137 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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 Availability"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."
"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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"
from $74 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"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!"
"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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ScoutI was in the area and needed a location to hook up. Temperature at 7:00 p.m. was 85 in July which is expected. They're able to get me in for the night. Quick and easy. Had smoke from the Canadian Wildfire which made for a good sunset
LegendExcellent campground! The forest is beautiful, the Hudson River is super close, there are great trails, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Sites are electric only, so make sure your water pump is working and fresh water tank is full. There are spigots for filling and a nice dump station. The player is excellent. I don't think tetn camping here would be great because the tent sites are closer together and there are trains that pass regularly. We couldn't hear the trains in our camper and our site was large and private with great Forest and hammock trees. The mansion tours at Vanderbilt and Mills were awesome!
TravelerPeople are super friendly and helpful. Campground is well maintained and very secure. RV site was very large and mostly level. Good location. Close to Hudson River and Albany.
TravelerWe arrived after 10pm so we couldn’t go into the general store to check in. But there was an envelope with our name and a description of where we had to go. Because it was so dark we couldn’t find it but the security guard was really helpful and showed us the way. We spent a really quiet night at this campground at a tent site with our rooftop tent and appreciated the clean showers and friendly staff. We would come back anytime.
TravelerI called as we were 3 hours away for a spot for the night. The lady who answered was amazing and asked everything to pick us the right spot. We showed up after hours and found our spot. It was so peaceful and so beautiful. Bathrooms were extremely clean! I recommend this spot to everyone! Well worth it!
GuideTall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane. The campground is landscaped and maintained beautifully. the highlight is the river, ever-present in sound. The primo sites are on the northern end , where most sites are right on the water, and just a small descent. Bathrooms are good, not great. Showers are push button automatic, water was warm. We have a small RV, the dump site is up the main road about a 1/2 mile in a turnout. Free for campers, on your honor. At office were college aged young men and women in very casual street clothes all very nice, and mannerly, but not very knowledgeable, and hard to believe they could handle an adverse situation. I asked for the soap to be filled in the mens room on Thursday afternoon at 4 and it was still not done at noon the next day. -it’s a 2 minute walk from the office. I asked about a hike, they told me a trail head was a mile up the road. We found a spur directly across the street. I miss real docents, with knowledge, and wearing the garb. All sites not directly on the river side have paths down to get there. Did a nice little moderate hike just across the street called Pine Knob. Nice vista, quick 760ft ascent, combines withe AT for a length, then back down total 3 miles the way we did it. Some nice restaurants in Kent. Found a good breakfast in Goshen. We’ll be going back.
TravelerArrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.
GuideA really nice campground for tenters and dry campers. No hookups, but decent bathrooms, lukewarm showers and well kept. 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. The only negative is Route 7, which gets busy in the mornings, and at rush hours, but quiets down at night. Not a busy highway to begin with, but a major route. A good up and down hike right across the street, 760 ft ascent in a mile or so, 3 mile loop, you see AT through hikers on the portion of the combined trail. There is a drinking water tap you can hook a hose to for filling your RV, or jugs. No dump station. We had our class B here. Sites mostly level. Come during the week for better privacy. Supposedly fly fisherman come on weekends. Cute cabins for rent in a awesome location.
GuideFirst off the cons the train at 130 am is wonderful to get woken up to 2nd the sites are on top of each other 3 not many level sites didnt hear the buzzing at all no daddy long legs but ticks let's talk about how many ticks I got in the park I pulled 7 off of me in 5 nights at that park
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.
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)."
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."
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 137 campgrounds and RV parks near Cornwall, CT and 8 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 8 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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