Sue B.
Ranger
RangerWawayanda Group Shelter
Appalachian Trail Shelter/Campsite
This is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
Camping near Ridgefield, CT
88 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Campgrounds near Ridgefield (88)
1. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
"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"
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability2. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
"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."
from $21 / night
Check Availability3. Mountain Lakes Park
"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
"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 Availability5. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
"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."
from $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability6. Croton Point Park
"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!"
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability7. Camp W Herrlich
8. West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area
"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."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability9. Jellystone Park™ Gardiner
"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."
10. Hammonasset State Park Campground
"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."
from $20 - $70 / night
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Drive Time
- 33 min from Bridgeport, CT
- 40 min from Waterbury, CT
- 46 min from New Haven, CT
- 57 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Ridgefield, CT
169 Photos of 88 Ridgefield Campgrounds
Anil S.
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Hunter Brook Mountain
Ryan K.
Kettletown State Park Campground
Anil S.
Croton Point Park
Samantha S.
Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
Karen C.
Branchbrook campground
Jennifer A.
Freedom Farm Homestead
Michael O.
Steep Rock Association
Sue B.
Ten Mile River Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Malouf M.
Malouf's Mountain Campground
Emma S.
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Ossama B.
Lake Waramaug State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Ridgefield, CT
496 Reviews of 88 Ridgefield Campgrounds
- JJohn
ScoutTotoket Valley RV Park
Very Friendly and quick check in/out!
I 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
Greg S.
LegendMills Norrie State Park Campground
4.7 stars
Excellent 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!
Julia B.
TravelerLake Compounce Campground
Very clean, friendly staff and not crowded
We 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.
- DDwight F.
GuideHousatonic Meadows State Park Campground
Nice midweek stay location
Tall 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.
- JJanceTraveler
Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
Charming mossy woods on a ridge
Arrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.
- DDwight F.Guide
Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground
The nice part of Connecticut
A 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.
Julie S.GuideMills Norrie State Park Campground
Quiet park, old showers
Spent 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.
Nicole H.TravelerHeckscher State Park Campground
Beginner Camper Friendly
To start, Andrew was phenomenal. I arrived at 6:40 PM and he was able to hook us up with the last campground and was so patient and friendly when answering our questions. Overall staff was great, I saw someone picking up trash after campers checked out. Bathrooms are clean, 1 mile walk from campgrounds to beach area. Very spider and tick heavy if you don’t stay on the walking trail. Campers were very respectful and friendly, overall an amazing first time camping trip. Paid about $32 for a night. Drinking water on site.
Guide to Ridgefield
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reservation required for camping in Ridgefield?
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?
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?
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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