Best Tent Camping near New Fairfield, CT

Recent Tent Reviews near New Fairfield, Connecticut

449 Reviews of 33 New Fairfield Campgrounds

• 

  Eugene T.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 15, 2019

  Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner

  Great for beginners

  The camp is set up in a “blank slate, parking lot” type style, with a big field, center for tent camping or to be used for sports or other activities. There’s a “lazy river” at one side and a small RV village on the other, and tent sites with water or dry tent camping. Restrooms are available with hot and cold running water, showers and toilets.

• P

  Paul A.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 8, 2024

  Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Lazy River

  Great Campsite for Families and Kids

  Great first tent camping experience for kids. Lots of activities, clean restrooms. One thing to keep in mind is the tent sites on the opposite side of the road from the river has no shade. Site gets pretty hot on a sunny day. Sites by the river have some shade.

• S

  Stephanie M.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 2, 2019

  Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

  Lovely campgrounds an hour north of NYC

  Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill. If looking for privacy, back end of campgrounds (#’s 1, 13, 15, 21, 23, etc) provide adequate quietness, a bit hidden and tucked away from the rest. Very near many trailheads and the expansive Lake Welsh. Alcohol prohibited... Uploaded photo/vid from off-season 2019.

• R

  Rebecca S.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 22, 2018

  Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

  Quiet, off-season, mid-week retreat

  We stayed here on a Thursday night in September prior to taking off backpacking. The campground was clean and quiet. RV hook-ups, tent platforms, and rustic tent sites were available. Our rustic tent site had a few good options for pitching a tent, as well as picnic table and fire ring.

  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. Expect to purchase firewood, although scrounging for kindling was possible. Facilities were clean and what you'd expect from a campground.

  Would definitely return!!

• 

  AdventureStang

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 15, 2021

  Lake Compounce Campground

  Nice campground with nice facilities

  The playground was awesome for our two year old. The tent sites had some shade, the showers and bathrooms were really nice.

• 

  Ruth K.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 27, 2021

  Lake Compounce Campground

  Great Stopover or Amusement Park visit

  Campground is only years old. Sites were large enough for RV. NO privacy, bit tent sites were ok. Fre showers for number of campsites, but very clean. Affiliated with Lake Compounce Amusement Park adjacent to campground.

• k

  katrina M.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 19, 2019

  Battle Row Campground

  Nothing there but clean and quiet

  This campground is old and there isn't much there, but it depends on why you're camping whether that matters to you.  We wanted to be by the beach and we were.

  The playground is new and centrally located.  They also have a horseshoe pit. 

  There are lots of RVs but not close to tent sites.  There were lots of showers but only 1 was unlocked (free and with hot water).  The bathroom was very clean and well stocked.

  There are 5-7 tent sites.  Ours was #59, well shaded and spacious.  

  The water spigot and the gray-water dump are not right by the tent sites.  Seems silly since the tents are the ones using them.

  Our site was not clean when we arrived.  There was garbage in the woods and cigarette butts on the ground.  We cleaned up everything ourselves (except in the woods due to poison ivy), but I think they can do better.

  There are NO fire pits, you must bring your own.  Fires are allowed but you must have a fire container or bucket for your fire off of the ground. 

  The sites all have a table and raised BBQ "pit" for cooking only.

  They are extremely nice there.

  I still give this campground 4 stars because it was quiet, the campground itself was clean, the bathrooms were clean and it was centrally located to what I wanted to do plus the sites are very big.

• 

  Susan M.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 3, 2022

  Mills Norrie State Park Campground

  Decent state park campground

  This is an older campground with several options. Only 6 sites with electric. 50 & 51 are nice & private. Lots of large tent sites, some in an open area & others fairly private. 4 tent pads with obstructed river views. Assorted cabins, mostly above the river. Restrooms small but pretty clean by state park standards.

• J

  Jose N.

  Traveler

  

  Feb. 16, 2020

  Camp Glen Gray

  Rustic

  Great Camp !!! One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items.

  Many camp sites open to rent. Cabins - Leanto - Tent Sites. Check web site for pricing.

• Y

  Yoni N.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 28, 2021

  White Pines Campsites

  Great for a group!

