering the rocks around the fire pit," reported a visitor to White Pines Campsites.
Cell service limitations: Limited connectivity exists at some locations. "Note - cell service is basically non-existent," warns a Mountain Lakes Park visitor. Another camper added: "We did not have any service on the campsite, however just a hop in the car or a quick walk down the mountain for 5G service near the entrance off the main road."
Noise levels fluctuate: Weekends bring higher occupancy and sound. "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," noted a White Pines visitor.
Wildlife encounters: Bears and skunks appear at some sites. A visitor warned: "We and several other neighboring campers spied a pretty big black bear not far enough away in the late morning hours. I'm sure they are fed well."
Tips for camping with families
Check swimming areas: Some lake areas have limited swimming zones. "The swimming area is an absolute joke, unless you are 18 months old, and then its probably perfect. (Extremely small, extremely shallow, and some sand to dig in)," warns a visitor to Lake Waramaug State Park Campground.
Consider weekday visits: For glamping near Brookfield with children, midweek offers quieter experiences. "If you go during the week the place is a ghost town," notes a Lake Waramaug visitor. Another adds: "I would never camp here on a weekend.... it is a party place then."
Pack food supplies: Limited food options exist onsite at most locations. "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," advises Mo S. about Lake Waramaug.
Bring recreational equipment: Some parks have limited amenities. "Bring scooters or bikes for little kids to use within the camp," suggests another Lake Waramaug camper. "If you have your own paddleboard or canoe or kayak, this would be a good place to use them."
Tips from RVers
Check hookup availability: Water and electric offered at most sites, but sewer connections vary. "No sewer hookups, but we couldn't stream anything from it," notes Tina about Lake Compounce Campground.
Site orientation matters: Some RV sites position campers facing each other. "The sites were long so even though you face your neighbor, the sites were long enough that our door wasn't directly across from our neighbor," explains a visitor to Lake Compounce Campground.
Look for pull-through options: Some parks offer easier access sites. "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded," reports Diane R. about Lake Compounce.
Inspect site grade: Many RV sites have uneven terrain. "A lot of the sites we drove by were pretty sloped- I would recommend a drive though if you can beforehand," advises Becca Z. about White Pines Campsites.
