Campgrounds near Oxford, Connecticut offer diverse options for overnight stays, with variable site layouts and seasonal operations. Most locations require advance booking during peak summer months, particularly on weekends when occupancy rates exceed 90%. Many campgrounds in the region maintain wooded sites with 30-70 feet between neighbors, though several have open field sections with less privacy.
What to do
Hiking trails nearby: Tackle the well-maintained paths at Kettletown State Park Campground for moderate terrain options. "The trails are in real need of upkeep," notes one visitor who still enjoyed the experience despite maintenance concerns. Another camper mentions there are "both flat & hilly" trail options available.
Fishing opportunities: Find good fishing spots at Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park where anglers report success catching largemouth bass. "There is plenty of fishing access from shore and you can rent a boat for the whole day to fish on the water," writes one reviewer who caught "2 decent-sized largemouth bass" during their stay.
Swimming and beach access: While lake conditions vary seasonally, most waterfront facilities maintain sandy swimming areas. "There is a clean playground, swimming beach, and generally relaxing setting," reports a visitor to Aces High RV Park. At Taconic State Park, one camper noted "a swimming beach and during non-covid times, boat rentals" are available, making it a good option for water activities.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Lake Compounce Campground receives high marks for maintenance standards. "Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper," writes one visitor. Another camper reports the facilities are "quite a walk" from some sites, so location planning matters.
Spacious campsites: Site dimensions vary significantly across the region. "Pull through sites also have lots of space between them so you don't feel like you are on top of the neighbors," reports a visitor to Aces High RV Park. Each site has "large grassy areas around it" with many featuring shade trees that "the owner keeps trimmed to not interfere when parking."
Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," notes a visitor to Prospect Mountain Campground. Another mentions the "mini golf course and a mining area where kids can 'mine' 'gems'" which their children enjoyed.
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most facilities operate on limited schedules. Prospect Mountain Campground runs "May 1 to Columbus Day" while Taconic State Park is available "May 27 to September 5." Winter camping options are scarce in the immediate area.
Noise considerations: Be aware of sound levels at various locations. At Fahnestock State Park Campground, one camper noted it "can book up during camping season" and becomes "a busy Campground on Weekends" with different noise levels than weekdays. Another visitor mentioned it "felt like a fairly noisy campground, even after quiet hours."
Wildlife encounters: Expect to see various animals in the camping areas. "Beautiful pond and natural setting with lots of ducks, geese, chickens, and wild birds," reported one Aces High visitor. At Lake Compounce, a camper warned about wildlife, noting they "hear coyotes" and "won't be surprised if I see a bear in the morning."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park offers dedicated play areas for children. "They have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," reports one family. Another visitor mentioned it's "a great campground for families with younger kids" with multiple recreation options.
Bug protection essentials: Pack extra insect repellent for wooded sites, especially in early summer. At Fahnestock State Park, campers were "almost eaten alive by mosquitoes when we ventured into the woods." The reviewer recommends to "take lots of bug spray and wear long sleeves/pants, even in the summer."
Swimming options: Check water condition reports before planning swim activities. At Kettletown State Park, visitors mentioned that "when swimming is allowed, there isn't a lifeguard." Another camper noted the lake can sometimes have "a high bacteria count, so no swimming was allowed" during their visit.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RV sites near Oxford, Connecticut offer diverse utility connections. At Totoket Valley RV Park, visitors find "good electrical, clean water, sewer and a friendly owner" though the park has "no showers" or toilet facilities. Each site includes "grass and a picnic table" making it suitable for self-contained units.
Site leveling needs: Ground conditions vary between campgrounds and specific sites. At Lake Compounce Campground, RVers report "sites were long so even though you face your neighbor, the sites were long enough that our door wasn't directly across from our neighbor." A visitor noted it "does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station."
Year-round options: Limited RV campgrounds operate during winter months. One camper at Gentiles Campground stayed "for three months and it was during the winter and didn't have any problems." They noted the campground "sells propane on site" which is useful for cold-weather camping near Oxford.
