112 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The western Connecticut landscape surrounding Plymouth features a mix of established campgrounds and recreational areas within a short drive. Gentiles Campground, located directly in Plymouth, operates year-round with basic amenities for tent and RV campers including water hookups, showers, and a camp store. Within 15 miles, Black Rock State Park Campground in Watertown offers a more natural setting with both drive-in and boat-in access from May through September. Lake Compounce Campground in nearby Bristol combines camping with amusement park access, featuring glamping options and yurts alongside traditional tent and RV sites from May through October. Branch Brook Campground provides another option with full hookups for RVs in a wooded setting.
Most campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during the peak summer season when sites fill quickly. Connecticut state parks like Black Rock enforce quiet hours and typically prohibit alcohol consumption. Campers should be prepared for varying levels of privacy between sites, as noted by one visitor to Kettletown State Park: "The sites were super close together and boundary lines were unclear, so my neighbors ended up using my fire ring to secure their tent." Ticks are common in Connecticut woodlands, especially in spring and early summer. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may vary at more remote sites. Most campgrounds provide firewood for purchase, and outside firewood is often prohibited to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Family-friendly amenities distinguish many campgrounds in the region. Several locations feature swimming areas, playgrounds, and organized activities. As one camper at a nearby Connecticut campground noted, "This is a fun campground for families. There were kids on bikes, scooters, skateboards, roller blades." Wildlife viewing opportunities are common, with campers reporting sightings of deer, turkeys, and various birds. Weekend camping tends to be busier and louder than weekday stays. Sites with water views or more privacy typically book first. The camping season generally runs from May through October, though some private campgrounds like Gentiles remain open year-round. Most locations provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water.
"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."
"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."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $55 - $150 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $72 - $122 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $74 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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 !"
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability
ScoutI 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
LegendExcellent 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!
TravelerWe 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.
ScoutI have 4 kids, 8 and under and they had an absolute blast. We will definitely be back.
GuideTall 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.
GuideA 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.
GuideFirst 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
GuideSpent one night here. The park is quiet. The facilities are a little outdated, although they said that newer ones had been built by the marina. I wasn’t up for the 15 minute walk, having just hiked up a mountain. My spot included electrical and water hook ups.
ScoutI was a solo female tent-camper and I stayed at the Austin Hawes campground for 2 nights. I had an excellent experience. The office is open daily from 9-5 and 2 young women were staffing it during my stay. They welcomed me with a smile, answered all my questions and sold me two bundles of firewood for$7 each. I camped in site#22 which overlooked the Farmington River. You could hear the river running by all night long. It was very peaceful. I did not know that this portion of the river offers excellent fly fishing, so it looked like something out of an Orvis Catalog as men(they were all men) in waders with serious fly fishing gear often passed by or were standing in the shallow river doing their thing. It is important to know that BLACK BEARS ran through the campsite at night.(The young women in the office had warned me to be careful with my food, and that bears were often sighted). I am an experienced camper and left no trace of food anywhere near my tent, fire or picnic table. The bears did not bother me. I heard they spooked one family who blew some airhorns, then packed up and left in the middle of the night. There are 2 bathhouses, but one was locked because it is currently under construction. I had no trouble using the 1 that was open for campers. There are 2 female(private) showers, 2 male(private) showers, 2 bathroom sinks and 3 toilets in each house. I had no trouble using them and the facilities were clean. All-in-all, it's a beautiful, but very rustic(no electricity) campsite. I look forward to returning in the future.
The Plymouth area of Connecticut sits in Litchfield County at approximately 800 feet above sea level, characterized by rolling hills, mixed hardwood forests, and small streams feeding into larger water bodies. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F while spring and fall camping seasons bring cooler nights with occasional frost. Cell service varies significantly across camping spots near Plymouth, Connecticut, with stronger connections at valley campgrounds and reduced coverage in more remote forest settings.
Fishing opportunities: Austin Hawes Memorial Campground offers access to high-quality trout fishing along the Farmington River. "First time here this past fourth of july! Excellent campground for tent campers. Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots," notes a camper who visited the Austin Hawes Memorial Campground.
Hiking trails: Explore the varied terrain around Kettletown State Park, which features both flat and hilly trails. "Beautiful trails, flat & hilly," reports one visitor, while another mentions, "The shorter hiking trails in the area were really beautiful." The park offers both quick nature walks and more challenging routes.
Swimming options: Beyond established campground pools, consider the swimming area at Black Rock State Park Campground. A camper shares, "Beach was nice, just a bit crowded," while another mentions the park has "fishing, lake swimming, hiking trails." For families seeking alternatives, "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."
