Best Campgrounds near New Preston, CT

The camping landscape around New Preston, Connecticut encompasses several established campgrounds within a short drive of town. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground sits directly in New Preston, offering tent sites, RV spots, cabin rentals, and even glamping options along the shores of Lake Waramaug. Nearby, Macedonia Brook State Park Campground in Kent (about 7 miles northwest) provides a more rustic camping experience with tent and RV sites nestled among hiking trails. The region's mixed-use campgrounds typically accommodate various camping styles, with most offering fire rings, picnic tables, and basic amenities, though hookup availability varies significantly between locations.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with the primary camping season running from late May through early September. "We stayed here many times growing up, and it has begun to get very popular and crowded. I would recommend reserving early to get some of the more private campgrounds on the outskirts and near the woods," noted one visitor to a Connecticut state park. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. The terrain around New Preston features rolling hills and wooded areas, with some campgrounds situated directly on lakes or near streams. Cell service can be spotty in more remote camping areas, though coverage is generally reliable near Lake Waramaug and other developed sites.

Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites, particularly at Lake Waramaug where many campsites offer views of the water. According to one visitor reviewing Lake Waramaug State Park, "Sites are HUGE. Bathrooms, water, showers are close by. You will almost always have a view of the water. There is easy access to the swimming area." However, the same reviewer noted limited recreational options beyond swimming and biking. Several campgrounds in the area feature hiking trails, with Macedonia Brook State Park offering more extensive trail networks for day hikes. Wildlife sightings are common, with reviews mentioning encounters with skunks and squirrels at campsites. Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds and timing—weekday camping typically offers more solitude than weekend stays when family groups are more prevalent.

Best Camping Sites Near New Preston, Connecticut (117)

    1. Cozy Hills Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-2119

    $72 - $122 / night

    "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."

    "We stayed near the water. Clean private bathrooms were a plus. Clean pool but only 3 feet deep."

    2. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    New Preston, CT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 868-0220

    $17 - $50 / night

    "My family has been camping at Lake Waramaug for over 20 years. I can say most of what’s been said is true or partially so but whether it’s bad or good depends on your point of view."

    "One of my favorite so far , went with family , to comply w covid and social distancing, the camp only rent your site and no one on your left or right or across ! Amazing !"

    3. Macedonia Brook State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Kent, CT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 927-3238

    $14 / night

    "teaching scouts of all ages how to take and prepare for the wilderness survival badges place is clean it has running water has a porta potty and festival you don't have to worry because the state of Connecticut"

    "Our camp spot was right above the river the flows behind this spot. You can go sit down by the water. But be careful!"

    4. Black Rock State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Thomaston, CT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8088

    $17 - $50 / night

    "Beautiful state park, very clean .. fishing, lake swimming, hiking trails. Bathrooms, free showers .. stores within a 5 minute drive. Most of the camp ground site are not secluded .."

    "The family next to me offered me dinner one night after I spent the whole day working on my RV. Spanish rice chicken the works the plate could barely hold it all."

    5. Point Folly Campground

    2 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-0089

    "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 of the lake.   "

    "Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing. Small little island"

    6. Kettletown State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Stevenson, CT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 264-5678

    $17 - $50 / night

    "We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway.  This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again. "

    "Semi private with great view and nice walks to the water. Noise was not a problem overnight as to having problems with noises neighbors at other CT state parks."

    7. Steep Rock Association

    1 Review
    Washington, CT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 868-9131

    "Each one is far away from the others."

    8. Freedom Farm Homestead

    1 Review
    New Milford, CT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 508-1594

    $50 - $70 / night

    9. Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Cornwall Bridge, CT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 672-6772

    $17 - $50 / night

    10. Windmill Hill - Connecticut White Memorial Campground

    1 Review
    Bantam, CT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-0089

    $25 / night

    "Quiet woods atmosphere with trail’s. Wonderful place to camp. Very clean"

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Recent Reviews near New Preston, CT

557 Reviews of 117 New Preston Campgrounds


  • Sue B.
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    Great State Forest Campground

    Austin Hawes (also known as American Legion State Forest/Campground) is a great little place in a beautiful part of the State. They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers. Have camped here before in tents and a pop up, it's right on the Farmington River, so we have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well. The bathrooms have showers and flush toilets, there are hiking trails in and near the campground, and stores not too far. Sites vary in size and privacy.

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Black Rock State Park Campground

    Nah

    If you want to feel like you are camping in the middle of a lawless low income housing project, this is the place for you. We camped next to a woman with 2 pit bulls, which was surprising, given the "no dogs allowed" rule, and were surrounded by people partying despite the "no alcohol" rule. Teens congregate in the bathroom so they could charge their devices but did not appreciate you being there to use the bathroom they clearly took over, and even though it's 2025, I still prefer no boyfriends hanging out in the women's bathroom. Call me whatever. Used to camp here years ago, clearly it has gone downhill. Park Ranger? What's that?

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Ten Mile River Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Not a public campground!

    Ten Mile River Shelter and campsite is not a public campground. Sure, anyone can camp there, but it is designated for folks hiking the A.T., whether thru-hikers, section hikers, or whatever. While there are no rules about who can camp there, during thru-hiking season, consideration should be made for folks who rely on places like this during a long distance hike. It is at least a mile if not a mile and a half from approved parking (on the side of the road off the A.T.) to camp, either from the A.T. or a combo of the A.T. and a blue blaze trail (which is easier, imo). There are also no fires allowed on the CT A.T.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Great staff but back-to-back campsite

    We stayed a coupe of days in Oct. This is a beautiful site to camp out. The staffs are friendly and very attentive.
    Bathroom and water pressure was ok. But one shower location for 50 campsites. Three small showers units and three toilet.
    I never stayed a state campsite where the sites are so close each other. If you like a “normal” distance to your neighbors, I'd not recommend this place.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    Good amenities and fun experience!

