Kaitlynn F.
Traveler
TravelerBrialee Family Campground
Great for kids
My kids had a blast. Many activities and plenty to do. Only down side was there being not service, which stinks when you use the app to follow along with activities and updates.
Camping near Northfield Brook Lake
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near Northfield Brook Lake, Connecticut includes a mix of established campgrounds and recreational facilities within a short drive of the water. Black Rock State Park Campground in Watertown sits just 5 miles west of the lake, offering tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with boat-in access options. Branch Brook Campground provides another nearby option with standard amenities. The region is characterized by rolling hills, deciduous forests, and numerous waterways that create opportunities for fishing, paddling, and hiking in addition to camping.
Most campgrounds in the Northfield Brook Lake area operate seasonally from May through September or October, with a few exceptions like Gentiles Campground which remains open year-round. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and colorful foliage. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer months and holiday weekends. Fire restrictions may apply during dry periods, and campers should check with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for current regulations.
The camping experience varies significantly between locations near Northfield Brook Lake. State park campgrounds like Black Rock offer more natural settings with basic amenities including drinking water, showers, and electric hookups. Private campgrounds such as Lake Compounce Campground provide additional amenities including glamping options and yurts. According to reviews, site privacy can be limited at some locations. One visitor noted, "Sites are very close together with little privacy," while others mentioned the importance of booking early to secure more secluded spots. Most campgrounds are pet-friendly, though specific rules vary by location. Cell service is generally available throughout the area, though signal strength may vary in more remote camping areas.
Best Camping Sites Near Northfield Brook Lake (109)
1. Lake Compounce Campground
12 ReviewsBristol, CT10 milesWebsite+1 (860) 583-3300"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."
2. Cozy Hills Campground
9 ReviewsBantam, CT9 milesWebsite+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."
3. Black Rock State Park Campground
6 ReviewsThomaston, CT2 milesWebsite+1 (860) 283-8088$17 - $50 / night
"Beautiful state park, very clean .. fishing, lake swimming, hiking trails. Bathrooms, free showers .. stores within a 5 minute drive. Most of the camp ground site are not secluded .."
"The family next to me offered me dinner one night after I spent the whole day working on my RV. Spanish rice chicken the works the plate could barely hold it all."
4. Gentiles Campground
7 ReviewsPlymouth, CT5 milesWebsite+1 (860) 283-8437$55 - $150 / night
"Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites."
"There’s two brand new bathrooms on site one of which is conveniently located right by the pool. Owners are doing new renovations to make this place look good!"
5. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest
16 ReviewsRiverton, CT18 milesWebsite+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."
6. White Pines Campsites
11 ReviewsWinsted, CT17 milesWebsite+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"
7. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground
9 ReviewsNew Preston, CT15 milesWebsite+1 (860) 868-0220$17 - $50 / night
"My family has been camping at Lake Waramaug for over 20 years. I can say most of what’s been said is true or partially so but whether it’s bad or good depends on your point of view."
"One of my favorite so far , went with family , to comply w covid and social distancing, the camp only rent your site and no one on your left or right or across ! Amazing !"
8. Point Folly Campground
2 ReviewsBantam, CT7 milesWebsite+1 (860) 567-0089"The campground is right on Bantam Lake which is great for boaters/kayakers fisherman and families. I have found the east side of the lake to be much more windy than the west side of the lake. "
"Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing. Small little island"
9. Branch Brook Campground
2 ReviewsThomaston, CT2 milesWebsite+1 (860) 283-8144"Sites are pretty close together and the campground is close to a fairly busy road. The pool and laundry areas were clean and seemed newer."
10. Kettletown State Park Campground
12 ReviewsStevenson, CT19 milesWebsite+1 (203) 264-5678$17 - $50 / night
"We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway. This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again. "
"Semi private with great view and nice walks to the water. Noise was not a problem overnight as to having problems with noises neighbors at other CT state parks."
Recent Camping Photos near Northfield Brook Lake
187 Photos of 109 Northfield Brook Lake Campgrounds
Michelle B.
Black Rock State Park Campground
Michael H.
Gentiles Campground
Sara R.
Windmill Hill - Connecticut White Memorial Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Meadow Ridge Farm Woods
Danny A.
Lake Compounce Campground
Michael O.
Steep Rock Association
Thomas M.
Lake Waramaug State Park Campground
Ricky H.
Onion Mountain Park
Kim T.
White Pines Campsites
Jennifer A.
Freedom Farm Homestead
Denise M.
Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest
Heather S.
Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Northfield Brook Lake
499 Reviews of 109 Northfield Brook Lake Campgrounds
- J
John
ScoutTotoket Valley RV Park
Very Friendly and quick check in/out!
I 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
Greg S.
LegendMills Norrie State Park Campground
4.7 stars
Excellent campground! The forest is beautiful, the Hudson River is super close, there are great trails, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Sites are electric only, so make sure your water pump is working and fresh water tank is full. There are spigots for filling and a nice dump station. The player is excellent. I don't think tetn camping here would be great because the tent sites are closer together and there are trains that pass regularly. We couldn't hear the trains in our camper and our site was large and private with great Forest and hammock trees. The mansion tours at Vanderbilt and Mills were awesome!
