Camping sites near Naugatuck, Connecticut range from rustic retreats to family-friendly facilities within a 15-mile radius. The area sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level in the Naugatuck River Valley, creating distinct camping microclimates between highland and lowland sites. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing from December through March, making most campgrounds in the region seasonal operations.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing access: At Point Folly Campground, the small waterfront camping area connects directly to Bantam Lake. "Clean and quiet. Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing. Small little island," notes camper Mary C., who appreciated the water-based recreation options.
Hiking trail variety: The trail system at Black Rock State Park Campground offers both flat and hilly terrain suitable for different skill levels. A camper named Michelle B. observed, "Beautiful state park, very clean... fishing, lake swimming, hiking trails... Check out Leather Man Cave, Whitestone Cliffs, Tory's Den, and Buttermilk Falls nearby."
Family activity centers: Several campgrounds offer structured recreational opportunities beyond typical outdoor activities. Cozy Hills Campground provides organized programs for children throughout the summer season. One visitor, Jon R., reported, "Family activities, like archery, were excellent."
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Lake Compounce Campground receives consistent praise for its modern bathroom setup. As camper Diane R. states, "Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper." This stands out as many state park facilities have more basic amenities.
Secluded waterfront sites: While some campgrounds offer dense arrangements, certain waterfront locations provide more private experiences. At Point Folly, camper Judy S. observed, "The water front sites on the West Side seem to flood easily if it rains," suggesting campers should select eastern sites during wet weather forecasts.
Well-maintained pool areas: For families seeking swimming options beyond natural water bodies, Cozy Hills Campground offers a pool that campers regularly mention. "The pool is nice, no deep end. It's very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids," notes Ann S., highlighting the family-friendly design.
What you should know
Varied campground management: Quality can vary significantly between parks with some showing maintenance issues. At Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, camper katrina M. noted, "True, the bathrooms are usually unclean, they run out of tissue, there is only 1 shower for the entire bathroom AND they clean them right when people are waking and need to pee (between 7-8)."
Limited cell service: Several camping areas around Naugatuck have poor connectivity. Lake Waramaug campers report, "cell service is basically non-existent," with one visitor mentioning, "You can drive about 5+ minutes out and get cell service."
Seasonal operating limitations: Most camping near Naugatuck operates from May through early October, with peak season falling between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Many facilities close completely during winter months, though Branch Brook Campground advertises year-round availability.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly swimming options: Seek out campgrounds with shallow swimming areas for younger children. "Pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids," notes one Cozy Hills visitor, while others mentioned limited swimming at some state parks.
Activity planning: Campgrounds vary widely in their entertainment offerings. At Gentiles Campground, Nicholas G. found, "There's two brand new bathrooms on site one of which is conveniently located right by the pool," providing convenient facilities for families spending time at recreational areas.
Space for active children: Some campgrounds offer more room for children to play freely. Jennifer H. observed at Kettletown that it "has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night! Plus you would see awesome stars during the nighttime!"
Tips from RVers
Site layout considerations: When selecting spots for larger vehicles, pay attention to how sites are arranged. At Lake Compounce, camper Tina noted, "The sites were long so even though you face your neighbor, the sites were long enough that our door wasn't directly across from our neighbor."
Road condition awareness: Several campgrounds have challenging access roads for larger rigs. At Gentiles Campground, one reviewer described "roads were narrow and steep and hard to maneuver bigger trailers and rigs."
Hookup variations: Utility connections differ significantly between parks. Lake Compounce camper Ray B. advises, "Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station," while others noted some campgrounds offer full hookups at premium prices.
