Tent camping options near New Haven, Connecticut provide access to diverse landscapes ranging from riverfront sites to mountain park settings. Many locations feature small tent-only areas with natural boundaries separating campsites, giving campers more isolation than typical developed campgrounds. With most sites within 30-45 minutes of New Haven, weekend getaways require minimal travel time while offering an escape from urban surroundings.
What to do
Paddle to island camping: Access Selden Neck State Park Campground by kayak or boat from Deep River Landing with a 20-minute paddle across the Connecticut River. "You have to kayak or boat in. There's a boat launch across from the island on the west side of the river at Deep River Landing where you can leave your car. (Entering and parking at the boat launch requires a permit Memorial Day to Labor Day)," shares Jason S.
Beach camping exploration: Visit Watch Hill Fire Island Campground for oceanfront sites accessible by ferry. "You can get a permit to backcountry camp instead of reserving a designated campground spot. Just walk down to the beach after check-in and walk east until you see a pole with a tent symbol on it," explains Emily S., who adds, "It felt like we had the entire beach to ourselves because there was no one else even close to around us."
Hiking from your campsite: Trail access directly from tent sites makes Mountain Lakes Park a convenient base for day hiking. "There are also many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds which is always a huge plus in my mind," notes Ethan K., adding that the park contains "several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes."
What campers like
Secluded river views: The Chapman Pond Preserve offers elevated camping platforms overlooking water. "Good tent platforms, picnic tables and outhouse. CT river within view," reports Ben L., appreciating the simple amenities and natural setting.
Lean-to shelter options: Mountain Lakes Park provides rustic lean-to structures scattered throughout the property. "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... there are a few lean-to's scattered off the looping road," explains Ben H.
Private campsites: Many locations offer significant separation between sites. At Windmill Hill, Sara R. found "site 5 for the week. Great experience! Quiet woods atmosphere with trail's. Wonderful place to camp. Very clean." Selden Neck campsites provide extra privacy due to island location with limited access points.
What you should know
Insect preparation essential: Fire Island campers consistently mention mosquito pressure. "It was absolutely gorgeous, don't get me wrong. However, it was nearly impossible to enjoy ourselves because we were getting attacked by mosquitoes and horseflies the entire weekend," warns Rosie R., suggesting, "Def bring a shelter or a canopy with a mosquito net!!!"
Bathroom facilities vary: River Highlands State Park offers basic facilities but campers should expect wildlife encounters. "As a heads-up, the outhouse did have quite a few wolf spiders (which might be expected in a natural setting like this)," reports Alicia B.
Reservation procedures differ: While most state park campgrounds use online systems, some require in-person booking. For the best tent camping near New Haven, Connecticut at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, note that "there is no phone or internet reservations and has to be made in person at the office. I would recommend call earlier and come in few minutes earlier to 9 am when the office opens to find the best spots," advises Anil S.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection matters: Ward Pound Ridge offers varied campsite locations with different privacy levels. "The camping sites 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," explains Susana M.
Comfort station distances: Plan bathroom breaks accordingly at larger campgrounds. "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," notes Ming R. about Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds near New Haven offer ranger programs. At Watch Hill, "There are park rangers on site and have excellent programs for kids," mentions Inocencia O., making it a good choice for educational camping experiences.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping near New Haven, Connecticut occurs in tent-only areas with few RV amenities. While Webb Mountain Park technically permits RVs, the sites lack hookups and have limited space for larger vehicles.
Alternatives for comfort: For those wanting more comfort while maintaining a camping experience, Mountain Lakes offers yurts. "A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in," notes Ethan K., providing an alternative to traditional tent or RV camping.
Supply planning required: Campers should bring all necessary supplies. "Also come with deet repellent as mosquitos are vicious," recommends Pedro R. about Watch Hill Fire Island Campground, adding "it's a bit of a walk to camp site but all on board walk (we took to carts full of stuff)."
