Best Campgrounds near Monroe, CT

The region surrounding Monroe, Connecticut includes several established campgrounds offering a mix of accommodation types for outdoor enthusiasts. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can find Kettletown State Park Campground in nearby Southbury, which provides tent sites, RV spots, and cabin rentals from May through early September. Other options include Branchbrook Campground, which allows alcohol and provides basic amenities like electric hookups, firewood, and market access. Both public and private campgrounds throughout the area support various camping styles, with most sites featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water.

Campground facilities typically operate seasonally, with many state park campgrounds open from late May through early September. "The campsites are uneven, making it challenging to set up tents or campers," noted one visitor to Kettletown State Park. Access to most camping areas involves paved roads leading to designated campground entrances, though some sites may require walking or hiking in from parking areas. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when facilities reach capacity. Winter camping options are limited, with only a few private campgrounds remaining open year-round. Most areas feature basic amenities including restrooms and showers, though quality and maintenance can vary significantly across locations.

Campers frequently mention the wooded settings and water access as highlights of the camping experience near Monroe. Kettletown State Park receives particular attention for its lake access and hiking trails, though swimming may be restricted at times due to water quality concerns. A camper commented, "It's a small campground and it's absolutely beautiful. The bathrooms are always kept clean and stocked and there are a ton of watering spots." Site spacing varies considerably across campgrounds, with some reviewers noting privacy concerns, particularly at state parks where sites can be close together. Noise levels are frequently mentioned in reviews, with some campgrounds experiencing issues with quiet hours enforcement during peak season. The mixed-use nature of many campgrounds in the area means visitors may encounter both recreational campers and longer-term residents at certain facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Monroe, Connecticut (83)

    1. Kettletown State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Stevenson, CT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 264-5678

    $17 - $50 / night

    "We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway.  This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again. "

    "Semi private with great view and nice walks to the water. Noise was not a problem overnight as to having problems with noises neighbors at other CT state parks."

    3. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

    9 Reviews
    Cross River, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 864-7317

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Close to the city and civilization, yet large enough to have nice trails and creeks to feel away from it all. The camping sites are very different so it’s useful to go in person and select the area."

    "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well"

    4. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 245-1817

    $20 - $70 / night

    "Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need."

    "I had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.

        Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground."

    5. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Fishkill, NY
    33 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."

    6. Mountain Lakes Park

    3 Reviews
    North Salem, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 864-7312

    "Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in."

    "A gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County. A dirt road loops through the property with trails off and through it."

    7. Lake Compounce Campground

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, CT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 583-3300

    "Affiliated with Lake Compounce Amusement Park adjacent to campground."

    "It is adjacent to an amusement park so there were lots of families here. None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out."

    8. Gentiles Campground

    7 Reviews
    Plymouth, CT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8437

    $55 - $150 / night

    "Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites."

    "There’s two brand new bathrooms on site one of which is conveniently located right by the pool. Owners are doing new renovations to make this place look good!"

    9. Black Rock State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Thomaston, CT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8088

    $17 - $50 / night

    "Beautiful state park, very clean .. fishing, lake swimming, hiking trails. Bathrooms, free showers .. stores within a 5 minute drive. Most of the camp ground site are not secluded .."

    "The family next to me offered me dinner one night after I spent the whole day working on my RV. Spanish rice chicken the works the plate could barely hold it all."

    10. Wildwood State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Wading River, NY
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (631) 929-4314

    $20 - $250 / night

    "The beach is in a walking distance. You can swim or fish there. This camp site has a relatively new and clean facility. There are many farms near by where you can get fresh veggies and fruits."

    "However there are too many loud families and the sites are too close in proximity for me."

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Recent Reviews near Monroe, CT

459 Reviews of 83 Monroe Campgrounds


  • Sue B.
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    Great State Forest Campground

    Austin Hawes (also known as American Legion State Forest/Campground) is a great little place in a beautiful part of the State. They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers. Have camped here before in tents and a pop up, it's right on the Farmington River, so we have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well. The bathrooms have showers and flush toilets, there are hiking trails in and near the campground, and stores not too far. Sites vary in size and privacy.

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Black Rock State Park Campground

    Nah

    If you want to feel like you are camping in the middle of a lawless low income housing project, this is the place for you. We camped next to a woman with 2 pit bulls, which was surprising, given the "no dogs allowed" rule, and were surrounded by people partying despite the "no alcohol" rule. Teens congregate in the bathroom so they could charge their devices but did not appreciate you being there to use the bathroom they clearly took over, and even though it's 2025, I still prefer no boyfriends hanging out in the women's bathroom. Call me whatever. Used to camp here years ago, clearly it has gone downhill. Park Ranger? What's that?

