Best Campgrounds near Norwalk, CT

Campgrounds near Norwalk, Connecticut extend across a network of state and county parks in both Connecticut and neighboring New York. Several established camping areas within an hour's drive include Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Mountain Lakes Park, and Kettletown State Park, offering a mix of tent camping, RV sites, and rustic shelters. The region's proximity to Long Island Sound and various lakes creates opportunities for waterfront camping experiences while still being accessible from New York City and other urban centers. Most mixed-use campgrounds in the area maintain separate sections for tent campers and RV sites, with some offering unique accommodations like yurts or shelters.

Camping availability varies significantly by season, with most facilities operating from late April through early October. "This is a great local spot that I love to go to get out of the city for a little bit. There's elevation gain, creeks, and open fields for stargazing," noted one camper about Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, with some parks like Ward Pound Ridge only accepting in-person bookings. Facilities range from primitive sites with portable toilets to developed campgrounds with electric hookups, showers, and dump stations for RVs. Weather considerations include humid summers and occasional heavy rainfall, which can affect trail conditions and creek crossings at lower elevations.

The camping experience in this region benefits from extensive trail systems connecting many campgrounds to surrounding natural areas. Campers frequently mention the privacy between sites as a significant factor in their satisfaction, particularly at Ward Pound Ridge where the lean-to shelters provide a unique camping option. A camper described, "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience." Water features enhance many camping areas, with Blydenburgh County Park offering a 7-mile loop trail around a lake popular for fishing. Several campgrounds maintain no-alcohol policies and enforce quiet hours, creating family-friendly environments. Proximity to urban areas means most campgrounds have adequate cell service, though Mountain Lakes Park and more remote areas may have limited coverage.

Best Camping Sites Near Norwalk, Connecticut (70)

    1. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

    9 Reviews
    Cross River, NY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 864-7317

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Close to the city and civilization, yet large enough to have nice trails and creeks to feel away from it all. The camping sites are very different so it’s useful to go in person and select the area."

    "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well"

    2. Blydenburgh County Park

    11 Reviews
    Hauppauge, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (631) 854-3713

    "just a great place to get away from home"

    "The group camping on the fox sites is accessible by a dirt drive in. I felt like I was suddenly transported upstate when in fact I had only driven 2 towns over, (about 20 minutes from home.)"

    3. Mountain Lakes Park

    3 Reviews
    North Salem, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 864-7312

    "Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in."

    "A gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County. A dirt road loops through the property with trails off and through it."

    4. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    41 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 947-2792

    $21 - $24 / night

    "Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."

    "The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."

    5. Kettletown State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Stevenson, CT
    25 miles
    Website
    +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."

    6. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Fishkill, NY
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 225-7207

    $21 / night

    "When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."

    "We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."

    7. Croton Point Park

    10 Reviews
    Croton-on-Hudson, NY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 862-5290

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."

    "Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"

    8. Wildwood State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Wading River, NY
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (631) 929-4314

    $24 - $250 / night

    "The beach is in a walking distance. You can swim or fish there. This camp site has a relatively new and clean facility.

    There are many farms near by where you can get fresh veggies and fruits."

    "However there are too many loud families and the sites are too close in proximity for me."

    9. Battle Row Campground

    4 Reviews
    Old Bethpage, NY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (516) 572-8690

    $5 - $60 / night

    "You can take bike rides , and relax outside with a nice amount of space to yourself ."

    10. Heckscher State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Great River, NY
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (631) 581-2100

    $24 - $285 / night

    ".

    • cottages far enough away from each other
    • fire ring with Adirondack chairs
    • dumpster and recycling within walking distance
    • lots of bone dry firewood around for campfire
    • walkable beach"

    "Overall my experience was positive.

    Camping Sites

    Each camping site has a picnic table and barbeque grill."

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Recent Reviews near Norwalk, CT

400 Reviews of 70 Norwalk Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    Convenient pit stop

    This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Point Folly Campground

    Great

    I’ve been coming here for decades. Little store has what you need if you can find the shop keeper. Great access to bantam lake. You can leave you canoes/kayaks tied up in the water. Great fishing. Love it overall. The only issue I have is the pit toilets are brutal. If you are tent camping, beware!

  • Christine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    Quiet and clean

    So far it's been pretty quiet but we are here at the beginning of October on a Monday. Nice area.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    Functional with excellent access to the City

    Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Sylvan Lake Beach Park

    Great Beach Lake for summer swimming and Boating

    This is an old campground, but is quite quaint. Reminds me of lake camping that I grew up with. Hosts are very nice and helpful. This is more of a seasonal camping site. Do not follow your GPS directions. Get directions from the campground staff.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area

    West Point

    No frills but beautiful. Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only. Will return! Staff is friendly and helpful. Military families should check it out!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    friendly staff at the office

    Gave us a welcome folder with lots of helpful info, can walk to get food up the street, short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night. They have hook ups and big laundry room.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Gentiles Campground

    Nice place to stay

    Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites. Most sites seem pretty level, but there are some steep roads in the CG. There is an airport next to CG, but it is for single engine private planes only so not a problem. Not by a major road so little traffic noise. I would stay here again.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Croton Point Park

    Not the Best Place to Go in the Northeast By a Longshot

    Croton Point Campground is a modest little campground, located along the Hudson River within Croton Point Park in NY. In addition to camping, the park itself offers many of its own attractions, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, cabin rentals, and a host of other family-oriented activities just along the Hudson. 

    The park, which is honestly probably the largest attraction here, is located just an hour and a half outside of the city. This proximity is both its perk and its downfall, as the park itself, but particularly the campground, has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of, let alone hope to justify. 

