110 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Litchfield Hills region surrounding Washington, Connecticut contains several developed campgrounds suitable for various camping styles. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, located in nearby New Preston, provides lakefront campsites with tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options. Point Folly Campground at White Memorial Conservation Center in Bantam offers more rustic accommodations directly on Bantam Lake. Cozy Hills Campground, also in Bantam, features 178 sites with electric hookups and amenities for tent, RV, and cabin campers. Steep Rock Association maintains three primitive campsites along the Shepaug River for those seeking more secluded experiences.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from late spring through early fall, typically May through September or October. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground operates from May 26 to September 4, while Cozy Hills maintains a longer season from April 15 to October 15. Winter camping options are limited, with few facilities remaining open year-round. Cell phone coverage can be spotty throughout the region, particularly at more remote locations. Permits and reservations are generally required for all camping areas, and many sites fill quickly during summer weekends. "There is no cell phone coverage at any of the campsites. All of the campsites are right next to the Shepaug River. There is a very crude outhouse between campsites #1 and #2, but none at #3," noted one visitor to Steep Rock Association.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the region. Both Lake Waramaug and Bantam Lake provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. Several visitors highlighted the peaceful atmosphere at Point Folly Campground, with one camper describing it as "Clean and quiet. Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing." Family-friendly amenities vary considerably between locations. Cozy Hills Campground offers organized activities, a camp store, and recreational facilities, while state park campgrounds provide more basic amenities with greater emphasis on natural surroundings. The campgrounds closest to Washington tend to be more developed, while those in surrounding towns offer varying levels of privacy and natural immersion. Many sites throughout the region have fire rings, picnic tables, and access to potable water, though specific amenities differ by location.
"While this might be fine for some dogs, I have 2 young border collies that will jump that fence like it is not even there."
"We stayed near the water. Clean private bathrooms were a plus. Clean pool but only 3 feet deep."
from $72 - $122 / night
Check Availability"My family has been camping at Lake Waramaug for over 20 years. I can say most of what’s been said is true or partially so but whether it’s bad or good depends on your point of view."
"One of my favorite so far , went with family , to comply w covid and social distancing, the camp only rent your site and no one on your left or right or across ! Amazing !"
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway. This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again. "
"Semi private with great view and nice walks to the water. Noise was not a problem overnight as to having problems with noises neighbors at other CT state parks."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful state park, very clean .. fishing, lake swimming, hiking trails. Bathrooms, free showers .. stores within a 5 minute drive. Most of the camp ground site are not secluded .."
"The family next to me offered me dinner one night after I spent the whole day working on my RV. Spanish rice chicken the works the plate could barely hold it all."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"teaching scouts of all ages how to take and prepare for the wilderness survival badges place is clean it has running water has a porta potty and festival you don't have to worry because the state of Connecticut"
"Our camp spot was right above the river the flows behind this spot. You can go sit down by the water. But be careful!"
from $14 / night
Check Availability"The campground 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. "
"Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing. Small little island"
"Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites."
"There’s two brand new bathrooms on site one of which is conveniently located right by the pool. Owners are doing new renovations to make this place look good!"
from $55 - $150 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Tall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane."
"The Housatonic river is wide and shallow but good for soaking on a hot day and right behind pretty much every campsite. The riverside sites have a clear view, the others you walk through the woods."
from $17 - $50 / night
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ScoutWe’ve had our camper at White Pines for summer and have really enjoyed it. It’s nice having everything set up and being able to come up whenever we have a free weekend. The staff is friendly and there’s always something going on.
RangerThe campground is on a hillside and we stayed in one of the higher sites, further from the electrical site. The background humming was faint. There are 2 very close sites next to 3 yurts. The first night, our yurt neighbors partied until 1:30 am, and the 2nd night a family stayed and were in bed by 9:30. The closest bathrooms were down the hill a bit and were clean with a nice shower. Amazing hiking trails right from the campground. Our dog encountered a porcupine, and got away with only a couple of quills to the lower lip. If you have a dog, you will need to show a current rabies tag to bring them into the campsite.
ScoutThis is not the place to come if what you are looking for is a nice quiet, peaceful nature retreat. The "full shade" sites really aren't, it's crowded with kids yelling and running everywhere, and honestly, you're better off camping in your backyard.
ScoutThe neighbor cry about a dog that barks and then we are no good
ScoutI was in the area and needed a location to hook up. Temperature at 7:00 p.m. was 85 in July which is expected. They're able to get me in for the night. Quick and easy. Had smoke from the Canadian Wildfire which made for a good sunset
LegendExcellent campground! The forest is beautiful, the Hudson River is super close, there are great trails, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Sites are electric only, so make sure your water pump is working and fresh water tank is full. There are spigots for filling and a nice dump station. The player is excellent. I don't think tetn camping here would be great because the tent sites are closer together and there are trains that pass regularly. We couldn't hear the trains in our camper and our site was large and private with great Forest and hammock trees. The mansion tours at Vanderbilt and Mills were awesome!
TravelerWe arrived after 10pm so we couldn’t go into the general store to check in. But there was an envelope with our name and a description of where we had to go. Because it was so dark we couldn’t find it but the security guard was really helpful and showed us the way. We spent a really quiet night at this campground at a tent site with our rooftop tent and appreciated the clean showers and friendly staff. We would come back anytime.
