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Ewan B.
Scout
ScoutWhite Pines Campsites
Rest Of The Day
One thing I really liked was having wifi when we needed it. Nice to be able to check in on work and then put the phone away and enjoy the rest of the day.
Camping near Cornwall, CT
139 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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The northwest corner of Connecticut surrounding Cornwall features campgrounds ranging from developed RV and tent sites to simpler primitive accommodations, including Housatonic Meadows State Park and Macedonia Brook State Park. Camping near Cornwall spans riverfront campsites along the Housatonic, lakeside sites at Lake Waramaug, and wooded tent sites in the Litchfield Hills, offering options from cabin rentals at properties like Cozy Hills Campground to backcountry-style stays. The area's proximity to the Housatonic River and various lakes creates opportunities for waterfront camping, while the surrounding Litchfield Hills offer scenic backdrops for outdoor recreation.
Camping in the Cornwall area follows seasonal patterns with most campgrounds operating from mid-April through mid-October. State parks like Lake Waramaug and Macedonia Brook typically open Memorial Day weekend and close after Labor Day. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds provide basic amenities such as drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, while comfort stations with showers are available at developed facilities. A recent review noted that "Macedonia State Park is a lovely little spot to camp. I stayed there for a night and it was very quiet and very safe. Our camp spot was right above the river that flows behind this spot."
The rural character of the region creates a peaceful camping experience with opportunities to disconnect from technology. Cell service can be limited, particularly in the valleys and more remote camping areas. Campers report high satisfaction with waterside sites, especially those along the Housatonic River and Lake Waramaug. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Macedonia Brook State Park offers simpler accommodations with fewer amenities but greater solitude. As one camper described Housatonic Meadows: "The fishing, peace and quiet of the place was exactly what we needed! Tons of birdwatching, hiking, river floating..." Wildlife sightings, including bears, have been reported at several campgrounds, so proper food storage is essential when camping in this region.
Best Campgrounds near Cornwall (139)
1. White Pines Campsites
"We used White Pines as our base while exploring this part of Connecticut and it worked out really well. We spent most of Saturday away from camp and came back tired and ready for an easy evening."
"We visited toward the end of the camping season and loved seeing this part of Connecticut as summer was winding down. The cooler evenings made sitting around the fire especially nice."
from $50 - $62 / night
Check Availability2. Lone Oak Camp Sites
"Tons of kids activities to keep the little ones busy and great hikes around! Tons of waterfalls in the area and the highest point in Connecticut."
"I happened upon Lone Oaks Camp Site when looking for someplace to stay in north eastern Connecticut."
3. Cozy Hills Campground
"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."
"We stayed near the water. Clean private bathrooms were a plus. Clean pool but only 3 feet deep."
from $72 - $122 / night
Check Availability4. Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground
"Tall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane."
"The Housatonic river is wide and shallow but good for soaking on a hot day and right behind pretty much every campsite. The riverside sites have a clear view, the others you walk through the woods."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability5. Macedonia Brook State Park Campground
"teaching scouts of all ages how to take and prepare for the wilderness survival badges place is clean it has running water has a porta potty and festival you don't have to worry because the state of Connecticut"
"Our camp spot was right above the river the flows behind this spot. You can go sit down by the water. But be careful!"
from $14 / night
Check Availability6. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground
"My family has been camping at Lake Waramaug for over 20 years. I can say most of what’s been said is true or partially so but whether it’s bad or good depends on your point of view."
"One of my favorite so far , went with family , to comply w covid and social distancing, the camp only rent your site and no one on your left or right or across ! Amazing !"
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability7. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest
"We were passing through Connecticut and needed a place to crash. Loved this campsite! Very chilled and secluded in your own site. I liked that it felt like a litrle community but still quotr private."
"Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots. Definitely need to come back. Great rates on all sites."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability8. Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
"I'm use to the rough and tough it of backpacking the AT Trail so this place had quite a few amenities I am not use to! Haha."
"It wasn't too busy when we went- we got there on a Friday night around 6pm and were able to get a spot. There are also some fun activities within the campground, and things nearby."
from $21 - $175 / night
Check Availability9. Skyridge Trails Campground
"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!"
10. Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park
"This is a really interesting campground that's situated on a hill overlooking Rudd Pond in Taconic State Park. "
"Wonderful hiking trails. Pond for fishing & swimming. Kiddie pond, children’s playground, Deli across the street is poorly managed but OK for a sandwich. Beautiful surrounding countryside."
from $21 - $24 / night
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Drive Time
- 37 min from Waterbury, CT
- 55 min from Hartford, CT
- 1 hr 4 min from Pittsfield, MA
- 1 hr 9 min from Kingston, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Cornwall, CT
370 Photos of 139 Cornwall Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Housatonic Meadows State Park CampgroundH
Tentrr Signature Site - Meadow Ridge Farm Woods
Macedonia Brook State Park CampgroundC
Windmill Hill - Connecticut White Memorial Campground
Lake Waramaug State Park CampgroundT
Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State ParkE
Brassie Brook Shelter - Bear Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Steep Rock Association
Ten Mile River Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Laurel Ridge — Mount Everett State Reservation
Freedom Farm HomesteadJ
White Pines Campsites
Recent Reviews near Cornwall, CT
654 Reviews of 139 Cornwall Campgrounds
- DDamien B.Scout
White Pines Campsites
Perfect Camping Day
Nice campground with a good mix of activities. We went fishing one morning, spent the afternoon at the pool and had a fire that night. Pretty much a perfect camping day.
