Campsites near Southbury, Connecticut sit within western Connecticut's rolling hills, approximately 350 feet above sea level in a region characterized by deciduous forest and abundant waterways. The camping season extends slightly longer at private campgrounds than state facilities, with some remaining open through October. Sites vary in terrain from flat, open areas to more secluded wooded spots with uneven ground.
What to do
Hiking to scenic viewpoints: The Whitestone Cliffs trail near Black Rock State Park Campground offers ridge views and moderate terrain. "Check out Leather Man Cave, Whitestone Cliffs, Tory's Den, and Buttermilk Falls nearby," notes a camper who recommends exploring beyond the immediate park boundaries.
Paddling opportunities: Lake Waramaug State Park Campground provides calm waters for various watercraft. "The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing. Bring your own gear but kayak and canoe rentals are available," explains a visitor who found the lake suitable for multiple water activities.
Amusement park access: Families can combine camping with rides at Lake Compounce Campground, located adjacent to the amusement park. A camper notes, "This is attached to an amusement park but far enough away not to be a bother," providing convenient access without noise disruption.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Some campgrounds offer updated washroom facilities. At Cozy Hills Campground, a visitor appreciated the "clean private bathrooms" which were "a plus" compared to typical shared campground facilities.
Fishing access: Multiple water bodies support fishing throughout the region. At Kettletown State Park Campground, there are "hiking trails, a fishing area and a swimming hole," though swimmers should check current water quality conditions before planning water activities.
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds feature larger-than-average campsites. One camper at Lake Waramaug remarked, "Sites are HUGE," allowing adequate space between camping units and room for multiple tents when camping with groups.
What you should know
Site placement considerations: Campsite location significantly impacts experience. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, "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."
Varying bathroom quality: Facilities differ widely between campgrounds. One Lake Waramaug visitor noted, "There have been issues with the bathrooms off and on over the decades. It seems like they've finally fixed everything."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies by location. At Lake Waramaug, "Cell service is basically non-existent. Our trip this weekend was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years."
Weekend vs. weekday differences: Occupancy patterns affect camping experience. A Clarence Fahnestock visitor shared, "The park rangers told us the plumbing had been re-done in the past year, so the water fountains and water spigots were in great shape and provided cold, clear water."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly spaces: Gentiles Campground offers recreational amenities for children. "There are some video games and a nice swimming pool," mentions a reviewer, providing options for entertainment during downtime.
Running space: Open areas allow active play at several campgrounds. At Kettletown, "The place is perfect for young kids? It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night!"
Shallow swimming areas: Younger children benefit from appropriate water depths. Cozy Hills features a "clean pool but only 3 feet deep," making it safer for inexperienced swimmers.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup information: Verify utility connections before booking. Branch Brook Campground offers "better wi-fi than most campgrounds. My wife and I both were able to work with mostly no issues, though there were some situations where it would go out."
Site configuration: RV sites vary in orientation and privacy. At Lake Compounce Campground, "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."
Terrain challenges: Some campgrounds feature uneven ground. At Lake Waramaug, "Every campsite has deep drainage ditches, likely roots, and stumps as well," which can complicate setting up and leveling larger rigs.