    Campsites Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between. Nice and level. Amenities Bathrooms are older and need of some repair but let me tell you I was very happy to see a normal shower head with real hot water! So no complaints here. Laundry facilities were clean and open 24/7 with reasonable prices 2.50/2.00 washer/dryer. And the dryers actually worked. Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue. We have Starlink but in a wooded campsite, connecting is an issue but luckily their WiFi was great. Had no issues and could stream just fine. Halloween! We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun. Would definitely go back. Also, staff was super nice.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Brookside Campground

    Not a recreational campsite

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We paid for two weeks in advance of arriving at this site based on reviews available on Google and Dyrt. However, when we arrived we were surprised that this was mostly a trailer park. Call me picky, but I really prefer not to camp in an area where folks are living full time. Just not the vibe I’m going for. We decided to leave without staying. We called to see if we could get a refund and they were very kind and it wasn’t a problem. But just be warned… this is not a recreational campsite.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    Convenient pit stop

    This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Point Folly Campground

    Great

    I’ve been coming here for decades. Little store has what you need if you can find the shop keeper. Great access to bantam lake. You can leave you canoes/kayaks tied up in the water. Great fishing. Love it overall. The only issue I have is the pit toilets are brutal. If you are tent camping, beware!


Guide to New Preston

The landscape surrounding New Preston features numerous camping spots set among wooded hills and river valleys with elevations ranging from 300-1,200 feet. The region transitions through distinct seasons, with summer camping temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F and occasional evening thunderstorms. Cell service varies significantly across the area, with stronger coverage near town centers and limited or no connectivity in more remote camping locations.

What to do

Fishing access: Lake and river options: At Cozy Hills Campground, campers report excellent fishing opportunities. "Kids caught about 20 fish" during a two-night midweek stay according to one visitor. The campground provides on-site fishing areas stocked with various species.

Hiking trail networks: Varied difficulty levels: The trail system at Macedonia Brook State Park Campground offers routes suitable for different experience levels. "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," notes one camper who recommends splitting the route over two days.

Swimming options: Lake and pool facilities: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas with specific characteristics. One reviewer at Black Rock State Park mentioned that "the pool is nice, no deep end. It's very hilly." Pools without deep ends can provide safer swimming environments for younger children or less confident swimmers.

What campers like

Large, spacious sites: Room to spread out: At Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, visitors appreciate the generous campsite dimensions. According to one camper, "Sites are HUGE. Bathrooms, water, showers are close by." This allows for comfortable tent placement and common areas without feeling crowded.

Watercraft opportunities: Kayaking and canoeing: The region offers multiple water bodies suitable for paddling. A visitor at Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground noted the "fishing, peace and quiet of the place was exactly what we needed!! Tons of birdwatching, hiking, river floating..." The Housatonic River provides a significant paddling route through the region.

Family programming: Organized activities: Cozy Hills Campground receives praise for its structured recreation options. "Lots and lots of activities for kids! Arts & Crafts, Arcade, Bingo, Casino Night etc.," reports one camper. These organized programs can help fill time during longer stays or rainy weather.

What you should know

Campsite privacy varies significantly: Many campgrounds in the region feature open sites with limited screening between neighbors. One visitor to Cozy Hills Campground noted, "The only downside was the real lack of privacy at almost all the sites we saw. It was more like staying in a summer cottage colony. Most sites were not wooded and provided no buffer from one to the next."

Seasonal population fluctuations: Weekday and weekend experiences differ dramatically at many camping areas. A Macedonia Brook visitor observed the campground was "hardly anyone around, we had a site right next to the stream" during a weekday stay, while summer weekends see much higher occupancy rates.

Wildlife encounters are common: Skunks appear frequently at several campgrounds in the region. At Point Folly Campground, campers should properly secure food as local wildlife is attracted to campsites. The campground's location on Bantam Lake creates habitat for various animals.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection strategy: Consider distances: At larger campgrounds, location matters significantly. One Cozy Hills visitor advised, "It's very hilly. A golf cart is recommended if your site is far from the pool." Families with young children should prioritize sites near bathrooms and recreation areas.

Consider bathroom facilities: The quality and accessibility of restrooms varies widely between campgrounds. At Black Rock State Park Campground, visitors appreciate the "bathrooms, free showers" but note stores are "within a 5 minute drive" for supplies.

Weekday advantages: Less crowded experience: For families seeking quieter experiences, timing is crucial. One Lake Waramaug visitor recommended: "I like Lake Waramaug for a large group during the week... otherwise, I'd pass." Weekday camping provides more space and relaxed atmosphere.

Tips from RVers

Site layout considerations: RVers should research specific site dimensions and configurations. At Cozy Hills Campground, one visitor noted "They pack us in pretty tight in some sites," suggesting larger rigs may face positioning challenges at certain locations.

Electric service limitations: Many campgrounds offer limited electrical hookups or specific amperage restrictions. Before booking, confirm that the available power matches your equipment requirements as some sites only provide 30-amp service.

Alternative accommodation options: For those without their own RV, several campgrounds offer cabins. At Kettletown State Park Campground, cabins are popular but come with limitations: "Be advised, there isn't a kitchen or bathroom in the cabins!" Visitors should understand exactly what amenities are included.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near New Preston, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, New Preston, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 117 campgrounds and RV parks near New Preston, CT and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near New Preston, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Preston, CT is Cozy Hills Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 9 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near New Preston, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near New Preston, CT.

What parks are near New Preston, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near New Preston, CT that allow camping, notably Northfield Brook Lake and Hop Brook Lake.