Best Campgrounds near Cornwall Bridge, CT

The northwest corner of Connecticut offers mixed-use campgrounds around Cornwall Bridge, with notable options including Housatonic Meadows State Park directly along the Housatonic River and Macedonia Brook State Park nestled in the hills nearby. Both state parks provide tent and RV camping opportunities with scenic waterfront locations, while private campgrounds like Cozy Hills Campground in Bantam supplement the region with more developed sites including cabin rentals. This rural area, characterized by its rolling Litchfield Hills landscape, supports camping from approximately May through early October, with most state park facilities closing after Labor Day.

Camping seasons in the region typically run from late May through September for state parks, while private campgrounds often extend their seasons from mid-April through mid-October. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months. The terrain features significant elevation changes with many sites situated along brooks, streams, and the Housatonic River, though cell service can be spotty throughout the area. "Delighted to find this facility on our return trip from Maine to NC. 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," noted one visitor to Macedonia Brook State Park.

Campers consistently highlight the peaceful settings and water features as key draws to the area's campgrounds. Macedonia Brook State Park receives particular praise for its quiet atmosphere and brook-side sites, though amenities remain basic with only portable toilets and water pumps available. Several visitors mention bear sightings in the region, particularly at Housatonic Meadows where wildlife encounters are common. The area's proximity to hiking trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, enhances the camping experience. Housatonic Meadows campground offers convenient river access for fishing and paddling, though some reviewers note its proximity to the road as a drawback. As one camper observed about Macedonia Brook: "Well spaced sites. No bathhouse, just portable toilets and a few water pumps. And a night sky as dark as you can find in CT."

Best Camping Sites Near Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut (129)

    1. Cozy Hills Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    9 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. Macedonia Brook State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Kent, CT
    7 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!"

    3. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    New Preston, CT
    8 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 !"

    4. Lone Oak Camp Sites

    12 Reviews
    Norfolk, CT
    14 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."

    5. Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground

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

    $17 - $50 / night

    6. 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."

    7. White Pines Campsites

    11 Reviews
    Winsted, CT
    19 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. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Riverton, CT
    21 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."

    9. 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."

    10. Point Folly Campground

    2 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-0089

    "The campground is right on Bantam Lake which is great for boaters/kayakers  fisherman and families.  I have found the east side of the lake to be much more windy than the west side of the lake.   "

    "Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing. Small little island"

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Recent Reviews near Cornwall Bridge, CT

556 Reviews of 129 Cornwall Bridge Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    Convenient pit stop

    This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Point Folly Campground

    Great

    I’ve been coming here for decades. Little store has what you need if you can find the shop keeper. Great access to bantam lake. You can leave you canoes/kayaks tied up in the water. Great fishing. Love it overall. The only issue I have is the pit toilets are brutal. If you are tent camping, beware!

  • Christine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    Quiet and clean

    So far it's been pretty quiet but we are here at the beginning of October on a Monday. Nice area.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Average

    We stayed one night in late September without a reservation. Bathhouse is old but was adequate with hot showers. We’re from out of state and paid about $23 for a tent site which was reasonable for the facilities.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Sylvan Lake Beach Park

    Great Beach Lake for summer swimming and Boating

    This is an old campground, but is quite quaint. Reminds me of lake camping that I grew up with. Hosts are very nice and helpful. This is more of a seasonal camping site. Do not follow your GPS directions. Get directions from the campground staff.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area

    West Point

    No frills but beautiful. Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only. Will return! Staff is friendly and helpful. Military families should check it out!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Gentiles Campground

    Nice place to stay

    Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites. Most sites seem pretty level, but there are some steep roads in the CG. There is an airport next to CG, but it is for single engine private planes only so not a problem. Not by a major road so little traffic noise. I would stay here again.


Guide to Cornwall Bridge

Camping near Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are great trails nearby, like the Henry Buck Trail, which many campers enjoy. One reviewer mentioned, "If you like nice big private sites, peace and quiet while providing a great location for fishing and hiking, then this is your kind of place."
  • Fishing: The Farmington River is close by, making it perfect for fishing enthusiasts. A camper noted, "This campground is dog friendly, and there is access to the Farmington River for your fishing and paddling pleasure."
  • Exploring Local Attractions: Campers can visit nearby towns and enjoy local shops. One visitor said, "The Pleasant Valley General Store down the road is great. Provides everything you need in addition to live bait."

What campers like:

  • Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the lush surroundings. A review highlighted, "The campground is nicely forested with beautiful tall trees."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the area. One camper shared, "It was incredible! It was so quiet at night—not a sound after 11 pm during my visit."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained sites are a plus. A visitor remarked, "The bathrooms were clean and well-maintained."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during weekends. A camper mentioned, "The sites were super close together, and the boundary lines were unclear, so my neighbors ended up using my fire ring."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. One review stated, "The camp office only sells ice and firewood, but there's a Stop and Shop nearby."
  • Wildlife: Be aware of local wildlife. A camper warned, "We and several other neighboring campers spied a pretty big black bear not far enough away in the late morning hours."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One parent said, "This State Park is great for kids because it's close to our home for a quick getaway."
  • Playgrounds: Some campgrounds have playgrounds, which can be a hit with younger campers. A review noted, "The beautiful playground equipment was a good-send for our family."
  • Plan for Rain: Bring extra tarps and rope for rainy weather. A camper advised, "Rainy weather in the fall! Bring extra tarps and rope!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Site Selection: Choose your site carefully, as some can be cramped. One RVer shared, "The sheer armada of golf carts constantly going up and down the road makes you feel like you’re camping on a highway instead of in nature."
  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper mentioned, "None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours, but be prepared for noise from other campers. One RVer noted, "There was no management presence around quiet time, and this happened both evenings I was there."

Camping near Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful landscapes and a variety of activities, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Cornwall Bridge, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cornwall Bridge, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 129 campgrounds and RV parks near Cornwall Bridge, CT and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Cornwall Bridge, CT?

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

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Cornwall Bridge, CT.

What parks are near Cornwall Bridge, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Cornwall Bridge, CT that allow camping, notably Northfield Brook Lake and Hop Brook Lake.