138 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The northwestern Connecticut region surrounding North Canton features a mix of state forests, private campgrounds, and recreational areas within a 30-mile radius. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground in American Legion State Forest offers secluded wooded sites with modern amenities, while White Pines Campsites in nearby Barkhamsted provides options ranging from tent sites to yurts. Onion Mountain Park represents one of the few free primitive camping options in the area, though it lacks facilities like drinking water and toilets. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with a few extending their season into early November depending on weather conditions.
Reservations are essential during peak summer months, particularly for weekend stays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. As one camper noted about Austin Hawes Memorial Campground, "Very chilled and secluded in your own site. I liked that it felt like a little community but still quite private." The region experiences typical New England seasonal variations with humid summers and cold winters. Insect activity, particularly ticks, can be significant in warmer months, with several reviewers mentioning the need for repellent. Cell service varies considerably throughout the area, with stronger signals near larger towns and limited connectivity in more remote forest locations. Many campgrounds offer firewood for purchase on-site, as transporting wood from outside areas is discouraged to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Waterfront camping opportunities exist at several locations within driving distance, including Lake Compounce Campground and Tolland State Forest Campground, where boat-in camping is available. Site privacy varies significantly across the region, with state forest campgrounds generally offering more space between sites than private facilities. A visitor to Lone Oak Camp Sites remarked, "We were shocked at the size of it. We could have fit 3 campers in it and were a good distance from the neighboring sites." Hiking trails, fishing spots, and swimming areas are common amenities, with many campgrounds serving as convenient basecamps for exploring the Litchfield Hills region. Wildlife sightings, including deer, beavers, and various bird species, add to the camping experience, though campers should properly store food to avoid attracting unwanted visitors.
"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."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $74 / night
Check Availability"We arrived at the parking lot of Onion Mountain Park at around 2 pm and proceeded to get our bags packed for the hike."
"It’s up the yellow or blue trail depending on which one you take. However, it’s not a long walk to the parking area from the campsite."
"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"
"Affiliated with Lake Compounce Amusement Park adjacent to campground."
"It is adjacent to an amusement park so there were lots of families here. None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out."
"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."
from $17 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $17 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability"I wasn't going to come back again but it is very close to my grandkids. All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired. The clubhouse is being renovated and activities are now back. "
ScoutI was in the area and needed a location to hook up. Temperature at 7:00 p.m. was 85 in July which is expected. They're able to get me in for the night. Quick and easy. Had smoke from the Canadian Wildfire which made for a good sunset
TravelerDue to the heat wave, I opted not to spend the night, but we did roll through and check out the area. First thing we noticed is how close and open the sites were, with a few exceptions. I attached photos of the more secluded sites I plan to choose next time. Site 49 is what I had reserved and it was large and partially secluded. The bathroom buildings are boarded up across the campground and state park with port o potties in front. I was not eager to check those out… a bucket started feeling like the safer option lol It was quiet but on the more secluded sites, there was ample road noise and you could see the road from some sites. I didn’t get a chance to look for the walkway to the park and river, but I plan to next time. The state park and river nearby was beautiful and quiet and serene with smattering Fourth of July picnics. Overall, I plan to return here when the weather is more cooperative and my car camper is better equipped :)
TravelerWe arrived after 10pm so we couldn’t go into the general store to check in. But there was an envelope with our name and a description of where we had to go. Because it was so dark we couldn’t find it but the security guard was really helpful and showed us the way. We spent a really quiet night at this campground at a tent site with our rooftop tent and appreciated the clean showers and friendly staff. We would come back anytime.
TravelerI called as we were 3 hours away for a spot for the night. The lady who answered was amazing and asked everything to pick us the right spot. We showed up after hours and found our spot. It was so peaceful and so beautiful. Bathrooms were extremely clean! I recommend this spot to everyone! Well worth it!
ScoutI have 4 kids, 8 and under and they had an absolute blast. We will definitely be back.
GuideTall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane. The campground is landscaped and maintained beautifully. the highlight is the river, ever-present in sound. The primo sites are on the northern end , where most sites are right on the water, and just a small descent. Bathrooms are good, not great. Showers are push button automatic, water was warm. We have a small RV, the dump site is up the main road about a 1/2 mile in a turnout. Free for campers, on your honor. At office were college aged young men and women in very casual street clothes all very nice, and mannerly, but not very knowledgeable, and hard to believe they could handle an adverse situation. I asked for the soap to be filled in the mens room on Thursday afternoon at 4 and it was still not done at noon the next day. -it’s a 2 minute walk from the office. I asked about a hike, they told me a trail head was a mile up the road. We found a spur directly across the street. I miss real docents, with knowledge, and wearing the garb. All sites not directly on the river side have paths down to get there. Did a nice little moderate hike just across the street called Pine Knob. Nice vista, quick 760ft ascent, combines withe AT for a length, then back down total 3 miles the way we did it. Some nice restaurants in Kent. Found a good breakfast in Goshen. We’ll be going back.
