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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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!"
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
