The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Danbury, CT

498 Reviews

The camping landscape around Danbury, Connecticut features several established campgrounds within short driving distance. Kettletown State Park Campground in nearby Southbury accommodates tent camping, RVs, and cabin rentals with both electric and water hookups. Less than an hour away, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in New York offers tent and RV sites with lean-to shelters scattered throughout the wooded terrain. The region includes both state park facilities with amenities like showers and flush toilets, as well as more rustic options with primitive facilities.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the Danbury region, with most state parks operating between late April and early October. "Many sites and properties are open all year round, but the camping is very premium," notes one visitor about Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. Advance reservations are essential, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when sites fill quickly. Connecticut state parks like Kettletown typically open their camping season Memorial Day weekend and close after Labor Day. Visitors should note that several campgrounds in the area do not allow alcohol, while others permit it with restrictions. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though some low-lying areas may have limited coverage.

Campers report high satisfaction with water-adjacent sites at Lake Waramaug and Kettletown State Park. Many campgrounds in the area feature wooded sites providing natural shade and privacy, though some reviews note that certain loops have closely spaced campsites. "The sites are close together and the boundary lines were unclear," mentioned one camper about Kettletown State Park. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation receives praise for its lean-to shelters and spacious sites set far apart from one another. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region's parks, with hiking trails often accessible directly from campgrounds. Bug protection is essential during summer months, especially in wooded areas where mosquitoes can be prevalent.

Map showing campgrounds near Danbury, ConnecticutExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Danbury, Connecticut (93)

    1. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Fishkill, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 225-7207

    $17 / night

    "When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."

    "We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."

    2. Kettletown State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Stevenson, CT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 264-5678

    $17 - $50 / night

    "We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway. 

    This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again. "

    "Semi private with great view and nice walks to the water. Noise was not a problem overnight as to having problems with noises neighbors at other CT state parks."

    3. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

    9 Reviews
    Cross River, NY
    12 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."

    "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well"

    4. Mountain Lakes Park

    3 Reviews
    North Salem, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 864-7312

    "Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in."

    "A gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County. A dirt road loops through the property with trails off and through it."

    5. Camp W Herrlich

    1 Review
    Holmes, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 319-3084

    6. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    41 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 947-2792

    $17 - $20 / night

    "Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."

    "The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."

    7. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    New Preston, CT
    22 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 !"

    8. Freedom Farm Homestead

    1 Review
    New Milford, CT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 508-1594

    $50 - $70 / night

    9. Cozy Hills Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    25 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."

    10. Steep Rock Association

    1 Review
    Washington, CT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 868-9131

    "Each one is far away from the others."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 93 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Danbury Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Danbury, CT

519 Photos of 93 Danbury Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Danbury, CT

498 Reviews of 93 Danbury Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Croton Point Park

    Not the Best Place to Go in the Northeast By a Longshot

    Croton Point Campground is a modest little campground, located along the Hudson River within Croton Point Park in NY. In addition to camping, the park itself offers many of its own attractions, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, cabin rentals, and a host of other family-oriented activities just along the Hudson. 

    The park, which is honestly probably the largest attraction here, is located just an hour and a half outside of the city. This proximity is both its perk and its downfall, as the park itself, but particularly the campground, has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of, let alone hope to justify. 

    This includes all manner of restrictions on how you can camp, where you can camp, what equipment can be used, and use in relation to what particular site you may have been lucky enough to reserve. Much of this you can understand while imagining what may have taken place here to bring them to such measures, but it doesn't make it any easier to contend with. 

    In terms of the actual camping conditions Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded, with regular patrols🚓(actual patrols) being made day and night, by both the Park Rangers and what appears to be general park staff members, all looking to see if you or your family might be doing something that they might consider outside of the guidelines or not in compliance with the many restrictions. 

