Best Campgrounds near Sharon, CT

Campgrounds near Sharon, Connecticut range from rustic state parks to full-service private facilities, with several options located along the scenic Housatonic River. Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground sits directly in Sharon, offering tent, RV, and cabin camping with river access for fishing and boating. Within a 20-mile radius, campers can find Macedonia Brook State Park with primitive tent sites, Lake Waramaug State Park with lakefront camping, and private options like Lone Oak Camp Sites in East Canaan that provide more amenities including cabins and glamping accommodations.

The camping season in northwestern Connecticut typically runs from mid-May through early October, with most state parks closing after Labor Day. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds in this region feature varying terrain from riverside flats to wooded hillsides, with most offering basic amenities like drinking water, fire rings, and toilets. Cell service can be spotty in the more remote areas, particularly in the valleys between the Berkshire foothills. According to one visitor, "Sites are large and spread nicely. There are great hiking trails on the Hudson River right outside your campsite. Not a resort campground."

Campers consistently rate the natural beauty and recreational opportunities as highlights of the Sharon area. The Appalachian Trail passes nearby, with several trail access points and hiking shelters available for backpackers. Mixed-use campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, though some state park sites have limited hookup options. Private campgrounds like Lone Oak tend to offer more amenities, with one camper noting, "This is a very fun and interesting campsite. Sites are large with a good amount of space between them." Families appreciate the proximity to swimming areas, fishing spots, and hiking trails throughout the region, while those seeking more solitude can find it at the less developed state forest campgrounds where sites are more widely spaced and natural features predominate.

Best Camping Sites Near Sharon, Connecticut (145)

    1. Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

    21 Reviews
    Copake Falls, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 329-3993

    $17 - $175 / night

    "I'm use to the rough and tough it of backpacking the AT Trail so this place had quite a few amenities I am not use to! Haha."

    "It wasn't too busy when we went- we got there on a Friday night around 6pm and were able to get a spot. There are also some fun activities within the campground, and things nearby."

    2. Macedonia Brook State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Kent, CT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 927-3238

    $14 / night

    "teaching scouts of all ages how to take and prepare for the wilderness survival badges place is clean it has running water has a porta potty and festival you don't have to worry because the state of Connecticut"

    "Our camp spot was right above the river the flows behind this spot. You can go sit down by the water. But be careful!"

    3. Lone Oak Camp Sites

    12 Reviews
    Norfolk, CT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 422-2267

    "Tons of kids activities to keep the little ones busy and great hikes around! Tons of waterfalls in the area and the highest point in Connecticut."

    "I happened upon Lone Oaks Camp Site when looking for someplace to stay in north eastern Connecticut."

    4. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    New Preston, CT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 868-0220

    $17 - $50 / night

    "My family has been camping at Lake Waramaug for over 20 years. I can say most of what’s been said is true or partially so but whether it’s bad or good depends on your point of view."

    "One of my favorite so far , went with family , to comply w covid and social distancing, the camp only rent your site and no one on your left or right or across ! Amazing !"

    5. Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park

    4 Reviews
    Millerton, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 789-3059

    $17 - $20 / night

    "This is a really interesting campground that's situated on a hill overlooking Rudd Pond in Taconic State Park. "

    "Wonderful hiking trails. Pond for fishing & swimming. Kiddie pond, children’s playground, Deli across the street is poorly managed but OK for a sandwich. Beautiful surrounding countryside."

    6. Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Cornwall Bridge, CT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 672-6772

    $17 - $50 / night

    7. Cozy Hills Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-2119

    $72 - $122 / night

    "While this might be fine for some dogs, I have 2 young border collies that will jump that fence like it is not even there."

    "We stayed near the water. Clean private bathrooms were a plus. Clean pool but only 3 feet deep."

    8. Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Ancramdale, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 851-3631

    $17 - $195 / night

    "The campground has a lake with boat rentals. Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."

    "We decided on Lake Taghkanic. Lake Taghkanic State Park was not a long drive from NYC, maybe 2 hours. The campsite was very clean and maintained."

    9. Brassie Brook Shelter - Bear Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    Taconic, CT
    11 miles
    Website

    "We started our hike at the under-mountain trailhead, located right off route 41, and climbed up the mountain. Be prepared for steep inclines, and lots of rocks."

