Best Camping 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, CT (111)

    Camper-submitted photo from Clarence Fahnestock State Park — Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Clarence Fahnestock State Park — Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Clarence Fahnestock State Park — Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Clarence Fahnestock State Park — Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Clarence Fahnestock State Park — Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Clarence Fahnestock State Park — Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park

    1. Clarence Fahnestock State Park — Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park

    34 Reviews
    121 Photos
    416 Saves
    Fishkill, New York

    This scenic campground, formed along the park's natural rock ridges, provides alcoves of privacy and tranquility for campers. Each of the 80 campsites has a picnic table and fire ring. Additionally there is an area for RV camping. Although there are no hookups available or dump station, restroom and shower facilities are centrally located to all RV and tent sites. Individuals, as well as larger camping groups, are welcome. The campground's nature center houses environmental displays and a variety of touch boxes. On weekends, park staff organizes hikes and craft activities. Movies are shown on Saturday evenings for the enjoyment of all campers.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Kettletown State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kettletown State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kettletown State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kettletown State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kettletown State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kettletown State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Waramaug State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Waramaug State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Waramaug State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Waramaug State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Waramaug State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Waramaug State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Compounce Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Compounce Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Compounce Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Compounce Campground

    4. Lake Compounce Campground

    11 Reviews
    4 Photos
    49 Saves
    Bristol, Connecticut

    Lake Compounce Campground is a one-of-a-kind family camping experience located steps away from Lake Compounce Family Theme & Water Park. Lake Compounce Campground provides one-bedroom cabins, two-bedroom cabins, cub huts, tipis, RV spaces, and tent sites. Plus, perks like discounted single-day admission to the park, themed weekends every weekend, family activities, and tons of amenities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Cozy Hills Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cozy Hills Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cozy Hills Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cozy Hills Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cozy Hills Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cozy Hills Campground

    5. Cozy Hills Campground

    6 Reviews
    12 Photos
    68 Saves
    Bantam, Connecticut

    Nestled in the natural beauty of the Litchfield Hills in Bantam, CT, Cozy Hills Campground welcomes all types of camping enthusiasts. Whether you are looking for a place to stay for one night, a weekend, or the six-month season we can accommodate! Bring your own tent, trailer, or even large motor home, or perhaps camp the easy way and rent one of our ten RVs or Cabins! Spend your time with us enjoying the natural wooded campground facilities, entertainment or investigate all the diverse attractions that are available in the northwest corner of Connecticut! While the property FEELS like camping, it is loaded with well-maintained amenities, from outdoor laser tag, fishing ponds, in-ground pool, arcade, restaurant, store, pavilion, to the playground and so much more!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $72 - $122 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Macedonia Brook State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Macedonia Brook State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Macedonia Brook State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Macedonia Brook State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Macedonia Brook State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Macedonia Brook State Park Campground

    6. Macedonia Brook State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    19 Photos
    117 Saves
    Kent, Connecticut

    The Macedonia Brook State Park Campground will be open for the 2021 season from April 9 through October 11 (daily). 159 Macedonia Brook Road, Kent 51 sites in rustic setting. Stream fishing, excellent hiking, no swimming. No pets. ALCOHOL PROHIBITED. Please do not bring alcoholic beverages.

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $14 - $24 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Black Rock State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Rock State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Rock State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Rock State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Rock State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Rock State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Oak Camp Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Oak Camp Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Oak Camp Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Oak Camp Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Oak Camp Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Oak Camp Sites

