Best Campgrounds near Washington, CT

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Washington, CT has a lot to offer. Washington is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Washington, Connecticut (109)

    1. Cozy Hills Campground

    8 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-2119

    $72 - $122 / night

    "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."

    2. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    New Preston, CT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 868-0220

    $17 - $50 / night

    "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 !"

    3. Kettletown State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Stevenson, CT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 264-5678

    $17 - $50 / night

    "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."

    4. Black Rock State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Thomaston, CT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8088

    $17 - $50 / night

    "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."

    5. Macedonia Brook State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Kent, CT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 927-3238

    $14 / night

    "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!"

    6. Point Folly Campground

    2 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-0089

    "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"

    7. Steep Rock Association

    1 Review
    Washington, CT
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (860) 868-9131

    "Each one is far away from the others."

    8. Gentiles Campground

    7 Reviews
    Plymouth, CT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8437

    $55 - $150 / night

    "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!"

    9. Freedom Farm Homestead

    1 Review
    New Milford, CT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 508-1594

    $50 - $70 / night

    10. Lake Compounce Campground

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, CT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 583-3300

    "Affiliated with Lake Compounce Amusement Park adjacent to campground."

    "It is adjacent to an amusement park so there were lots of families here. None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out."

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Recent Reviews near Washington, CT

529 Reviews of 109 Washington Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Gentiles Campground

    Nice place to stay

    Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites. Most sites seem pretty level, but there are some steep roads in the CG. There is an airport next to CG, but it is for single engine private planes only so not a problem. Not by a major road so little traffic noise. I would stay here again.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Croton Point Park

    Not the Best Place to Go in the Northeast By a Longshot

    Croton Point Campground is a modest little campground, located along the Hudson River within Croton Point Park in NY. In addition to camping, the park itself offers many of its own attractions, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, cabin rentals, and a host of other family-oriented activities just along the Hudson. 

    The park, which is honestly probably the largest attraction here, is located just an hour and a half outside of the city. This proximity is both its perk and its downfall, as the park itself, but particularly the campground, has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of, let alone hope to justify. 

    This includes all manner of restrictions on how you can camp, where you can camp, what equipment can be used, and use in relation to what particular site you may have been lucky enough to reserve. Much of this you can understand while imagining what may have taken place here to bring them to such measures, but it doesn't make it any easier to contend with. 

    In terms of the actual camping conditions Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded, with regular patrols🚓(actual patrols) being made day and night, by both the Park Rangers and what appears to be general park staff members, all looking to see if you or your family might be doing something that they might consider outside of the guidelines or not in compliance with the many restrictions. 

    This is not to say you can't possibly have a good time here. It just might mean being a bit more diligent toward reviewing the potential legitimacy of your normal camping routine to ensure it meets with many restrictions and guidelines imposed, while also making yourself comfortable with some fairly regular surveillance during your stay here. These all being things we hoped to get away from while camping ourselves It just turned out to be a bit much for our particular liking.

  • Nicole G.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Tolland State Forest Campground

    Great Lakeside Campground

    This was only my second camping trip ever (and first tent camping) so grain of salt here - We had a great time at Tolland. The site was spacious and equipped with a bear box, fire ring, and picnic table. The ground at the site was large gravel which was not great in the tent, but walking around it looks like most sites are more dirt and pine needles.

    The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids, and my daughter loved thethe campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff.

  • Mike W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    First time here

    Nice facility, friendly staff. They pack us in pretty tight in some sites.

  • Alicia B.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    River Highlands State Park River Campground

    Beautiful But Beware of Arachnids

    We only visited for the day and left around dawn, but the campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river. As a heads-up, the outhouse did have quite a few wolf spiders (which might be expected in a natural setting like this). Otherwise, it’s a peaceful and scenic spot worth seeing!

