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Best Campgrounds near Cornwall, CT

598 Reviews

The northwest corner of Connecticut surrounding Cornwall features several established campgrounds within a short drive, including Housatonic Meadows State Park and Macedonia Brook State Park. Most camping options in this region are developed campgrounds offering tent and RV sites, with some properties like Cozy Hills Campground also providing cabin accommodations. 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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Cornwall, Connecticut (135)

    1. Cozy Hills Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-2119

    $72 - $122 / night

    "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."

    2. Lone Oak Camp Sites

    12 Reviews
    Norfolk, CT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 422-2267

    "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. Macedonia Brook State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Kent, CT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 927-3238

    $14 / night

    "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!"

    4. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    New Preston, CT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 868-0220

    $17 - $50 / night

    "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 !"

    5. Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Cornwall Bridge, CT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 672-6772

    $17 - $50 / night

    6. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    13 Reviews
    Riverton, CT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 379-0922

    $17 - $50 / night

    "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."

    7. White Pines Campsites

    11 Reviews
    Winsted, CT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 379-0124

    $74 / night

    "However one issue was the garbage situation. Had to walk a long distance to throw out the trash."

    "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. a little disappointed in the site"

    8. Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

    20 Reviews
    Copake Falls, NY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 329-3993

    $17 - $175 / night

    "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."

    9. Skyridge Trails Campground

    1 Review
    Torrington, CT
    8 miles

    "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

    4 Reviews
    Millerton, NY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 789-3059

    $17 - $20 / night

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Cornwall, CT

892 Photos of 135 Cornwall Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cornwall, CT

598 Reviews of 135 Cornwall Campgrounds

  • M
    Oct. 26, 2025

    North-South Lake Campground

    Beautiful grounds HORRIBLE STAFF

    I don’t normally write reviews especially a negative one. We had a very upsetting experience at North-South Lake. We drove over two hours to visit my husband’s childhood campground for the first time with our three kids(ages 5, 7, and 9). When we arrived at the entrance, we were asked if it was a day visit, and we said yes, we were only staying for the day. We paid the fee, received a map, and drove in. My husband was so excited to finally share this place and create memories with our children. Looking for a place to park, we thought we were lucky to find an empty campsite in one of the loops where he used to camp as a child.

    We parked the car hoping to enjoy the view of the lake, take a walk, and maybe make the kids a couple of s’mores before heading home.

     At around 2:15–2:30 p.m., the “SUPERVISOR” in the white Kia approached us in an extremely rude and nasty manner, speaking as if we were committing a serious crime and comparing our situation to“sleeping in someone else’s hotel room.” She asked us if we had a reservation; we said no. She said,“Someone else reserved this spot.” We were very apologetic, embarrassed, and immediately put our stuff in the car. I said they could have told us; we would have moved right away. I’m sorry. 

    She said,“They aren’t supposed to talk to you; that’s why they send me here.” She told us we had ten minutes to leave, waited there while we put our chair, blanket, and s’more cookies in the car, and refused our 9-year-old daughter access to the bathroom while we packed up our three things, and even followed us out of the loop to make sure we didn’t park elsewhere. My daughter came to us crying because the lady told her she couldn’t use the bathroom and had to get in the car. Well, she had an accident in the car right as we were pulling out. 

    We were mortified and apologetic. My husband even offered to leave the firewood we had just purchased for the next campers, but she was dismissive and harsh about that as well. 

    The following day, I called and asked to speak with a manager to explain how we were treated. The manager was just as unfriendly and miserable sounding as the supervisor. I was told they had been looking for us“for hours” and that it’s“common sense” not to park in a campsite. She actually said it’s considered trespassing. So, a friendly warning for first-time visitors: Apparently, if you don’t know that“day use” doesn’t mean“park in any empty campsite,” just for the day, you’re officially a trespassing criminal, at least according to the manager. 

    Reading the website now, I see that check-in for people with reservations is at 2 p.m., which was the time we were trying to make a small fire, so unless someone left their site and returned, it’s unclear how they could have been looking for us“for hours.” We were right there at 2pm. 

    The website also states: Day Use• Anyone who is not camping is a day-user. Day-use hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Day-users are not allowed between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. 

    We were not camping but didn’t realize we couldn’t park in an empty campsite. I think“common sense” would be to inform DAY USE visitors at the ENTRANCE to use public parking, especially for families or first-time visitors who may not be camping experts. Bottom line: this was my husband’s childhood family spot. We just wanted to take a beautiful fall drive and have a special day with our kids. 

