Best Campgrounds near Kent, CT
The western Connecticut landscape near Kent features multiple campground options along the Macedonia Brook and Housatonic River valleys. Macedonia Brook State Park Campground provides primitive car camping with well-spaced sites near a scenic brook, while Lake Waramaug State Park offers lakefront camping with facilities for swimming and boating. Several established campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV campers, including Cozy Hills Campground in Bantam and Freedom Farm Homestead. Steep Rock Association maintains three secluded campsites near the Shepaug River, providing a more remote experience for campers seeking solitude.
Seasonal availability typically runs from May through early October in most state park campgrounds. Macedonia Brook State Park operates from May 26 through September 4, similar to Lake Waramaug State Park, while private campgrounds like Cozy Hills maintain longer seasons from mid-April through mid-October. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many areas having limited to no coverage. Bathroom facilities range from porta-potties and water pumps at more primitive sites to showers and flush toilets at developed campgrounds. As one visitor noted, "Macedonia State Park is a lovely little spot to camp. I stayed there for a night and it was very quiet and very safe."
Several campers highlight the contrasts between weekday and weekend camping experiences. State park campgrounds that feel peaceful and uncrowded during weekdays often transform into busier environments on weekends. The terrain features a mix of wooded sites along water features, with Macedonia Brook offering hiking trails over adjacent mountains. Visitors to Lake Waramaug appreciate the large sites and water access but note limited activities beyond swimming and boating. Wildlife sightings are common, with one camper reporting, "As we were walking back up to our tent there was a small bear within feet from us that we almost didn't see!" Private campgrounds generally offer more amenities including camp stores and organized activities, while state parks provide a more natural setting with basic facilities.
