Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, New Canaan, CT has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near New Canaan, reviewed by campers like you.
Harriman State Park, located in Rockland and Orange counties, is the second-largest park in the parks system, with 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, two beaches, two public camping areas, a network of group camps, miles of streams and scenic roads, and scores of wildlife species, vistas and vantage points. Harriman State Park's major facilities include Lakes Welch, Sebago, Tiorati and Silvermine, the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Sebago Cabins and Beaver Pond Campgrounds. *Boat launch sites require a boat permit. Please contact the park for further details. Dogs only, must be on a leash not more than 6 feet at all times. Not allowed in buildings or beach/bathing areas. Must display rabies tag. Not permitted in the following areas of Harriman State Park: Beaver Pond Campground, Welch Beach, Sebago Cabins. Amenities: Boat Launches, Boat Rentals, Cabins, Campsites, Dumping Stations, Food, Gift Shop, Grills, Museum/Visitors Center, Picnic Tables, Playing Fields, Scenic Views, Showers, Tent/Trailer Sites Activities: Biking, Fishing, Hiking, Ice Fishing, Ice Skating, X-Country Skiing
$15 - $160 / night
Take the Virtual Tour! - WILDWOOD STATE PARK Wildwood State Park comprises 600 acres of undeveloped hardwood forest, terminating on the high bluff overlooking Long Island Sound. Swimmers can take advantage of the cool waters of the Sound, and picnickers can relax at shaded picnic tables as their children enjoy the nearby playground. Visitors can fish and use the hiking and cross-country ski trails, making this an enjoyable place to camp and be outdoors in any season. Geography: Wildwood State Park is located near Long Island Sound, on the north shore of Long Island, in Suffolk County. Recreation: Considered a flagship facility, visitors can enjoy the beach, biking, camper recreation programs, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and cross-country skiing. During July and August, movies are shown weekly, and once a week, campers can enjoy an evening of line or square dancing. Facilities: The park has 2 miles of beach on the Long Island sound for fishing and swimming. Each campsite has a picnic table, and dumping stations are nearby. There are 10 cottages, each with a fire ring, screened-in patio, and are available for rent through mid-November. The campground recycles newspaper and cardboard. Other amenities include food concessions, a nature trail, twelve miles of marked hiking trails, a picnic area, basketball courts, ball fields, a playground, and showers. Firewood is for sale at the park; bring your own barbecue or metal fire container.
Accessible by private boat or ferry, Watch Hill is located directly across the Great South Bay from Patchogue, and the campground is a 1/4-mile walk from the ferry dock. When it comes to Fire Island Camping, the family-friendly campground is within walking distance of visitor center, marina, general store, ocean beach (lifeguarded during summer months), showers and bathhouse, nature trails, and Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness. The Watch Hill campground has 26 tent sites and one group campsite. Most sites have a sandy base, so you'll need appropriately long tent stakes. There is one universally accessible site on a raised platform.
Scout
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. Note that we are a Scout family and my husband and son have camped many days well off the grid with only the gear and food in their backpacks. That skews our point of view.
First off, Connecticut’s state campgrounds are not KOA’s.
Do not expect top of the line activities that private campgrounds have.
What it does have are clean, large sites that are partially wooded and not out in the open.
The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing. Bring your own gear but kayak and canoe rentals are available. The swim area is marginal- best for little ones.
This park is remote from all conveniences- pack it in or expect a drive. There have been several times I’ve driven to the Dunkin Donuts miles down the road for coffee but I find using a French press is more convenient. For takeout there’s the White Horse on 202. It’s ranked a top restaurant in the state - the food is good.
Never have we had issues with wildlife besides squirrels and ducks. Leave no trace is important - it keeps the unwelcome wildlife out.
There have been issues with the bathrooms off and on over the decades. It seems like they’ve finally fixed everything. Our trip of 7/27-28 showed everything was fine.
The only on-site services are firewood and ice sales. The little food shack is out of business.
Yes, cell service is basically non-existent. Our trip this weekend was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years. Actually we were a bit disappointed because this camp ground is a great place to disconnect and relax. Being forced to put away the devices is heaven in my mind. You can drive about 5+ minutes out and get cell service. Regarding rowdiness, of the 20+ times we’ve camped only twice was it a problem.
Also, this place is not glamping. The area is rural, so cows do moo at 6am, and kids are up even earlier. If you like to sleep in skip and rent a B&B.