    We understand now that we needed to reserve the parking spot ahead of time, and it was an honest misunderstanding. I would have even offered to pay for the campers’ stay for their trouble. What we wish for is that the staff had approached us respectfully and explained the situation instead of treating us like criminals. Imagine being such a miserable person and working in such a BEAUTIFUL and peaceful place for families. 

    This was meant to be a special family day, honoring memories of my father-in-law and creating new ones with our children. Instead, it became stressful and humiliating. Sadly, this is what our children will remember about the day and about North South Lake

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    Great State Forest Campground

    Austin Hawes (also known as American Legion State Forest/Campground) is a great little place in a beautiful part of the State. They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers. Have camped here before in tents and a pop up, it's right on the Farmington River, so we have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well. The bathrooms have showers and flush toilets, there are hiking trails in and near the campground, and stores not too far. Sites vary in size and privacy.

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Black Rock State Park Campground

    Nah

    If you want to feel like you are camping in the middle of a lawless low income housing project, this is the place for you. We camped next to a woman with 2 pit bulls, which was surprising, given the "no dogs allowed" rule, and were surrounded by people partying despite the "no alcohol" rule. Teens congregate in the bathroom so they could charge their devices but did not appreciate you being there to use the bathroom they clearly took over, and even though it's 2025, I still prefer no boyfriends hanging out in the women's bathroom. Call me whatever. Used to camp here years ago, clearly it has gone downhill. Park Ranger? What's that?

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Ten Mile River Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Not a public campground!

    Ten Mile River Shelter and campsite is not a public campground. Sure, anyone can camp there, but it is designated for folks hiking the A.T., whether thru-hikers, section hikers, or whatever. While there are no rules about who can camp there, during thru-hiking season, consideration should be made for folks who rely on places like this during a long distance hike. It is at least a mile if not a mile and a half from approved parking (on the side of the road off the A.T.) to camp, either from the A.T. or a combo of the A.T. and a blue blaze trail (which is easier, imo). There are also no fires allowed on the CT A.T.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Great staff but back-to-back campsite

    We stayed a coupe of days in Oct. This is a beautiful site to camp out. The staffs are friendly and very attentive.
    Bathroom and water pressure was ok. But one shower location for 50 campsites. Three small showers units and three toilet.
    I never stayed a state campsite where the sites are so close each other. If you like a “normal” distance to your neighbors, I'd not recommend this place.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    Good amenities and fun experience!

    Campsites Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between. Nice and level. Amenities Bathrooms are older and need of some repair but let me tell you I was very happy to see a normal shower head with real hot water! So no complaints here. Laundry facilities were clean and open 24/7 with reasonable prices 2.50/2.00 washer/dryer. And the dryers actually worked. Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue. We have Starlink but in a wooded campsite, connecting is an issue but luckily their WiFi was great. Had no issues and could stream just fine. Halloween! We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun. Would definitely go back. Also, staff was super nice.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Brookside Campground

    Not a recreational campsite

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We paid for two weeks in advance of arriving at this site based on reviews available on Google and Dyrt. However, when we arrived we were surprised that this was mostly a trailer park. Call me picky, but I really prefer not to camp in an area where folks are living full time. Just not the vibe I’m going for. We decided to leave without staying. We called to see if we could get a refund and they were very kind and it wasn’t a problem. But just be warned… this is not a recreational campsite.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Whip O Will Campsites

    Not for recreational campers

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We arrived after leaving another campsite in the area (that was also 100% full timers) and were disappointed to find that this site was all permanent campers with crap everywhere. One site even had a funeral home sign hanging out front of an entire plywood addition to their camper…like what? Call me picky, but I don’t feel entirely comfortable camping for fun next to folks who live in the campground like this. After driving through the super narrow and rutted out roads to the site they recommend, a man came hauling a** into our site (with a beer in his hand) and was saying “hello hellooooo.” Said he was the owner of the campsite and asked if we were staying, we said we were thinking about it, just checking out the available sites (as the lady up front told us to do). TL;DR- bad vibes. Didn’t stay. Be warned this is a full time campsite with crap everywhere. The lady working the office was super nice though.

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?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cornwall, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 135 campgrounds and RV parks near Cornwall, CT and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Cornwall, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cornwall, CT is Cozy Hills Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 9 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cornwall, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots 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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