127 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
State parks and forests surrounding South Kent, Connecticut feature a mix of established campgrounds and more rustic options within a short drive. Macedonia Brook State Park Campground, just north of Kent, offers tent and RV sites with basic amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and fire rings. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground in nearby New Preston provides lakeside camping with boat-in access and glamping options. Housatonic Meadows State Park in Sharon sits along the Housatonic River, making it popular with anglers and paddlers. Most campgrounds in this region maintain a wooded, natural setting while still providing essential facilities like picnic tables, restrooms, and in many cases, shower facilities.
Most state park campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from late May through early September, with some extending into early October. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region's valleys and hills, with better reception typically found at higher elevations. As one camper at Macedonia Brook State Park noted, "The place is great for teaching wilderness survival skills. It has running water, porta potties, and some cell service if you get towards the building." Wildlife encounters are common, with visitors to Lake Waramaug reporting, "There are lots of skunks and squirrels that will get into everything even in a bin."
Proximity to water features distinguishes many camping areas near South Kent. Several campgrounds offer swimming access, though water quality can vary seasonally. A visitor to Lake Waramaug observed, "Sites are huge and you will almost always have a view of the water." Trail access is another highlight, with many campgrounds serving as gateways to hiking networks. The region's topography creates varied camping experiences, from riverside sites at Housatonic Meadows to more elevated positions at Macedonia Brook with views of surrounding hills. Privacy between sites varies significantly by location and specific site number, with weekday stays generally offering more seclusion than busy summer weekends. For those seeking more amenities, private campgrounds like Cozy Hills in Bantam provide additional facilities including markets and organized activities.
"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"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"Tall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane."
"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."
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."
"The campground is right on Bantam Lake which is great for boaters/kayakers fisherman and families. I have found the east side of the lake to be much more windy than the west side of the lake. "
"Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing. Small little island"
"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
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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!
TravelerPeople are super friendly and helpful. Campground is well maintained and very secure. RV site was very large and mostly level. Good location. Close to Hudson River and Albany.
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.
TravelerI called as we were 3 hours away for a spot for the night. The lady who answered was amazing and asked everything to pick us the right spot. We showed up after hours and found our spot. It was so peaceful and so beautiful. Bathrooms were extremely clean! I recommend this spot to everyone! Well worth it!
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.
GuideFirst off the cons the train at 130 am is wonderful to get woken up to 2nd the sites are on top of each other 3 not many level sites didnt hear the buzzing at all no daddy long legs but ticks let's talk about how many ticks I got in the park I pulled 7 off of me in 5 nights at that park
The South Kent area sits in Connecticut's northwest corner, surrounded by the Berkshire and Taconic mountain ranges. The region experiences warm summer nights with average temperatures in the mid-70s and cool fall camping with lows in the 40s. Many campgrounds in this region offer waterfront sites with varying levels of amenities and access to multi-use recreational trails.
Kayaking and water sports: Lake Waramaug State Park Campground has excellent water access for paddlers. "The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing. Bring your own gear but kayak and canoe rentals are available," notes a reviewer who has camped there for over 20 years.
Hiking trails: Macedonia Brook State Park Campground offers trail systems with moderate difficulty ratings. "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. We did the east side one afternoon and the west the next," shares one camper.
Fishing opportunities: At Point Folly Campground, anglers enjoy direct lake access. "The campground is right on Bantam Lake which is great for boaters/kayakers, fisherman and families. I have found the east side of the lake to be much more windy than the west side of the lake," reports one regular visitor.
Riverside campsites: Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground offers sites with natural water features. One long-term visitor mentions, "Tons of birdwatching, hiking, river floating... the cabins look great also."
Site privacy: Some campgrounds provide more secluded options than others. At Steep Rock Association, a camper notes: "There are three campsites; two that require short hikes (.5 miles and .75 miles, respectively) and a third that can be driven to. Each one is far away from the others."
Dark skies: For stargazers, Macedonia Brook provides exceptional night visibility. One camper points out the "night sky as dark as you can find in CT," making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts or those wanting to escape light pollution.
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate from late May through early September, with a few extending into October. Lake Waramaug has limited services outside peak season as "the only on-site services are firewood and ice sales. The little food shack is out of business."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically across the region. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, "You can drive about 5+ minutes out and get cell service," according to one reviewer who notes that being disconnected is actually part of the appeal for many visitors.
Wildlife encounters: Bears, skunks, and other animals frequent several campgrounds. A Macedonia Brook camper cautions: "As we were walking back up to our tent there was a small bear within feet from us that we almost didn't see!"
Bathroom facilities: Varies significantly between locations. Kettletown State Park has "bathhouses in real need of updating," with one reviewer noting "CT should really invest in better quality bath houses."
Accessibility considerations: Kettletown State Park Campground offers spacious areas for children. "The reason why this place is perfect for kids? It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night!" explains a regular visitor.
Swimming options: The swimming areas vary greatly in size and quality. At Lake Waramaug, "The swim area is marginal- best for little ones," while a camper at Kettletown mentioned the swimming area is "an absolute joke, unless you are 18 months old, and then its probably perfect. (Extremely small, extremely shallow, and some sand to dig in.)"
Activities for kids: Cozy Hills Campground offers organized events for children. "Lots and lots of activities for kids! Arts & Crafts, Arcade, Bingo, Casino Night etc. Pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids," reports a recent visitor.
Site selection: At Cozy Hills Campground, "They pack us in pretty tight in some sites," notes one RVer, recommending advance research of specific site dimensions before booking.
Hookup availability: Electric and water hookups are limited at many state parks. Lake Waramaug has restrictions for certain vehicles as "they make your life miserable and prevent you from camping in the front row where the sites are larger, level, and have a lake view" if you have a popup camper or larger rig.
Leveling challenges: Terrain at many campgrounds requires preparation. One Lake Waramaug camper noted that Site 11, "while large, was uneven and had some large tree roots that would be easy to trip over."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near South Kent, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, South Kent, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 127 campgrounds and RV parks near South Kent, CT and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near South Kent, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near South Kent, CT is Lake Waramaug State Park Campground with a 3.1-star rating from 9 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near South Kent, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near South Kent, CT.
What parks are near South Kent, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near South Kent, CT that allow camping, notably Northfield Brook Lake and Hop Brook Lake.
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