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Best Campgrounds near Ridgefield, CT

483 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Campgrounds surrounding Ridgefield, Connecticut provide a mix of state park and private camping facilities within a relatively short drive. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in nearby New York offers lean-to shelters and tent sites with access to over 40 miles of hiking trails. Other options include Mountain Lakes Park, which features yurt camping, and Kettletown State Park Campground in Connecticut, providing tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Most established campgrounds in this region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort without sacrificing the outdoor experience.

Seasonal operations vary significantly across the area's developed campgrounds. Kettletown State Park typically operates from late May through early September, while facilities like Ward Pound Ridge Reservation remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when campgrounds reach capacity quickly. Many campsites are situated on uneven terrain that may present challenges for setting up equipment. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though coverage may be spotty in more remote areas. A recent visitor to Kettletown noted, "The camping spots are uneven, making it challenging to set up tents or campers."

Campers consistently highlight the natural features and recreational opportunities available at established campgrounds near Ridgefield. Mountain Lakes Park receives praise for its multiple lakes and hiking trails accessible directly from camping areas. Ward Pound Ridge earns positive reviews for its spacious, private sites and extensive trail network. According to one visitor, "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience." Families appreciate Kettletown State Park's expansive grounds that allow children to play freely. Noise levels vary by location and timing - weekend stays often bring larger groups and potentially more activity, particularly during summer months. While most campgrounds offer basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and toilets, facility maintenance quality varies across locations.

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Best Camping Sites Near Ridgefield, Connecticut (86)

    1. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

    10 Reviews
    Cross River, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 864-7317

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Close to the city and civilization, yet large enough to have nice trails and creeks to feel away from it all. The camping sites are very different so it’s useful to go in person and select the area."

    "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well"

    2. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Fishkill, NY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 225-7207

    $17 / night

    "When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."

    "We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."

    3. Mountain Lakes Park

    3 Reviews
    North Salem, NY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 864-7312

    "Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in."

    "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."

    4. Kettletown State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Stevenson, CT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 264-5678

    $17 - $50 / night

    "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."

    5. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    41 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 947-2792

    $17 - $20 / night

    "Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."

    "The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."

    6. Croton Point Park

    10 Reviews
    Croton-on-Hudson, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 862-5290

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."

    "Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"

    7. Camp W Herrlich

    1 Review
    Holmes, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 319-3084

    8. Jellystone Park™ Gardiner

    32 Reviews
    Gardiner, NY
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 255-5193

    "With a new check in area, Gardiner has really stepped up. They expanded the pool area to include another pool plus splash area and water slides."

    "We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."

    9. West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Highland Falls, NY
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 774-9524

    $25 - $40 / night

    "Love the proximity to NYC - I always look for areas that are not too far, but not too close to NY. Beautiful but small-ish tent sites."

    "We are looking forward to stopping by Round Pond again in the near future."

    10. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 245-1817

    $20 - $70 / night

    "Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need."

    "I had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.

        Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground."

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Recent Camping Photos near Ridgefield, CT

374 Photos of 86 Ridgefield Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ridgefield, CT

483 Reviews of 86 Ridgefield Campgrounds

  • M
    Nov. 20, 2025

    Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

    Secluded sites

    Beautiful campsites! Lots of lean to sites with fireplaces in them. You have to go in person to make a reservation and pay. The camp area is beautiful, especially in the fall. Pet friendly and kid friendly with a playground available. Our favorite site is #25. Up a hill, totally private and has a lean-to.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront

    Waterfront Skyline Views, Clean Bathrooms

    A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation. It’s essentially a spacious parking lot with electrical pedestals but the view of the skyline across the water is spectacular and there’s a metro station within a 10-minute walk. The area feels safe and is pedestrian friendly, even at night (we were there Halloween night and we took our kids out trick-or-treating just outside the gate). During the day, I saw another RV patron walking to do their laundry just outside the complex on the next street over (I didn’t ask where exactly). On-site bathrooms were warm and clean. There were portable showers available but beware the broken shower head holders and lack of shelving/hooks for towels & clothing. This was a minor issue considering the convenience of RV accommodations so easily accessible within the NYC region, would definitely recommend. I couldn’t find a map prior to my booking but would suggest requesting the highest number site available for best direct views.

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Black Rock State Park Campground

    Nah

    If you want to feel like you are camping in the middle of a lawless low income housing project, this is the place for you. We camped next to a woman with 2 pit bulls, which was surprising, given the "no dogs allowed" rule, and were surrounded by people partying despite the "no alcohol" rule. Teens congregate in the bathroom so they could charge their devices but did not appreciate you being there to use the bathroom they clearly took over, and even though it's 2025, I still prefer no boyfriends hanging out in the women's bathroom. Call me whatever. Used to camp here years ago, clearly it has gone downhill. Park Ranger? What's that?

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Ten Mile River Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Not a public campground!

