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.

Best Camping Sites Near Kent, Connecticut (129)

    1. Macedonia Brook State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Kent, CT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 927-3238

    $14 / night

    "We camped next to the brook and one couldn't have had a much better experience! Had supper in nearby Kent which is a fantastic small village."

    "Our camp spot was right above the river the flows behind this spot. You can go sit down by the water. But be careful!"

    2. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    New Preston, CT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 868-0220

    $17 - $50 / night

    "My family has been camping at Lake Waramaug for over 20 years. I can say most of what’s been said is true or partially so but whether it’s bad or good depends on your point of view."

    "One of my favorite so far , went with family , to comply w covid and social distancing, the camp only rent your site and no one on your left or right or across ! Amazing !"

    3. Cozy Hills Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-2119

    $72 - $122 / night

    "While this might be fine for some dogs, I have 2 young border collies that will jump that fence like it is not even there."

    "We stayed near the water. Clean private bathrooms were a plus. Clean pool but only 3 feet deep."

    4. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Fishkill, NY
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 225-7207

    $17 / night

    "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."

    5. Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Cornwall Bridge, CT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 672-6772

    $17 - $50 / night

    6. Freedom Farm Homestead

    1 Review
    New Milford, CT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 508-1594

    $50 - $70 / night

    7. Steep Rock Association

    1 Review
    Washington, CT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 868-9131

    "Each one is far away from the others."

    8. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    3 Reviews
    Verbank, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "Less then 10 min drive from town, but hiking in and finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service."

    9. Point Folly Campground

    2 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-0089

    "The campground is right on Bantam Lake which is great for boaters/kayakers  fisherman and families.  I have found the east side of the lake to be much more windy than the west side of the lake.   "

    "Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing. Small little island"

    10. Lone Oak Camp Sites

    12 Reviews
    Norfolk, CT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 422-2267

    "Tons of kids activities to keep the little ones busy and great hikes around! Tons of waterfalls in the area and the highest point in Connecticut."

    "I happened upon Lone Oaks Camp Site when looking for someplace to stay in north eastern Connecticut."

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Recent Reviews near Kent, CT

589 Reviews of 129 Kent Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Great staff but back-to-back campsite

    We stayed a coupe of days in Oct. This is a beautiful site to camp out. The staffs are friendly and very attentive.
    Bathroom and water pressure was ok. But one shower location for 50 campsites. Three small showers units and three toilet.
    I never stayed a state campsite where the sites are so close each other. If you like a “normal” distance to your neighbors, I'd not recommend this place.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    Good amenities and fun experience!

    Campsites Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between. Nice and level. Amenities Bathrooms are older and need of some repair but let me tell you I was very happy to see a normal shower head with real hot water! So no complaints here. Laundry facilities were clean and open 24/7 with reasonable prices 2.50/2.00 washer/dryer. And the dryers actually worked. Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue. We have Starlink but in a wooded campsite, connecting is an issue but luckily their WiFi was great. Had no issues and could stream just fine. Halloween! We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun. Would definitely go back. Also, staff was super nice.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Brookside Campground

    Not a recreational campsite

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We paid for two weeks in advance of arriving at this site based on reviews available on Google and Dyrt. However, when we arrived we were surprised that this was mostly a trailer park. Call me picky, but I really prefer not to camp in an area where folks are living full time. Just not the vibe I’m going for. We decided to leave without staying. We called to see if we could get a refund and they were very kind and it wasn’t a problem. But just be warned… this is not a recreational campsite.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Whip O Will Campsites

    Not for recreational campers

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We arrived after leaving another campsite in the area (that was also 100% full timers) and were disappointed to find that this site was all permanent campers with crap everywhere. One site even had a funeral home sign hanging out front of an entire plywood addition to their camper…like what? Call me picky, but I don’t feel entirely comfortable camping for fun next to folks who live in the campground like this. After driving through the super narrow and rutted out roads to the site they recommend, a man came hauling a** into our site (with a beer in his hand) and was saying “hello hellooooo.” Said he was the owner of the campsite and asked if we were staying, we said we were thinking about it, just checking out the available sites (as the lady up front told us to do). TL;DR- bad vibes. Didn’t stay. Be warned this is a full time campsite with crap everywhere. The lady working the office was super nice though.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    Convenient pit stop

    This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Point Folly Campground

    Great

    I’ve been coming here for decades. Little store has what you need if you can find the shop keeper. Great access to bantam lake. You can leave you canoes/kayaks tied up in the water. Great fishing. Love it overall. The only issue I have is the pit toilets are brutal. If you are tent camping, beware!

