RV camping options near Lakeville, Connecticut expand beyond standard campgrounds into state parks and recreation areas. The region sits in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains at approximately 700 feet elevation, with several lakes and ponds offering waterfront camping opportunities. Most campgrounds open from May through mid-October, closing during winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing at nearby lakes: Rudd Pond at Taconic State Park provides fishing opportunities from both shore and rental boats. "There is plenty of fishing access from shore and you can rent a boat for the whole day to fish on the water. There is a lot of hiking in the area- def check out Bash Bish Falls," notes one visitor.
Swimming in natural settings: Lake Taghkanic State Park offers a clean swimming beach with rental facilities. A visitor describes it as having "the best swimming experience ever" while another mentions the lake is "beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee to use your paddleboards/kayaks."
Historic sites exploration: Within 30 minutes of most campgrounds, visitors can tour the FDR National Historic Site. "FDR home and library...a must to see. Quaint towns nearby," according to one camper staying at Interlake RV Park.
What campers like
Platform tent sites for bad weather: Several campgrounds offer elevated platforms to keep tents dry during rain. At Copake Falls Area, "the platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection," according to one camper who faced rainy conditions.
Recreational amenities: Family-friendly activities abound at Prospect Mountain Campground, where "they have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing."
Natural viewpoints: Camping areas often provide scenic vistas not mentioned in standard descriptions. One camper at Taconic State Park Rudd Pond Area found their site offered "a pretty decent view of Rudd Pond, and the sunsets are pretty."
What you should know
Cell service variations: While existing descriptions mention intermittent service, specific campground experiences vary. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, connectivity is better near the front of the property.
Site selection importance: At many campgrounds, quality varies significantly between sites. A Fahnestock camper advises: "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site."
Seasonal considerations: Summer weekends often reach capacity early. One camper at Fahnestock notes: "This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance."
Bathroom maintenance: While some facilities have been renovated, others need attention. At Fahnestock, a camper found "Bathrooms and dishwashing... UGH. So old and dirty!"
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming options: Clarence Fahnestock State Park offers separate swimming areas. "Beautiful State Park, Nice clean Beach and Lake" with facilities for different age groups including "Kiddie pond, children's playground."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds feature nature centers with activities. "The park offered many activities or just sit around the campsite," notes a Lake Taghkanic visitor.
Rainy day contingency plans: Weather can change quickly in the Berkshire foothills. One Lake Taghkanic camper appreciated that the park has "a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten."
Playground access: Most rv parks near Lakeville, Connecticut feature playgrounds, but quality varies. Brook N Wood Family Campground has "lots of space to run around and a cute mini golf area."
Tips from RVers
Site layout challenges: At many RV campgrounds near Lakeville, Connecticut, hookup placement requires planning. At Brook N Wood, campers note "shared hook ups (two sites on one pole) at the rear of the sites with the exception of sewer."
Seasonal resident considerations: Several campgrounds have a mix of transient and seasonal sites. When making reservations, specify preferences as "they definitely cater to people who bought into their campground."
Early booking recommended: For Lakeville area RV parks, especially those with premium amenities, advance planning is essential. "We had a family camping trip with lots of kids of all ages, the walk in sites are not too far off the road so it was easily manageable."
Drainage considerations: The region's hilly terrain means some sites retain water after rain. A camper at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley recommended checking site location, noting "the grounds are very well kept, most sites are a very nice size."
