The Ridgefield area of Connecticut offers unique yurt camping experiences within the Hudson Valley region, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,000 feet above sea level throughout surrounding camping areas. Located in the western portion of Connecticut, campers face moderate summer temperatures typically ranging between 70-85°F during peak camping season, with cooler nights in spring and fall requiring proper bedding and insulation.
What to do
Lake activities: Smith Point County Park provides both ocean and bay access within a short walk from campsites. "I love this campground! A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite. No shade so be prepared to wake early if you're in a sweltering tent," notes Ali O.
Hiking trails: West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area offers trails near the campground for day hikes. "There are also many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds which is always a huge plus in my mind," mentions Ethan K. Some trails connect directly to lookout points with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Playground access: Jellystone Park Gardiner maintains multiple play areas for younger campers. "This campground is great for kids. It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity," says Jennifer I. The playground equipment includes climbing structures and activity areas suitable for various age groups.
What campers like
Tent site spacing: Wildwood State Park Campground offers diverse site layouts. "You can find sites that are less wooded and better suited to group camping, as well as sites that are a little more secluded," reports Giselle P. The platform sites allow campers to set up on concrete or wooden platforms rather than directly on the ground.
Clean facilities: Lake Compounce Campground maintains well-kept shower and bathroom areas. "Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper," notes Diane R. The bathhouses are regularly maintained, unlike some other campgrounds in the region.
Yurt options near Ridgefield: Mountain Lakes Park offers comfortable yurt accommodations within reasonable driving distance. "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," shares Ethan K. These yurts provide a more substantial shelter option than tent camping.
What you should know
Military-only areas: Two campgrounds near Ridgefield restrict access to military personnel. "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only. We drove through and the whole space is rather large," explains Ethan K.
Bathroom maintenance issues: Lake Waramaug State Park Campground has mixed reviews regarding facilities. "There have been issues with the bathrooms off and on over the decades. It seems like they've finally fixed everything. Our trip of 7/27-28 showed everything was fine," reports G Y. Bathroom cleanliness appears inconsistent between visits.
Wildlife concerns: At several campgrounds, animals frequently visit sites. "There are lots of skunks and squirrels that will get into EVERYTHING even in a bin," warns Katrina M. Proper food storage in animal-proof containers prevents unwanted visitors from entering campsites.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Jellystone Park Gardiner features kid-friendly water areas. "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," shares Amanda S. The water park section offers a controlled environment for children to play.
Organized activities: Weekend schedules often include planned events for younger campers. "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there," reports Stephanie H.
Proximity to attractions: Multiple campgrounds offer access to nearby entertainment options. "We stayed there one weekend and went to Splish Splash waterpark that's not far away. There is also a Tanger Outlet nearby," explains Giselle P. These off-site activities provide alternatives during longer stays.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Riverdale Farm Campsites provides full hookup sites. "Most of the roads are paved, the sites are large and level, there are full hookups, and a dump station," notes Joel R. The site layout accommodates various RV sizes without difficulty.
Dump station access: Some parks limit sewer hookups but provide dump stations. "It is adjacent to an amusement park so there were lots of families here. None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out," explains Tina from Lake Compounce Campground. Planning for these limitations helps manage longer stays.
Site layout considerations: Many RV sites position units facing neighboring campers. "You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded," observes Diane R. Privacy screens or strategic awning placement helps create more personal space between sites.
