Connecticut's northwestern region near Terryville features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 700-1,100 feet. Located within the Litchfield Hills, the area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures dropping to 15-30°F. Most campgrounds in this region remain open from late April through mid-October due to New England's seasonal climate.
What to do
Hiking trails nearby: Several campgrounds offer direct trail access to explore the Connecticut woods. Clarence Fahnestock State Park provides "great hiking and a lake you can get to and swim in right from the campsite. If you are in to apple picking it is a short drive and it is easy to get into town to take the train to and from NYC," according to one camper who rated their experience 4 stars.
Fishing opportunities: Fish for largemouth bass at Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park, located about 40 miles from Terryville. "The kids caught about 20 fish... There is plenty of fishing access from shore and you can rent a boat for the whole day to fish on the water," writes one visitor who also mentioned the campground is dog-friendly.
Water recreation: The region offers multiple swimming options during summer months. At Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, visitors appreciate the "beautiful and clean" lake. One reviewer noted, "Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards/kyacks etc. Worth every penny."
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Many campers highlight the well-maintained bathroom facilities at campgrounds near Terryville. At Cozy Hills Campground in nearby Bantam, visitors appreciate the "clean private bathrooms" as a notable feature. The campground maintains its facilities well, with one camper noting it's "well maintained, very clean" with "lots and lots of activities for kids."
Spacious sites: Some campgrounds offer roomier camping spaces than others. At Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park, a visitor noted "Lots of trees and shade" and mentioned that "the sites on the water looked nice." This Massachusetts campground, about 30 miles from Terryville, earned praise from another camper who said their "site was even raked clean" upon arrival.
Seasonal activities: Campgrounds in the region often provide recreational programming. At Cozy Hills Campground, campers enjoy "Arts & Crafts, Arcade, Bingo, Casino Night etc." The campground also features a "nice pool but only 3 feet deep," which another visitor noted is "very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most rv parks near Terryville, Connecticut operate on a limited schedule. Lake Compounce Campground in Bristol runs from May through October, while Taconic State Park's season runs even shorter from "May 27 to September 5."
Limited winter options: Camping during colder months requires planning. Gentiles Campground remains open "All year" according to their listing, though with reduced amenities during winter. One winter camper reported, "Was here for Three months and it was during the winter and didn't have any problems great people sell propane on site."
Site privacy varies significantly: Campground layouts offer different experiences. At Clarence Fahnestock, a camper advised "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Children benefit from dedicated play areas at several campgrounds. Gentiles Campground offers "a nice swimming pool" and playground equipment. Lake Taghkanic provides "clean cabins, cottages, beach" and facilities for families, with one visitor mentioning a "rec room for rainy days."
Swimming options: Family-friendly water features rank highly with campers. Lake Compounce Campground connects to an amusement park, with a visitor noting "This is an interesting camp ground. As I am set up for bed I see one other large green tent that looks deserted." The campground offers both RV sites and tent camping near the amusement park.
Camping near attractions: Position your family near regional points of interest. Prospect Mountain Campground received praise as "a great campground for families with younger kids. They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RV parks near Terryville, Connecticut offer diverse utility connections. At Totoket Valley RV Park in North Branford, campers find "good electrical, clean water, sewer and a friendly owner. Each site has grass and a picnic table." This makes it "perfect for a stop over" according to a reviewer.
Site surfaces: RV pads vary in quality and material across the region. Lake Compounce Campground provides "long pull thrus" where "you will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded." A different camper noted the thoughtful layout: "Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper."
Big rig accessibility: Larger motorhomes require careful campground selection. Branch Brook Campground accommodates various RV sizes, though one camper mentioned that "sites are pretty close together and the campground is close to a fairly busy road." For more spacious options, Aces High RV Park offers "both water front back in sites as well as large pull throughs" with "lots of space between them."