    This includes all manner of restrictions on how you can camp, where you can camp, what equipment can be used, and use in relation to what particular site you may have been lucky enough to reserve. Much of this you can understand while imagining what may have taken place here to bring them to such measures, but it doesn't make it any easier to contend with. 

    In terms of the actual camping conditions Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded, with regular patrols🚓(actual patrols) being made day and night, by both the Park Rangers and what appears to be general park staff members, all looking to see if you or your family might be doing something that they might consider outside of the guidelines or not in compliance with the many restrictions. 

    This is not to say you can't possibly have a good time here. It just might mean being a bit more diligent toward reviewing the potential legitimacy of your normal camping routine to ensure it meets with many restrictions and guidelines imposed, while also making yourself comfortable with some fairly regular surveillance during your stay here. These all being things we hoped to get away from while camping ourselves It just turned out to be a bit much for our particular liking.


Guide to Norwalk

Campgrounds near Norwalk, Connecticut span two states and range in elevation from sea level to the 1,289-foot summit of Mount Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County. Most camping options are seasonal, typically operating from late April through October when average temperatures range from 55-85°F. Several campgrounds enforce strict reservation policies, with Ward Pound Ridge Reservation notably requiring in-person bookings that can't be made online or by phone.

What to do

Hiking trail exploration: At Mountain Lakes Park, visitors can access multiple trails directly from the campground. "There are many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds which is always a huge plus in my mind," notes one camper. The park contains lakes, lookouts, and the highest point in Westchester County.

Beach access: Wildwood State Park offers a direct connection to Long Island Sound. "It's close to the beach, but a very small and rocky beach," explains one visitor. The park requires a stargazing permit for beach access after sunset, which helps maintain tranquility.

Family activities: Blydenburgh County Park features a 7-mile loop trail around the lake that accommodates various activities. "Great park with a nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail," reports one camper. The park doesn't permit swimming in the lake but offers multiple recreational options.

What campers like

Privacy levels: The camping spots near Norwalk, Connecticut offer varying degrees of seclusion. At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience," according to one camper. Another notes, "Ive been coming here for years. They have great sights and are open all year round."

Unique accommodations: Several campgrounds feature distinctive lodging options beyond standard tent sites. "A fun option available at Mountain Lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in," shares one visitor. The park's yurts provide an alternative for those seeking something different from traditional camping.

Wildlife viewing: Many camping areas support diverse wildlife. At Croton Point Park, campers report seeing "packs of fearless racoons at night" that will investigate unsecured food. Another campground visitor mentions encountering "deer, rabbits, turtles" during their stay, adding to the natural experience.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds have specific booking procedures. For Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, "There is no phone or internet reservations and has to be made in person at the office. I would recommend call earlier and come in few minutes earlier to 9 am when the office opens to find the best spots."

Weather impacts: The region experiences significant seasonal changes. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park, one camper reported, "When we were there it was right after a rain storm and everything was a bit muddy and slippery." Late summer and early fall offer more stable conditions.

Fire regulations: Fire policies vary widely between campgrounds. At Heckscher State Park, "There are no fire pits on any of the sites, although I learned afterwards that they do allow you to bring your own metal fire pit as long as it is elevated off the ground." Always check current fire regulations before arrival.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Kettletown State Park, "The reason why I said that place is perfect kids? It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night!" The playground is visible from many RV sites.

Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas with varying levels of supervision. At Beaver Pond Campground, "The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."

Wildlife precautions: Many campgrounds have active wildlife. One camper at Kettletown State Park advises visitors to "watch out for raccoons and skunk, they love to find food. Be sure put foods in the car!" These animals are most active at night and early morning.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Beaver Pond Campground offers full services for RVs. "The campground offers several different sties, from platform tent spaces to those for 25' trailers. All sites have a standard picnic table and fire ring." The campground provides water, electric and sewer hookups at each site.

Site spacing: RV areas vary considerably in terms of privacy. At Wildwood State Park, "sites had zero privacy and were all pull through. There was water, electric and sewer hookups at each site, but this was an expensive place to 'camp'." Sites at this park are primarily designed for larger RVs rather than tent camping.

Seasonal limitations: Most RV campgrounds operate on restricted schedules. Blydenburgh County Park is open year-round but operates with limited services during winter months. Heckscher State Park's RV sites are only available from late May through early September.

Frequently Asked Questions

What overnight parking options exist for campers and RVs in Norwalk?

While Norwalk itself has limited overnight RV parking options, nearby Liberty Harbor RV Park offers full hookups and is conveniently located for visiting the area. For those seeking more basic options, the I-85 Eastbound Exit 2 Rest Stop provides a simple overnight parking spot when traveling through. Most dedicated camping facilities require a short drive from Norwalk, but these options provide practical solutions for RVers needing to stay close to the city. Always check ahead for reservation requirements, as many locations fill quickly during peak seasons.

Are there any waterfront camping sites near Norwalk?

Hammonasset State Park Campground offers exceptional waterfront camping with sites just steps from Connecticut's largest beach. The campground features well-maintained facilities, including showers, bathrooms, and a camp store. Another excellent waterfront option is Croton Point Park, situated directly on the Hudson River with breathtaking views. The family-friendly campground features private tent sites, nearby bathroom facilities with showers, and portable toilets throughout the grounds. Both locations tend to fill quickly during summer months, so advance reservations are strongly recommended.

What are the best campgrounds near Norwalk, CT?

Within driving distance of Norwalk, Kettletown State Park Campground offers beautiful hiking trails and river access, though swimming availability may depend on water conditions. For a more expansive experience, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is popular with locals for its diverse trail system and group gathering areas. Other solid options include Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park and Macedonia Brook State Park Campground, both offering varied terrain and recreational opportunities. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during summer months.