113 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Sherman, Connecticut range from state parks to privately managed camping areas, primarily concentrated within a 20-mile radius of town. The region includes campgrounds such as Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, Macedonia Brook State Park, and Point Folly Campground. Most sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Kettletown State Park and Cozy Hills Campground also offering cabin options. State parks generally provide more primitive camping experiences, while private campgrounds typically feature additional amenities such as electric hookups and shower facilities.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability from late May through early September. State parks like Lake Waramaug and Macedonia Brook typically open Memorial Day weekend and close after Labor Day. Reservation requirements vary by location, with state parks requiring advance booking through the Connecticut DEEP reservation system. Facilities range from basic (porta-potties and water pumps at Macedonia Brook) to more developed campgrounds with showers and electric hookups. Cell phone coverage can be limited in certain areas, particularly in valleys and more remote camping locations. A visitor noted that "there is no cell service in some of the campsites. If you care about that while camping, you can hear if someone shouts loudly enough, but you can't hear normal conversation."
The Sherman area campgrounds are largely set in woodland terrain, with several locations offering direct water access. Lake Waramaug provides opportunities for kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing, though swimming areas are described as "marginal" in visitor reviews. Macedonia Brook State Park features campsites along a mountain stream with hiking trails that range from beginner to intermediate difficulty. Campers report varying levels of privacy between sites, with weekday visits generally offering more solitude than weekends. A recent review mentioned that Macedonia Brook offers "well spaced sites" with "a night sky as dark as you can find in CT." Several campgrounds feature fire rings and picnic tables, though firewood availability differs by location. Wildlife sightings, including bears and skunks, have been reported at some campgrounds, requiring proper food storage and waste management practices.
"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
"We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."
from $21 / night
Check Availability"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 !"
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $14 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $72 - $122 / night
Check Availability"We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway. This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again. "
"Semi private with great view and nice walks to the water. Noise was not a problem overnight as to having problems with noises neighbors at other CT state parks."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Close to the city and civilization, yet large enough to have nice trails and creeks to feel away from it all. The camping sites are very different so it’s useful to go in person and select the area."
"The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well"
from $45 - $55 / night
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ScoutI was in the area and needed a location to hook up. Temperature at 7:00 p.m. was 85 in July which is expected. They're able to get me in for the night. Quick and easy. Had smoke from the Canadian Wildfire which made for a good sunset
LegendExcellent campground! The forest is beautiful, the Hudson River is super close, there are great trails, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Sites are electric only, so make sure your water pump is working and fresh water tank is full. There are spigots for filling and a nice dump station. The player is excellent. I don't think tetn camping here would be great because the tent sites are closer together and there are trains that pass regularly. We couldn't hear the trains in our camper and our site was large and private with great Forest and hammock trees. The mansion tours at Vanderbilt and Mills were awesome!
TravelerWe arrived after 10pm so we couldn’t go into the general store to check in. But there was an envelope with our name and a description of where we had to go. Because it was so dark we couldn’t find it but the security guard was really helpful and showed us the way. We spent a really quiet night at this campground at a tent site with our rooftop tent and appreciated the clean showers and friendly staff. We would come back anytime.
GuideTall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane. The campground is landscaped and maintained beautifully. the highlight is the river, ever-present in sound. The primo sites are on the northern end , where most sites are right on the water, and just a small descent. Bathrooms are good, not great. Showers are push button automatic, water was warm. We have a small RV, the dump site is up the main road about a 1/2 mile in a turnout. Free for campers, on your honor. At office were college aged young men and women in very casual street clothes all very nice, and mannerly, but not very knowledgeable, and hard to believe they could handle an adverse situation. I asked for the soap to be filled in the mens room on Thursday afternoon at 4 and it was still not done at noon the next day. -it’s a 2 minute walk from the office. I asked about a hike, they told me a trail head was a mile up the road. We found a spur directly across the street. I miss real docents, with knowledge, and wearing the garb. All sites not directly on the river side have paths down to get there. Did a nice little moderate hike just across the street called Pine Knob. Nice vista, quick 760ft ascent, combines withe AT for a length, then back down total 3 miles the way we did it. Some nice restaurants in Kent. Found a good breakfast in Goshen. We’ll be going back.
TravelerArrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.
GuideA really nice campground for tenters and dry campers. No hookups, but decent bathrooms, lukewarm showers and well kept. The Housatonic river is wide and shallow but good for soaking on a hot day and right behind pretty much every campsite. The riverside sites have a clear view, the others you walk through the woods. The only negative is Route 7, which gets busy in the mornings, and at rush hours, but quiets down at night. Not a busy highway to begin with, but a major route. A good up and down hike right across the street, 760 ft ascent in a mile or so, 3 mile loop, you see AT through hikers on the portion of the combined trail. There is a drinking water tap you can hook a hose to for filling your RV, or jugs. No dump station. We had our class B here. Sites mostly level. Come during the week for better privacy. Supposedly fly fisherman come on weekends. Cute cabins for rent in a awesome location.
GuideSpent one night here. The park is quiet. The facilities are a little outdated, although they said that newer ones had been built by the marina. I wasn’t up for the 15 minute walk, having just hiked up a mountain. My spot included electrical and water hook ups.
TravelerCampground: fairly secluded, forested, breezy with some wildlife. Small camp store. Ingress/Egress: Tight approach with multiple switchbacks and steep grades - if you’re coming in a towable rig over 36’ you might want to take a solo look first. Sites are oddly arranged and there aren’t any FHU sites. Cell: Verizon in spot C9 had 1-bar; we used Starlink for connectivity. Laundry: 3 washers & 3 dryers: $2.50 each. Dump Station: was close by (across the street) but we didn’t need it for our 3 day stay. Bathhouse: across the street, clean and we used it almost exclusively. Noise: Quiet with some small arms fire, but barely noticeable from our site. Site C9: can be viewed from Google street view site is north of the lake in the horseshoe road- some cabins are viewable as well. Site is gravel with composite picnic table, post metal grill and truck rim fire ring. Water pressure- fluctuated 30psi-50psi: hunted constantly. Cabins: available and in good order. They appear to be older, but still functional- mini log cabins $65/night (primitive-no bathroom)
GuideWe've only stayed overnight at this campground. Roads are all paved, and some sites as well. They stagger the campers so that you don't look right into another camper, which makes it feel like you are camping in the woods.
Lots of trees so watch DVD or OTA television as you likely won't get satellite TV in your rig. Large swimming pool and playground for kids. There is an activity center where you can get something to eat, and sit on the deck to enjoy the scenery.
Sites are level. Staff are friendly. The camp store is large and well stocked in just about anything that you could need.
Enough trees that if you have a large rig and are towing you need to use some care leaving your RV site.
The Sherman, CT campground area sits within Litchfield County at approximately 450 feet above sea level, featuring a mix of woodland and lake environments. Camping options range from primitive tent sites to cabins, with most facilities operating during Connecticut's typical camping season from Memorial Day through early September. Temperatures typically range from 55-85°F during camping months with higher humidity levels than western states.
Hiking and exploration: Macedonia Brook State Park Campground offers excellent trail access directly from camp. A camper noted that the "loop hike over the mountains was good, at times more intermediate than beginner and I wouldn't try to go it with younger kids." Some visitors split the hike over two days, doing "the east side one afternoon and the west the next."
Lake activities: At Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, water activities dominate. "The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing. Bring your own gear but kayak and canoe rentals are available," according to a recent visitor. The campground provides lake access for registered campers without additional fees.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water bodies near Sherman support various fish species. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, located within driving distance, campers report good catches: "If you are into fishing, there is another lake and two ponds that our neighbor campers said were great for catching panfish - one fisherman said he had caught several bass weighing over 3 pounds!"
Apple picking: Several orchards operate near camping areas during late summer and early fall. As one visitor to Fahnestock State Park mentioned, "If you are in to apple picking it is a short drive and it is easy to get into town to take the train to and from NYC."
Privacy between sites: Site layout varies significantly between campgrounds. At Macedonia Brook State Park Campground, campers appreciate the separation: "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."
Water proximity: Camping near streams or lakes ranks high in camper preferences. One Macedonia Brook visitor described their experience: "Our camp spot was right above the river the flows behind this spot. You can go sit down by the water."
