Camping options near New Canaan, Connecticut range across three states within a 60-mile radius. The region features elevations from sea level to 1,300 feet, creating diverse camping landscapes from coastal flats to wooded hills. Fall temperatures average 45-65°F while summer camping season brings 70-85°F days with moderate humidity levels typical of the Northeast.
What to do
Hiking at Fahnestock State Park: The 1.5-mile Pelton Pond loop trail provides easy access from several campsites on the west side of the pond. "There are walking paths outside of the campground that are located within the park," notes a visitor to Croton Point Park. Fahnestock also connects to longer trails for more experienced hikers.
Swimming at Kettletown State Park: The designated swimming area operates without lifeguards during certain periods. "The bathrooms are always kept clean and stocked and there are a ton of watering spots," mentions one Kettletown State Park Campground visitor. Access may be limited by seasonal bacteria levels.
Exploring Hudson Valley: Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for regional exploration. "It is close to good hiking as well as a few wineries," shares a Fahnestock visitor. Croton Point Park offers "a gorgeous scenery along the river and a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty."
What campers like
Proximity to NYC transit: Several campgrounds provide access to public transportation for day trips. "This proximity is both its perk and its downfall," explains a Croton Point camper. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, "the light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8. Two ferries that run to Manhattan."
Privacy between sites: Site layout varies significantly between parks. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, "Almost all of the sites offered privacy.... Even when the campground was full." Another visitor 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 camping opportunities: Many parks remain accessible during off-peak periods. "Weekends - this park is FULL! Make sure to reserve at least two weeks out. Weekdays? You should be in luck!" notes a Fahnestock camper. Another adds, "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near New Canaan require advance booking, especially during peak periods. At Beaver Pond Campground, "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great." Some campgrounds only accept phone reservations.
Wildlife encounters: Bears and other wildlife frequent many area campgrounds. "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping," cautions a Beaver Pond visitor. At Bear Creek Campground, a camper reported "I hear coyotes. Won't be surprised if I see a bear in the morning."
Varying bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality differs significantly between parks. At Lake Compounce Campground, "Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper." However, at Fahnestock, one camper found "the campground bathhouse really needed more attention... it was very 'buggy' - and did not appear to have been thoroughly cleaned since spring."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Beaver Pond, campers appreciate that it "has a playground for the kids and camp-sinks with access to water." Lake Compounce Campground features "a small playground, activities, tennis court, basketball. Not to mention its next to the amusement park."
Beach swimming areas: Many parks provide supervised swimming during summer. "Clean and beautiful. Great hikes," reports a Fahnestock visitor about their beach. Another camper notes Croton Point has "a gorgeous open beach... with a concession area and bathhouse, which we found to be quite clean."
Site selection for groups: Certain campgrounds accommodate larger family gatherings better than others. "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," explains a Fahnestock visitor. At Kettletown, one camper recommends "reserving two for more space. Well maintained and secure. Staff patrols for safety. Good place for families and large groups."
Tips from RVers
Site privacy considerations: RV sites vary greatly in spacing and privacy levels. At Black Bear RV Park, "Back-in and pull through sites and can accommodate large rigs." Lake Compounce offers "long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded."
Limited sewer connections: Many rv parks near New Canaan, Connecticut lack individual site sewer hookups. At Lake Compounce, "None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out." Liberty Harbor provides "water and electric, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump."
Cost considerations: RV camping costs vary widely throughout the region. Black Bear RV Park offers "full hook-ups for about $80 a night" while state parks typically charge $30-50 per night with fewer amenities. One visitor noted Liberty Harbor's "$120 price per night was ridiculous. But being that they have no competitors in the area (and they know it), RVers wanting a quick escape to see NYC can get it here."
