Camping opportunities near Shelton, Connecticut range through diverse terrains from pine barrens to hardwood forests along the banks of the Housatonic River. Sites in this region generally sit at elevations between 50-500 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average in the mid-80s with higher humidity from June through August, making spring and fall popular seasons for tent camping.
What to do
Hiking trails: Short trails at Kettletown State Park Campground offer both flat and hilly terrain. One camper noted, "The shorter hiking trails in the area were really beautiful." Some trails lead to Southford Falls with waterfall views and fishing opportunities.
Swimming areas: The beach at Hammonasset State Park Campground offers swimming access. A visitor reported, "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." Swimming restrictions may apply seasonally.
Nature education: Several parks provide educational opportunities about local ecosystems. At Hammonasset, families 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
Privacy between sites: Campgrounds vary greatly in site spacing. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation receives consistent praise for well-separated sites. As one camper observed, "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience."
Lake access: Several campgrounds feature lake-based activities. At Wildwood State Park Campground, campers appreciate the shoreline. "It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound. (A little rocky on the north shore)."
Night sky viewing: Clear nights offer stargazing opportunities at many campgrounds. Ward Pound Ridge features "elevation gain, creeks, and open fields for stargazing." Sites farther from urban areas typically provide better viewing conditions.
What you should know
Site reservations: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. For Black Rock State Park Campground, reservations are essential, particularly for weekend stays between May and September.
Group noise levels: Some campgrounds experience higher noise levels. One Kettletown visitor reported, "Overall, folks seemed to be there in larger groups for celebrations so things were loud well past midnight, which was challenging given how close each site was."
Bathhouse conditions: Facility quality varies significantly between parks. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park, a visitor noted, "Bathrooms and dishwashing... UGH. So old and dirty!!!" While at Hammonasset, "Bathroom and showers were clean."
Water quality alerts: Lakes may have swimming restrictions due to bacterial counts or algae blooms, particularly in mid-to-late summer. Check park websites before arrival for current conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Open play spaces: Lake Compounce Campground provides designated recreation areas. One visitor highlighted, "They have a small playground, activities, tennis court, basketball. Not to mention it's next to the amusement park."
Child-friendly sites: Look for sites with minimal hazards. At Kettletown, a camper advised, "The reason why I said place is perfect kids? 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!"
Wildlife education: Several campgrounds offer nature programs during peak season. Take advantage of ranger-led activities which typically run from Memorial Day through Labor Day on weekends.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many Connecticut campgrounds have uneven sites. At Kettletown, a camper reported, "Site 11, while large, was uneven and had some large tree roots that would be easy to trip over."
Hookup availability: Dog friendly campgrounds near Shelton have varying levels of services. Branchbrook Campground offers electric hookups, water connections, and sewer hookups for RVs traveling with pets, though recent reviews indicate management changes have affected the experience.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds with RV sites have on-site dump stations. Lake Compounce Campground notes, "None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out."