  We camped here with a group of friends - about a dozen in all. It was easy to coordinate with the staff to get a few tent sites and a cabin in close distance. Campsites were a bit minimal, and amenities were OK. Overall we were looking for a quiet and clean space and this was excellent for that.

• 

  Elaine C.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 23, 2018

  Kettletown State Park Campground

  Camping in nature, not too far from civilization

  Kettletown State Park isn't just for camping. There are also hiking trails , a fishing area and a swimming hole, but the week I was there there was a high bacteria count, so no swimming was allowed. Also, when swimming is allowed, there isnt a lifeguard.

  The campsites are varied, you can tent camp, use a camper, or they also have a few cabins you can rent. Be advised, there isn't a kitchen or bathroom in the cabins!

• 

  Michael M.

  Guide

  

  Dec. 26, 2022

  Battle Row Campground

  Fantastic hidden tent camping experience

  I have lived 6 miles from this campground for the last 20 years and never knew they had tent sites. The park is clean the bathrooms are well maintained and there is a playground for the kids. Each site is set back off a common area so there is plenty of privacy. It's great if your local easy in and out

• 

  Jenny C.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 12, 2022

  Sohi Campground

  Quiet. Great for tents and RVs

  We’ve been to So-hi a couple of times - the RV sites are great - everything you could need not too close to your neighbors, wooded, and plenty of washroom facilities. There are some nice lakes and the wooded tent camping sites are gorgeous - nestled at the back amongst little streams. The “extras” - playground and fishing, have seen better days and could do with a fix up but our 6 year old loved them anyway. Nice people good place.

• 

  Diane R.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 12, 2021

  Lake Compounce Campground

  Great campground

  Easy 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.

• M

  Mary-Kate L.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 13, 2019

  Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground

  Great Spot!

  Big and spacious state park with many camping options. Has options for trailers, tent sites, platforms for tents and even some cabins. Small store in park that sells firewood and ice and a few other things you may need. Big lake with swimming and boating as well as many hiking trails. Bathrooms on site as well as showers. Some sites are close together, but there are a few a little more secluded and set back. Fire pits are great. Can’t wait to camp here again!

• 

  Jonathan C.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 24, 2020

  Croton Point Park

  Nice, but loud at night

  Nice site and a 30-40 minute drive from Western Queens. Tent site is after the RV site, so use their LX before you get to site if you can. Dumpster and water near sites. We stayed in site 9. The higher number sites were closer to the RV site and the water. The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm. Great site for a party, try to stay away from this end of the site or choose a site away from other bookings if you’d like quite. $50/night without Westchester pass.

• E

  Elliot G.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 21, 2019

  Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

  Variety of camping styles

  I have camped Beaver Pond for the last 45 years and have found something new and better each every year I've gone to the campgrounds. I have gone from tent platform,  tent camping, tarp, and now hammock camping. The sites can be a bit tight, at times and you may find a few visitors, not necessarily on two legs, but always a delight. It's great to be among the trees away from the hustle and bustle of the city in what I consider a majestic chapel that will always welcome and embrace your presence. Something for all, swimming, camping, access to bear mountain pool, or the appalachian trails, and lean tos, (not on the camp sites).  Prices all can afford to come. Great for all types of levels of campers.

• 

  Erin B.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 18, 2018

  Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

  Would stay again

  Taconic State Park has a beautiful campground. No electric hookups, but plenty of water and tent sites are available with very large platforms. Bathroom facilities are adequate. There are 2 dog friendly loops at the back. Overall, very quiet and friendly.

  2 lIfeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of. Very short hike (or drive) to the beautiful Bash Bish falls

  If you are traveling with a dog, be sure to bring proof of rabies— they ask.

  Fees are $15 residents and $20 non residents plus processing fees.

• 

  Seth K.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 27, 2018

  Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground

  Comfortable, clean, great for stargazing

  This campground was one of the best I’ve been to. They have both platform and dirt tent sites, all sites come equipped with fire pits. The bathrooms and showers are clean and the water stayed hot until the last weekend of the season (Oct 12-14, 2018) which was when we were there. The campground has a lake with boat rentals. Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low.

  The town of Hudson is also close by if you’re looking to get some of the comforts of a town while you’re out and about.

