Best Campgrounds near Taconic, CT

The Taconic region of northwestern Connecticut features a mix of state parks and private campgrounds spanning the tri-state area where Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York converge. Taconic State Park, with its Copake Falls and Rudd Pond areas just across the New York border, offers tent platforms overlooking scenic ponds and access to hiking trails. Lone Oak Camp Sites in East Canaan provides family-friendly amenities including swimming pools, playgrounds, and fishing ponds. For backpackers, the Appalachian Trail corridor includes primitive sites like the Riga Lean-To and Brassie Brook Shelter on Bear Mountain. Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October, with a few extending into November.

Reservations are essential during summer months, particularly for weekend stays when campgrounds fill quickly due to proximity to New York City. As one camper noted, "This was a truly great campground, but its proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends." The camping season generally runs from mid-April through mid-October, with peak crowds in July and August. Many campgrounds feature tent platforms to accommodate the region's sloping terrain. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage at lower elevations. Dog owners should bring proof of rabies vaccination, as this is commonly requested at check-in. Weather conditions remain mild through summer, though evening temperatures can drop significantly, especially at higher elevations.

Visitor experiences highlight the region's natural features and proximity to outdoor recreation. Campers frequently mention the area's waterfalls, particularly Bash Bish Falls, accessible via a short hike from Taconic State Park. Swimming areas with lifeguards are available at several locations, including Rudd Pond's beach with its floating dock. Site privacy varies considerably across campgrounds, with many reviewers noting the close proximity of neighboring sites. According to one visitor at Rudd Pond, "The campsites are pretty close together, so if the campground is full, you are rather close to your neighbors." Weekday camping typically offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds. The region's hiking trails, scenic views, and abundant wildlife, including frogs, toads, and occasionally bears, are consistently mentioned as highlights.

Best Camping Sites Near Taconic, Connecticut (152)

    1. Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

    20 Reviews
    Copake Falls, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 329-3993

    $17 - $175 / night

    "It is a beautiful spot to visit the Taconic region, however this campsite is not up to pace."

    "Taconic State Park has a beautiful campground. No electric hookups, but plenty of water and tent sites are available with very large platforms. Bathroom facilities are adequate."

    2. Lone Oak Camp Sites

    12 Reviews
    Norfolk, CT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 422-2267

    "Tons of kids activities to keep the little ones busy and great hikes around! Tons of waterfalls in the area and the highest point in Connecticut."

    "I happened upon Lone Oaks Camp Site when looking for someplace to stay in north eastern Connecticut."

    3. Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Ancramdale, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 851-3631

    $17 - $195 / night

    "The campground has 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."

    "We decided on Lake Taghkanic. Lake Taghkanic State Park was not a long drive from NYC, maybe 2 hours. The campsite was very clean and maintained."

    4. Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park

    4 Reviews
    Millerton, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 789-3059

    $17 - $20 / night

    "This is a really interesting campground that's situated on a hill overlooking Rudd Pond in Taconic State Park. "

    "Wonderful hiking trails. Pond for fishing & swimming. Kiddie pond, children’s playground, Deli across the street is poorly managed but OK for a sandwich. Beautiful surrounding countryside."

    5. Alander Trail Camground — Mount Washington State Forest

    3 Reviews
    Mount Washington, MA
    5 miles
    Website

    "You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots."

    "Each spot is easy to find off the trail. They also have bear boxes at each site!"

    6. Brassie Brook Shelter - Bear Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    Taconic, CT
    2 miles
    Website

    "We started our hike at the under-mountain trailhead, located right off route 41, and climbed up the mountain. Be prepared for steep inclines, and lots of rocks."

    "There's also a bear box near by. Room to camp your tent on the ground too if you wanted to or had more ppl along."

    7. Copake Camping Resort

    5 Reviews
    Copake Falls, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 329-2811

    $79 - $229 / night

    "We have plans to return with friends due to the proximity to home and easy access to local things to do."

    8. Laurel Ridge — Mount Everett State Reservation

    2 Reviews
    Taconic, CT
    2 miles

    "No matter where you start, you'll be hiking on some of the steepest parts of the Appalachian Trail in the northwestern Connecticut and southwestern Massachusetts."