    8. Lone Oak Camp Sites

    12 Reviews
    15 Photos
    120 Saves
    Norfolk, Connecticut
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

    9. Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

    20 Reviews
    48 Photos
    146 Saves
    Copake Falls, New York

    Taconic State Park is located along 16 miles of the Taconic Mountain Range and great for camping near New York, sharing a border with Massachusetts and Connecticut. Two developed areas, Copake Falls and Rudd Pond, offer an extensive trail system with terrain that varies from easy to challenging, offering spectacular views. The extensive campground at Copake Falls has sites to accommodate campers seeking a more rustic experience, as well as those seeking a more "home like" experience. There are 45 tent sites, 25 tent platforms, 36 trailer sites and three cabin areas for a total of 106 campsites and 18 cabins. The trailer sites allow trailers up to 30 feet in length, but do not offer hook up facilities. Centrally located restroom and shower facilities are located in all campsite areas. The cabin areas vary in number of cabins, location and size. The smallest cabins accommodate up to 4 people and the largest 6 people. All cabins have electricity, lights, hot and cold running water, a kitchen with a refrigerator and stove, a dining area, a picnic table, and outdoor camp fire ring with grill. The "Ironworkers" cabins are equipped with private showers and flush toilets; campers in the "Bash Bish" cabins utilize a centrally located shower facility with flush toilets. Some cabins in the Greenwich Cabin Area are wheelchair accessible and offer extra amenities such as a microwave, sofa, shower, dishwasher and cable television hookup.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from White Pines Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from White Pines Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from White Pines Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from White Pines Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from White Pines Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from White Pines Campsites

    10. White Pines Campsites

    11 Reviews
    17 Photos
    65 Saves
    Winsted, Connecticut

    White Pines is here to offer camping guests a wonderful campground experience in the beautiful northwest corner of Connecticut. Located in Litchfield County, White Pines is situated in a quiet neighborhood, on top of Wallens Hill, in Barkhamsted. You will find plenty to do during your stay, both on-site and off-site, or you may choose to simply relax at your site. Take a stroll along our Happy Tails Trail, with your pawsome friend, as you head to our dog park. Fish in our stocked pond, or visit the nearby Farmington River for some world class fishing. Join any of our offered activities, or create your own fun times. Whatever you choose, White Pines is a great family campground, where life is simple, friends are plentiful, and campfires burn brightly.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $74 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 111 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Washington

Recent Reviews in Washington

526 Reviews of 111 Washington Campgrounds


  • Ricky H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Onion Mountain Park
    Nov. 5, 2024

    Onion Mountain Park

    Quiet overnight

    Very peaceful overnight camping, no permit required. Small campsite, first come first served basis. Other posts claim you can park right the site, but you can not. It’s up the yellow or blue trail depending on which one you take. However, it’s not a long walk to the parking area from the campsite.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mirror Lake Retreat
    Oct. 31, 2024

    Mirror Lake Retreat

    I stayed up there for work it was nice

    I was only up there for a few days for work. But it was really nice and had great play scale

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Croton Point Park
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Croton Point Park

    Not too much to offer

    General: A county park with a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites near a capped dump! There is a lodge and cabins close to the end of the point, but they appeared to be part of a group camp experience. They all appeared to be closed for the season (or because no one was renting at the time; they reminded me of places I used to take youth groups for weekend camps). The reservation process is a bit wonky. You need to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail, but the e-mail does not tell you your assigned site; you have to wait until you check in to find out your site.

    Site Quality: We had a loosely defined gravel pad that was level. All sites appeared level. The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together. No one was in the tent sites, but they did have new picnic tables.

    Activities/Amenities: Other than a playground and a basketball court, there did not seem to be any activities to partake in. There used to be a pool but from the looks of it, it hasn’t been in use for many years. There are walking paths outside of the campground that are located within the park, but we did not have time to explore them. 

    Bath/Shower house: Clean but a bit dated. No shelves or hooks for toiletries. I was surprised the door was left open all night long. There was a sign warning that the toilets were slow flushing, but I think this may have been fixed because the flush was so powerful that the water splashed over the top of the seat! 

    Because it was on a point on the Hudson, I had hoped for views from the campground but there were too many trees to see the water. I was perplexed by the signs throughout saying no trespassing/fishing prohibited. I get the no fishing part but the trespassing? When we checked in, we had to write down our credit card number on a slip of paper before we were given a key that opened the gate to the campground. When we checked out, we asked for the paper or to watch it get shredded but were told they had to keep it on file which concerned us.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spacious Skies Woodland Hills
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Spacious Skies Woodland Hills

    Tightly squeezed sites.

    Although sites are squeezed in, it is a nice family campground. However the site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow.Tricky footing for older folks like my wife and I. Particularly since my wife uses a cane.

