Best Tent Camping near Cobalt, CT
Tent campsites near Cobalt, Connecticut offer a mix of riverside and woodland experiences within a short drive. River Highlands State Park River Campground and Gillette Castle State Park Campground provide established tent camping options with varying amenities, while Selden Neck State Park offers a unique island camping experience accessible only by boat on the Connecticut River.
Most tent campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities with fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Chapman Pond Preserve provides tent platforms and an outhouse with Connecticut River views but requires walk-in access. Onion Mountain Park offers primitive tent camping with no permit required, accessible via hiking trails rather than direct vehicle access. Several riverside campgrounds like Hurd State Park River Camping and Selden Neck require campers to bring all necessary supplies as services are limited. During summer months, reservations are strongly recommended for the more popular tent sites.
The Connecticut River provides a scenic backdrop for many tent camping locations in the region. Sites at Selden Neck State Park Campground offer particular appeal for tent campers seeking water access. "Selden Neck State Park is an island in the Connecticut River with no roads or development other than 4 campsites. You have to kayak or boat in," noted one camper. Gillette Castle State Park Campground features boat-in tent sites with river views, while Hidden Lake Farm provides a more secluded experience with only five tent sites available. For those seeking woodland camping, Onion Mountain Park offers a quiet forest setting with established fire pits, though campers should be prepared for a hike from the parking area to reach the primitive tent sites.