Campgrounds near Cos Cob, Connecticut offer varying access to New York City and surrounding natural areas. Located in Fairfield County on Long Island Sound, the region experiences mild summers with average highs of 82°F and cold winters averaging 24-38°F. While RV parks in Cos Cob, Connecticut and neighboring communities are limited, several options exist within a 50-mile radius.
What to do
Beach access: 20-minute drive: At Croton Point Park, campers can enjoy swimming when lifeguards are on duty. "This is state park, very large nested on Peninsula on the Hudson River," notes one visitor. During summer months, the beach remains open to campground guests after Labor Day when closed to the public.
Hiking trails: Various difficulty levels: Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground provides multiple trail options through wooded terrain. "Fahnestock State Park... has a nice open beach on Canopus Lake with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean! They even have boat rentals - or you can bring your own boat to launch!" A visitor also mentioned excellent fishing opportunities: "There is another lake and two ponds that our neighbor campers said were great for catching panfish - one fisherman said he had caught several bass weighing over 3 pounds!!"
Urban exploration: 8-block walk: From Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront, travelers can access Manhattan via nearby transit. This newer RV park alternative provides urban camping with electric hookups and picnic tables at each site. While no waterfront views are available at the newer location, transit access remains convenient for city exploration.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation at Beaver Pond Campground. "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay."
Convenience for NYC access: Travelers value camping options with transit connections. "About 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park!! Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint. Free Hot showers in the bathrooms, with plenty of room to change," reports a Beaver Pond camper.
Off-season tranquility: Some rv parks near Cos Cob remain open year-round but offer different experiences by season. One Kettletown visitor noted, "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful. Great hikes." This seasonal pattern appears common across regional campgrounds, allowing campers to avoid crowds when visiting during shoulder seasons.
What you should know
Seasonal closures and limitations: Several campgrounds in the region operate on limited schedules. At Kettletown State Park Campground, the season runs "May 26 to September 4," making advance planning essential for summer visits. Water quality can also affect swimming access: "When swimming is allowed, there isn't a lifeguard."
Wildlife encounters: Most campgrounds report wildlife activity requiring proper food storage. At Croton Point Park, a camper advised: "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Facility quality fluctuates between campgrounds. One camper at Kettletown noted: "Speaking of bathhouse - this one is really just in dire need of updating. Having visited 2 other state parks in a neighboring state, CT should really invest in better quality bath houses."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Battle Row Campground provides dedicated play spaces. "The park is clean the bathrooms are well maintained and there is a playground for the kids. Each site is set back off a common area so there is plenty of privacy."
Water activities for various ages: Swimming and boating options exist at several locations. One Kettletown visitor mentioned: "The reason why I said that place is perfect kids? It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night! Plus you would see awesome stars during the nighttime!"
Site selection for privacy: When booking, research specific site numbers. At Fahnestock, one camper advised: "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site. This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance."
Tips from RVers
Reservation processes: RV park booking systems vary significantly. At Totoket Valley RV Park, visitors appreciate the straightforward process. "Small campground with good electrical, clean water, sewer and a friendly owner. Each site has grass and a picnic table. There is a wonderful little frozen custard shop down the road called roses farm stand."
City navigation challenges: When traveling to urban RV parks, consider route planning carefully. One Black Bear RV Park visitor noted: "Have stayed here several times - great location and nice, full hook-up sites. Back-in and pull through sites and can accommodate large rigs."
Winter camping considerations: For year-round RVers, several parks remain open but with limited services. "I would rate this a 5 when they're finished with the upgrades. Unfortunately there was nothing on this saying that they have limited spaces due to construction or that they changed the name."
