Camping near Ridgefield, Connecticut provides access to diverse terrain across the New York and Connecticut border region, with elevations ranging from 100 to over 1,200 feet. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes that affect camping conditions, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F while fall brings cooler nights in the 40-50°F range. Campgrounds in this region often feature varying degrees of tree cover, creating a mix of shaded and open sites.
What to do
Hiking diverse trails: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers over 40 miles of trails with varied difficulty levels. "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 to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Lake activities: Multiple lakes provide swimming, fishing and boating opportunities. At Mountain Lakes Park, "the area, as the name implies, is home to several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes. There are also many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds," according to one camper at Mountain Lakes Park.
Beach swimming: Some campgrounds offer beach access with lifeguard supervision during peak season. "The short walk to the beach made it worth it," mentions one visitor at Hammonasset State Park, where you can "ride your bike from your site to the playground, store, beach, local ice cream shop, coffee shop, or our family favorite, meig's point nature center."
What campers like
Private camping areas: Many visitors appreciate the secluded nature of certain 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," writes a visitor to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers rank high on camper satisfaction. At Hammonasset State Park Campground, campers find "well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need."
Year-round options: Several campgrounds remain open beyond summer months. "Ive been coming here for years. They have great sights and are open all year round. Ive stayed in hammocks, tents, leantos, and even did a good share of car camping," says a reviewer about Pound Ridge.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require in-person booking. "You have to go in person to make a reservation and pay," notes one camper about Ward Pound Ridge, while another points out "the one downside is that you need to book in person but it can be done well in advance if need be."
Terrain challenges: Many sites have uneven ground that affects tent setup. At Kettletown State Park Campground, one visitor noted: "Site 32 and the upper loop was not great though. The sites were super close together and the boundary lines were unclear, so my neighbors ended up using my fire ring to secure their tent."
Wildlife presence: Bears and smaller animals may visit campsites. At Beaver Pond Campground, a ranger reportedly greets campers with "Welcome to Bear Mountain," and as one camper notes, "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas for convenience. At Croton Point Park, a camper mentioned the "playground within sight of our camper," making it easier to supervise children.
Educational opportunities: Nature centers enhance children's camping experience. Hammonasset features "meig's point nature center" which families particularly enjoy visiting during their stay.
Kid-friendly attractions: Some campgrounds are specifically designed with children in mind. At Jellystone Park™ Gardiner, "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also. My older kids preferred a deeper pool but they still had a great time."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Research individual sites before booking. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park notes, "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site. This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance."
Utility availability: Hookup options vary widely between campgrounds. Some sites like Hammonasset have limited hookups where "most sites don't have hook ups so you have to run off battery and water storage tanks if you have a RV."
Leveling considerations: Prepare for potentially uneven sites. Visitors recommend bringing adequate leveling equipment as many campgrounds in the area feature natural terrain that hasn't been extensively graded for RVs.