- W
Will W.
GuideMills Norrie State Park Campground
Car camped
Made a reservation (site44) since I arrived as the sun had set. Office registration was open until 8. Staff was neither friendly nor unfriendly. Bathroom was dated but fine and a short walk from my site. CG was emptier being a Tuesday night in mid-October, so was plenty of space.
Great trail following the Hudson River. Beautiful fall colors.
- NNatasha R.Scout
White Pines Campsites
Cook And Hang Out
We stayed in a cabin and it worked out perfectly for us. Spent the days exploring the area and came back in the evening to cook and hang out. Would definetly do it again.
- RRobert L.
TravelerCopake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
Taconic SP Copake Falls
A nice wooded campground that was quiet despite being almost full on our Friday night stay.
The site we stayed at (64) had some pretty large roots to drive over and may have been an issue for a low clearance vehicle (we have a Subaru Outback).
The shower / house bathroom combo units weee very clean with hot water and baby changing station.
- JJonathon C.Scout
White Pines Campsites
Great Campground
Great campground for families. Lots for the kids to do and plenty of places to just sit and relax.
Nicole C.ScoutWhite Pines Campsites
Nice little getaway
We came up for a few days and ended up spending way more time at the campground than we planned. The kids liked the pool and fishing pond, and we enjoyed having a fire at night. Nice little getaway.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Lone Oak Camp Sites
Too expensive
I'm sure families would like it here in the summer, but to charge $90 when everything is closed up is ridiculous. Wi-Fi and showers are an additional cost. It does have an ADA shower which is a plus. Lots of permanent RVers and some sites are tight.
- DDonna D.Traveler
Pittsfield State Forest Campground
Pittsfield State Forest
Great little campground in Berkshire County. Mostly suited for tent camping or small RVs, although there are definitely sites for RVs to use. Call to get an idea of what’s available if you do plan on bringing your RV. The facilities were clean and the trails well marked.
Guide to Cornwall
Camping spots near Cornwall, Connecticut feature a mix of established campgrounds set in the hilly terrain of western Connecticut, with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,200 feet. The region sits within the Housatonic River watershed, with camping options typically situated near streams, rivers, or ponds. Weather patterns create warm days and cool nights during camping season, with temperatures dropping into the 50s after sunset even in summer months.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Taconic State Park, campers can access trails leading to Bash Bish Falls, with one reviewer noting, "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."
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide fishing access, particularly for trout and bass. Rudd Pond in Taconic State Park earned this review: "Great fishing pond for largemouth... 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."
Family activities: Lone Oak Camp Sites organizes structured activities for children throughout camping season. As one camper shared, "Tons of kids activities to keep the little ones busy and great hikes around! Tons of waterfalls in the area and the highest point in Connecticut. Stars can be seen well and tons of kind and friendly campers."
Night sky viewing: Several campgrounds offer darker skies than urban areas. At Macedonia Brook State Park, one camper appreciated the "night sky as dark as you can find in CT."
Drive-in theater: Some campgrounds are located near unique local attractions. One reviewer at Austin Hawes Memorial Campground mentioned, "There is a drive in movie theater 10 min away (we always tailgate a movie as tradition)."
What campers like
Creek and river sites: Water-adjacent campsites are popular throughout the region. At Housatonic Meadows State Park, campers enjoy riverside sites: "We camped next to the brook and one couldn't have had a much better experience! Had supper in nearby Kent which is a fantastic small village."
Spacious platforms: Several state parks provide raised platforms for tents. At Rudd Pond Area in Taconic State Park, "Almost all of the sites have platforms to pitch your tent on, although there are a couple of flatter spots without platforms."
Privacy at certain sites: While campgrounds can get busy, some sites offer more seclusion. At White Pines Campsites, one reviewer noted: "We got a tent spot and it was perfect since it was the furthest one away and there was no one near us which is probably why we loved it so much bc we were so isolated."
Clean facilities: At Cozy Hills Campground, campers appreciate the well-maintained grounds: "Clean private bathrooms were a plus. Clean pool but only 3 feet deep."
Midweek solitude: Campgrounds in the region have distinct weekday vs. weekend experiences. One camper at Lake Waramaug State Park observed: "If you go during the week the place is a ghost town."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor connectivity. At Macedonia Brook State Park, one camper reported "No cell service."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cornwall, CT?
What camping is available near Cornwall, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cornwall, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 139 campgrounds and RV parks near Cornwall, CT and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cornwall, CT?
Which is the most popular campground near Cornwall, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cornwall, CT is White Pines Campsites with a 4.5-star rating from 30 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cornwall, CT?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cornwall, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Cornwall, CT.
What parks are near Cornwall, CT?
What parks are near Cornwall, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Cornwall, CT that allow camping, notably Northfield Brook Lake and Hop Brook Lake.
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