    9. Beartown State Forest Campground

    5 Reviews
    Great Barrington, MA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 528-0904

    $14 / night

    "A pretty spot near the Berkshires. This spot has rustic hikes and good swimming, plus relatively secluded campsites."

    10. Riga Lean-To

    1 Review
    Taconic, CT
    1 mile
    Website

    "We absolutely loved this little lean-to next to Bear Mountain. I'll make this review short, as we also stayed at the Brassie Brook lean-to which is located only about a mile apart from each other."

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Recent Reviews near Taconic, CT

689 Reviews of 152 Taconic Campgrounds


  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Great staff but back-to-back campsite

    We stayed a coupe of days in Oct. This is a beautiful site to camp out. The staffs are friendly and very attentive.
    Bathroom and water pressure was ok. But one shower location for 50 campsites. Three small showers units and three toilet.
    I never stayed a state campsite where the sites are so close each other. If you like a “normal” distance to your neighbors, I'd not recommend this place.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    Good amenities and fun experience!

    Campsites Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between. Nice and level. Amenities Bathrooms are older and need of some repair but let me tell you I was very happy to see a normal shower head with real hot water! So no complaints here. Laundry facilities were clean and open 24/7 with reasonable prices 2.50/2.00 washer/dryer. And the dryers actually worked. Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue. We have Starlink but in a wooded campsite, connecting is an issue but luckily their WiFi was great. Had no issues and could stream just fine. Halloween! We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun. Would definitely go back. Also, staff was super nice.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Brookside Campground

    Not a recreational campsite

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We paid for two weeks in advance of arriving at this site based on reviews available on Google and Dyrt. However, when we arrived we were surprised that this was mostly a trailer park. Call me picky, but I really prefer not to camp in an area where folks are living full time. Just not the vibe I’m going for. We decided to leave without staying. We called to see if we could get a refund and they were very kind and it wasn’t a problem. But just be warned… this is not a recreational campsite.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Whip O Will Campsites

    Not for recreational campers

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We arrived after leaving another campsite in the area (that was also 100% full timers) and were disappointed to find that this site was all permanent campers with crap everywhere. One site even had a funeral home sign hanging out front of an entire plywood addition to their camper…like what? Call me picky, but I don’t feel entirely comfortable camping for fun next to folks who live in the campground like this. After driving through the super narrow and rutted out roads to the site they recommend, a man came hauling a** into our site (with a beer in his hand) and was saying “hello hellooooo.” Said he was the owner of the campsite and asked if we were staying, we said we were thinking about it, just checking out the available sites (as the lady up front told us to do). TL;DR- bad vibes. Didn’t stay. Be warned this is a full time campsite with crap everywhere. The lady working the office was super nice though.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    Convenient pit stop

    This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Point Folly Campground

    Great

    I’ve been coming here for decades. Little store has what you need if you can find the shop keeper. Great access to bantam lake. You can leave you canoes/kayaks tied up in the water. Great fishing. Love it overall. The only issue I have is the pit toilets are brutal. If you are tent camping, beware!

  • Christine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    Quiet and clean

    So far it's been pretty quiet but we are here at the beginning of October on a Monday. Nice area.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Average

    We stayed one night in late September without a reservation. Bathhouse is old but was adequate with hot showers. We’re from out of state and paid about $23 for a tent site which was reasonable for the facilities.

  • S
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Sylvan Lake Beach Park

    Great Beach Lake for summer swimming and Boating

    This is an old campground, but is quite quaint. Reminds me of lake camping that I grew up with. Hosts are very nice and helpful. This is more of a seasonal camping site. Do not follow your GPS directions. Get directions from the campground staff.


Guide to Taconic

The Taconic region of Connecticut sits at the junction of the Berkshire and Taconic mountain ranges, with elevations ranging from 700 to 2,400 feet. Campsites throughout the area typically experience temperature drops of 10-15 degrees from day to night even in summer. Camping spots near Taconic, Connecticut range from primitive backcountry sites along the Appalachian Trail to developed campgrounds with amenities such as platform tent sites designed for the region's rocky terrain.

What to do

Hiking to waterfalls: Bash Bish Falls remains accessible via a short trail from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park. According to one visitor, "There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible."

Fishing opportunities: The ponds throughout the region support largemouth bass fishing. At Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park, "There is plenty of fishing access from shore and you can rent a boat for the whole day to fish on the water." Rental boats provide access to deeper water for better catches.

