Located in the foothills of the Berkshires, camping options near North Granby, Connecticut offer access to diverse terrain between 400-1,000 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, with cooler nights even during peak season. Most campgrounds in this region close for winter, operating from April through mid-October when water systems can be maintained above freezing.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: At Prospect Mountain Campground, you'll find wooded areas that connect to local trails. "The grounds were absolutely beautiful and very well maintained! Pool was lovely and refreshing," notes Megin F., who also mentions fishing opportunities at the property.
Swim in natural settings: Lone Oak Camp Sites provides multiple water recreation options. "There's a full bar with adult only dancing up stairs in the lounge Saturday nights, and a DJ playing dance music for the younger crowed down stairs. The pools are beautiful, great store and the activities are plenty. There is also a hiking trail with some gorgeous views once you get to the top," explains Amanda D.
Explore autumn activities: Fall camping offers unique experiences in this region. At Northampton/Springfield KOA, seasonal activities ramp up as temperatures cool. "We love this KOA! I recommend if you were in the area to stop here and spend some time with Michael and his staff. There are plenty activities for everybody. They have a fire truck ride that brings you around the campsite and hay-less rides," reports Jason A.
What campers like
Pond fishing access: October Mountain State Forest Campground provides fishing options within walking distance. According to Faith B., "This campground is at the base of October mountain. The sites are varied from grassy meadows by the entrance to wooded canopys uphill. Facilities were good, cleaned frequently. Great trail system starts right at the edge of the campground also."
Family-oriented activities: Brialee Family Campground offers scheduled events throughout the day. One visitor, Mallory P., shares, "The campground offers activities pretty much hourly for kids and adults to enjoy. Along with a pool, they also have a beach and a separate beach for dogs. They provide a store with all the essentials, a game room, laundry room, Rec hall, and multiple bathhouses throughout the Campground."
Secluded tent sites: For those seeking glamping near North Granby, Connecticut with more privacy, consider certain areas. "We didn't need bathrooms, water or electricity, but there was a bathroom within walking distance. It also looked like they were building a little outbuilding for Women and Men's bathrooms near the tent sites," explains Robert L. from Wilderness Lake Park, highlighting the campground's more remote options.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in this region operate from mid-April through mid-October. Prospect Mountain Campground runs "May 1 to Columbus Day," while White Pines operates "April 16 to Columbus Day weekend," allowing for extended fall glamping experiences near North Granby.
Site selection matters: At Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park, picking the right location affects your experience. "We had a couple spots right next to each other on a group trip. There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful," notes Jackie G., highlighting the importance of reserving sites strategically for group camping.
Wildlife awareness: Bears and other wildlife are present in these areas. "We and several other neighboring campers spied a pretty big black bear not far enough away in the late morning hours," reports Sylvia P. from White Pines Campsites, reminding campers to properly store food and trash.
Tips for camping with families
Book kid-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with dedicated activity schedules. "We camped here with a group of friends - about a dozen in all. It was easy to coordinate with the staff to get a few tent sites and a cabin in close distance," shares Yoni N. about White Pines Campsites.
Choose campgrounds with swimming options: Lake Compounce Campground provides convenient water recreation. "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded. Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper," says Diane R.
Plan for variable weather: Spring and fall camping requires extra preparation. "It's a super nice campground and close enough for a quick trip! Some sites can be very close though but otherwise great weekend trip!" advises Paige R. from Lone Oak Camp Sites, suggesting shorter stays when testing new locations with kids.
Tips from RVers
Reserve full-hookup sites early: The most desirable RV sites book quickly, especially during peak season. "When we got to our spot, it was covered in hundreds and hundreds of nails and broken glass. Maintenance ended up having to get a shovel to get most of the nails up but we still spent the first few days of our stay picking up nails and glass from every corner of our site," warns Kristen L. about White Pines Campsites, highlighting the importance of site inspection upon arrival.
Check site grading before booking: Many campgrounds in this hilly region have uneven sites. "A lot of the sites we drove by were pretty sloped- I would recommend a drive though if you can beforehand," advises Becca Z. about White Pines Campsites.
Consider seasonal alternatives: For longer stays, some campgrounds offer extended options. "I'm more of a quite, in-the-middle-of-nowhere kind of camper, so I tend to shy away from commercial campgrounds, but it was easier for me to commute from the KOA than from home when work was crazy because of COVID and I stayed for a few months- July til October," shares Dawn E. about her experience at Northampton/Springfield KOA.