Also if you want a better place to swim go to 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.
Traveler
Truly great spot. Amazing sites with plenty of room, though they are close together. But was worth it for the amenities and fantastic views. Stayed on the bayside (site 30), which had a fantastic direct bay view. Although most sites have views of the bay, some are blocked by seagrass (for example site 28 - huge corner spot but the flat spot to park has an obstructed view). Literally steps to the beach.
Guide
Yes, this is a military-only campground but, that doesn't take away from how incredible it is and that is properly advertised.
This place is incredible. Being military-only keeps standards high, the campground clean and well maintained. We've spent years here, with Dan & Janet but, are looking forward to returning this year under new management, as they enjoy retirement after many years of hard work. Boy, does their hard work show! They have poured so much love and attention into the building and maintaining of Lake Frederick!
Between rustic power-only campsites that give you a true camping experience and upgraded but, still simple cabins which allow campers of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoor experience, there is something for everyone. The new docks around the swimming area create a safer swimming experience for even the most inexperienced swimmers, allowing them safe and obvious perimeters. The bath house is always well stocked and clean, ready for end of the day cleanup and the laundry facilities are a great bonus for those of us who like to stay longer than a couple days.
You won't want for anything at Lake Frederick and it will be a great way to unplug, kick back and enjoy God's Creation!
Scout
The article also mentions the benefits of camping on Governor Island, such as feeling close to nature, relaxing and enjoying a peaceful space, away from the noise of the city. The language is easy to understand, not too technical, suitable for those who love traveling and camping. driving directions
I found your article to be a good and engaging article, helping readers have an overview and details about the campground at Governor's Island. I hope my review is helpful to you.
Traveler
Perhaps it was the weekend we went but this was an extremely unpleasant trip. The bathroom facilities are wonderful as is the beach but the crowd stayed awake playing music all night very loudly. I think the cabins here are the way to go.
ScoutOur 36ft motorhome backed up to a raised balcony overlooking the bay. Less than 100 feet from the front of our site was the beach and the Atlantic Ocean view. A stones throw away was one of several shower and rest room buildings. Clean and well lit. Our site had a trex picnic table on a cement patio. An on site firepit was cozy at night. A general store, complete with an ice cream shop window, on the grounds was a treat. And sweet deer. I watcheda momma deer nursing two of her babies. This is paradise.
Traveler
Favorite place ever. You can get there by ferry. Very quiet and comfortable. Birdsong in the morning and the sound of the waves. There are showers, toilets and a café. For those who want to be at one with nature. Lots of mosquitoes, be prepared.
TravelerBeen to this campsite 2 times. Nice beach with no waves. A lot of fishermen. 5-7 minutes by car to the store, gas station and farms.
Scout
This was our first trip in our new to us travel trailer😃. Campground was awesome! Friendly staff and really clean bathrooms and shower area
Legend
Ashley here from The Dyrt confirming that this is an official Tentrr site. They’ve been in business since 2015 and a trusted partner of The Dyrt.
TravelerCamping on the beach with all the amenities. At nite an ice cream truck comes by, you get visits from the nearby deer. It is paradise. ONLY DRAWBACKS, 1- YOU HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF SUFFOLK CO, NY 2- ONE WEEK STAY AT A TIME. PERIOD. After staying there, you'll wish all campgrounds were like this.
ScoutThis is an interesting camp ground. As I am set up for bed I see one other large green tent that looks deserted. 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. Won’t be surprised if I see a bear in the morning..
Traveler
Wir waren nur eine Nacht da. 50€ hat die für einen kleineren Camper gekostet. Im Oktober. Die Sanitäranlagen waren sehr sauber und das Personal freundlich. Wir waren fast alleine da.
ScoutNice campground. Facilities are in good shape, friendly staff. Sites are very close to one another. Level pull through site. Quit in the evening!
ScoutUpdate number 2: I told you I come here a lot, we did bingo and it was a blast. It was a beautiful day on the beach pond. They had great prizes for cheap cost. I spent 2 dollars for 10 long rounds of bingo with 4 cards. Who can beat that!!?? My son won a game prize worth 5 times that. I had to give the rest of the money I had as a tip because I was so happy with how everything worked out. They are always updating, someone broke the basketball 🏀 hoop on one side and it’s fixed 2 weeks later.
