Camping opportunities near New Fairfield, Connecticut extend throughout northwestern Connecticut and into adjacent New York State. The region sits in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains with elevations ranging from 500-1,300 feet. Most campgrounds in the area occupy densely forested terrain with mixed hardwood and pine stands. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with cooler evenings, while spring and fall camping seasons experience wider temperature fluctuations.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: Bass and panfish abound at many local lakes. Campers at Clarence Fahnestock State Park report excellent catches. "There is another lake and two ponds that our neighbor campers said were great for catching panfish - one fisherman said he had caught several bass weighing over 3 pounds," notes reviewer Shelly B.
Hiking the extensive trail networks: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers over 40 miles of trails within its boundaries. "This is a great place for camping. The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather. The best part of this campsite are the endless trails in the area," says Ethan K.
Swimming in mountain lakes: Several parks provide supervised swimming areas during summer months. Lake Waramaug State Park features a designated swimming area ideal for families with young children. "The swim area is marginal- best for little ones," notes reviewer G.Y., though they suggest "if you want a better place to swim go to Mt. Tom state park about 10 minutes up the road."
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds feature well-spaced sites allowing for a more secluded experience. At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, "the campsites are very different so it's useful to go in person and select the area. Parking is close, but some of the sites are also pretty close to each other so there is less privacy," according to Susana M.
Dark sky stargazing: The rural setting provides excellent opportunities for night sky viewing. Jennifer H. notes at Kettletown State Park, "you would see awesome stars during the nighttime! I went to there with campers for ten years."
Lean-to shelters: Several campgrounds offer constructed shelters as alternatives to tent camping. At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, "Beautiful campsites! Lots of lean-to sites with fireplaces in them... Our favorite site is #25. Up a hill, totally private and has a lean-to," reports Misty V.
What You Should Know
Reservations required: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, "Weekends - this park is FULL! Make sure to reserve at least two weeks out. Weekdays? You should be in luck!" advises Shelly B.
Water bacteria concerns: Lake swimming may be periodically restricted. At Lake Waramaug State Park, Mo S. reports "the week I was there there was a high bacteria count, so no swimming was allowed."
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or non-existent cellular coverage. G.Y. notes at Lake Waramaug State Park: "Yes, cell service is basically non-existent. Our trip this weekend was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years."
Wildlife awareness: Proper food storage is essential due to local wildlife. Jennifer H. warns at Kettletown State Park to "watch out for raccoons and skunk, they love to find food. Be sure put foods in the car!"
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer playground facilities for children. At Beaver Pond Campground, Zorina N. reports it "has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal."
Family-friendly hiking trails: Look for shorter, accessible trails appropriate for children. At Macedonia Brook State Park, while reviewing the trail system, Marque D. advises: "I wouldn't try to go it with younger kids. We did the east side one afternoon and the west the next."
Pool options: When lake swimming is restricted, seek alternatives. "The pool is nice, no deep end. It's very hilly. A golf cart is recommended if your site is far from the pool," notes Rino S. about Cozy Hills Campground.
Dog friendly campgrounds near New Fairfield: While Kettletown State Park permits leashed dogs, other options include Cozy Hills Campground, which offers a dedicated dog area. "However, we picked this place because it has an enclosed dog park. It does have an enclosed dog park but the fence is only 3 feet high. While this might be fine for some dogs, I have 2 young border collies that will jump that fence like it is not even there," cautions Kim J.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most state parks near New Fairfield offer minimal RV amenities. At Black Rock State Park Campground, Topher L. reports "No water or electric hookup but I have solar and a generator and they have a wash area for dishes and REALLY HOT showers... They also have a dump station and a place to fill up ur water tank as well."
Site selection considerations: Research specific site characteristics before booking. At Cozy Hills Campground, Jon R. shares: "Very nice facilities. Most of the short-term sites are on a separate loop from the seasonals, which made for a nice short-term community. Sites are well maintained, with fresh wood chips and groomed gravel."
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in this hilly region have uneven sites. At Lake Waramaug State Park, katrina M. advises, "Every campsite has deep drainage ditches, likely roots, and stumps as well, but not too much pine in the immediate vicinity to make a mess of your gear."
