The Southbury area of Connecticut offers tent camping opportunities within the foothills of the Litchfield Hills, where elevation changes create diverse camping environments ranging from 200 to 1,000 feet above sea level. Most tent sites sit within the Connecticut Western Highland region, characterized by oak-hickory forests interspersed with maple trees that create dense canopy cover during summer months. Seasonal temperature variations are significant, with July averaging 85°F daytime highs while October nights can drop below 40°F.
What to do
Explore extensive trail networks: At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, campers have access to over 40 miles of interconnected hiking paths. "This is a great place for camping. The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather. The best part of this campsite are the endless trails in the area," notes Ethan K.
Paddle local waterways: Several camping areas provide direct water access, allowing for kayaking or canoeing. At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, "You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity," according to Ethan K., who found this particularly enjoyable during his stay.
Wildlife observation: Tent campers frequently report seeing diverse wildlife near their sites. At Croton Point Park, one camper mentioned, "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless raccoons at night." The region also supports beaver populations, with Ilya F. noting, "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent campgrounds in the area provide adequate spacing between campsites. At Hidden Lake Farm, which offers just five designated tent sites, a reviewer described the experience as "Quiet and Private," highlighting the solitude many campers seek when tent camping near Southbury.
Year-round access: Unlike many Northeast camping destinations, several campgrounds remain open throughout winter. "They have great sights and are open all year round. I've stayed in hammocks, tents, lean-tos, and even did a good share of car camping," reports Paul R. about Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Diverse shelter options: Many Southbury area campgrounds offer alternatives to standard tent camping. At Mountain Lakes Park, "A fun option available at Mountain Lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in," explains Ethan K., providing flexibility for campers who want more shelter while maintaining a natural experience.
What you should know
Bear activity requirements: Bears remain active throughout the camping season, requiring proper food storage. "They do have bear boxes available as this is bear country," notes Thomas M. about the Harriman Outdoor Center, reflecting standard practice across most area campgrounds.
Reservation processes vary: Each campground has its own booking system, many requiring advance planning. For Croton Point Park, "The reservation process is a bit wonky. You need to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail, but the e-mail does not tell you your assigned site," explains Lee D.
Variable bathroom facilities: Restroom access differs significantly between campgrounds. At River Highlands State Park, "the outhouse did have quite a few wolf spiders (which might be expected in a natural setting like this)," warns Alicia B. Some primitive sites offer no facilities at all, while others provide full shower access.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Several sites offer dedicated play areas for children. At Croton Point Park, Thomas noted, "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
Consider distance to facilities: When tent camping with small children, bathroom proximity matters. Jonathan C. advises at Croton Point Park to "use their LX before you get to site if you can. Dumpster and water near sites," suggesting families choose higher-numbered sites that are "closer to the RV site and the water."
Beginner-friendly options: First-time family campers have reported positive experiences at several Southbury area locations. At Onion Mountain Park, "My BSA troop has been going here for years to help new scouts learn to camp. It is a very casual site and good for your first trip, you are close to your car and the road in case you need it," explains Marshall S.
Tips from RVers
Limited full-hookup availability: RV campers should note that while tent camping abounds near Southbury, full-hookup sites are less common. Croton Point Park offers "a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites," but Lee D. warns that "the FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Site leveling considerations: Many campgrounds in the hilly terrain around Southbury require leveling. While most RV sites at established campgrounds are relatively level, primitive camping areas may require significant adjustments for larger vehicles.
Distance limitations: Some campgrounds maintain separate RV and tent sections with varying access. At Croton Point Park, "Tent site is after the RV site," notes Jonathan C., indicating different areas for different camping styles, which affects how far tent campers must walk from parking areas to reach their sites.