    This is not to say you can't possibly have a good time here. It just might mean being a bit more diligent toward reviewing the potential legitimacy of your normal camping routine to ensure it meets with many restrictions and guidelines imposed, while also making yourself comfortable with some fairly regular surveillance during your stay here. These all being things we hoped to get away from while camping ourselves It just turned out to be a bit much for our particular liking.

  • Mike W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    First time here

    Nice facility, friendly staff. They pack us in pretty tight in some sites.

Guide to Danbury

Camping near Danbury, Connecticut, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Harriman State Park - Beaver Pond. One camper mentioned, "I enjoy the beach/lakefront, option for platform sites, and regularly cleaned bathroom and shower facilities."
  • Fishing: At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, you can fish in two private lakes or the nearby river. A visitor shared, "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river."
  • Beach Access: Hammonasset State Park Campground is close to a popular beach. One reviewer noted, "The beach was popular... kids were playing in a stream running from a pond."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Kenneth L. Wilson Campground. A visitor said, "The bathrooms were very clean and new and the showers were free and temperature controlled to perfectly warm!!"
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner is packed with activities for kids. One parent mentioned, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities, awesome pools and water area."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers enjoy the peacefulness at Clarence Fahnestock State Park. A reviewer stated, "It was so quiet at night—not a sound after 11pm during my visit."

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. One camper at Wildwood State Park said, "The crowd stayed awake playing music all night very loudly."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Hammonasset State Park Campground noted, "There are no WiFi, but there's cell service."
  • Site Privacy: Campers at Taconic State Park mentioned that some sites are close together. One reviewer said, "Sites are a little close together for my liking."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner that offer playgrounds and activities. A parent shared, "There are playgrounds for the kids, basketball, pool and a remote control car track."
  • Plan for Noise: If your family needs quiet, avoid busy weekends at places like Wildwood State Park. One camper warned, "The crowd stayed awake playing music all night very loudly."
  • Pack for Activities: Bring gear for fishing or hiking, especially if you're visiting Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds. A visitor mentioned, "Bring your inter tubes, bug spray!"

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site, especially at Clarence Fahnestock State Park. One reviewer noted, "I had to drive off of the road on several occasions to make it through."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Kenneth L. Wilson Campground offer full hookups, which can be a big plus. A camper said, "The facility was clean, well maintained, and comfortable."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have poor cell service. A visitor at Hammonasset State Park Campground mentioned, "Our site was full sun (yay for the solar panel!)."

Camping around Danbury, Connecticut, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the specific campground details and reviews to find the perfect spot for your next getaway!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Danbury, CT?

The Danbury area offers several excellent camping options. Macedonia Brook State Park Campground is a standout choice with clean facilities, running water, and beautiful surroundings perfect for teaching wilderness skills. For family-friendly camping, Kettletown State Park Campground provides beautiful hiking trails and good river access. Both parks offer a genuine Connecticut outdoor experience within reasonable driving distance from Danbury. If you're willing to travel a bit further, consider campgrounds in neighboring New York state for additional options with varied amenities and natural settings.

How far are camping sites from downtown Danbury, CT?

Most camping options require a short drive from downtown Danbury. Cozy Hills Campground near Bantam is approximately 25-30 minutes southwest of downtown Danbury, offering drive-in access with full amenities. For a wilderness experience, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is about 30 minutes south in neighboring New York state, popular with locals for its numerous trails and group gathering areas. Many campsites within an hour's drive provide a good balance of accessibility while still feeling removed from urban settings. For the most convenient overnight options, check the I-84 corridor, though these are better suited for quick stops rather than destination camping.

Are there any RV campgrounds available near Danbury, CT?

Yes, RV-friendly campgrounds are available near Danbury. White Pines Campsites offers dedicated RV sites with necessary hookups for a comfortable stay. For those seeking more options, Lone Oak Camp Sites provides RV accommodations in a family-friendly environment with activities for children and access to nearby hiking trails. Freedom Farm Homestead is another option that accommodates big rigs with drive-in access and essential amenities including water and toilets. Most RV campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak summer months.

Keep Exploring