Northern Connecticut campgrounds provide access to the rolling foothills of the Berkshire Mountains with elevations ranging from 400-1,000 feet. The camping season typically runs from mid-April through October, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Rudd Pond at Taconic State Park offers accessible shoreline fishing for 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. There is a lot of hiking in the area- def check out Bash Bish Falls!" according to a reviewer at Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park.
Hiking trails: Fahnestock State Park provides multiple trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "Great hiking trails. Free Hot showers in the bathrooms, with plenty of room to change," notes a camper at Beaver Pond Campground. The Appalachian Trail crosses through several nearby parks, offering day-hiking options from multiple campgrounds.
Swimming options: Most campgrounds maintain swimming areas that remain open through early September. "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful," reports a camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park. Swimming beaches typically have designated hours from 10am-6pm with some facilities offering extended evening hours on weekends.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds feature raised wooden platforms for tent camping, offering better drainage during wet conditions. "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay," according to a camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground.
Off-season tranquility: Visiting during weekdays or after Labor Day provides a more peaceful experience. "We stayed here on a Thursday night in September prior to taking off backpacking. The campground was clean and quiet," notes a visitor at Beaver Pond Campground, adding that "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."
Amusement park access: Lake Compounce Campground offers direct access to the adjacent amusement park. A reviewer at Lake Compounce Campground writes, "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. Showers are great."
What you should know
Bear activity: Several campgrounds report bear sightings, requiring proper food storage. "Welcome to Bear Mountain grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area," notes a visitor at Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park.
Site privacy varies significantly: Campground layouts offer different levels of seclusion depending on location. A camper at Cozy Hills Campground observed, "The only downside was the real lack of privacy at almost all the sites we saw. It was more like staying in a summer cottage colony. Most sites were not wooded and provided no buffer from one to the next."
Limited office hours: Some campgrounds maintain irregular staffing schedules. "Other reviews have mentioned that it didn't seem like the office was ever opened and while we never had a reason to go to the office, it was closed early in the day when we arrived," reports a visitor at Branch Brook Campground, noting they "never saw anyone who appeared to work for this campground."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds program specific events for children throughout summer weekends. A visitor to Cozy Hills Campground noted, "Lots and lots of activities for kids! Arts & Crafts, Arcade, Bingo, Casino Night etc. Pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids."
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain playground equipment for younger children. "There's a small playground, activities, tennis court, basketball. Not to mention it's next to the amusement park," describes a camper at Lake Compounce Campground, though they caution that "tent spots are small and close together."
Wildlife education: Look for ranger programs on local wildlife throughout the summer season. "We came here to hike Hudson Highlands State park while we were on 5 week assignment working in NY. We were impressed with how nice the staff was - a breath of fresh air after several weeks dealing w/high-stress New Yorkers," mentions a visitor at Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection importance: RV parking areas vary greatly in size and levelness. "I would absolutely try to check your site before you get there because each site varied quite a bit from the other," advises a camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park, noting that after finding issues with their assigned site, staff provided "a different site which was much nicer."
Small campground access: Totoket Valley RV Park near Redding Ridge offers more intimate camping. "Small campground with good electrical, clean water, sewer and a friendly owner. Each site has grass and a picnic table. There is a wonderful little frozen custard shop down the road called roses farm stand," reports a reviewer at Totoket Valley RV Park.
Dump station availability: Not all rv parks near Redding Ridge provide full hookups. "They don't have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station," notes a camper at Lake Compounce Campground, while adding that the campground is "very well maintained and friendly staff will stay again when in the area."