  • Christine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    Quiet and clean

    So far it's been pretty quiet but we are here at the beginning of October on a Monday. Nice area.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Average

    We stayed one night in late September without a reservation. Bathhouse is old but was adequate with hot showers. We’re from out of state and paid about $23 for a tent site which was reasonable for the facilities.


Guide to Kent

Camping near Kent, Connecticut, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The area is known for its scenic trails. Campers enjoy the nearby hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "The Catskills are very scenic & we enjoyed our time there!" at North-South Lake Campground.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds have lakes and rivers for fishing. One camper at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds said, "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip in the water. A visitor at Taconic State Park noted, "The swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Kenneth L Wilson Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were very clean and new and the showers were free and temperature controlled to perfectly warm!!"
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. One camper at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park said, "The staff, Pat in particular, were warm and friendly."
  • Privacy: Campers enjoy sites that offer some seclusion. A visitor at Woodland Valley Campground noted, "Some of the sites are right by a stream, and all of them have plenty of shade."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get busy and noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Beaver Pond Campground warned, "When I plan my trip around the spring, fall, or summer weekends that look sparse it is quiet, clean, and the others that are at the sites are nature lovers enjoying the scenery."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at North-South Lake Campground mentioned, "There is NO cell service & just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged."
  • Reservations Recommended: It’s a good idea to book your site in advance, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Hammonasset State Park Campground advised, "If you are looking for a site it’s best to book far in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner said, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore."
  • Choose Quiet Sites: For a more peaceful experience, select sites that are further from common areas. A camper at Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park noted, "Some are 'on the hill' so you get a little more privacy."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring bug spray and sunscreen, as some areas can be buggy. A visitor at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds reminded, "Bring your inter tubes, bug spray!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park mentioned, "Careful which site you choose. They’re definitely intended to be tent sites."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground features. A visitor at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park appreciated, "There was plenty of water pressure with grey water hookups."
  • Plan for Limited Connectivity: Be prepared for limited internet access. A camper at Woodland Valley Campground noted, "We lost phone signals about half an hour to the campground."

Camping in Kent, CT, and the surrounding areas offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure, there's something for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping sites in Kent, CT?

Macedonia Brook State Park Campground is widely regarded as one of the best camping options in Kent. Located along a picturesque brook, it offers a peaceful setting with sites nestled among trees. The park provides a quiet, safe environment and serves as an excellent base for exploring the charming village of Kent. For those willing to venture slightly beyond Kent, Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground offers beautiful riverside camping with easy access to hiking trails and fishing. Both locations provide a true Connecticut outdoor experience with the natural beauty characteristic of the Litchfield Hills region.

What amenities are available at Kent, CT campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Kent typically offer essential amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience. Cozy Hills Campground provides water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly with reservable sites. For a more rustic experience, Lone Oak Camp Sites offers family-friendly facilities with activities for children, stargazing opportunities, and access to hiking trails. Most Kent area campgrounds feature fire rings, picnic tables, and toilet facilities. While showering facilities vary by location, many have at least basic bathroom amenities. Some campgrounds offer ice and firewood for purchase on-site. Access to natural features like brooks, rivers, and hiking trails is a common highlight of camping in the Kent region.

How much does camping cost in Kent, Connecticut?

Camping costs in the Kent area vary by location and amenities. At Austin Hawes Memorial Campground, you'll find reasonably priced sites with a community feel. State parks like Kettletown State Park Campground typically charge between $15-30 per night for Connecticut residents, with slightly higher rates for non-residents. Private campgrounds generally range from $25-50 per night for basic tent sites, while RV sites with hookups can cost $35-75 depending on the season and amenities provided. Many campgrounds offer discounts for extended stays or off-season camping. Reservation fees may apply, and most locations require payment at the time of booking.