    "There's also a bear box near by. Room to camp your tent on the ground too if you wanted to or had more ppl along."

    10. Riga Lean-To

    1 Review
    Taconic, CT
    11 miles
    Website

    "We absolutely loved this little lean-to next to Bear Mountain. I'll make this review short, as we also stayed at the Brassie Brook lean-to which is located only about a mile apart from each other."

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Recent Reviews near Sharon, CT

668 Reviews of 145 Sharon Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2025

    Allaben Primitive Campsites

    Pond spot

    Cool spot next to a pond. There are a few others that aren’t next to a pond, and therefore not as cool… but still pretty cool bc it’s free and you can walk up a little to a pond.

  • M
    Oct. 26, 2025

    North-South Lake Campground

    Beautiful grounds HORRIBLE STAFF

    I don’t normally write reviews especially a negative one. We had a very upsetting experience at North-South Lake. We drove over two hours to visit my husband’s childhood campground for the first time with our three kids(ages 5, 7, and 9). When we arrived at the entrance, we were asked if it was a day visit, and we said yes, we were only staying for the day. We paid the fee, received a map, and drove in. My husband was so excited to finally share this place and create memories with our children. Looking for a place to park, we thought we were lucky to find an empty campsite in one of the loops where he used to camp as a child.

    We parked the car hoping to enjoy the view of the lake, take a walk, and maybe make the kids a couple of s’mores before heading home.

     At around 2:15–2:30 p.m., the “SUPERVISOR” in the white Kia approached us in an extremely rude and nasty manner, speaking as if we were committing a serious crime and comparing our situation to“sleeping in someone else’s hotel room.” She asked us if we had a reservation; we said no. She said,“Someone else reserved this spot.” We were very apologetic, embarrassed, and immediately put our stuff in the car. I said they could have told us; we would have moved right away. I’m sorry. 

    She said,“They aren’t supposed to talk to you; that’s why they send me here.” She told us we had ten minutes to leave, waited there while we put our chair, blanket, and s’more cookies in the car, and refused our 9-year-old daughter access to the bathroom while we packed up our three things, and even followed us out of the loop to make sure we didn’t park elsewhere. My daughter came to us crying because the lady told her she couldn’t use the bathroom and had to get in the car. Well, she had an accident in the car right as we were pulling out. 

    We were mortified and apologetic. My husband even offered to leave the firewood we had just purchased for the next campers, but she was dismissive and harsh about that as well. 

    The following day, I called and asked to speak with a manager to explain how we were treated. The manager was just as unfriendly and miserable sounding as the supervisor. I was told they had been looking for us“for hours” and that it’s“common sense” not to park in a campsite. She actually said it’s considered trespassing. So, a friendly warning for first-time visitors: Apparently, if you don’t know that“day use” doesn’t mean“park in any empty campsite,” just for the day, you’re officially a trespassing criminal, at least according to the manager. 

    Reading the website now, I see that check-in for people with reservations is at 2 p.m., which was the time we were trying to make a small fire, so unless someone left their site and returned, it’s unclear how they could have been looking for us“for hours.” We were right there at 2pm. 

    The website also states: Day Use• Anyone who is not camping is a day-user. Day-use hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Day-users are not allowed between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. 

    We were not camping but didn’t realize we couldn’t park in an empty campsite. I think“common sense” would be to inform DAY USE visitors at the ENTRANCE to use public parking, especially for families or first-time visitors who may not be camping experts. Bottom line: this was my husband’s childhood family spot. We just wanted to take a beautiful fall drive and have a special day with our kids. 

    We understand now that we needed to reserve the parking spot ahead of time, and it was an honest misunderstanding. I would have even offered to pay for the campers’ stay for their trouble. What we wish for is that the staff had approached us respectfully and explained the situation instead of treating us like criminals. Imagine being such a miserable person and working in such a BEAUTIFUL and peaceful place for families. 

    This was meant to be a special family day, honoring memories of my father-in-law and creating new ones with our children. Instead, it became stressful and humiliating. Sadly, this is what our children will remember about the day and about North South Lake

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Gunx Camping on a Horse Farm

    No Amenities but Great Location for the Gunks

    This campground is just mowed spots on a hillside in Kerhonkson. There are no facilities aside from some port-o-sans that the owners didn't recommend using. But the location is great for accessing the Shawamhunks. Given the lack of affordable RV campgrounds (and even the few expensive ones) in the area, this stands out.

