The Litchfield Hills region surrounding Cornwall, Connecticut sits between 500-1,600 feet in elevation with Bear Mountain rising to 2,316 feet as the highest point in the state. The area features dense hardwood forests intersected by the Housatonic River watershed. Tent campsites near Cornwall offer varying degrees of backcountry immersion, with some requiring strenuous hiking while others provide more accessible options for less experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
What to do
Hiking through Sages Ravine: Access beautiful streamside camping from the Massachusetts side through Laurel Ridge Campground. "The views once you get up there are nothing short of stunning and there is a short section of trail that's really the kind of spot that makes you go 'This is why I hike!'. There's a sheer drop-off of hundreds of feet spreading out into a massive valley scene below," reports Tina D.
Overnight backpacking: For more adventurous campers, the 4-mile trek between campgrounds creates an excellent backpacking route. "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," advises Nora S. about her journey to Brassie Brook Shelter.
Primitive camping: Explore dispersed camping options at Onion Mountain Park where free sites require a short hike. "We ended up finding a very primitive spot off the blue trail (on top of the mountain), where we settled down for the night. The spot is not very big so make sure to bring a smaller tent," shares Nora S.
What campers like
Bear boxes for food storage: Many campsites provide secure storage solutions. A reviewer at Alander Trail Campground noted, "They give you a semi-flat area for a tent, a fire pit and grill rack, one picnic table, and a bear box you would be sharing with other campers nearby."
Peaceful environment: Sites situated away from heavily trafficked areas provide tranquility. At Laurel Ridge, one camper observed, "It's quite a hike to get to this dispersed campground, so be prepared! We packed on our backpacks early in the morning and arrived there mid-afternoon. Very beautiful view, and an awesome spot!"
Fall foliage viewing: Camping during autumn offers spectacular color displays. "The fall views made it worth it. We did have some sun spots at least throughout the trip," reports Tina D. about her experience at Brassie Brook Shelter despite challenging weather conditions.
What you should know
Variable tent site quality: Platforms and site conditions vary significantly between locations. "The nicest, most level tent site you'll ever find. So easy to set up, and no worries whatsoever about roots or rocks," reports Kelsey R. about Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, though she cautions that "Campsites are CLOSE together."
Fire regulations differ: Fire policies vary significantly between campgrounds. At Onion Mountain Park, "We set up the tent and started a fire (very easy as there are sticks and wood everywhere)," while fires are prohibited at other sites along the Appalachian Trail.
Insects can be problematic: Wet areas breed mosquitoes, particularly in late spring. Kelsey R. warns that sites "11-15 are within 50 feet of a wet area, and the bugs in late May were pretty annoying."
Limited cell service: Most wilderness campsites have minimal or no connectivity. Bring paper maps and inform someone of your itinerary when camping in remote areas, especially during off-peak seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Start with accessible sites: For beginners or families with young children, choose Ward Pound Ridge Reservation where "The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather," according to Ethan K.
Choose mixed-terrain campgrounds: Sites with diverse landscapes keep children engaged. "There is wide open space and the paths are well paved so kids can have fun riding the bikes or running around. There is also many trails of various difficulty levels to suit everyone," notes Ming R.
Consider proximity to toilets: Facility access matters with children. "The sites are much farther away from the comfort stations than most campgrounds we have been to. But there are port-a-potties very close to the sites, which is very important when you have young kids," advises Ming R.
Pack extra clothing layers: Temperature swings can be significant, especially in spring and fall. Overnight temperatures can drop into the 40s even when daytime highs reach the 70s.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most camping near Cornwall is tent-focused with minimal RV accommodation. "No big RVs," notes Mollie R. about Shawangunk Gateway Campground, making the area better suited for tent camping or small camper vans.
Consider driving distances: The most accessible tent camping sites near Cornwall, Connecticut require planning for supplies. "Only thing is, stores are not near by and had to drive into Bedford to grab food items and camping necessities!" reports Anil S.
Plan for limited hookups: No electrical or water hookups exist at most sites. Bring sufficient battery power, water, and supplies for your entire stay when visiting primitive campgrounds in the region.