• 

  Casey L.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 21, 2022

  Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

  Close quarter sites in scenic campground

  There are a mix of platform and regular tent sites as well as some camper sites. We stayed on a platform site, which I questioned the structural integrity of after looking underneath lol… it held up though and there were also some new platforms which looked nice. Sites are a little close together for my liking. Luckily we checked out early before the weekend started so it was peaceful for us. The bathhouse was awesome! New building and it wasn’t a communal shower area with all the stalls in one room, there were all separate rooms each with their own bathroom and shower stall. Overall I would recommend if you’re not looking for too much peace and quiet.

• 

  Anil S.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 6, 2020

  Croton Point Park

  A gorgeous camping ground right on the Hudson with beach and trails

  This must be one of the most breathtaking camp grounds (family friendly) right on the Hudson. Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around. Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night. Fire is allowed and has no issues of mosquitoes. No on-site stores so pick up all your necessary essentials prior to. Short 5 minute drive to nearby supermarket to pick up food or firewood. I would highly recommend it. Oh...and did i say, gorgeous scenery along the river and a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty!

• 

  Morrow L.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 8, 2018

  Sleeping Giant Picnic Shelter - CLOSED

  Pin

  Sleeping Giant has been closed since May 2018. A tornado came through and knocked down many trees near the main entrance to and major parking lot for the park (on Mount Carmel Avenue across from Quinnipiac University).

  This entrance area has been cleared and is being rebuilt. The picnic and pavilion areas were also affected (though less so) and will be renovated also.

  In the past the picnic shelter and pavilion areas were well shaded by trees and were a wonderful place to bring the family or even large groups of people for a party. This will presumably be so at some point in the future after the park re-opens.

  There were Sleeping Giant Park campground sites which could be reserved and used for tent camping back in the twentieth century. I remember them from the 1980s. They have not been available for many years now.

• 

  Don R.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 20, 2021

  Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground

  Wide-open state park with cramped campsites

  The park is huge with tons of space for picnics, beachgoing and - weirdly - parking. (Someone must've gotten a tasty asphalt contract.)

  Unfortunately, all of the campsites are jammed into one quadrant, with very little distance between each. Our site (#17) was quite small and was not clearly marked. It seemed to run into #18. We were told we could spread out into two sites since the adjoining site wasn't taken. (By the way: Site #19 looked to be the best in our neck of the woods.)

  The roads to the tent sites are quite rocky and can be difficult to navigate. 

  The facilities are a bit warn, but the maintenance staff does a good job of upkeep. Since it was raining during our visit, it was impossible to keep the individual shower/lavatories clean for very long.

  Though the camp was mostly filled, noise was not a problem during our stay. 

  The lake is quite nice and the swimming area is well-protected.

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 18, 2024

  Croton Point Park

  Not too much to offer

  General: A county park with a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites near a capped dump! There is a lodge and cabins close to the end of the point, but they appeared to be part of a group camp experience. They all appeared to be closed for the season (or because no one was renting at the time; they reminded me of places I used to take youth groups for weekend camps). The reservation process is a bit wonky. You need to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail, but the e-mail does not tell you your assigned site; you have to wait until you check in to find out your site.

  Site Quality: We had a loosely defined gravel pad that was level. All sites appeared level. The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together. No one was in the tent sites, but they did have new picnic tables.

  Activities/Amenities: Other than a playground and a basketball court, there did not seem to be any activities to partake in. There used to be a pool but from the looks of it, it hasn’t been in use for many years. There are walking paths outside of the campground that are located within the park, but we did not have time to explore them. 

  Bath/Shower house: Clean but a bit dated. No shelves or hooks for toiletries. I was surprised the door was left open all night long. There was a sign warning that the toilets were slow flushing, but I think this may have been fixed because the flush was so powerful that the water splashed over the top of the seat! 

  Because it was on a point on the Hudson, I had hoped for views from the campground but there were too many trees to see the water. I was perplexed by the signs throughout saying no trespassing/fishing prohibited. I get the no fishing part but the trespassing? When we checked in, we had to write down our credit card number on a slip of paper before we were given a key that opened the gate to the campground. When we checked out, we asked for the paper or to watch it get shredded but were told they had to keep it on file which concerned us.

• K

  Kelsey R.

  Scout

  

  May. 27, 2021

  Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground

  Awesome location!

