Bantam sits in the Litchfield Hills region of Connecticut at an elevation of about 900 feet. Summer camping season typically runs from April through October, with daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F in peak months. Most campgrounds near Bantam occupy wooded terrain with varying site privacy levels, and campers can access the Bantam River for fishing and kayaking.
What to do
Fishing at Rudd Pond: The fishing at Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park offers a chance to catch largemouth bass from shore or by renting boats. "The sites were a little close together, but being able to fish and catching 2 decent-sized largemouth bass made everything all ok!! There is plenty of fishing access from shore and you can rent a boat for the whole day to fish on the water," notes one camper.
Swimming at state parks: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas with varying amenities. At Prospect Mountain Campground, "Pool was lovely and refreshing. I do wish they had more bathrooms though. Especially by the pool!!!" The campground also features a pond for additional water activities.
Hiking nearby trails: Trails abound throughout the region, with options suitable for different experience levels. "There's a trailhead at the end of the campground that connects to the other trails in Taconic State Park," mentions one visitor about Rudd Pond. Another camper adds, "Wonderful hiking trails" at Taconic State Park, which connects to several miles of marked and unmarked paths.
What campers like
Clean bathhouse facilities: Modern bathroom facilities stand out as a positive feature at many campgrounds. At Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, campers appreciate the amenities: "Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is." Another reviewer noted the "clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days."
Site privacy considerations: Privacy between sites varies significantly across campgrounds. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park, a camper advises, "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."
Family-oriented activities: Organized activities keep children entertained at several locations. Prospect Mountain Campground offers "activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing. They also have a nice little store and snack bar. There is also a mini golf course and a mining area where kids can 'mine' 'gems'."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book well in advance, especially for summer weekends. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, "This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance. There is great hiking and a lake you can get to and swim in right from the campsite."
Site features vary substantially: Different sites within the same campground can offer drastically different experiences. At Lake Taghkanic, "They have both platform and dirt tent sites, all sites come equipped with fire pits." A camper at Cozy Hills Campground notes that sites are "well maintained, with fresh wood chips and groomed gravel."
Weather preparedness: The region experiences occasional severe storms. At Taconic State Park, a camper recalled: "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!"
Tips for camping with families
Pool options: Multiple family-friendly campgrounds feature swimming pools as alternatives to natural swimming areas. At Cozy Hills Campground in Bantam, "Pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids." Another camper confirms, "Pool was nice and clean but a little cold."
Organized activities: Family activities receive high marks at several campgrounds. At Cozy Hills, reviewers praise the "Lots and lots of activities for kids! Arts & Crafts, Arcade, Bingo, Casino Night etc." The campground also offers fishing opportunities, with one visitor reporting "Kids caught about 20 fish."
Kid-friendly campground layouts: Some campgrounds separate short-term campers from seasonal residents. At Cozy Hills Campground, "Most of the short-term sites are on a separate loop from the seasonals, which made for a nice short-term community. Sites are well maintained, with fresh wood chips and groomed gravel."
Tips from RVers
RV site amenities: For RV sites near Bantam, Connecticut, there are several options with varying hookup configurations. At Totoket Valley RV Park, an RVer noted, "Small campground with good electrical, clean water, sewer and a friendly owner. Each site has grass and a picnic table." This park provides a more compact setting while maintaining essential services.
Pull-through accessibility: Access roads and site configurations vary significantly between campgrounds. Branch Brook Campground offers full-hookup sites, though one camper notes, "Sites are pretty close together and the campground is close to a fairly busy road." RVers with larger vehicles should check specific site dimensions before booking.
Utility reliability: Water pressure and electrical service quality differ between facilities. At Gentiles Campground, campers report "quarter showers and bathrooms" while Lake Compounce Campground has spacious pull-through RV pads with 50-amp service for larger rigs. When booking, confirm whether sewer hookups are available at your specific site, as some campgrounds offer this service at limited locations only.
