The northwestern Connecticut region offers camping spots near New Milford, Connecticut with elevations ranging from 200 to 1,000 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in this area sit along streams or near lakes, with rocky woodland terrain typical of the Litchfield Hills. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during daytime hours with nighttime lows around 55-65°F, making sleeping conditions comfortable even during peak season.
What to do
Hiking and climbing trails: Macedonia Brook State Park Campground offers a challenging 6.5-mile loop trail with several steep sections providing views into New York State. "The loop hike over the mountains was good, at times more intermediate than beginner and I wouldn't try to go it with younger kids. We did the east side one afternoon and the west the next," notes one visitor to Macedonia Brook State Park Campground.
Paddling opportunities: Bantam Lake at Point Folly Campground provides 947 acres of water surface for boating activities. A camper mentioned that "Point Folly is a small, quiet campground that has water, pit toilets and I think a dumping station. The campground is right on Bantam Lake which is great for boaters/kayakers fisherman and families. I have found the east side of the lake to be much more windy than the west side."
Fishing access: The numerous water bodies around New Milford provide multiple fishing opportunities. At Cozy Hills Campground, "Kids caught about 20 fish" during a two-night stay according to one reviewer. Another notes that the campground has "Fishing on site" along with "Crafts And events."
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: Several campgrounds in the area are notably less crowded midweek. At Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, a visitor noted, "If you go during the week the place is a ghost town," making it ideal for those seeking solitude. They also appreciated that "You can get a VERY large site that easily fits 3 tents."
Family-friendly activities: Kettletown State Park Campground offers programs for children during summer months. "The place is perfect for young kids! It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night! Plus you would see awesome stars during the nighttime," reports one camper who has visited for ten years.
Clean facilities: Black Rock State Park receives high marks for maintenance. A visitor to Black Rock State Park Campground reported, "The staff greeted with warm welcomes and big smiles. Even when I arrived on a rainy Sunday. Stayed until Friday. And the grounds staff smiled and waved as they went by." They also appreciated the "REALLY HOT showers."
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Various wildlife frequent these campgrounds. At Kettletown State Park Campground, campers should "be sure put foods in the car" as "raccoons and skunk, they love to find food." Lake Waramaug also has resident skunks and squirrels "that will get into EVERYTHING even in a bin."
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds in the region have limited connectivity. Macedonia Brook State Park has "No cell service" according to a recent visitor. Even at Lake Waramaug, a long-time camper noted that their recent trip "was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years."
Bathroom variations: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. A visitor to Fahnestock State Park found "Bathrooms and dishwashing... UGH. So old and dirty!!!" while Black Rock received praise for their facilities: "they have a wash area for dishes and REALLY HOT showers."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Some lakes in the area have swimming restrictions or limited beach areas. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, "the beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful." Lake Waramaug has a "swimming area is an absolute joke, unless you are 18 months old, and then its probably perfect. (Extremely small, extremely shallow, and some sand to dig in.)"
Site selection: Campground layouts vary significantly throughout the region. At Cozy Hills Campground, "Most sites were not wooded and provided no buffer from one to the next," making it "more like staying in a summer cottage colony." A visitor recommends checking sites before booking as "each site varied quite a bit from the other."
Alternative swimming locations: When campground swimming areas are inadequate, look for nearby options. A Lake Waramaug camper advises: "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."
Tips from RVers
Water and power access: RV hookups are limited at most state parks in the region. At Freedom Farm Homestead, electric hookups and water are available, although not all sites may be equipped. Black Rock State Park notes "No water or electric hookup but I have solar and a generator and they have a wash area for dishes and REALLY HOT showers."
Road conditions: Access roads and campground layouts can challenge larger rigs. Gentiles Campground reports "roads were narrow and steep and hard to maneuver bigger trailers and rigs." At Lake Waramaug, "Every campsite has deep drainage ditches, likely roots, and stumps as well," which can complicate leveling and positioning.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer dump stations, so plan accordingly. Black Rock State Park provides "a dump station and a place to fill up ur water tank as well," which makes it suitable for extended stays. Similar facilities exist at Kettletown and Lake Waramaug for those needing to empty tanks before departure.
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