Sam 
Scout
ScoutSelden Neck State Park Campground
Campsite
I do not recommend staying at this campsite. As you can't drive to the Campsite, as you have to come on a kayak or canoe.
Camping near Fairfield, CT
71 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
State parks and county facilities within an hour of Fairfield, Connecticut provide a range of camping experiences from beachfront to woodland settings. Kettletown State Park in Southbury offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with electric hookups and water access, operating from late May through early September. Hammonasset State Park Campground in Madison features beach access with family-friendly amenities and is known for its nature center. Across the state line, New York options include Ward Pound Ridge Reservation with year-round availability and Clarence Fahnestock State Park, which extends its season into December. Most campgrounds in the region provide standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms.
Reservations are essential during summer months, particularly for waterfront sites and holiday weekends. As one camper noted about Hammonasset, "Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need." Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with most Connecticut state parks closing after Labor Day. Cell service varies significantly between locations, with better coverage at coastal sites. Campground density increases during summer weekends, when sites at popular destinations like Hammonasset can fill months in advance. Weather conditions remain relatively mild through camping season, though coastal areas may experience fog and afternoon thunderstorms.
Campers frequently mention the proximity to water as a highlight of the region. At Hammonasset, families appreciate the bike-friendly environment and beach access. "You can ride your bike from your site to the playground, store, beach, local ice cream shop, coffee shop, or our family favorite, Meig's Point nature center," reports one regular visitor. Site privacy varies considerably, with some campgrounds like Kettletown featuring closely spaced sites. A camper noted, "The sites were super close together and the boundary lines were unclear." Wildlife encounters are common, particularly at inland parks where raccoons and occasionally bears may visit campsites. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours, though enforcement levels vary by location and season.
Best Campgrounds near Fairfield (71)
1. Kettletown State Park Campground
"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."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability2. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
"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"
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability3. Wildwood State Park Campground
"The beach is in a walking distance. You can swim or fish there. This camp site has a relatively new and clean facility. There are many farms near by where you can get fresh veggies and fruits."
"However there are too many loud families and the sites are too close in proximity for me."
from $20 - $250 / night
Check Availability4. Blydenburgh County Park
"just a great place to get away from home"
"The group camping on the fox sites is accessible by a dirt drive in. I felt like I was suddenly transported upstate when in fact I had only driven 2 towns over, (about 20 minutes from home.)"
5. Mountain Lakes Park
"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."
6. Hammonasset State Park Campground
"Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need."
"I had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.
Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability7. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
"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."
from $17 / night
Check Availability8. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
"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."
from $17 - $20 / night
Check Availability9. Cathedral Pines County Park
10. Branchbrook campground
Drive Time
- 4 min from Bridgeport, CT
- 21 min from New Haven, CT
- 33 min from Waterbury, CT
- 56 min from New York, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Fairfield, CT
126 Photos of 71 Fairfield Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Kettletown State Park Campground
Branchbrook campgroundK
Blydenburgh County ParkC
Cathedral Pines County Park
Wildwood State Park Campground
Heckscher State Park Campground
Tentrr Signature Site - Hunter Brook Mountain
Croton Point Park
Steep Rock Association
Watch Hill Fire Island Campground — Fire Island National SeashoreR
Freedom Farm HomesteadJ
Recent Reviews near Fairfield, CT
416 Reviews of 71 Fairfield Campgrounds
- S
Sean D.
TravelerHammonasset State Park Campground
Outstanding campground, park and location
Overall a superb spot to either stay put and enjoy the camp, park and beach or to use as a base to explore the region. Huge campground, yet peaceful. Online map would make it seem spaces are tight but it is a very big area and so ample room to stretch out your space. Not a lot of privacy as most spaces are out in the open or light tree area but it is not an invasive feeling situation. Very popular for CT families with biking, walking and the beautiful beach right here. Lots of grass, level sites. A few sites have electric but not many and this seems to be the big rig area. Most people are tent or small camper setups. Bathrooms clean, hot water reasonable temp. Dish washing stations at each restroom. Movies at night (kids). The state park is really pretty and well maintained. The area towns are very pretty and remarkably quiet in general (not many tourist traps) and its easy to access various shoreline parks, drives, viewpoints. I'd avoid the spots very nearest the park road as it does get a lot of day visitors to the park/beach. I'm here late August and schools go back this week so midweek the campground is less than half full but I believe it will fill for the weekend.
- Ellen O.Scout
River Highlands State Park River Campground
Call before you go
Expected to be able to drive right in. But got there and found it's in a residential neighborhood period gates were closed period never seen anything like this before period disappointed
Greg Z.TravelerShinnecock East County Park
Terrible camping, dont come here (kidding)
Just kidding - this is the best boondock camping you’ll find. Ample water fill, air, and dump stations. Pick the ocean or bay side- my preference is the bay side, closer to the inlet. Great fishing too. Note: there are NO hook ups, contrary to the AI summary from Dyrt.
Maureen F.TravelerSmith Point County Park
Family friendly and clean
Families are all around. Place is clean. Several play areas for children. Office upon 24/7. Also they added an Activity Room for kids. Beach accessible and great views.
- JJoyceScout
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Bare bones
No hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
Susie B.ScoutBlack Rock State Park Campground
Loud, no privacy, not very wooded
This is not the place to come if what you are looking for is a nice quiet, peaceful nature retreat. The "full shade" sites really aren't, it's crowded with kids yelling and running everywhere, and honestly, you're better off camping in your backyard.
- JJohnScout
Totoket Valley RV Park
Very Friendly and quick check in/out!