Natural soundscape: The rural setting provides natural ambiance. At Lake Waramaug, a camper noted the agricultural surroundings: "This area is rural, so cows do moo at 6am, and kids are up even earlier. If you like to sleep in skip and rent a B&B."
Off-grid feel: Connectivity is limited in many camping areas near Sherman. A reviewer at Steep Rock Association mentioned, "There is no cell phone coverage at any of the campsites. If you care about that while camping, you can hear if someone at the other campsite shouts loudly enough, but you can't hear normal conversation or see any lights."
Site selection matters: At popular campgrounds, choose sites strategically. A Clarence Fahnestock visitor advised, "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because 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."
Bathroom facilities vary: Facility quality differs significantly between campgrounds. At Kettletown State Park Campground, a camper observed: "The bathrooms are always kept clean and stocked and there are a ton of watering spots." However, some state parks offer only basic facilities.
Limited amenities: Many Sherman area campgrounds provide minimal services. Macedonia Brook offers "no bathhouse, just portable toilets and a few water pumps," according to one camper, while others mention the need to pack in all supplies due to distance from stores.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife visitors. One Kettletown visitor warned: "Be sure put foods in the car!" noting that "raccoons and skunk, they love to find food."
Space considerations: At Cozy Hills Campground, families appreciate certain features: "Pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids. The only downside was the real lack of privacy at almost all the sites we saw."
Activity options: Family-friendly campgrounds offer structured recreation. A Cozy Hills visitor noted: "Lots and lots of activities for kids! Arts & Crafts, Arcade, Bingo, Casino Night etc. Pool is very nice for families."
Terrain assessment: Consider campsite terrain when bringing children. At Lake Waramaug, one camper observed: "Every campsite has deep drainage ditches, likely roots, and stumps as well, but not too much pine in the immediate vicinity to make a mess of your gear."
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds require extra vigilance with children. A Lake Waramaug reviewer cautioned: "People drive too fast on the road between the campground and lake AND in the campground."
Size limitations: Most sherman ct campground options have restrictions on RV size. While Cozy Hills Campground is described as "big-rig friendly," many state parks like Macedonia Brook and Lake Waramaug have limited space for larger vehicles.
Hookup availability: Electric and water hookups are available at select sites, but not universally. A reviewer from Kettletown State Park noted their accommodations include "both tent and RV camping," with some locations offering cabin options.
Level site selection: RV campers should inquire about site leveling. One Lake Waramaug visitor mentioned that "site 11, while large, was uneven and had some large tree roots that would be easy to trip over. It was a walk up the hill to the bathhouse. No hookups."
Service limitations: Most campgrounds in the Sherman area have minimal dump stations and limited electric service. Check amperage compatibility before booking, as most provide only 30-amp service where electric hookups are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping facilities and amenities are available at Sherman State Park?
The Sherman area offers several camping options with various amenities. Kettletown State Park Campground features access to water bodies (though swimming availability may depend on water conditions), beautiful hiking trails, and tent sites. Alternatively, Lone Oak Camp Sites provides family-friendly facilities with activities for children, proximity to waterfalls, and excellent stargazing opportunities. Most campgrounds in the region offer basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, access to drinking water, and restroom facilities, though the quality and availability of showers varies by location.
Do I need reservations to camp at Sherman State Park and what are the fees?
Reservations are highly recommended for camping in the Sherman area, especially during peak season (late spring through early fall). At Austin Hawes Memorial Campground, you'll find a secluded camping experience with reasonable fees, plus amenities like firewood and ice available for purchase. For those seeking alternatives, Cozy Hills Campground near Bantam offers reservable sites with water and toilet facilities. Camping fees in Connecticut state parks typically range from $15-30 per night for residents and slightly higher for non-residents, with potential additional charges for parking or amenities.
Where is Sherman State Park located and how do I get there?
Sherman is located in western Connecticut, within easy driving distance of New York and New Jersey. While there isn't specifically a Sherman State Park, the area offers excellent camping options. For a nearby state park experience, Macedonia Brook State Park Campground is located in Kent, CT, just minutes from Sherman. The park is accessible via Route 7, which runs north-south through western Connecticut. Visitors from New York can access the area via I-84, which connects to local roads leading to Sherman and surrounding recreation areas.
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