Tent campers near North Granby, Connecticut can find several primitive options within the surrounding Berkshire foothills. The region sits at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,200 feet, contributing to temperature variations that can drop 15-20 degrees cooler at night compared to daytime highs. Seasonal considerations significantly affect camping conditions, with spring bringing mud season challenges from March through early May.
What to do
Whitewater adventures nearby: For campers willing to travel about 90 minutes from North Granby, Zoar Outdoor offers tent camping combined with guided river activities. "The campground is connected to an adventure/outing company that provides white water rafting, tubing and other water activities on a nearby river. It's close to where locals jump off outcrops into the lazy river and hang out on the river side," notes Seth K.
Railway-themed camping: For a completely unique experience approximately 55 miles northwest, Chester Railway Station offers caboose accommodations and tent camping areas. "It is a really fun place to spend a night, especially for a train enthusiast. The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. It sleeps 4 and you can set up tents outside too. You hear the trains running at night," explains Esther L.
Backcountry hiking routes: The Connecticut section of the Appalachian Trail provides multiple access points for tent campers seeking seclusion. Marshall S. from Onion Mountain Park recommends: "My BSA troop has been going here for years to help new scouts learn to camp. It is a very casual site and good for your first trip, you are close to your car and the road in case you need it so no need for a bear bag."
What campers like
Overnight seclusion: Tent campers at Onion Mountain Park appreciate the serene environment despite the walk-in nature. Ricky H. reports: "Very peaceful overnight camping, no permit required. Small campsite, first come first served basis. Other posts claim you can park right the site, but you can not. It's up the yellow or blue trail depending on which one you take."
Well-maintained forest sites: At Windmill Hill - Connecticut White Memorial Campground, approximately 30 miles west of North Granby, campers find clean, wooded sites. Sara R. shares: "I booked site 5 for the week. Great experience! Quiet woods atmosphere with trail's. Wonderful place to camp. Very clean."
Bear protection amenities: Many backcountry sites provide bear boxes for food storage. Kay D. from Alander Trail Camground notes: "You will be in the heart of the forest/woods so definitely make sure to be prepared. We had some scares with coyotes and bears in the past but never anything crazy. They give you a semi-flat area for a tent, a fire pit and grill rack, one picnic table, and a bear box you would be sharing with other campers nearby."
What you should know
Hike-in requirements: Many tent sites require carrying all gear from parking areas. Nora S. advises about Onion Mountain Park: "We arrived at the parking lot at around 2 pm and proceeded to get our bags packed for the hike. I saw in the other review, that it is classified as a walk-in but it's definitely more of a hike."
Fire regulations vary: Not all primitive tent sites permit campfires. Seth K. mentions about Zoar Outdoor: "They don't allow fires at the campsites though which is annoying and their quiet hours are quite oppressive." Check specific campground rules before planning evening activities.
Wildlife preparation: Tent campers should research proper food storage. Liz P. observed at Alander Trail Campground: "They also have bear boxes at each site! Although we were the only campers at the time the area was emmaculate and not one piece of trash on the ground anywhere!"
Tips for camping with families
Start with accessible sites: Families new to tent camping in North Granby should consider the more accessible sites. According to Marshall S., "My BSA troop has been going here for years to help new scouts learn to camp. It is a very casual site and good for your first trip, you are close to your car and the road in case you need it."
Bug preparation: Parents should pack adequate insect protection for camping with children. Alicia B. from River Highlands State Park River Campground cautions: "As a heads-up, the outhouse did have quite a few wolf spiders (which might be expected in a natural setting like this)."
Pack for variable temperatures: Family tent camping requires preparation for significant temperature changes, particularly in spring and fall. Tina D. recalls her experience at Laurel Ridge: "I don't think you are supposed to make a fire, but am not sure. There was a fire pit there so we used it at night because it was pretty cold in the 50s and down to 40s late at night (this was OCT)."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: The North Granby area primarily caters to tent camping rather than RVs. Brad N. from Sodom Mountain Campground, approximately 20 miles away, notes improvements for RVers: "This campground has improved with the new owners as of 2021. All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired. The clubhouse is being renovated and activities are now back. Great Wi-Fi now, store has been redone."
Access road considerations: Many campgrounds near North Granby have narrow, unpaved access roads unsuitable for larger rigs. Dominick V. shares about campground upkeep: "Amenities are well maintained. Could use a refresh but overall great experience will be back."
Staff assistance: When RV camping near North Granby, campers should communicate with staff about specific needs and local knowledge. Reilly L. mentions: "This place is great. Everyone is so knowledgeable and helpful and kind. They really seem to care about what they do, and it shows."
