Several campgrounds within driving distance of Norwalk, Connecticut offer rustic to upscale accommodations across New York and Connecticut. Most locations remain open from April through October, with a few providing year-round access. Winter temperatures in the region typically range from 20-40°F while summer averages 70-85°F, making seasonal preparation essential for campers.
What to do
Hiking from campsites: At Mountain Lakes Park, trails connect directly to camping areas for immediate access to natural scenery. "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," notes reviewer Ben H.
Swimming options: Smith Point County Park provides Atlantic Ocean swimming within short walking distance from campsites. One camper reports, "Great first experience. Had onsite bathrooms and showers that were clean. 1 minute walk over the dune to the Atlantic ocean." The park offers both ocean and bay swimming areas.
Paddling opportunities: Lake Waramaug State Park Campground features calm waters suitable for multiple paddle sports. "The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing. Bring your own gear but kayak and canoe rentals are available," states a long-time visitor. Rental equipment typically costs $20-30 per hour.
What campers like
Direct beach access: Indian Island County Park campsites provide proximity to shoreline areas. "The walk to the beach area was very serene, especially early morning before sunrise and didn't feel like we live in dense suburbia and sunrise from the beach was worth the trip," explains reviewer Prashant M.
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the ample room at Lake Waramaug State Park Campground. According to a reviewer, "Sites are HUGE. Bathrooms, water, showers are close by. You will almost always have a view of the water. There is easy access to the swimming area."
Clean facilities: Wildwood State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathroom and shower buildings. "Among the most modern bathrooms I've seen at a State Park campground. Nice clean campground with the usual NY State Park quality. Some accessible facilities, including swimming and camping," notes Amber A. in her review.
What you should know
Military restrictions: West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area limits access to specific groups. "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only. We drove through and the whole space is rather large. There are several signs everywhere making it clear that it is only for military," explains reviewer Ethan K.
Fire ring availability: Several campgrounds do not provide permanent fire rings. At Indian Island County Park, "Camp site itself was pretty flat, had a water station, bathrooms were well kept, no fire ring (BYOFP)." Some facilities require purchasing or renting fire rings on arrival.
County resident requirements: Some locations restrict camping to local residents. At Smith Point County Park, a reviewer notes: "ONLY DRAWBACKS, 1- YOU HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF SUFFOLK CO, NY, 2- ONE WEEK STAY AT A TIME. PERIOD." Always check residency requirements before booking.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lake Compounce Campground offers dedicated play areas for children. "They have a small playground, activities, tennis court, basketball. Not to mention its next to the amusement park," reports reviewer Nichol P.
Campground activities: Scheduled events keep children engaged during stays. At Riverdale Farm Campsites, a camper reports: "We did bingo and it was a blast. It was a beautiful day on the beach pond. They had great prizes for cheap cost. I spent 2 dollars for 10 long rounds of bingo with 4 cards."
Beach swimming considerations: For families with small children, check water depth and conditions. Lake Waramaug's swimming area is "an absolute joke, unless you are 18 months old, and then its probably perfect. (Extremely small, extremely shallow, and some sand to dig in.)" notes one camper.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Check electrical capacity requirements before booking yurt camping near Norwalk, Connecticut. A Lake Compounce Campground visitor notes: "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."
Road access challenges: Some Connecticut campgrounds have restricted access routes. One Riverdale Farm Campsites reviewer cautions: "The road into the campground is narrow and winding, so larger RV mss as y have trouble, but there were several of them there when we were there."
Site spacing: Wildwood State Park separates different camping types. "This is a very nice campground with various kinds of sites. There is a separate area for RVs vs tents. There is also a store where you can get a cup of coffee in the morning and lots of goodies throughout the day," reports Giselle P.