Paddling excursions: Several campsites offer direct water access for canoes and kayaks. Point Folly Campground provides a "Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing. Small little island," according to one visitor. At Lake Waramaug, a camper notes, "If you like lakes and water sports, make sure you target this place. Great for kayaking, canoeing, water skiing and more!"
Clean facilities: Cozy Hills Campground consistently receives praise for its maintenance. One camper comments, "Clean, well maintained camping," while another notes, "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." The campground features "Sites are well maintained, with fresh wood chips and groomed gravel."
Well-spaced sites: Several camping locations near Plymouth provide good separation between campsites. At Austin Hawes Memorial Campground, visitors appreciate that "Well spaced out lots, you have a lot of privacy," and another camper mentions it has "nice and large" sites with "room for trailers."
Water proximity: Sites with water views tend to be most popular across the region. At Point Folly Campground, campers enjoy direct lake access: "The campground is right on Bantam Lake which is great for boaters/kayakers fisherman and families." However, be aware that "the water front sites on the West Side seem to flood easily if it rains."
Seasonal activities: Many Plymouth area campgrounds offer planned events during peak camping months. According to a visitor at Cozy Hills, "Lots and lots of activities for kids! Arts & Crafts, Arcade, Bingo, Casino Night etc." Family-friendly activities are typically scheduled on weekends during the May-September camping season.
Wildlife encounters: Campers should be prepared for wildlife interactions, particularly after dark. At Lake Compounce Campground, one camper reported, "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."
Site conditions: Campsite quality varies significantly across the region. At White Pines Campsites, a camper noted specific concerns: "When we got to our spot, it was covered in hundreds and hundreds of nails and broken glass. Maintenance ended up having to get a shovel to get most of the nails up but we still spent the first few days of our stay picking up nails and glass from every corner of our site."
Cellular connectivity: Communication options differ widely between campgrounds. At Austin Hawes Memorial Campground, campers should note there is "no cellphone service, which is either a good or bad thing, depending on how you feel about it." This contrasts with Branch Brook Campground where "Better wi-fi than most campgrounds. My wife and I both were able to work with mostly no issues."
Weather preparedness: The region experiences rapidly changing weather conditions, particularly during spring and fall camping seasons. Night temperatures can drop significantly even during summer months. During heavy rains, some campsites experience drainage issues.
Pool facilities: Lake Compounce Campground offers excellent amenities for children. "They have a small playground, activities, tennis court, basketball. Not to mention its next to the amusement park," reports one camper. Families seeking water play should know that some pools have depth limitations, as one visitor to Cozy Hills noted: "Clean pool but only 3 feet deep."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for younger campers. Black Rock State Park Campground has "a variety of sites available, from open field sites to more wooded and private areas. The campground also has a lake for swimming, trails for hiking, and some nice quiet areas for fishing."
Safety considerations: Parents should evaluate each campground for specific hazards. At Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, one camper warns: "Watch your children, cars go racing through the campground!" At other locations, water safety remains a concern, particularly at unfenced water features.
Activity planning: When camping with children near Plymouth, structured activities provide entertainment during downtime. Cozy Hills Campground offers "Family activities, like archery, were excellent," according to one visitor, while another mentions, "Pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids."
Site selection: At Branch Brook Campground, RV campers report mixed experiences with site quality. "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," notes one visitor. Review campground maps carefully before booking.
Hookup availability: Electric and water hookups are standard at most campgrounds, but sewer connections vary. At Lake Compounce Campground, "None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out." Another camper confirms, "Very well maintained and friendly staff will stay again when in the area. Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station."
Maneuverability: Larger RVs face challenges at some Plymouth area campgrounds. Gentiles Campground has "roads were narrow and steep and hard to maneuver bigger trailers and rigs," according to one visitor. When booking, confirm road conditions and site dimensions for your specific vehicle.
Seasonal considerations: Several RV-friendly campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Most close by mid-October, though Gentiles Campground in Plymouth remains open year-round for winter camping, with one visitor noting they "Was here for Three months and it was during the winter and didn't have any problems."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Plymouth, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Plymouth, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 112 campgrounds and RV parks near Plymouth, CT and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Plymouth, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Plymouth, CT is Lake Compounce Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 12 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Plymouth, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Plymouth, CT.
What parks are near Plymouth, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Plymouth, CT that allow camping, notably Northfield Brook Lake and Hop Brook Lake.
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