Best Campgrounds near Norfolk, CT

The region around Norfolk, Connecticut provides several established campgrounds with options for tent and RV camping, along with cabins and glamping facilities. Lone Oak Camp Sites in East Canaan and White Pines Campsites in Barkhamsted serve as primary developed campgrounds in the area. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground in American Legion State Forest offers a more rustic alternative with both tent and cabin accommodations. The Appalachian Trail also crosses through this region, with Brassie Brook Shelter providing primitive camping for hikers.

Most campgrounds in the Norfolk area operate seasonally, typically from mid-April through mid-October, with closures during winter months. "We stayed at site 85 in Sunny Crest and liked having some privacy. The sites nearby had some trees providing space between each site," noted one camper about White Pines. Road access to most developed sites is suitable for passenger vehicles, though some tent sites may require short walks from parking areas. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Connecticut highlands, particularly during spring and fall when temperature fluctuations are common. Reservation requirements vary by campground, with state forest sites generally offering more basic amenities than private operations like Lone Oak, which provides full hookups for RVs and extensive recreational facilities.

Campground experiences in this region range from more developed facilities with swimming pools and organized activities to quieter, more natural settings. A recent review mentioned that "American Legion State Forest provides a basic state forest campground with some nice sites backing up to the river, though hiking trails along the river get significant traffic." Family-friendly activities are highlighted at several campgrounds, with Lone Oak receiving praise for its recreational programming. Proximity to the Farmington River and nearby state parks creates opportunities for fishing, hiking, and other outdoor recreation beyond the campgrounds themselves. Sites with more natural features and separation from neighbors tend to receive higher ratings, while those described as "parking lot" style arrangements with closely packed RVs generate more criticism from tent campers seeking a nature experience.

Best Camping Sites Near Norfolk, Connecticut (146)

    1. Lone Oak Camp Sites

    12 Reviews
    Norfolk, CT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 422-2267

    "Tons of kids activities to keep the little ones busy and great hikes around! Tons of waterfalls in the area and the highest point in Connecticut."

    "I happened upon Lone Oaks Camp Site when looking for someplace to stay in north eastern Connecticut."

    2. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Riverton, CT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 379-0922

    $17 - $50 / night

    "We were passing through Connecticut and needed a place to crash. Loved this campsite! Very chilled and secluded in your own site. I liked that it felt like a litrle community but still quotr private."

    "Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots. Definitely need to come back. Great rates on all sites."

    3. White Pines Campsites

    11 Reviews
    Winsted, CT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 379-0124

    $74 / night

    "However one issue was the garbage situation. Had to walk a long distance to throw out the trash."

    "We got a tent spot and it was perfect since it was the furthest one away and there was no one near us which is probably why we loved it so much bc we were so isolated. a little disappointed in the site"

    4. Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

    20 Reviews
    Copake Falls, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 329-3993

    $21 - $175 / night

    "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."

    "It wasn't too busy when we went- we got there on a Friday night around 6pm and were able to get a spot. There are also some fun activities within the campground, and things nearby."

    5. Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Granville, MA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 357-6494

    "The kids had a blast fishing and riding their bikes around. We are going to make this a yearly thing from now on!!"

    "This is over the boarder in mass from ct We did a three month seasonal Site Staff is super nice and helpful We had a nice quite spot even though we where in the road to the lake"

    6. Tolland State Forest Campground

    5 Reviews
    Tolland, MA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 269-6002

    $17 / night

    "campground the bathroom was clean and well equipped with toilet paper and soap

    we stayed at site 70 which was very spacious and set back from the road so had more privacy, although site 71 is very close by"

    "The ground at the site was large gravel which was not great in the tent, but walking around it looks like most sites are more dirt and pine needles."

    7. Granville State Forest

    5 Reviews
    Tolland, MA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 357-6611

    $17 / night

    "Trails are right near the sites so def scope out your spot before purchase. Has a full shower/bath and sink for washing very well kept and water pump rnot to far from the site."

    8. Beartown State Forest Campground

    5 Reviews
    Great Barrington, MA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 528-0904

    $14 / night

    "A pretty spot near the Berkshires. This spot has rustic hikes and good swimming, plus relatively secluded campsites."

    9. Cozy Hills Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    20 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."

    10. Brassie Brook Shelter - Bear Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    Taconic, CT
    13 miles
    Website

    "We started our hike at the under-mountain trailhead, located right off route 41, and climbed up the mountain. Be prepared for steep inclines, and lots of rocks."

    "There's also a bear box near by. Room to camp your tent on the ground too if you wanted to or had more ppl along."

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Recent Reviews near Norfolk, CT

587 Reviews of 146 Norfolk Campgrounds


  • 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. 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.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Whip O Will Campsites

    Not for recreational campers

    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 arrived after leaving another campsite in the area (that was also 100% full timers) and were disappointed to find that this site was all permanent campers with crap everywhere. One site even had a funeral home sign hanging out front of an entire plywood addition to their camper…like what? Call me picky, but I don’t feel entirely comfortable camping for fun next to folks who live in the campground like this. After driving through the super narrow and rutted out roads to the site they recommend, a man came hauling a** into our site (with a beer in his hand) and was saying “hello hellooooo.” Said he was the owner of the campsite and asked if we were staying, we said we were thinking about it, just checking out the available sites (as the lady up front told us to do). TL;DR- bad vibes. Didn’t stay. Be warned this is a full time campsite with crap everywhere. The lady working the office was super nice though.

  • 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!

  • Christine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    Quiet and clean

    So far it's been pretty quiet but we are here at the beginning of October on a Monday. Nice area.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Average

    We stayed one night in late September without a reservation. Bathhouse is old but was adequate with hot showers. We’re from out of state and paid about $23 for a tent site which was reasonable for the facilities.

  • S
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Sylvan Lake Beach Park

    Great Beach Lake for summer swimming and Boating

    This is an old campground, but is quite quaint. Reminds me of lake camping that I grew up with. Hosts are very nice and helpful. This is more of a seasonal camping site. Do not follow your GPS directions. Get directions from the campground staff.


Guide to Norfolk

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Norfolk, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Norfolk, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 146 campgrounds and RV parks near Norfolk, CT and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Norfolk, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Norfolk, CT is Lone Oak Camp Sites with a 4-star rating from 12 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Norfolk, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Norfolk, CT.

What parks are near Norfolk, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Norfolk, CT that allow camping, notably Northfield Brook Lake and Hop Brook Lake.