I was in the area and needed a location to hook up. Temperature at 7:00 p.m. was 85 in July which is expected. They're able to get me in for the night. Quick and easy. Had smoke from the Canadian Wildfire which made for a good sunset
Julia B.TravelerLake Compounce Campground
Very clean, friendly staff and not crowded
We arrived after 10pm so we couldn’t go into the general store to check in. But there was an envelope with our name and a description of where we had to go. Because it was so dark we couldn’t find it but the security guard was really helpful and showed us the way. We spent a really quiet night at this campground at a tent site with our rooftop tent and appreciated the clean showers and friendly staff. We would come back anytime.
Guide to Fairfield
Private campgrounds within an hour of Fairfield, Connecticut supplement the state park options with year-round accessibility and additional amenities. Most sites in the region require reservations, with the busiest period running from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Winter camping is limited to specific locations like Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, which remains open all year with lean-to shelters for cold weather protection.
What to do
Hiking trails: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers over 40 miles of trails for various skill levels. "There are endless trails in the area. I believe there are over 40 miles of trails in this area. Would definitely recommend for those who want to camp near NYC but not drive too far," notes a camper at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Fishing: Multiple parks offer fishing opportunities in stocked lakes and ponds. Blydenburgh County Park provides both shore and boat fishing access. "Great park with a nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail," reports one visitor to Blydenburgh County Park.
Winter camping: Unlike most seasonal options, several campgrounds remain open during colder months. "I've been coming here for years. They have great sights and are open all year round. I've stayed in hammocks, tents, lean-tos, and even did a good share of car camping," writes a regular at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
What campers like
Site spacing: Campgrounds vary significantly in site layout and privacy. At Kettletown State Park Campground, one camper appreciates the intimate setting: "I love kettletown, it's a favorite that is very close to home. It's a small camp ground and it's absolutely beautiful. The bathrooms are always kept clean and stocked and there are a ton of watering spots."
Beach access: Several campgrounds offer direct beach access, though quality varies by location. "This is a great place. The camping is very premium but the property and hikes are magical. No car noise or nonsense," reports a visitor to Beaver Pond Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers frequent wildlife encounters. At Kettletown State Park Campground, one camper advises: "The reason why I said place is perfect for 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! I went to there with campers for ten years. One thing that I have to say to watch out for raccoons and skunk, they love to find food."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require reservations, with some using different systems. "The one downside is that you need to book in person but it can be done well in advance if need be," notes a visitor to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Bathroom conditions: Facility quality varies significantly between parks. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, a camper reported: "The park rangers told us the plumbing had been re-done in the past year, so the water fountains and water spigots were in great shape and provided cold, clear water. The bathrooms were clean and well-kept."
Site maintenance: Upkeep varies seasonally and between parks. "I have been camping here since the early 90s. I am usually impressed by its cleanliness and upkeep. This past visit, Aug 2018, I was not impressed. It was run down, poorly kept and seems like the young employees just didn't care," reports one Kettletown visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "They have plenty of things at the camp store and you can't beat the couple minute walk to the beach. There is plenty of things in the area if you need to pick up any extra supplies too!" notes a visitor to Hammonasset State Park Campground.
Kid-friendly activities: Nature centers provide educational opportunities at several parks. At Wildwood State Park Campground, one camper advises: "There are hiking trails and you can walk to the beach. Note - it is a downhill walk to the beach. The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk."
Safety considerations: Wildlife awareness is important with children. "Short distance from NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal," reports a visitor to Beaver Pond Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric, water and sewer connections vary by park. At Blydenburgh County Park, a camper notes: "If your going to be on Long Island, Suffolk county is really only RV friendly place. Worth buying green key card for resident access. $200 but you'd spend that 4 nights regardless. Very clean campgrounds lots of space."
Site layout: RV areas often differ from tent camping sections. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," shares a visitor to Wildwood State Park.
Off-season availability: Winter RV camping options are limited. "Stayed in a cabin on the lower loop. Went hiking all day. Kinda close together sites, but the trails make up for it," reports a visitor to Kettletown State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Fairfield, CT campgrounds?
What amenities are available at Fairfield, CT campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Fairfield, CT offer a range of amenities for campers. Hammonasset State Park Campground provides well-maintained showers and bathrooms, a camp store with essential supplies, and proximity to beaches, playgrounds, and local shops. The campground is divided into different named loops, though bathroom quality varies between sections. For those seeking family-friendly options, Wolf's Den Family Campground offers convenient access to attractions like Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera. Most campgrounds in the area typically provide water hookups, restroom facilities, and picnic areas, with some offering electrical hookups for RVs and camp stores for supplies.
Where can I find camping sites near Fairfield, CT?
Where can I find camping sites near Fairfield, CT?
Several quality camping options exist within driving distance of Fairfield, CT. Kettletown State Park Campground offers tent camping with access to hiking trails and a river, though swimming availability depends on water conditions. For those willing to venture slightly further, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation provides multiple trails and is popular for group gatherings. It's well-known among locals for outdoor activities across seasons, including winter sledding at Pell Hill. Other options in the region include Macedonia Brook State Park and Wildwood State Park, all within reasonable driving distance from Fairfield.
Are there seasonal camping locations near Fairfield, Connecticut?
Are there seasonal camping locations near Fairfield, Connecticut?
Yes, several seasonal camping options exist near Fairfield, Connecticut. Croton Point Park offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River with family-friendly camping available during warmer months. The park features private tent sites, nearby bathrooms with showers, and porta-potties throughout the grounds. Another seasonal option is Watch Hill Fire Island Campground, which operates primarily during summer and early fall. This beachside location allows campers to listen to ocean waves while sleeping and provides convenient access to shops and restaurants about 10 minutes away. Most Connecticut state parks with camping facilities operate seasonally, typically from spring through fall, closing during winter months.
Keep Exploring