Camping spots near Thomaston, Connecticut offer varied landscapes within the Naugatuck Valley region, which sits at elevations ranging from 350 to 700 feet. Summer temperatures typically average 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring camping often requires extra waterproof gear due to the region's frequent rainfall patterns. Most established campgrounds near Thomaston operate on a reservation system, with primitive sites starting around $20 per night and full-service sites ranging from $35-60.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Compounce Campground provides access to nearby fishing areas as part of its amenities. One visitor noted, "Great time! Would have been nice if they had a place to swim (in the camping area) besides for at the main park."
Hiking trails: Black Rock State Park Campground offers several hiking options within walking distance of campsites. A visitor highlighted, "Lot of good hiking trails with a scenic view and waterfall to discover. Beach was nice, just a bit crowded."
Water activities: Point Folly Campground on Bantam Lake provides multiple water recreation options. A camper shared, "Point Folly is right on Bantam Lake which is great for boaters/kayakers, fisherman and families. I have found the east side of the lake to be much more windy than the west side of the lake."
Local exploration: Many campgrounds serve as good bases for exploring surrounding attractions. Visitors to Austin Hawes Memorial Campground mentioned, "This is an anglers campground, so there was some serious fishing going on. Also lots of little cabins if you dont want to rent camp."
What campers like
Private camping areas: Some campgrounds offer more seclusion than others. At Cozy Hills Campground, a visitor remarked, "Well maintained, very clean campground. Lots and lots of activities for kids! The only downside was the real lack of privacy at almost all the sites we saw."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain good sanitation standards. At Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce, a camper noted, "Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper."
Natural surroundings: Forested settings are common at camping spots near Thomaston. A visitor to Kettletown State Park Campground commented, "Beautiful trails, flat & hilly. The shorter hiking trails in the area were really beautiful."
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds offer larger-than-average camping areas. At Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, a review mentioned, "Sites are HUGE. Bathrooms, water, showers are close by. You will almost always have a view of the water."
What you should know
Site preparation: Some campgrounds have terrain issues to be aware of. A visitor to White Pines Campsites reported, "When we got to our spot, it was covered in hundreds and hundreds of nails and broken glass. Maintenance ended up having to get a shovel to get most of the nails up."
Seasonal variations: Most campgrounds have limited operating seasons. At Kettletown State Park Campground, which operates May 26 to September 4, a visitor noted, "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."
Reservation requirements: During peak season (June-August), reservations are essential at most campgrounds. At Gentiles Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. Most sites seem pretty level, but there are some steep roads in the CG."
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds report wildlife sightings. A camper at Bear Creek Campground observed, "This is an interesting camp ground. As I am set up for bed I see one other large green tent that looks deserted. People left their left over food scraps in the grass by my camp so not only has my dog been eating it, I also hear coyotes."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds with dedicated children's facilities are popular with families. At White Pines Campsites, a visitor shared, "The Gaga ball pit was great. The pool was nice, although, no seating due to covid."
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds require extra caution for families with young children. At Kettletown State Park, a camper noted, "We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway. Site 11, while large, was uneven and had some large tree roots that would be easy to trip over."
Swimming options: Water access varies significantly between campgrounds. One visitor to Lake Waramaug noted, "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.)"
Space for play: Look for campgrounds with open areas for activities. A visitor to Cozy Hills Campground shared, "Very nice facilities. Most of the short-term sites are on a separate loop from the seasonals, which made for a nice short-term community. Family activities, like archery, were excellent."
Tips from RVers
Site access: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain for larger rigs. A visitor to Gentiles Campground noted, "Roads were narrow and steep and hard to maneuver bigger trailers and rigs. Very wooded area, looked like mostly full timers living there."
Hookup availability: Utility options vary between campgrounds. At Branch Brook Campground, a camper shared, "Better wi-fi than most campgrounds. My wife and I both were able to work with mostly no issues, though there were some situations where it would go out."
Dump station considerations: Several campgrounds have limited dump facilities. A visitor to Bear Creek Campground 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 layout and privacy: RV site arrangements differ significantly between campgrounds. A camper at Bear Creek noted, "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded."
