Yurt camping near Darien, Connecticut offers rustic outdoor accommodations across several parks within a 45-mile radius. The region encompasses both the Hudson Valley highlands to the north and coastal Long Island Sound areas to the south, with elevations ranging from sea level to 1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with humidity levels reaching 70-80% during July and August.
What to do
Hiking trails: Mountain Bailey: Mountain Lakes Park contains multiple trails that lead to Mount Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County. "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," notes Ben H. in his review of Mountain Lakes Park.
Beach activities: Smith Point County Park: Located on the Atlantic Ocean, this park offers both ocean and bay access for swimming, fishing, and beachcombing. "A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite. No shade so be prepared to wake early if you're in a sweltering tent," writes Ali O. about her stay at Smith Point County Park.
Kayaking: Lake Waramaug: The lake provides excellent flatwater paddling opportunities for all skill levels. "The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing. Bring your own gear but kayak and canoe rentals are available. The swim area is marginal- best for little ones," according to G.Y.'s review of Lake Waramaug State Park.
What campers like
Proximity to NYC: Many campgrounds, including those with yurt accommodations, are accessible for weekend trips from the city. "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," shares Ethan K. about Mountain Lakes Park.
Oceanfront sites: Smith Point offers waterfront camping with unobstructed views. "Stayed on the bayside (site 30), which had a fantastic direct bay view. Although most sites have views of the bay, some are blocked by seagrass," notes Gianna about her experience at Smith Point County Park.
Rustic cabins: Camp Glen Gray provides a more primitive cabin experience in a forested setting. "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions," writes Christopher M. about his stay at Camp Glen Gray.
What you should know
Military-only campgrounds: Several quality campgrounds near Darien are restricted to military personnel. "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only. We drove through and the whole space is rather large," notes Ethan K. about West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area.
Varying bathroom conditions: Facilities can differ significantly between parks. "Bathrooms, water, showers are close by... The staff are kind of a pain in the butt. There are lots of skunks and squirrels that will get into EVERYTHING even in a bin," warns katrina M. about Lake Waramaug State Park Campground.
Site privacy concerns: Many campgrounds have limited separation between sites. "All the camping spots are pretty much right next to each one with hardly any space, packed like Sardines. Neighbors are loud and some of them are ignorant of the park rules," reports Prashant M. about their experience at Indian Island County Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some parks offer designated play areas for children. "We were very impressed with the playground on site! Unfortunately, due to our early start in the camping season the weather did not allow us to enjoy fishing or the beach or water hook ups," notes Jacey H. about West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area.
Weather preparedness: Early and late season camping may require additional preparation. "When we were there it was right after a rain storm and everything was a bit muddy and slippery. We will definitely be planning a trip back to Mountain Lakes when the weather gets nicer though!" shares Ethan K. about Mountain Lakes Park.
Area attractions: Several family-friendly destinations exist near camping areas. "There are lots of stores nearby as well as orchards to pick your own fruits. I stayed there one weekend and went to Splish Splash waterpark that's not far away. There is also a Tanger Outlet nearby," reports Giselle P. about Wildwood State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site orientation: Consider views when selecting RV sites. "The campground is beautiful with a view and all of the amenities you could want from a small campsite. The trail is a nice hike up to a stunning view," explains Sam G. about Lake Waramaug State Park Campground.
Fire ring availability: Not all campgrounds provide fire rings. "The only reason I gave 4 stars is because the campsites don't come with a fire ring. Not sure if this is because of maintenance, but it just wasn't super apparent until we got there," mentions Maxime T. about Indian Island County Park.
RV pull-through sites: Some parks offer convenient RV access. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," notes Lori R. about Wildwood State Park Campground.