TravelerI called as we were 3 hours away for a spot for the night. The lady who answered was amazing and asked everything to pick us the right spot. We showed up after hours and found our spot. It was so peaceful and so beautiful. Bathrooms were extremely clean! I recommend this spot to everyone! Well worth it!
GuideTall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane. The campground is landscaped and maintained beautifully. the highlight is the river, ever-present in sound. The primo sites are on the northern end , where most sites are right on the water, and just a small descent. Bathrooms are good, not great. Showers are push button automatic, water was warm. We have a small RV, the dump site is up the main road about a 1/2 mile in a turnout. Free for campers, on your honor. At office were college aged young men and women in very casual street clothes all very nice, and mannerly, but not very knowledgeable, and hard to believe they could handle an adverse situation. I asked for the soap to be filled in the mens room on Thursday afternoon at 4 and it was still not done at noon the next day. -it’s a 2 minute walk from the office. I asked about a hike, they told me a trail head was a mile up the road. We found a spur directly across the street. I miss real docents, with knowledge, and wearing the garb. All sites not directly on the river side have paths down to get there. Did a nice little moderate hike just across the street called Pine Knob. Nice vista, quick 760ft ascent, combines withe AT for a length, then back down total 3 miles the way we did it. Some nice restaurants in Kent. Found a good breakfast in Goshen. We’ll be going back.
The Litchfield Hills area surrounding Washington, Connecticut sits at an elevation between 500-1,000 feet, creating a diverse camping landscape with numerous waterbodies. Camping spots near Washington, Connecticut operate primarily from May through October, with most facilities closing completely during winter months due to freezing temperatures and limited demand.
Hiking trails with water views: Macedonia Brook State Park Campground offers campsites adjacent to a stream with multiple hiking options. "The loop hike over the mountains was good, at times more intermediate than beginner and I wouldn't try to go it with younger kids. We did the east side one afternoon and the west the next," notes one visitor.
Kayaking and canoeing: Bantam Lake at Point Folly Campground provides water access for paddlers of all experience levels. "Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing. Small little island," reports a camper. The wind conditions vary significantly between the east and west sides of the lake.
Swimming options: Black Rock State Park Campground includes a swimming beach that tends to be crowded on summer weekends. The park also features several hiking trails with scenic views. "Beach was nice, just a bit crowded," mentions a visitor, who also noted the "lot of good hiking trails with a scenic view and waterfall to discover."
Privacy levels vary significantly: Steep Rock Association offers three widely spaced primitive campsites for those seeking isolation. "Each one is far away from the others. The two that are closest are still divided by several hundred feet of wooded area; you can hear if someone at the other campsite shouts loudly enough, but you can't see any lights," explains a camper.
Clean facilities: Lake Compounce Campground maintains modern bathroom facilities despite being connected to an amusement park. "Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper," notes a reviewer who appreciated the design considerations.
Fishing opportunities: Many campers highlight fishing as a primary activity. At Cozy Hills Campground, "Kids caught about 20 fish," reports one family, while another mentioned "Fishing on site" as a notable amenity. The ponds and lakes throughout the region support various fish species for anglers of all skill levels.
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited or no cellular connectivity. At Steep Rock Association, "There is no cell phone coverage at any of the campsites," while Lake Waramaug has spotty service. One camper noted this can be positive: "Being forced to put away the devices is heaven in my mind. You can drive about 5+ minutes out and get cell service."
Bathroom facilities vary drastically: Some campgrounds offer only basic sanitation. Macedonia Brook provides "No bathhouse, just portable toilets and a few water pumps," while Kettletown State Park Campground has bathhouses that "need updating" according to visitors. One camper noted, "This one is really just in dire need of updating."
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal changes. Late spring can bring heavy rains that affect waterfront sites. At Point Folly, "The water front sites on the West Side seem to flood easily if it rains," warns a frequent visitor.
Child-friendly activities: Some campgrounds provide organized recreation for children. At Cozy Hills Campground, "Arts & Crafts, Arcade, Bingo, Casino Night etc." keep children entertained, with one visitor noting it's an "Excellent Family Campground" with "lots and lots of activities for kids!"
Swimming safety: Pool depths and supervision levels differ between locations. Cozy Hills has a "nice pool but only 3 feet deep," making it "very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids" according to reviewers.
Site selection matters: For families, choosing the right site can impact the experience. At Freedom Farm Homestead, sites are spacious enough for family activities, while Lake Compounce Campground offers "long pull thrus" where "you will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded."
Access limitations: Many campgrounds have narrow, steep access roads. At Gentiles Campground, "roads were narrow and steep and hard to maneuver bigger trailers and rigs," according to one RVer who found navigation challenging.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections are available at several locations, but sewer hookups are limited. Lake Compounce "does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station" that's accessible when exiting the campground.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain. At Lake Waramaug, you can get "a VERY large site that easily fits 3 tents," but many sites require significant leveling for RVs due to the natural topography and drainage ditches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Washington, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Washington, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 110 campgrounds and RV parks near Washington, CT and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Washington, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Washington, CT is Cozy Hills Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 9 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Washington, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Washington, CT.
What parks are near Washington, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Washington, CT that allow camping, notably Northfield Brook Lake and Hop Brook Lake.
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