Tent camping near Shelton, Connecticut offers access to diverse ecosystems across southwestern Connecticut and neighboring New York. The region sits within the transition zone between coastal lowlands and the foothills of the Berkshires, with elevations ranging from 200 to 600 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping sees temperature ranges of 45-65°F.
What to do
Hiking network access: Campers at Mountain Lakes Park can explore trails directly from their sites. "A gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County. A dirt road loops through the property with trails off and through it," notes one visitor.
Lake activities: Multiple lakes provide recreation opportunities within 30 minutes of Shelton. "The area, as the name implies, is home to several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes. There are also many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds," according to a Mountain Lakes Park camper.
Beach access: Watch Hill Fire Island Campground offers oceanfront camping 90 minutes from Shelton. "You can get a permit to backcountry camp instead of reserving a designated campground spot. Just walk down to the beach after check-in and walk east until you see a pole with a tent symbol on it," shares one camper who enjoyed beach camping.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many tent campers value the seclusion available at sites throughout the region. At Onion Mountain Park, "We ended up finding a very primitive spot off the blue trail (on top of the mountain), where we settled down for the night. The spot is not very big so make sure to bring a smaller tent (no group sites) but has a firepit already set up."
Unique shelter options: Some parks offer alternative camping structures. "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience," according to one Ward Pound Ridge Reservation visitor who enjoyed the lean-to options available year-round.
Proximity to water features: Riverside camping creates memorable experiences. At Gillette Castle State Park Campground, "We have camped on the south end of Hurd Park several times via boat access. It is amazing with the views of the CT River and being able to watch the sunrise and sunset."
What you should know
Insect preparedness: Multiple campgrounds report significant insect activity, especially in summer months. At Watch Hill, one camper warns: "It was absolutely gorgeous, don't get me wrong. However, it was nearly impossible to enjoy ourselves because we were getting attacked by mosquitoes and horseflies the entire weekend."
Varied bathroom facilities: Restroom quality differs significantly across parks. Some sites like Croton Point Park offer full facilities but with limitations: "Clean but a bit dated. No shelves or hooks for toiletries. I was surprised the door was left open all night long."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation or other campers. At Croton Point Park, a visitor notes: "There is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night."
Reservation challenges: Several parks require in-person reservations. At Ward Pound Ridge, "The one downside is that you need to book in person but it can be done well in advance if need be."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and open spaces: Croton Point Park offers family-friendly amenities. "It's a good park/camp for groups. They have cabins and RV sites... There is a model airplane air field and a decent playground for young kids."
Short hikes suitable for children: Several parks feature easy trails manageable for younger campers. "We came in October to celebrate Halloween in sleepy hollow! This is a great campsite and reasonably priced. Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
Weather preparation: The region experiences rapid weather changes that can impact family camping. "This is a great place for camping. The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather."
Wildlife education opportunities: Parks often provide wildlife viewing opportunities for children. One camper at Onion Mountain Park shared: "My BSA troop has been going here for years to help new scouts learn to camp. It is a very casual site and good for your first trip."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Few campgrounds near Shelton offer full hookups. At Croton Point Park, "A county park with a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites... All sites appeared level. The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Site selection importance: RV campers emphasize researching specific sites before booking. "Very different so it's useful to go in person and select the area. Parking is close, but some of the sites are also pretty close to each other so there is less privacy."
Alternative options: For larger RVs, consider campgrounds slightly further from Shelton. "It is a good place. The camping is very premium but the property and hikes are magical. No car noise or nonsense."