GuideA really nice campground for tenters and dry campers. No hookups, but decent bathrooms, lukewarm showers and well kept. The Housatonic river is wide and shallow but good for soaking on a hot day and right behind pretty much every campsite. The riverside sites have a clear view, the others you walk through the woods. The only negative is Route 7, which gets busy in the mornings, and at rush hours, but quiets down at night. Not a busy highway to begin with, but a major route. A good up and down hike right across the street, 760 ft ascent in a mile or so, 3 mile loop, you see AT through hikers on the portion of the combined trail. There is a drinking water tap you can hook a hose to for filling your RV, or jugs. No dump station. We had our class B here. Sites mostly level. Come during the week for better privacy. Supposedly fly fisherman come on weekends. Cute cabins for rent in a awesome location.
GuideFirst off the cons the train at 130 am is wonderful to get woken up to 2nd the sites are on top of each other 3 not many level sites didnt hear the buzzing at all no daddy long legs but ticks let's talk about how many ticks I got in the park I pulled 7 off of me in 5 nights at that park
ScoutThis camp is very family and let friendly. From the check-in to check-out everyone was so friendly. We will be back
Dispersed camping near North Canton, Connecticut occurs primarily in designated areas within state forests. The region sits at the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,200 feet. Summers reach average highs of 82°F while winters drop to 20°F with significant snowfall accumulation. Campers should note that campfire permits are required in some areas, particularly during dry summer months when fire restrictions become common.
Fishing access points: The Farmington River near Austin Hawes Memorial Campground provides excellent catch-and-release fishing. "Trophy trout river with excellent fishing, but catch and release only," notes Melissa R. The Pleasant Valley General Store sells live bait and even fishing equipment if needed.
Waterfront recreation: Lake Compounce Campground offers access to water activities during summer months. The campground sits adjacent to an amusement park which operates from May through October. As one camper mentioned, "Would have been nice if they had a place to swim (in the camping area) besides for at the main park."
Hiking trails: Onion Mountain Park features both yellow and blue trails accessible from the parking area. "We ended up finding a very primitive spot off the blue trail (on top of the mountain), where we settled down for the night," reports Nora S. The trails range from easy walking paths to more challenging terrain with moderate elevation changes.
Site privacy levels: White Pines Campsites in Barkhamsted offers tent sites with varying degrees of separation. "We stayed at site 85 in Sunny Crest and liked having some privacy. The sites nearby had some trees providing space between each site," shares Becca Z. Site selection matters significantly for privacy.
Natural surroundings: Tolland State Forest Campground features waterfront camping with direct lake access. "We have brought out kayaks and took off right from the site. There are rocks to get into the water but the water is clean and not mucky," writes Rebecca D. Wildlife activity includes owls that can be heard around midnight.
Swimming options: Clean, maintained swimming areas provide relief during hot summer days. "The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids," describes Nicole G. about Tolland State Forest. Many campgrounds offer designated swimming areas with varying facilities from basic beach access to more developed pool complexes.
Campground facilities: Most campgrounds operate with basic amenities. "The bathhouses have always been clean with sinks to wash your dishes. There is plenty of vegetation between sites," notes a Tolland State Forest visitor. Shower availability varies considerably across the region.
Wildlife concerns: Black bears and other wildlife require proper food storage. Multiple campgrounds provide bear boxes at sites. "We did hear geese honking for a lot of the night which was a bit annoying," shares one camper at Tolland State Forest, and others mention coyotes in the area. Black Rabbit Farm offers a safer alternative with open fields: "I stayed here last weekend and had a great night watching the stars twinkle and the fireflies dance in the vineyard and meadows."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. Availability varies widely by location with state forests typically booking up faster than private campgrounds. Wait times for seasonal spots can be extensive: "Wouldn't mind a seasonal lot but their waiting list is quite long!"
Activity planning: Look for campgrounds that offer structured programs for children. Lone Oak Camp Sites provides extensive children's activities. "Big fun for kids and adults. Two big pools, store, bar for adults with live entertainment. Tons of kids activities going on all day," shares Kim T.
Site selection for kids: Request sites away from major roads when possible. "You hear a lot of cars going by if you're at a site that backs up to the main road," warns Emily M. about Austin Hawes Memorial Campground. Sites near bathrooms reduce nighttime walks but may have more foot traffic.
Family-friendly amenities: Swimming areas with gradual entry points work best for younger children. "The site is on a peninsula in Otis reservoir. Lots of activity in the water! Small area of sandy beach with a pavilion and grills," reports a visitor to Tolland State Forest Campground.
Hookup availability: Water and electric hookups are standard at most developed campgrounds in the area, but sewer connections are limited. "Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station," notes Ray B. about Lake Compounce Campground.
Site layout considerations: Pull-through sites make setup easier but vary in availability. "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded," explains Diane R. about the layout at Lake Compounce.
Winter storage options: Few campgrounds offer seasonal storage. Those requiring winter storage should inquire about nearby options, as most campgrounds in the area close between mid-October and April. Some private storage facilities operate year-round within a 30-mile radius of North Canton.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near North Canton, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, North Canton, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 138 campgrounds and RV parks near North Canton, CT and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near North Canton, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near North Canton, CT is Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest with a 4.4-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near North Canton, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near North Canton, CT.
What parks are near North Canton, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near North Canton, CT that allow camping, notably Northfield Brook Lake and Hop Brook Lake.
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