Julia B.TravelerLake Compounce Campground
Very clean, friendly staff and not crowded
We 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.
hutton familyTravelerSpacious Skies Woodland Hills
Amazing stay
I 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!
- DDwight F.
GuideHousatonic Meadows State Park Campground
Nice midweek stay location
Tall 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.
- JJanceTraveler
Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
Charming mossy woods on a ridge
Arrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.
- DDwight F.Guide
Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground
The nice part of Connecticut
A 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.
Eric LeBoeufGuideOctober Mountain State Forest Campground
Idk where to start
First 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
Guide to Northfield Brook Lake
Northfield Brook Lake camping offers distinct seasons for outdoor recreation beyond the typical summer period. The lake area sits at approximately 650 feet elevation within Connecticut's western highlands, where fall temperatures can drop into the 40s°F overnight starting in mid-September. Winter ice fishing opportunities emerge when the lake freezes consistently, typically from late December through February.
What to do
Hiking the Whitestone Cliffs: Black Rock State Park near Northfield Brook Lake features hiking trails with significant elevation changes. A camper at Black Rock State Park Campground noted, "Check out Whitestone Cliffs, Tory's Den, and Buttermilk Falls nearby."
Fishing for trout: The Farmington River near Northfield Brook Lake offers trophy trout fishing. A visitor to Austin Hawes Memorial Campground reported, "Excellent campground for tent campers. Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots."
Swimming alternatives: When Northfield Brook Lake has swimming restrictions, nearby options exist. One camper suggested, "If you want a better place to swim go to Mt.Tom state park about 10 minutes up the road. It's a day use only park-no camping- but the lake is gorgeous and there are very few people there."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds near Northfield Brook Lake offer larger than average campsites. A visitor to Cozy Hills Campground commented, "Very nice facilities. Most of the short-term sites are on a separate loop from the seasonals, which made for a nice short-term community. Sites are well maintained, with fresh wood chips and groomed gravel."
Year-round options: Unlike most seasonal campgrounds, a few remain open during winter months. A camper at Gentiles Campground shared, "Was here for Three months and it was during the winter and didn't have any problems great people sell propane on site, and will answer any questions you have."
Wildlife sightings: The wooded areas surrounding Northfield Brook Lake support diverse wildlife. One visitor at Lake Compounce Campground observed, "This is an interesting camp ground. As I am set up for bed I see one other large green tent that looks deserted. People left their left over food scraps in the grass by my camp so not only has my dog been eating it, I also hear coyotes. Won't be surprised if I see a bear in the morning."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage can be spotty in certain camping areas. A camper at Austin Hawes Memorial Campground noted, "Last but not least - no cellphone service, which is either a good or bad thing, depending on how you feel about it."
Bathroom facility issues: Several campgrounds have reported maintenance challenges. At Branch Brook Campground, one visitor found, "The pool and laundry areas were clean and seemed newer," although other facilities varied in upkeep.
Crowding patterns: During peak times, many campsites lose privacy. A visitor to White Pines Campsites observed, "We stayed at site 85 in Sunny Crest and liked having some privacy. The sites nearby had some trees providing space between each site. A lot of the sites we drove by were pretty sloped."
Tips for camping with families
Pool options: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools as alternatives to lake swimming. A camper at White Pines Campsites reported, "Large clean pool my kids loved swimming in. Staff is super nice. Small arcade."
Activity planning: Campgrounds vary significantly in organized programming. At Cozy Hills Campground, one visitor shared, "Well maintained, very clean campground. Lots and lots of activities for kids! Arts & Crafts, Arcade, Bingo, Casino Night etc. Pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids."
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds have natural hazards to consider. A camper at White Pines Campsites warned, "We found broken glass on the walking trail near our tent and by our fire pit which was really dangerous for our dogs."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RV sites often have inconsistent utility options. At Lake Compounce Campground, a visitor observed, "Very well maintained and friendly staff will stay again when in the area. Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station."
Site levelness: Many campgrounds in the hills around Northfield Brook Lake have uneven terrain. One RVer at Branch Brook Campground mentioned, "Sites are pretty close together and the campground is close to a fairly busy road. The pool and laundry areas were clean and seemed newer."
Access limitations: Some campgrounds have challenging roads for larger rigs. A visitor to Gentiles Campground cautioned, "Stayed one night....roads were narrow and steep and hard to maneuver bigger trailers and rigs."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Northfield Brook Lake?
What camping is available near Northfield Brook Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, Northfield Brook Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 109 campgrounds and RV parks near Northfield Brook Lake and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Northfield Brook Lake?
Which is the most popular campground near Northfield Brook Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Northfield Brook Lake is Lake Compounce Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 12 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Northfield Brook Lake?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Northfield Brook Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Northfield Brook Lake.
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