Camping in Sharon, Connecticut offers access to parks in both New York and Massachusetts, with elevations ranging from 600-1,500 feet throughout the region. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October, though specific opening dates vary. Tent platforms at several sites keep campers off wet ground during rainy periods.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park, anglers can catch largemouth bass from shore or by renting a boat. "The sites were a little close together, but 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 to fish on the water," reports one visitor.
Hiking trails: The region features interconnected trail systems with varying difficulty levels. Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers both short and long trails with minimal light pollution for stargazing. "This campground was one of the best I've been to... Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," notes one camper.
Water recreation: Swimming areas with lifeguards operate at several parks during summer months. One camper at Taconic State Park mentioned, "2 lIfeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of. Very short hike (or drive) to the beautiful Bash Bish falls."
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Copake Falls Area offers wooden platforms that elevate tents from wet ground. "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" one camper shared.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies by park and season. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, "The park rangers told us the plumbing had been re-done in the past year, so the water fountains and water spigots were in great shape and provided cold, clear water. The bathrooms were clean and well-kept, no stalls ran out of toilet paper."
Proximity to towns: Campers appreciate the balance between natural settings and nearby communities. "The town of Hudson is also close by if you're looking to get some of the comforts of a town while you're out and about," mentions a Lake Taghkanic visitor. Another camper noted, "Wal-Mart was 25 minutes from the campsite which make making meals lots simpler."
What you should know
Site selection matters: At many parks, site privacy and quality vary significantly. "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only 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," advises a Fahnestock camper.
Weekend crowds: RV camping near Sharon, Connecticut gets busier on weekends, particularly at parks closer to urban areas. A camper at Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park observed quieter weekdays: "We went on weekdays which is not crowded."
Weather preparedness: Summer thunderstorms can impact camping experiences. "A tree with a couple medium-size dead limbs was above the ideal place to pitch the tent," notes a Fahnestock camper, highlighting the importance of site evaluation for safety.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Multiple parks offer swimming areas specifically designed for children. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, one family noted, "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish."
Recreation facilities: Several campgrounds provide dedicated play areas. "Prospects mountain is a great campground for families with younger kids. They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," shares a visitor.
Cabin alternatives: For families new to camping or during wet weather, cabin rentals provide comfort. "Cottage was great besides all the bees," mentioned a Lake Taghkanic visitor about their Labor Day stay, showing cabins offer alternative shelter during busy holiday weekends.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing concerns: RV camping near Sharon requires careful navigation at some parks. At Brook N Wood Family Campground, "The C section (30 amp) has some shade trees and all grassy sites. Shared hook ups (two sites on one pole) at the rear of the sites with the exception of sewer. Sites were sized well."
Seasonal considerations: RV sites at some campgrounds may be dominated by seasonal residents. One camper at Copake Camping Resort noted, "Seemed to be about 75% seasonal sights," which affects availability for short-term visitors.
Utility variations: Electric service isn't standardized across all parks. Most RV-friendly campgrounds offer 30-amp service, while fewer provide 50-amp connections for larger rigs, requiring adapters for some setups.