Swimming in natural settings: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas with beaches and docks. Lake Taghkanic State Park offers "a great beach, 5 minute drive from campground. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days." Some swimming areas maintain lifeguards during summer months, particularly in July and August.

Bear Mountain summit trek: For panoramic views, hike to Bear Mountain's summit. One camper at Riga Lean-To noted, "Make sure to hit the summit of Bear Mountain; incredible view!" The trail involves moderate elevation gain but rewards hikers with vistas across three states.

What campers like

Platform tent sites: The elevated wooden platforms provide flat surfaces on otherwise rocky or sloped terrain. At Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, "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!"

Wildlife encounters: Campers frequently observe amphibians, birds, and occasionally larger mammals. "The taconic mountains offer some great flora and fauna. We had several species of frogs and toads wandering about in the evening, giant millipedes were plenty, and even found a newt on our hike."

Lake activities: Many campgrounds provide swimming beaches with amenities. One camper at Lake Taghkanic described "2 lifeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of." These facilities typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Family-oriented amenities: Lone Oak Camp Sites receives praise for its recreation options: "Nice clean well run campground. Entertainment all weekend with lots of staff. Play areas, pool over 21 bar area bands etc." The campground schedules organized activities throughout summer weekends.

What you should know

Weather considerations: The higher elevations experience rapid temperature changes. Overnight temperatures frequently drop into the 40s even during summer months, particularly at campsites above 1,500 feet elevation. Pack layers and appropriate sleeping bags.

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely throughout the region. Reception typically improves at higher elevations and near larger towns. Many campgrounds have limited or no service, particularly in valleys.

Campsite privacy varies: Site spacing differs significantly between campgrounds. At Alander Trail Camground, "You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots. Once you get there, there's quite a few sites to choose from and each offer quite a bit of privacy."

Weekend crowding: Summer weekends fill quickly at developed campgrounds. One camper noted about Taconic State Park, "This was a truly great campground, but avoid weekends. Not all, but some other campers were less than considerate of others."

Bear safety requirements: Food storage regulations apply throughout the region. Many backcountry sites provide bear boxes. "They also have bear boxes at each site! Although we were the only campers at the time the area was immaculate and not one piece of trash on the ground anywhere!"

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: For families with children, seek campgrounds with designated swimming areas. Rudd Pond features "a swimming beach and during non-covid times, boat rentals." Several sites offer separate shallow areas for younger children.

Organized activities: Family-oriented campgrounds provide scheduled events. At Lone Oak, "There are many ways to camp at Lone Oaks. Tenting to an RV, very family friendly. There's a full bar with adult only dancing upstairs in the lounge Saturday nights, and a DJ playing dance music for the younger crowd down stairs."

Playground access: Some campgrounds maintain play structures and open fields. "The park offered many activities or just sit around the campsite drinking beers and reminiscing our youth days. We went on weekdays which is not crowded."

Kid-friendly hiking trails: Several short trails suitable for children exist throughout the region. Bear Mountain offers trails with viewpoints accessible within a 1-2 mile hike, making them manageable for families with older children.

Noise considerations: Brassie Brook Shelter - Bear Mountain provides a quieter alternative to developed campgrounds. "This site is just south of the Bear Mtn summit. You can park at the Undermountain Trailhead area. Once you hit the AT go to the right and it goes to the summit."

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: Many campgrounds have limited sites for larger rigs. Copake Camping Resort offers dedicated areas: "Our site was shady and long. There is a farmers market not far away every Sat. 9-1."

Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads unsuitable for larger vehicles. Check campground websites for specific length restrictions before booking.

Hookup availability: Full hookups (water, electric, sewer) remain limited in the region. At Lone Oak Camp Sites, "be careful on the map for what site has what amenities, and make sure to double check power requirements because it's not labeled on the sites and it varies."

Camp store provisions: Several campgrounds maintain stores with basic supplies. "The store was stocked with basic supplies and they had a cafe. WiFi was accessible from most areas but the bathrooms were very dated."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Taconic, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Taconic, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 152 campgrounds and RV parks near Taconic, CT and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Taconic, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Taconic, CT is Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Taconic, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Taconic, CT.

What parks are near Taconic, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Taconic, CT that allow camping, notably Northfield Brook Lake and Hop Brook Lake.