Connecticut's western region offers diverse RV camping near South Britain, with elevations ranging from 300 to 700 feet across wooded landscapes. Most campgrounds operate between May and October, though Branch Brook Campground provides year-round options. Wooded sites predominate with varying degrees of shade, affecting solar panel effectiveness during peak summer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground features a calm lake with good fishing potential. "There is a lake with boat rentals. Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," notes reviewer Seth K.
Hiking trails: Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground offers extensive hiking networks connecting to other recreational areas. A visitor explains, "There is plenty of hiking in the area- def check out Bash Bish Falls! This campground is also dog friendly so bring your fur babies!"
Swimming beaches: Several parks maintain swimming areas with varying facilities. At Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards / kyacks etc. Worth every penny," according to Mellisa T.
Historical sites: Campgrounds provide access to regional landmarks and museums. From Interlake RV Park, one camper noted it was "Close to FDR home and library...a must to see. Quaint towns nearby" with approximately 20-30 minutes drive time to the historic site.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Elevated camping surfaces prevent flooding during wet conditions. "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!" shares Rosie R. about Lake Taghkanic.
Clean facilities: Kettletown State Park Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "I love kettletown, it's a favorite that is very close to home. It's a small camp ground and it's absolutely beautiful. The bathrooms are always kept clean and stocked and there are a ton of watering spots," reports Taylor C.
Family activities: Prospect Mountain Campground schedules regular events for younger campers. A reviewer explains, "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing. They also have a nice little store and snack bar."
Low light pollution: Several parks offer excellent stargazing conditions. At Lake Taghkanic, "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low. 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."
What you should know
Seasonal water conditions: Lake swimming quality varies throughout summer months. At Kettletown, visitors noted that "when swimming is allowed, there isn't a lifeguard" and bacterial counts occasionally prohibit swimming during hot weather periods.
Site privacy varies: Campground layout significantly impacts visitor experience. "Sites are close together, but being able to fish and catching 2 decent-sized largemouth bass made everything all ok!" observed one visitor at Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park.
Bathroom maintenance: Facility upkeep inconsistencies exist between parks. A Clarence Fahnestock visitor noted that "while it had clearly been painted this past year, it was very 'buggy' - and did not appear to have been thoroughly cleaned since spring."
Park crowding patterns: Weekday versus weekend occupancy affects site selection and reservation timing. "Weekends - this park is FULL! Make sure to reserve at least two weeks out. Weekdays? You should be in luck!" advises a Fahnestock visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools as alternatives to natural water bodies. At Lake Compounce Campground, visitors appreciate "Friendly staff and really clean bathrooms and shower area" near pool facilities.
Playground access: Many sites provide dedicated play areas for children. Prospect Mountain Campground features "a great pool, playground and pond for fishing" according to Sandra S., making it suitable for families with younger children.
Nature education: Some parks operate interpretive programming during summer months. Kettletown State Park includes a Nature Center adjacent to camping areas, though visitors should be aware that "site #040 was private, but was located next to the Nature Center and a water spigot, so it was not a super quiet place."
Site selection for families: Research specific site characteristics before booking. One Fahnestock camper advises, "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site... check out the sites online to get one that is private."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Uneven terrain requires preparation at many regional campgrounds. At Branch Brook Campground, a visitor noted their site "had a 'deck' outside which was great but it had some very weak boards that you could have easily fallen through."
Site length considerations: Some parks accommodate larger rigs but with limited premium spots. Interlake RV Park offers sites described as "large site with privacy" though accessibility varies by season, with one visitor noting their experience was during "early season" when fewer campers were present.
Electrical service options: Power availability differs between campgrounds. While most parks offer electrical connections, amperage varies, with parks like Prospect Mountain offering 50-amp service for larger RVs while others limit capacity.
Access road conditions: Campground approaches may challenge larger vehicles. For RV-specific navigation, one visitor cautions about "roads [that] were narrow and steep and hard to maneuver bigger trailers and rigs" at certain facilities.
