Best Tent Camping near Old Greenwich, CT
Public lands within 30 miles of Old Greenwich, Connecticut offer several tent camping options for those seeking a natural escape. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in nearby Pound Ridge, NY provides year-round tent campsites with both drive-in and walk-in access. The reservation features well-maintained trails and spacious sites set among manicured grounds. Croton Point Park, situated on a peninsula jutting into the Hudson River, offers tent-only camping areas separate from RV sections, with sites that provide privacy despite their proximity to New York City.
Most tent campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, with facilities varying significantly between locations. Sites at Ward Pound Ridge have picnic tables and fire rings, though comfort stations may be a considerable distance from some campsites. Portable toilets are positioned closer to tent sites for convenience. At Sandy Hook in Gateway National Recreation Area, tent campers must carry all gear to walk-in sites, with no vehicles permitted at the campsites themselves. Metal storage units are provided for food storage to protect against wildlife. Primitive tent camping areas typically have basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, with varying levels of access to drinking water.
Tent sites throughout the region offer distinct experiences based on their location and management. According to reviews, Croton Point Park tent sites provide considerable privacy with nearby bathroom facilities and porta-potties. One camper noted that "tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out," creating a unique experience despite proximity to urban areas. At Ward Pound Ridge, sites are "much farther away from the comfort stations than most campgrounds," though port-a-potties are conveniently located near the tent areas. Backcountry tent camping options can be found along trails like the Stonetown Circular, where primitive sites offer more seclusion but require hikers to pack light due to challenging terrain. Fall and spring typically offer the most pleasant tent camping conditions with fewer crowds and moderate temperatures.
