Tent camping near Bantam, Connecticut offers backcountry experiences in elevations ranging from 800 to 2,000 feet with access to portions of the Appalachian Trail and interconnecting trail systems. The surrounding Litchfield County terrain features rocky outcroppings and dense hardwood forests that transition from oak-hickory stands to maple-birch groves at higher elevations. Weather conditions vary significantly by season with average summer temperatures reaching 80°F during days and dropping to the 50s at night.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail sections: Access multiple sections of the AT through trailheads near Ten Mile River Shelter. "It is at least a mile if not a mile and a half from approved parking (on the side of the road off the A.T.) to camp, either from the A.T. or a combo of the A.T. and a blue blaze trail (which is easier, imo)," notes camper Sue B.
Backcountry skills training: Local sites serve as educational grounds for outdoor skills. At Onion Mountain Park, one visitor shared, "My BSA troop has been going here for years to help new scouts learn to camp. It is a very casual site and good for your first trip, you are close to your car and the road in case you need it."
Summit Bear Mountain: The highest point in Connecticut offers panoramic views and connects to multiple camping areas. "After hitting the bear mountain summit, we turned back to spend the night at Brassie Brook. Brassie Brook has a small lean-to as well as about 4/5 campsites located all around," reports one camper who experienced both sites.
What campers like
Private, primitive settings: Campers appreciate the secluded nature of dispersed sites. At Alander Trail Campground, "You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots. Once you get there, there's quite a few sites to choose from and each offer quite a bit of privacy," according to Kay D.
Bear safety provisions: Many Bantam area sites provide bear boxes for food storage. "They also have bear boxes at each site! Although we were the only campers at the time the area was emmaculate and not one piece of trash on the ground anywhere!" observed a visitor to Alander Trail Campground.
Water features: Multiple campsites provide access to streams and ponds. When camping in the region, one reviewer mentioned, "On the way up you will see signs for Race Brook Falls; it's pretty beautiful and worth a day hike if you aren't camping or whatnot."
What you should know
Primitive conditions: Most tent sites near Bantam lack amenities. About Onion Mountain Park, camper Ricky H. clarifies: "Other posts claim you can park right at the site, but you cannot. It's up the yellow or blue trail depending on which one you take. However, it's not a long walk to the parking area from the campsite."
Fire restrictions: Some areas prohibit fires despite having established fire rings. "No fires allowed, however," warns a camper about Laurel Ridge despite its beautiful location and campsite quality.
Wildlife precautions: Bears and other wildlife require proper food storage. A camper at Onion Mountain Park advised, "We ended up finding a very primitive spot off the blue trail, where we settled down for the night. P.S - There are a lot of bugs so be prepared, and we did put a bear bag about 100 feet away."
Tips for camping with families
Choose beginner-friendly sites: Some locations specifically cater to new campers. Onion Mountain Park gets recommended as "a very casual site and good for your first trip, you are close to your car and the road in case you need it so no need for a bear bag."
Consider lean-to shelters: Brassie Brook Shelter offers more protected accommodations. "The lean-to fit our small tents, and there is a picnic table. There's also a bear box nearby. Room to camp your tent on the ground too if you wanted to or had more ppl along," according to reviewer Tina D.
Plan for weather changes: Mountain elevations experience rapid temperature shifts. One Brassie Brook visitor reported, "Our trip was sadly cut short because we were freezing and it was raining a lot LOL but hey it's part of the experience. The fall views made it worth it."
Tips from RVers
Focus on tent-only backcountry: The Bantam area primarily offers tent camping with limited RV options. At Mountain Lakes Park, a reviewer noted, "A fun option available at Mountain Lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in. The area, as the name implies, is home to several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes."
Consider seasonal access: Dirt roads leading to many camping areas become difficult for larger vehicles during wet seasons. "When we were there it was right after a rain storm and everything was a bit muddy and slippery," cautions a visitor to Mountain Lakes Park.
Explore walk-in alternatives: Many sites require hiking regardless of vehicle type. One camper observed about the area, "A dirt road loops through the property with trails off and through it. No facilities that I can think of, but there are a few lean-to's scattered off the looping road."