Update: They have changed days for me many times when I had issues with the camper. Never once asked questions or even treated me differently. No extra cost. You might have have to change spots but I don’t care. They are so easy to work with. Thanks guys
Great Value and Nice Family owned business. The lake is perfect, the river needs work. But this an awesome small campground. The kids who work here are so friendly and the playground is nice. They did a show on the beach one night that was fun too. We did bingo too. Have been going for 2 years and started with tenting up to a trailer. I love coming here and wish I could spend more time. Really close to Hammonassett beach and one of my favorite restaurants the “log cabin”. Make sure you bring Tupperware with you to this place.
Also don’t let other family’s ruin your trip. We had 3 family’s meet up on 2 sites near us and the father and mother just kept yelling at the kids. Made me feel bad for the children but doesn’t make me right a bad review about the campground.
Traveler
Bathrooms and showers were a good size. Rangers were driving around often but hand no issues with drink in red cups. Site 130 was a camper we rented then I got 131 to have more room and had tents
ScoutVery nice campground. Has electric, water and cable TV connections.
Clean bathrooms and nice store.
It is part of the Lake Compounce Amusement Park.
Stayed in September 2021. CG is pretty empty during the week and gets busy during the weekend.
ScoutFriendly staff, clean, relaxing, enjoyable- our favorite campground yet. Nothing like bad reviews and rumors
Scout
But it absolutely looks amazing to use super user friendly
GuideEasy car camping! Super accessible with well maintained bathrooms. Was pretty loud over when we went. The walk to the beach is slightly down hill but paved and accessible as well.
ScoutWe booked for one week with intentions to book for another extra week
When we arrived we had a bit of trouble finding our site and asked someone on a golf cart passing to help they did and were very kind
Later that night we were told there were complaints of us trying to park our truck on a trailer spot though we were there for a tent sight
Then the next 3 days consistently staff would drive/ walk past our sight starting rudely they must have thought we were camping in the truck.
Though the complaints we enjoyed our stay so we decided to walk to the office and ask to extend our stay for just one more week and they very rudely stopped our sentence and said they only allow a 7 day booking
We did not see a single camper leave the entire time And most people lived there permanently
And the one time we asked for the laundry they told us we have a 2 hour window we booked for 10 am and they booked another lady for 11 am in conclusion she was also extremely rude and when we arrived to switch our clothes over she stood there watching us I felt very rushed and when we went to take clothes out of the dryer we found them tossed on the floor still half wet
Bathrooms were semi clean
Nice camp spot horribly rude people and staff
TravelerPros:
Sites are HUGE.
Bathrooms, water, showers are close by.
You will almost always have a view of the water.
There is easy access to the swimming area.
The general area is rural and pretty.
Great brewery nearby.
Good spot for a week-day group to stay.
Cons:
There is ONLY swimming and biking on a somewhat busy road, no playground.
The campground store is likely not going to be open so bring everything you need.
The staff are kind of a pain in the butt.
There are lots of skunks and squirrels that will get into EVERYTHING even in a bin.
Wouldn't even TRY to stay here on a weekend unless you like seeing/hearing your neighbors' every move as there is zero privacy.
TravelerDecent location, not overrun with seasonal campers. We stayed for 3 nights, kids loved the area and playground. Wi-Fi was not so great unless we paid $6 a day for premium access. Nice activities for kids. Laundry was only accessible during business hours. Office staff were very friendly and there was a cafe on site.
GuideThis was good for an overnight stop on our way south. We couldn't find much else along our route, but this wasn't too bad. The sites were long so even though you face your neighbor, the sites were long enough that our door wasn't directly across from our neighbor. 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. The staff were very friendly and they had some activities like bingo and corn hole the weekend we were there. Wifi was okay, but we couldn't stream anything from it.
ScoutNice location but previous campers did not clean up after their visit. Shore power was without any problems and park has clean heated bathroom and bike station near dump site.
TravelerThis is a popular site in the peak season. 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.
ScoutEasy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded. Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper. They have cabins, teepee and tent sites. This is attached to an amusement park but far enough away not to be a bother. If ever in the area again we will definitely stay again.
Camping near New Canaan, Connecticut, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.
Camping in New Canaan, CT, offers a variety of experiences, from family-friendly fun to peaceful retreats. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near New Canaan, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near New Canaan, CT is Beaver Pond Campground - Harriman State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 40 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near New Canaan, CT?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 glamping camping locations near New Canaan, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