    Ten Mile River Shelter and campsite is not a public campground. Sure, anyone can camp there, but it is designated for folks hiking the A.T., whether thru-hikers, section hikers, or whatever. While there are no rules about who can camp there, during thru-hiking season, consideration should be made for folks who rely on places like this during a long distance hike. It is at least a mile if not a mile and a half from approved parking (on the side of the road off the A.T.) to camp, either from the A.T. or a combo of the A.T. and a blue blaze trail (which is easier, imo). There are also no fires allowed on the CT A.T.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Great staff but back-to-back campsite

    We stayed a coupe of days in Oct. This is a beautiful site to camp out. The staffs are friendly and very attentive.
    Bathroom and water pressure was ok. But one shower location for 50 campsites. Three small showers units and three toilet.
    I never stayed a state campsite where the sites are so close each other. If you like a “normal” distance to your neighbors, I'd not recommend this place.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    Good amenities and fun experience!

    Campsites Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between. Nice and level. Amenities Bathrooms are older and need of some repair but let me tell you I was very happy to see a normal shower head with real hot water! So no complaints here. Laundry facilities were clean and open 24/7 with reasonable prices 2.50/2.00 washer/dryer. And the dryers actually worked. Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue. We have Starlink but in a wooded campsite, connecting is an issue but luckily their WiFi was great. Had no issues and could stream just fine. Halloween! We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun. Would definitely go back. Also, staff was super nice.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    Convenient pit stop

    This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Point Folly Campground

    Great

    I’ve been coming here for decades. Little store has what you need if you can find the shop keeper. Great access to bantam lake. You can leave you canoes/kayaks tied up in the water. Great fishing. Love it overall. The only issue I have is the pit toilets are brutal. If you are tent camping, beware!

  • Christine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    Quiet and clean

    So far it's been pretty quiet but we are here at the beginning of October on a Monday. Nice area.

Guide to Ridgefield

Camping near Ridgefield, Connecticut, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: There are great trails nearby. For example, at Clarence Fahnestock State Park, one camper mentioned, "The NYS Parks has done a lot of work on the surrounding trails," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds have ponds or lakes for fishing. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner, a visitor said, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore," highlighting the fun for families.
  • Beach Access: If you enjoy the beach, Hammonasset State Park Campground is a great choice. One reviewer noted, "The beach was popular," making it a lively spot for sunbathing and swimming.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park mentioned, "I enjoy the beach/lakefront, and regularly cleaned bathroom and shower facilities."
  • Secluded Sites: Many campers enjoy privacy. One reviewer at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation said, "The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods a bit from the pad that you park on."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner offer tons of activities. A camper shared, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities."

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Wildwood State Park Campground said, "The crowd stayed awake playing music all night very loudly."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, High Point State Park Campground lacks showers, which some campers found inconvenient.
  • Wildlife Precautions: Campers should be aware of wildlife. One camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation noted, "There are a lot of bear warnings here," so it's wise to store food properly.

Tips for camping with families

  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with activities for kids. At Hammonasset State Park Campground, a camper mentioned, "There were kids on bikes, scooters, skateboards," making it a lively spot for families.
  • Bring Entertainment: Campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner have plenty of activities, so bring games and outdoor toys to keep the kids engaged.
  • Check for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good night's sleep. A visitor at Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park advised, "When I plan my trip around the spring, fall, or summer weekends that look sparse it is quiet."

Tips from RVers

  • Choose the Right Site: Some sites are better for RVs than others. A reviewer at New York City North-Newburgh KOA said, "The RV/trailer only section is really nice, wooded."
  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the necessary hookups. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park, one camper noted, "No electric hookup," which is important to know.
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: RVers can enjoy nearby attractions. A visitor at New York City North-Newburgh KOA mentioned, "The hiking in the area is for all levels and ages," making it a great base for outdoor adventures.

Camping near Ridgefield, Connecticut, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is reservation required for camping in Ridgefield?

Yes, reservations are typically required for camping near Ridgefield, especially during peak seasons (late spring through early fall). Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park operates on a reservation system with drive-in tent sites available. For a beach camping experience, Hammonasset State Park Campground requires reservations well in advance due to its popularity, particularly for the more private sites along the perimeter. Most state parks in the region use online reservation systems that open 3-6 months ahead of camping dates. First-come, first-served spots are limited in this densely populated region, so advance planning is essential, especially for weekend camping during summer months.

Where are the best camping locations near Ridgefield?

The Ridgefield area offers several excellent camping options. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is popular among locals for its diverse trails and group gathering areas. For waterfront camping, Croton Point Park provides breathtaking views right on the Hudson River with private tent sites and family-friendly facilities. Other notable options include Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park and Macedonia Brook State Park, both offering scenic natural settings. For those willing to travel a bit further, Wawayanda State Park and Kettletown State Park provide additional camping experiences with lake access and hiking opportunities. Most campgrounds in the region are open seasonally from spring through fall, with peak season during summer months.

What amenities are available at Ridgefield campsites?

Campgrounds near Ridgefield offer varying levels of amenities. Wawayanda State Park Campground provides more primitive camping with dirt/grass sites and limited facilities at some group sites, though there is lake access. For more amenities, Watch Hill Fire Island Campground offers beachfront camping with shops, a restaurant, and a bar within walking distance. Most area campgrounds provide basic facilities like picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and restrooms. Many state parks feature shower facilities, though quality varies by location. Water access is typically available, and some campgrounds have camp stores for essential supplies. Amenities like electrical hookups are limited at tent-focused campgrounds but more common at RV-friendly sites. Cell service is generally good throughout the region due to its proximity to urban areas.

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