Austin Hawes Memorial Campground near Hop Brook Lake offers wooded cabin accommodations in the heart of Connecticut's American Legion State Forest. The cabins sit along the Farmington River, where fishing is popular during the warmer months. Winter temperatures in this region typically range from 20-40°F, with summer highs averaging around 80°F.
What to do
Fishing in the Farmington River: Access prime fishing spots directly from Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest. One visitor noted, "Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots." The river is known for trophy trout with catch-and-release regulations.
Hiking local trails: Explore the nearby Henry Buck Trail for day hikes. A camper at Austin Hawes Memorial mentioned, "If you like nice big private sites, peace and quiet while providing a great location for fishing and hiking (Henry Buck Trail) then this is your kind of place." Trails range from easy to moderate difficulty with various terrain types.
Swimming and tubing: Cool off in the water during summer months. "We have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well," shared one Austin Hawes visitor. Tubing is best after mid-June when water levels and temperatures are more favorable.
Nearby attractions: Visit the Pleasant Valley General Store, just a short drive from cabin accommodations. According to a camper, "The Pleasant Valley General Store down the road is great. Provides everything you need in addition to live bait and even a rod and reel to purchase if you forget yours!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many cabin campers appreciate the space at Black Rock State Park Campground where "sites are very spacious and clean." Another reviewer mentioned the layout provides "access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and other outdoor recreational opportunities."
Natural features: The surroundings offer peaceful settings with natural water features. At Black Rock State Park, one camper highlighted nearby attractions: "Check out Leather Man Cave, Whitestone Cliffs, Tory's Den, and Buttermilk Falls nearby."
On-site activities: Many cabin campsites offer recreational options directly on the property. At Cozy Hills Campground, "Plenty of amenities. Many types of sites to choose from," as one reviewer noted. Another mentioned, "Lots and lots of activities for kids! Arts & Crafts, Arcade, Bingo, Casino Night etc."
Clean facilities: Cabin campers frequently mention facility maintenance as important. A visitor to Cozy Hills shared, "Well maintained, very clean campground," while another noted, "The bathrooms are very clean but very far apart."
What you should know
Variable cabin amenities: Cabin features differ significantly between locations near Hop Brook Lake. At Lake Compounce Campground, "They have cabins, teepee and tent sites. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper." Some cabins are rustic with minimal furnishings while others offer more comforts.
Reservation timing: Book cabin accommodations well in advance, especially for summer weekends. Most campgrounds near Hop Brook Lake fill quickly from June through August.
Supply considerations: Bring your own linens and toiletries for cabin stays. Most locations provide beds but not bedding. "The sites are large and level, there are full hookups, and a dump station," noted one visitor to Riverdale Farm Campsites regarding amenities.
Weather preparedness: Connecticut weather can change quickly, particularly in spring and fall. Pack layers and rain gear even for cabin camping trips.
Cell service limitations: Several cabin locations have poor or no cell service. A Lake Waramaug State Park visitor noted this can be "a great place to disconnect and relax. Being forced to put away the devices is heaven in my mind."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly cabin options: Riverdale Farm Campsites offers family-oriented accommodations. One visitor commented, "Great family owned business. The lake is perfect, the river needs work. But this is an awesome small campground. The kids who work here are so friendly and the playground is nice."
Safety considerations: Some cabin areas require extra attention with children. At Kettletown State Park, a visitor advised, "Watch out for raccoons and skunk, they love to find food. Be sure put foods in the car!"
Entertainment planning: Bring activities for rainy days or downtime in cabins. Most rustic cabins have limited indoor space and few amenities for entertainment.
Swimming options: Several locations offer swimming possibilities for families. Cozy Hills Campground has a "pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids."
Cabin selection tips: Choose cabin locations strategically based on bathroom proximity when traveling with young children. At Cozy Hills, "Bathrooms are very clean but very far apart."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: When choosing between RV sites and cabins near White Pines Campsites, check for leveling issues. One RVer warned, "A lot of the sites we drove by were pretty sloped - I would recommend a drive though if you can beforehand."
Utility limitations: Most cabins near Hop Brook Lake have limited electrical capacity. Avoid bringing multiple high-draw appliances that might overload systems.
Space planning: Cabin dimensions vary significantly between locations. Measure your equipment before arrival. At Lake Compounce, "Sites were large enough for RV. No privacy, but tent sites were ok."
Alternative accommodations: When cabins aren't available, consider RV rentals at locations like White Pines which has "a few tent sites and a cabin in close distance."
