The camping sites near Terryville, Connecticut sit in a region characterized by the Litchfield Hills, where elevations range between 700-1,200 feet. This area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during camping season. Most campgrounds in the region maintain a typical season from late April through mid-October, with several closing after Columbus Day weekend.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Compounce Campground offers fishing access with varying species available. A camper noted, "The sites were large enough for RV. NO privacy, but tent sites were ok. Free showers for number of campsites, but very clean."
Hiking trails: Black Rock State Park Campground features multiple trail options through wooded terrain. According to a visitor, "Beautiful state park, very clean.. fishing, lake swimming, hiking trails. Bathrooms, free showers.. stores within a 5 minute drive."
Water activities: Kettletown State Park provides lake access when conditions permit. One camper mentioned, "Great activities but compact sites. Access to the river was great, though no swimming was allowed because of an algae bloom. The shorter hiking trails in the area were really beautiful."
Evening entertainment: Some campgrounds coordinate scheduled activities. At Cozy Hills Campground, "Family activities, like archery, were excellent." Another reviewer noted they offer "Arts & Crafts, Arcade, Bingo, Casino Night etc."
What campers like
Privacy levels: White Pines Campsites offers varying site configurations. According to one camper, "We stayed at site 85 in Sunny Crest and liked having some privacy. The sites nearby had some trees providing space between each site."
Water features: Many sites provide creek or riverside options. At Austin Hawes Memorial Campground, "Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain varying levels of bathroom cleanliness. One visitor to Cozy Hills mentioned, "Bathrooms are very clean but very far apart. The pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids."
Wildlife viewing: Natural encounters occur regularly in the area. A Lake Compounce camper reported, "This is an interesting camp ground. As I am set up for bed I see one other large green tent that looks deserted. I also hear coyotes. Won't be surprised if I see a bear in the morning."
What you should know
Site spacing concerns: Many campgrounds feature closely positioned sites. At Kettletown State Park, "The sites were super close together and the boundary lines were unclear, so my neighbors ended up using my fire ring to secure their tent."
Weather considerations: Rainfall affects certain sites disproportionately. Point Folly Campground experiences specific flooding patterns: "The water front sites on the West Side seem to flood easily if it rains."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Branch Brook Campground can be difficult to coordinate with: "Other reviews have mentioned that it didn't seem like the office was ever opened and while we never had a reason to go to the office, it was closed early in the day when we arrived."
Seasonal differences: Campground experiences vary greatly between weekdays and weekends. One camper at Lake Compounce noted, "Stayed in September 2021. CG is pretty empty during the week and gets busy during the weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Point Folly Campground provides lake swimming access. A visitor commented, "Clean and quiet. Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing. Small little island."
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific family features. At Cozy Hills, "Pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids."
Room to explore: Kettletown State Park offers space for kids to burn energy. A visitor shared, "The reason why I said that place is perfect kids? It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night!"
Wildlife awareness: Bears and other wildlife frequent many camping areas. At Lake Compounce, one camper advised being cautious with food: "I also hear coyotes. Won't be surprised if I see a bear in the morning."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer partial hookups. A Lake Compounce Campground visitor noted, "Very nice campground. Has electric, water and cable TV connections. Clean bathrooms and nice store."
Pull-through options: Some sites accommodate larger rigs. At Lake Compounce, "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded."
Dump station access: Sanitary facilities vary by location. One RVer at Lake Compounce mentioned, "Very well maintained and friendly staff will stay again when in the area. Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station."
Site leveling challenges: Terrain impacts set-up requirements. A visitor to Cozy Hills observed, "A lot of the sites we drove by were pretty sloped- I would recommend a drive though if you can beforehand."
