Best Campgrounds near Norfolk, CT

Camping near Norfolk, Connecticut, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: The area is known for its scenic trails. Campers have enjoyed the nearby hiking options, with one reviewer mentioning, "The trails were completely perfectly maintained with some 2x6 boards over the muddy bits so our boots didn't get wet" at October Mountain State Forest.
• Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, offer fishing in private lakes and rivers. A visitor shared, "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river."
• Swimming: Campgrounds such as Taconic State Park have clean swimming areas. One camper noted, "The swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Kenneth L Wilson Campground remarked, "The bathrooms were very clean and new and the showers were free and temperature controlled to perfectly warm!!"
• Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park said, "The staff, Pat in particular, were warm and friendly."
• Privacy: Campers enjoy sites that offer some seclusion. A reviewer at Clarence Fahnestock State Park mentioned, "Some sites are grouped in open areas. These lack privacy."

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be busy and noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Hammonasset State Park Campground noted, "My first impression of this campground is it's loud, crazy busy & there's traffic noise from the beach road."
• Reservations: It's best to book your site in advance, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Woodland Valley Campground advised, "It can get a little busy on the weekends, so worth reserving in advance."
• Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Kenneth L Wilson Campground mentioned, "I had basically no cell service with Verizon."

Tips for camping with families:

• Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. One parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner said, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore."
• Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A reviewer at Hammonasset State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp store has a small variety of camp supplies, drinks and food."
• Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to schedule downtime. A camper at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds noted, "Despite being nearly filled to capacity including tons of young children, the park was quiet each night."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Clarence Fahnestock State Park cautioned, "Careful which site you choose. They're definitely intended to be tent sites."
• Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have firewood or other essentials available. A visitor at Woodland Valley Campground mentioned, "No firewood for sale."
• Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have narrow roads and tight turns. A camper at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds said, "We were within 2 inches or less of trees on 4 or 5 instances getting in and out of our site."

Camping near Norfolk, CT, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!