Camping spots near Litchfield, Connecticut range from waterfront locations to forested settings within the Litchfield Hills region. The area sits at elevations between 700-1,000 feet with dense hardwood forests dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures can reach 90°F during July and August with high humidity, while nights often drop to the 50s even in peak season, requiring layered clothing for evening comfort.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Point Folly Campground offers direct access to Bantam Lake for anglers. "Clean and quiet. Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing," notes camper Mary C. The campground has water, pit toilets, and several prime waterfront sites for easy lake access.
Hiking trails: The White Memorial Conservation Center properties contain extensive trail networks accessible from multiple campgrounds. At Windmill Hill Campground, "Great experience! Quiet woods atmosphere with trail's. Wonderful place to camp," reports Sara R., who appreciated the secluded forest setting.
Swimming options: Most local swimming opportunities center around the lakes. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground has a swim area described as "marginal - best for little ones" according to camper G Y., though nearby "Mt. Tom state park about 10 minutes up the road. It's a day use only park-no camping- but the lake is gorgeous and there are very few people there."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the area offer generously sized campsites. At Austin Hawes Memorial Campground, "Well spaced out lots, you have a lot of privacy," reports Austin S. The campground borders the Farmington River with "access to the Farmington River from the campground for your fishing and paddling pleasure," notes Katherine P.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention bathroom and shower quality. Black Rock State Park Campground receives high marks from Mathew D. who appreciated "Well maintained bathrooms, with available showers, are also spread throughout the grounds." Another camper mentioned "REALLY HOT showers. Lol I like my showers hot butt my biscuits were burnin."
Proximity to attractions: Many campsites serve as convenient basebases for regional exploration. At Austin Hawes Memorial Campground, "it's close to a bunch of quaint towns," and "there is a drive in movie theater 10 min away (we always tailgate a movie as tradition)," according to Austin S., highlighting entertainment options beyond the campground.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with Columbus Day weekend marking the end of camping season for many locations. For weekend camping during summer months, reserve at least 2-3 months in advance for waterfront sites.
Wildlife encounters: Bears and smaller mammals are present in the area. At Lake Compounce Campground, one camper noted "I hear coyotes. Won't be surprised if I see a bear in the morning." Another mentioned finding "people left their left over food scraps in the grass by my camp so not only has my dog been eating it, I also hear coyotes."
