Camping options near Redding Ridge, Connecticut range from basic tent sites to full-service RV facilities within a 25-mile radius. Most campgrounds operate from late May through early September, with private facilities extending into October. The area's climate features summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F with increased humidity and occasional thunderstorms, particularly in July and August.
What to do
Hiking trails: 40+ miles of paths at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation connect throughout this 4,300-acre park. "I believe there are over 40 miles of trails in this area. Would definitely recommend for those who want to camp near NYC but not drive too far," notes a visitor. The trails vary in difficulty to accommodate different skill levels.
Wildlife watching: abundant bird species populate several campgrounds, particularly during migration seasons. Hammonasset State Park provides dedicated nature programs. "Great hiking and bird watching. Friendly staff. Amazing sunset scene," reports one camper about their mid-August stay.
Fishing: multiple lakes and ponds offer opportunities for catching various species. Cozy Hills Campground provides on-site fishing where "kids caught about 20 fish" during a two-night stay. Canopus Lake at Fahnestock State Park reportedly yields bass weighing over 3 pounds according to experienced anglers.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: varies significantly by campground. Mountain Lakes Park offers more secluded options. "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," describes one camper.
Bathroom facilities: cleanliness fluctuates across locations and seasons. Recent upgrades at Fahnestock State Park improved water facilities. "The park rangers told us the plumbing had been re-done in the past year, so the water fountains and water spigots were in great shape and provided cold, clear water."
Family-oriented activities: scheduled programs occur regularly at Cozy Hills Campground during peak season. "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. Family activities, like archery, were excellent."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: vary by facility. At Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park, sites fill quickly during summer weekends. One camper noted, "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great."
Wildlife encounters: prepare for local fauna. Skunks, raccoons, and even bears frequent certain campgrounds. "Watch out for raccoons and skunk, they love to find food. Be sure put foods in the car!" advises a regular visitor to Kettletown State Park.
Cell service: limited coverage exists throughout the region, especially in more rural campgrounds. Some locations require driving 5+ minutes away to obtain service. At Lake Waramaug State Park, visitors report, "Cell service is basically non-existent. Our trip this weekend was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: varies by location. Kettletown State Park Campground provides open space for children. "The place is perfect for young kids. It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night," explains a repeat visitor.
Swimming options: depth and safety features differ. Cozy Hills Campground offers "a nice, clean pool but only 3 feet deep," making it appropriate for younger children but potentially less interesting for teens. Many state parks have designated swimming areas with specific hours.
Evening activities: plan for limited lighting. Bring glow sticks and flashlights for children. One visitor to Ward Pound Ridge mentions, "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience," offering plenty of space for nighttime games.
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: check dimensions carefully. Clarence Fahnestock State Park accommodates various RV sizes but requires advance planning. "Site selection is important. This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site," advises a regular camper.
Hookup availability: inconsistent across facilities. While some parks offer electric and water hookups, others have no utilities. Hammonasset State Park has limited services for larger vehicles: "Most sites don't have hook ups so you have to run off battery and water storage tanks if you have an RV."
Approach roads: narrow and winding throughout much of the region. Lake Waramaug campers report "The roads around the campground are very narrow with a lot of blind curves. Be careful and aware when driving."