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    Great State Forest Campground

    Austin Hawes (also known as American Legion State Forest/Campground) is a great little place in a beautiful part of the State. They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers. Have camped here before in tents and a pop up, it's right on the Farmington River, so we have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well. The bathrooms have showers and flush toilets, there are hiking trails in and near the campground, and stores not too far. Sites vary in size and privacy.

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Osa Trail

    Gorgeous Views

    Had a great time here with my wife and 2 little kids and our dog.  One of the most beautiful sunrises we've ever seen!  Very secluded, though Alex is right down the driveway so didn't feel like the middle of nowhere.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • 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.


Guide to Sharon

The northwest corner of Connecticut offers camping sites near Sharon, Connecticut at elevations between 500-2,000 feet. Situated in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, this region features deciduous forests and several rivers, creating diverse terrain for camping. Cell service can be inconsistent at higher elevations or in deeper valleys throughout the area.

What to do

Hiking to waterfalls: Taconic State Park's Copake Falls Area provides access to Bash Bish Falls via a short hike. "Nice campground, friendly staff, great trails around it. Would come back," notes Priscilla M. about the Taconic State Park - Copake Falls Area.

Mountain summit views: Trek to Connecticut's highest point near the Riga Lean-To shelter. "Make sure to hit the summit of Bear Mountain; incredible view!" recommends Nora S. about the Riga Lean-To camping area along the Appalachian Trail.

Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer fishing access, particularly for bass. At Rudd Pond, "being able to fish and catching 2 decent-sized largemouth bass made everything all ok!! There is plenty of fishing access from shore and you can rent a boat for the whole day," reports Rosie R.

What campers like

Proximity to small towns: Several campgrounds are near charming New England villages. "Kent is nearby and it is a beautiful town!" mentions Catina C. about staying at Macedonia Brook State Park.

Well-spaced campsites: At Macedonia Brook State Park, campers appreciate the layout. "Well spaced sites. No bathhouse, just portable toilets and a few water pumps. And a night sky as dark as you can find in CT," notes Kate.

Swimming options: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas with varying facilities. "The swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock. Close to great hiking," writes Emily F. about Taconic State Park - Copake Falls Area.

What you should know

Limited amenities at state parks: State park campgrounds typically offer basic facilities. "No cell service. Loved the drive to the camp and following the winding brook," reports Neil T. about Macedonia Brook.

Weekend vs. weekday experience: Campgrounds near Sharon have significantly different atmospheres depending on when you visit. "While I would probably skip Macedonia on the weekends in summer since it looks like it could get packed, a little more off season and during the week it was great," shares Marque D.

Platform tent sites: Several area campgrounds feature wooden platforms for tents. At Lake Taghkanic State Park, "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" according to Rosie R., making them useful during wet weather.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly swimming: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming areas. "They have a very large open grassy field for play/sports, a playground and life guarded portion of the lake for swimming," Christina M. shares about Taconic State Park.

Fishing with children: Some ponds are particularly good for beginners. "The kids caught about 20 fish. The pool is nice, no deep end. It's very hilly," reports Rino S. about Cozy Hills Campground.

Activity options: Campgrounds with planned activities keep children engaged. "Very nice facilities. Family activities, like archery, were excellent," notes Jon R. about Cozy Hills Campground.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup options: Many state parks have few RV amenities. "This is basic dry camping it is fun but there is no electric or water at the sites only in the bathhouse," cautions Amanda S. about Taconic State Park.

Private campgrounds for amenities: For full-service options, private campgrounds offer more. "Clean private bathrooms were a plus. Clean pool but only 3 feet deep," shares Kim T. about Cozy Hills.

Site selection considerations: At Housatonic Meadows State Park, "the site on the north side are the only ones worth staying at," advises Chris A., noting that their Winnebago 1700BH fit well under the canopy of old growth pines and oaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Sharon, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Sharon, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Sharon, CT and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Sharon, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sharon, CT is Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 21 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sharon, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Sharon, CT.

What parks are near Sharon, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Sharon, CT that allow camping, notably Northfield Brook Lake and Hop Brook Lake.