Best Tent Camping near Cornwall Bridge, CT

The Appalachian Trail corridor near Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut offers several backcountry tent camping options, with Brassie Brook Shelter and Riga Lean-To providing established tent sites along the ridgeline. Both locations feature designated tent pads near their respective lean-to structures and are accessible only by hiking in from trailheads. Onion Mountain Park, located about 20 miles northeast of Cornwall Bridge, provides more primitive tent camping with minimal facilities. Tent campers seeking established campgrounds can find options at Windmill Hill in the White Memorial Conservation Center in nearby Litchfield, which offers drive-in tent sites with basic amenities.

Most tent-only sites in the region require significant hiking to access. The Appalachian Trail shelters demand a steep climb with elevation gain of several hundred feet over rocky terrain. According to hikers, the Undermountain Trailhead off Route 41 serves as the primary access point for reaching Brassie Brook and Riga shelters. Bear boxes are available at some backcountry sites, but campers should be prepared to properly store food away from wildlife. Vault toilets exist at the established AT shelter areas, but no running water is available. Fire regulations vary by location, with some backcountry sites prohibiting open fires entirely. Primitive tent camping areas like Onion Mountain require visitors to pack out all trash and follow strict Leave No Trace principles.

Tent campers frequently use these sites as overnight stops during longer Appalachian Trail section hikes. One visitor noted that Brassie Brook has "a small lean-to as well as about 4-5 campsites located all around" with basic toilet facilities but little else. Another camper described Alander Trail Campground in nearby Mount Washington State Forest as offering "a super private, true primitive camping experience" where "you have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back." Fall brings spectacular views but also colder temperatures, with overnight lows dropping into the 40s by October. The region's tent sites generally offer good tree cover for shade and wind protection, though proximity to summits can mean exposure to stronger weather.

Best Tent Sites Near Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut (28)

    1. Windmill Hill - Connecticut White Memorial Campground

    1 Review
    Bantam, CT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-0089

    $25 / night

    "Quiet woods atmosphere with trail’s. Wonderful place to camp. Very clean"

    2. Brassie Brook Shelter - Bear Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    Taconic, CT
    15 miles
    Website

    "We started our hike at the under-mountain trailhead, located right off route 41, and climbed up the mountain. Be prepared for steep inclines, and lots of rocks."

    "The lean-to fit our small tens, and there is a picnic table. There's also a bear box near by. Room to camp your tent on the ground too if you wanted to or had more ppl along."

    3. Riga Lean-To

    1 Review
    Taconic, CT
    15 miles
    Website

    "We absolutely loved this little lean-to next to Bear Mountain. I'll make this review short, as we also stayed at the Brassie Brook lean-to which is located only about a mile apart from each other."

    4. Laurel Ridge — Mount Everett State Reservation

    2 Reviews
    Taconic, MA
    17 miles

    "We actually started this hike in by Race Brook Falls area, and ended it where the GPS coordinates are noted. See the map in my photos marked with yellow lines."

    "We packed on our backpacks early in the morning and arrived there mid-afternoon. Very beautiful view, and an awesome spot! No fires allowed, however."

    5. Alander Trail Camground — Mount Washington State Forest

    3 Reviews
    Mount Washington, MA
    19 miles
    Website

    "Absolutely love this spot and highly recommend if you’re looking for a super private, true primitive camping experience."

    "Each spot is easy to find off the trail. They also have bear boxes at each site!"

    6. Rustic Lean-To

    1 Review
    Stanfordville, NY
    21 miles
    +1 (484) 529-8957

    $43 - $45 / night

    "We're happy to have this property on our platform. This site feature a fire-pit, wooded platform and picnic table. Check them out and leave them some love."

    8. Onion Mountain Park

    3 Reviews
    West Simsbury, CT
    26 miles
    Website

    "We arrived at the parking lot of Onion Mountain Park at around 2 pm and proceeded to get our bags packed for the hike."

    "Very peaceful overnight camping, no permit required. Small campsite, first come first served basis. Other posts claim you can park right the site, but you can not."

    9. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

    9 Reviews
    Cross River, NY
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 864-7317

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Close to the city and civilization, yet large enough to have nice trails and creeks to feel away from it all. The camping sites are very different so it’s useful to go in person and select the area."

    "There’s elevation gain, creeks, and open fields for stargazing. You have the options of a lean to here."

    10. Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground

    8 Reviews
    Accord, NY
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 951-4571

    "I definitely recommend trying to get the walk-in (meaning you can't drive to them) sites (8-15) because they're just a little bit more set back and kind of wonderfully wooded all around. 8 & 9 seemed"

    "This is a very nice modern campground with great access to amazing hiking and climbing in the area! About half the sites are walk-in and half the sites are drive-up."

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Showing results 1-10 of 28 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Cornwall Bridge, CT

517 Reviews of 28 Cornwall Bridge Campgrounds



Guide to Cornwall Bridge

Tent camping near Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of amenities and activities.

Tent campers should check out Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park

  • This campground features a beautiful pond perfect for fishing and swimming, making it a great spot for water enthusiasts.
  • With hiking trails nearby, visitors can explore the stunning landscapes of Taconic State Park right from their campsite.
  • The campground is well-equipped with amenities like drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Some prices for tent camping range from free to $30

Tips for tent camping near Cornwall Bridge

  • Be prepared for close quarters at the Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park, as campsites can be near each other, especially during peak season.
  • If you're looking for a more secluded experience, the Alander Trail Campground is known for its pristine and peaceful environment, perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep the natural beauty intact, especially at sites like Brassie Brook Shelter - Bear Mountain, where maintaining cleanliness is essential for future visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cornwall Bridge, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cornwall Bridge, CT is Windmill Hill - Connecticut White Memorial Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Cornwall Bridge, CT?

TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Cornwall Bridge, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.