  • Elizabeth M.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Jellystone Park Gardiner

    Dirty bathrooms

    This is my second time I visited the park, the first time was 4 years ago and we stayed in a cabin, but a few weeks ago we decided to stay in a tent side and it was a nice experience except for some things, the campers don't respect the quiet time at night and morning too. A lot noises until 2 am and early from 6 am. But the worst experience was bathrooms, very few for the number of sites and people it covers. They need to add more bathrooms. They rarely cleaned the bathroom in all the 6 days that I stayed. The showers didn't have enough water pressure, 2 out of 6 had only hot water, some had no paper, hairs everywhere, the toilets didn't work, and super dirty, the truth was a disgusting thing that didn't encourage to use them but there was no other option. For the price you pay is not for having the bathrooms under those conditions. I hope you get better because the truth is a park that has many things to have a good time but with the bathrooms with that condition, is not encouraged to reserve again. And please add more shadows in the areas of the tents and MORE BATHROOMS, is not enough to cover all the tents area.

  • sdwalter@bellsouth.net
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Interlake RV Park & Campground

    Great campsite.

    Great Campsite. Well maintained. Lots of pretty lots under the shade. Good for Families. Pool. Recreation Barn. Recycling. Some people stay here all summer. Close to FDR home and library...a must to see. Quaint towns nearby.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Alander Trail Camground — Mount Washington State Forest

    Amazing Dispersed Camping

    Absolutely love this spot and highly recommend if you’re looking for a super private, true primitive camping experience. 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, theres quite a few sites to choose from and each offer quite a bit or privacy. It’s completely free and it usually isn’t too busy since most people don’t like having to carry all their stuff in that far. You will be in the heart of the forest/woods so definitely make sure to be prepared. We had some scares with coyotes and bears in the past but never anything crazy. They give you a semi-flat area for a tent, a fire pit and grill rack, one picnic table, and a bear box you would be sharing with other campers nearby

  • Brittany V.
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Skyridge Trails Campground

    Fantastic new campground!

    A little over a year old, and they have tons to do! Weekly themed events, spacious sites with fantastic views. The sites are level gravel with full hook ups and include a fire pit and picnic table. Beautiful swimming pond and a serene fishing pond located on site. The outpost has anything you might have forgotten to bring and everyone is ready to make sure you are enjoying your stay!


Guide to Washington

Camping near Washington, Connecticut, offers a mix of beautiful nature and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are great trails nearby, especially at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. One camper mentioned, "The best part of this campsite are the endless trails in the area... Would definitely recommend for those who want to camp near NYC but not drive too far."
  • Fishing and Water Sports: At Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, you can enjoy kayaking and fishing. A reviewer said, "The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing."
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campers enjoy spotting local wildlife. One family shared, "Never have we had issues with wildlife besides squirrels and ducks. Leave no trace is important - it keeps the unwelcome wildlife out."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Mills Norrie State Park Campground said, "The campground and state park is nicely forested with beautiful tall trees."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park noted, "It was so quiet at night—not a sound after 11pm during my visit."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Lone Oak Camp Sites offer fun for kids. A parent mentioned, "Lots of activities for kids. Most seasonal sites are held by employees."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper at Kettletown State Park Campground said, "The camping spots are uneven, making it challenging to set up tents or campers."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lake Waramaug State Park Campground mentioned, "I would never camp here on a weekend... it is a party place then."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Keep food secure to avoid attracting animals. One camper advised, "There are lots of skunks and squirrels that will get into EVERYTHING even in a bin."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Activities: Pack games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A family at Mills Norrie State Park Campground found the playground equipment helpful, saying, "The beautiful playground equipment was a good-send for our family."
  • Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that offer privacy and space for kids to play. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park noted, "Some sites are grouped in open areas. These lack privacy."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring your own food and cooking supplies, as some campgrounds have limited food options. A visitor at Lake Waramaug State Park Campground mentioned, "Plan on bringing your own food and cooking."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Taconic State Park warned, "Careful which site you choose."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have electric or sewer hookups. A visitor at Kettletown State Park Campground said, "No hookups."
  • Watch for Road Conditions: Be cautious of narrow roads and tight turns. A camper at Lone Oak Camp Sites noted, "The sheer armada of golf carts constantly going up and down the road make you feel like you’re camping on a highway instead of in nature."

Camping around Washington, Connecticut, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family fun. Just be prepared for the quirks of each campground, and you’ll have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Washington, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Washington, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 109 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 8 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.