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Ten Mile River Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Not a public campground!

    Ten Mile River Shelter and campsite is not a public campground. Sure, anyone can camp there, but it is designated for folks hiking the A.T., whether thru-hikers, section hikers, or whatever. While there are no rules about who can camp there, during thru-hiking season, consideration should be made for folks who rely on places like this during a long distance hike. It is at least a mile if not a mile and a half from approved parking (on the side of the road off the A.T.) to camp, either from the A.T. or a combo of the A.T. and a blue blaze trail (which is easier, imo). There are also no fires allowed on the CT A.T.

  • 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.

  • S
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Sylvan Lake Beach Park

    Great Beach Lake for summer swimming and Boating

    This is an old campground, but is quite quaint. Reminds me of lake camping that I grew up with. Hosts are very nice and helpful. This is more of a seasonal camping site. Do not follow your GPS directions. Get directions from the campground staff.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area

    West Point

    No frills but beautiful. Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only. Will return! Staff is friendly and helpful. Military families should check it out!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Gentiles Campground

    Nice place to stay

    Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites. Most sites seem pretty level, but there are some steep roads in the CG. There is an airport next to CG, but it is for single engine private planes only so not a problem. Not by a major road so little traffic noise. I would stay here again.


Guide to Monroe

Camping near Monroe, CT, offers a mix of beautiful nature and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different tastes.

What to do:

  • Explore the beach: At Hammonasset State Park Campground, you can enjoy the beach and various water activities. One camper mentioned, "The beach was popular, and there was a stream running from a pond that kids were playing in."
  • Hiking: Macedonia Brook State Park Campground offers great hiking trails. A visitor shared, "The brook was great for the kids to explore," making it a perfect spot for family hikes.
  • Fishing and kayaking: At Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, you can fish or rent kayaks. One long-time camper said, "The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes, and for fishing."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Bear Creek Campground. One review noted, "Friendly staff and really clean bathrooms and shower area."
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Many families enjoy the lively environment at Hammonasset State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "This is a fun campground for families. There were kids on bikes, scooters, skateboards, roller blades."
  • Secluded spots: Campers at Clarence Fahnestock State Park appreciate the privacy of some sites. One camper said, "Some sites are grouped in open areas. These lack privacy, but some spots are great."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Campers have noted that some campgrounds can get noisy. A visitor at Kettletown State Park Campground mentioned, "There was a Christian group that preached (screamingly) and played loud music until midnight."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Lake Waramaug State Park Campground pointed out, "The campground store is likely not going to be open, so bring everything you need."
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at Riverdale Farm Campsites shared, "I see one other large green tent that looks deserted... I also hear coyotes."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Wildwood State Park Campground enjoyed the beach and nearby farms, saying, "A lot of fishermen. 5-7 minutes by car to the store, gas station, and farms."
  • Choose the right site: Look for spacious sites. A camper at Kettletown State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites were super close together, and the boundary lines were unclear."
  • Bring entertainment: Keep kids entertained with games or crafts. A visitor at Riverdale Farm Campsites noted, "They had great prizes for cheap cost during bingo."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Blydenburgh County Park said, "A few Big Rig spots are available, but this is a Suffolk Co Campground that is not well maintained."
  • Look for amenities: Some campgrounds have limited hookups. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park mentioned, "No electric hookup, no sewer hookup."
  • Plan for quiet hours: Respect quiet hours to avoid disturbances. A visitor at Kettletown State Park Campground noted, "There was no management presence around quiet time."

Camping around Monroe, CT, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Monroe?

The Monroe area offers several excellent camping options. Hammonasset State Park Campground stands out with its beautiful Connecticut beach just steps from your campsite, well-maintained facilities, and family-friendly amenities including playgrounds and nearby shops. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is another top choice, known for its excellent trail system, winter sledding opportunities, and spacious areas for group gatherings. Other notable options include Kettletown State Park for river access and hiking trails, Wolf's Den Family Campground with easy access to attractions like Gillette Castle, and Black Rock State Park for its scenic beauty. Most campgrounds in the area offer basic amenities including restrooms, showers, and access to outdoor recreational activities.

What camping is available near Monroe, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Monroe, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 83 campgrounds and RV parks near Monroe, CT and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Monroe, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Monroe, CT is Kettletown State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Monroe, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Monroe, CT.

What parks are near Monroe, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Monroe, CT that allow camping, notably Hop Brook Lake and Northfield Brook Lake.