Glamping options near South Britain, Connecticut extend beyond resort-style accommodations to include state parks and local campgrounds. The region sits at the junction of several watersheds with elevations ranging from 200-450 feet, creating a diverse terrain for camping. Connecticut's seasonal climate brings warm summers with occasional thunderstorms and peak camping season runs May through October.
What to do
Waterfront activities: Lake Waramaug State Park Campground offers paddling and fishing opportunities. "The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing. Bring your own gear but kayak and canoe rentals are available. The swim area is marginal- best for little ones," according to a reviewer.
Hiking at Taconic State Park: Located 45 miles northwest of South Britain, this park combines camping with trail access. "There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible," reports one camper.
Day trips to surrounding attractions: Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce serves as a base for regional exploration. "This was good for an overnight stop on our way south. We couldn't find much else along our route, but this wasn't too bad. The sites were long so even though you face your neighbor, the sites were long enough that our door wasn't directly across from our neighbor," notes a visitor.
Mountain exploration: The terrain around South Britain offers notable elevation changes. "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," says one reviewer about Mountain Lakes Park.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Traditional glamping near South Britain includes tent platforms at several campgrounds. "Sites are HUGE. Bathrooms, water, showers are close by. You will almost always have a view of the water. There is easy access to the swimming area," writes a visitor to Lake Waramaug State Park.
Pool amenities: White Pines Campsites receives praise for its water features. "Large clean pool my kids loved swimming in. Staff is super nice. Small arcade," states one camper, making it popular during hot summer months.
Spacious tent areas: Campers appreciate the size of sites at many campgrounds. "We loved this campground. It is a small family/dog friendly campground," notes another White Pines visitor.
Beach access: Wildwood State Park Campground offers coastal camping options. "The North Shore and South Shore are pretty different. This site gives you the North Shore experience with high bluffs, sandy calm beaches along the Long Island Sound, and views of CT across the water," explains a reviewer.
What you should know
Variable site quality: Sites may differ significantly within the same campground. "Bathrooms are dirty and uncared for, toilet paper is non-existent in the afternoon. Alcohol is not allowed but is poorly enforced. Quiet hours are not enforced. Two cars per site is not enforced," reports one Lake Waramaug visitor.
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential, especially for glamping structures. "We camped here with a group of friends - about a dozen in all. It was easy to coordinate with the staff to get a few tent sites and a cabin in close distance," says a White Pines Campsites reviewer.
Seasonal considerations: Water features may be weather-dependent. "We went to see a costing falls one morning but due to the drought it was a trickle instead of a waterfall," mentions a visitor to Jellystone Park Gardiner.
Limited services: Some campgrounds have minimal amenities. "This is basic dry camping it is fun but there is no electric or water at the sites only in the bathhouse. So if you get a site close the the bathhouse you will have water close by and electricity close," explains a Taconic State Park camper.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-oriented campgrounds often schedule events. "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there," writes a Jellystone Park visitor.
Site selection strategy: Families should consider location within campgrounds carefully. "We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."
Water features for different ages: Riverdale Farm Campsites offers varied water recreation. "The lake is perfect, the river needs work. But this an awesome small campground. The kids who work here are so friendly and the playground is nice. They did a show on the beach one night that was fun too," according to a reviewer.
Proximity to bathrooms: For families with young children, bathroom access matters. "If you have your own paddleboard or canoe or kayak, this would be a good place to use them. If you don't there are very expensive rentals available on site," notes a Lake Waramaug reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Hookup specifics: Verify utility hookups before booking. "Very well maintained and friendly staff will stay again when in the area. Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station," says a Bear Creek Campground visitor.
Site privacy levels: Many RV sites offer minimal separation. "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded. Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper."
Power requirements: Check electrical specifics. "It's not labeled on the sites and it varies," cautions one camper about regional campgrounds.
Seasonal considerations: Off-peak timing affects occupancy. "Very nice campground. Has electric, water and cable TV connections. Clean bathrooms and nice store. Stayed in September 2021. CG is pretty empty during the week and gets busy during the weekend."
