Connecticut's eastern region offers glamping options amid rolling hills and forest landscapes. Most Stevenson-area campsites operate from April through October, with peak temperatures averaging 75-85°F in summer. Water access is common at campgrounds in this region, with several properties positioned near ponds, rivers, or the Long Island Sound.
What to Do
Hiking nearby Mountain Lakes Park: This New York park near Connecticut features multiple trails accessible directly from camping areas. "There are also many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds which is always a huge plus in my mind," notes one visitor who camped at Mountain Lakes Park. The highest point in Westchester County (Mt. Bailey) is located within the park.
Water activities at Rocky Neck: The state park offers multiple water recreation options with direct beach access. "The beach is a short drive on site" according to a camper, while another mentions that Rocky Neck is "right near the beach, and the campsites and bathrooms are always clean!" Rocky Neck State Park Campground provides water access for fishing, swimming, and paddling.
Wine tasting in Long Island: For glampers seeking day trip options, Wildwood State Park positions visitors at the entrance to wine country. "It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound," notes a camper who stayed at Wildwood State Park Campground.
What Campers Like
Spacious campsites at Lake Waramaug: The park offers generously sized sites with partial tree cover. A long-time visitor notes, "What it does have are clean, large sites that are partially wooded and not out in the open." Lake Waramaug State Park Campground also provides water access, as another camper mentions, "The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing."
Clean facilities at Indian Island: Multiple reviews highlight the park's well-maintained amenities. "The bathrooms were mostly clean, and the shower was hot," writes one camper. Another notes that Indian Island County Park has "clean heated bathroom and bike station near dump site," making it suitable for family camping trips.
Family-friendly activities: Several campgrounds organize regular activities for children. At Lone Oak, campers enjoy "lots of activities for kids," with one visitor noting, "Two big pools, store, bar for adults with live entertainment. Tons of kids activities going on all day." White Pines similarly offers family-oriented amenities with "a small family/dog friendly campground. Large clean pool my kids loved swimming in."
What You Should Know
Bear awareness required: Wildlife encounters are possible at certain campgrounds. At White Pines, a camper reported: "We and several other neighboring campers spied a pretty big black bear not far enough away in the late morning hours. I'm sure they are fed well." White Pines Campsites offers glamping in yurts but requires proper food storage due to wildlife presence.
Seasonal traffic variations: Many campgrounds experience significant differences between weekday and weekend occupancy. At Lake Compounce Campground, a visitor noted: "CG is pretty empty during the week and gets busy during the weekend."
Limited cell service: Connectivity is inconsistent throughout the region. A Lake Waramaug visitor explains: "Yes, cell service is basically non-existent. Our trip this weekend was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Riverdale Farm, "The playground was nice," according to a recent camper, with another reporting that "kids who work here are so friendly." Riverdale Farm Campsites provides water-based recreation with a pond for swimming.
Beach options for different ages: Consider beach characteristics when traveling with children of different ages. At Lake Waramaug, "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.)"
Evening entertainment: Multiple campgrounds provide structured activities. A Lake Compounce camper notes, "They had some activities like bingo and corn hole the weekend we were there," which can help occupy children during evening hours.
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Lake Compounce: The layout provides good separation despite facing neighbors. "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," explains one RVer at Lake Compounce Campground. Another notes, "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded."
Dump station considerations: Several campgrounds lack full hookups but offer dump stations. "No sewers sites that I could tell, and water was off because we were a week shy of the season opening," reports an Indian Island County Park visitor, who added they "needed to move to dump station prior to leaving (2 night visit)."
Utility availability: Check seasonal variations in water and electric service. A Wildwood camper explains, "There is water, electric and cable TV connections," while noting the campground is "part of the Long Island Sound" shoreline.