  Shawangunk was SUCH a nice place to stay. So many good things - though a few things to keep in mind when you're booking, too. 

  I definitely recommend trying to get the walk-in (meaning you can't drive to them) sites (8-15) because they're just a little bit more set back and kind of wonderfully wooded all around. 8 & 9 seemed like the star sites, because they're up and away a little bit more than 10-15.

  Here goes:

  The Good:

  • The nicest, most level tent site you'll ever find. So easy to set up, and no worries whatsoever about roots or rocks.
  • Bathrooms and wash area, water access, etc. are all very easily accessible from any campsite
  • Nice new picnic benches
  • Gorgeous area - especially in the walk-in sites (i.e., not car accessible), where you're a little separated from the pavement
  • Holy crap is this the perfect location for exploring the Gunks, Mohonk Preserve, etc. You couldn't be more central to everything that's going on around it.
  • Phenomenal access to a trash can. It's very central and made throwing out dog poop really, really simple.

  The just okay:

  • Campsites are pretty close to a road. It's not particularly busy, but the speed limit is 55 so you do get some pretty decent whooshing sounds while you're trying to sleep.
  • The tent site is literally the only flat part of most campsites. Even our picnic table at site 13 was slightly tilted. Not an issue, really, but it was noticeable.
  • With all the heavy bear traffic signs that were up, I was surprised to see how close bear boxes were to our tents. They seemed to be 1-10 feet away from tents in each campsite. 
  • Take with a slight grain of salt my recommendation of sites 8-15 - 8 & 9 are up a little higher and might be better, but 11-15 are within 50 feet of a wet area, and the bugs in late May were pretty annoying. I'm guessing other sites would have been better, and our hikes were almost bug-less.
  • Campsites are CLOSE together. I was relieved to be in a site we had to walk to, because having the car right there combined with other tents would have been a little claustrophobic. 

  Overall we really did love staying here. It was pretty empty and we were able to have two cars in the parking spots (usually you can only have one in the assigned spot) without putting anyone out. It was full of friendly people and my dog had an awesome time romping through the leaves and people watching. Definitely recommend this site if you're hiking or climbing in the area!

• 

  Ming R.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 1, 2018

  Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

  Manicured grounds; sites far apart

  Ward Pound Ridge is very well known to the locals as a great place for sled-riding in winter (Pell Hill area) and a place for big group gatherings. The many different trails are frequented by the locals as well. In recent years, the county government also allow bow-hunting of deer to control its population during the months of October to December.

  As far as camping as a family, it is not too exciting a place for us. The grounds are far too well trimmed, as you can see in one of the videos. There is wide open space and the paths are well paved so kids can have fun riding the bikes or running around. There is also many trails of various difficulty levels to suit everyone, including horseback riders. The Trailside Nature Museum is also fun for the kids.

  There are lean-to sites as well as tent sites. A maximum of eight people in two tents are allowed at each site. But if you really do have a party of eight, one picnic table seems to be inadequate. The sites are much farther away from the comfort stations than most campgrounds we have been to. But there are port-a-potties very close to the sites, which is very important when you have young kids.

  All in all, it is not a place I would recommend if you want to get close to nature.

• 

  Christina M.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 28, 2017

  Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

  Great Place for First Timers

  I went here with two of my coworkers for a relaxing weekend getaway. I'm use to the rough and tough it of backpacking the AT Trail so this place had quite a few amenities I am not use to! Haha. We stayed at a platform tent site and were able to park two vehicles on site but the grounds had plenty of parking not too far from the sites. Each of the sites had a large platform (enough room for one very large tent or 2-3 smaller tents), a fire pit, and picnic table. You are very close to your neighbor in this area but when we were there everyone was very respectful. There was potable water a short walking distance away as well as flushing toilets. There was a very large open grassy field for play/sports, a playground and life guarded portion of the lake for swimming. This location was very accesible to the Bish Bash Falls trail and even had a few side trails to explore. This place is very good for easing on first timers and there were quite a few children so those who are parents should consider this a great place to get kids involved in the outdoors as well. There were other accommodations such as RV hook ups, events, and rentals but we weren't there long enough to take adavatage of those. Overall a great experience and relatively cheap for what you get. I believe it was around $30 for two nights which was the minimum.