  • Jacob D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    Very nice and relaxed

    Perfect place to get away and be in the calm nature. Only sound I’ve heard is the birds in the trees. Very open area with many sites with bear lockers, picnic tables and fire pits. We called ahead yesterday and they said it’s walk-in, so we will go register now because we came in late. Only $20 for out of state!! That’s the cheapest I’ve seen across all New England lol

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kettletown State Park Campground
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Kettletown State Park Campground

    Great location, but not a good experience

    Camping Review:

    This campsite is beautifully located in the woods, offering a peaceful and serene environment. There are no busy roads nearby, which ensures a quiet setting during the day.

    However, there are several downsides to consider. The camping spots are uneven, making it challenging to set up tents or campers. Additionally, swimming at the nearby beach is restricted to residents of the village, so visitors are not allowed to swim there.

    During our stay, there were multiple large groups, including a Christian group that preached (screamingly) and played loud music until midnight, despite the designated quiet hours. Unfortunately, the management did nothing to enforce the rules, which was disruptive.

    Another significant issue was the state of the sanitary facilities. They were extremely dirty, with feces present in various places. It took a long time before anything was cleaned, which obviously kept us from using the facilities.

    Overall, while the location is beautiful, the poor management, noise issues, and dirty sanitary facilities seriously detract from the experience.

  • Cynthia K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Hammonasset State Park Campground

    Connecticut

       I had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.

        Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground. They divide the loops with names. I unfortunately chose Pequot. This loop has THE WORST bathrooms/showers on the South side of the campground. Looks like they were built in 1950s with rotten wood siding. Dirty. The showers were outside the bathroom- there was a bench & hooks OUTSIDE! We found out all the other loops had modern bathhouses.

     My first impression of this campground is it's loud, crazy busy & there's traffic noise from the beach road. I actually liked it! This is a fun campground for families. There were kids on bikes, scooters, skateboards,roller blades. Watch your speed! They don't always watch out for your car.

      I found out most people stay through Sunday & leave on Monday. There were still lots of campers left. Lots of tent campers. 

       I chose site 14 on the Pequot Loop because I thought I would have a view of one of the ponds. There was tall vegetation, so that was out.

     The sites on the other side of the loop were right by the main beach road. Noisy during the day, but quiet at night. 

      There are some sites with shade, but most are sunny. 

       There's no electricity at most of the sites. Our site was full sun(yay for the solar panel!). On Beach Road in the campground there's 2 rows of full hookup sites, but they go FAST! I tried.

    NO PETS! Including dogs.

       No WiFi, but there's cell service. At least 5 dump stations. 

     The beach was popular. 

      There was a stream running from a pond that kids were playing in. 

     They have a beautiful Nature Center. A couple of easy hikes through one of the preserves.

      This was a good base camp for the area. Gillette Castle & other state parks are within driving distance. Connecticut is a beautiful state!!

  • SomadNomad M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Granville State Forest
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Granville State Forest

    Gotta chance

    Dyrt says $17-$54 went through all the hoops to book one for tonight said $17 per night went to check out expecting a few extra fees, $58.50.....that's over the max advertised....DYRT YOU NEED TO GO THROUGH AND DELETE BAD ENTRIES. YOU ARE A DISSAPOINTMENT.

  • SomadNomad M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from October Mountain State Forest
    Aug. 17, 2024

    October Mountain State Forest

    WHAT!?

    First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed, second it yells you that the fee is $17.50 per site, I expected a little added extra fee for booking etc.... check out was $58.50 per night. I would have if they weren't so manipulative about it.

  • Shelby
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park
    Aug. 4, 2024

    Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    Book your stay elsewhere!

    If you would like a peaceful, clean campground skip this place. This was the worst campground we’ve stayed at. The bathrooms are very outdated and not cleaned often enough. The sites are too close together with very little trees between sites allowing zero privacy. Their picnic tables also are disgusting, bring a table cloth! They have a lot rules one being “no amplifying speakers allowed” that they clearly do not enforce. It sounded like a rave throughout the night even after calling the ranger station and complaining. Guests were playing loud music until about 1:30 AM and starting up again right as quiet hours ended at 7 AM. There then was a religious service happening at 8 AM with a whole amp system we could hear clearly on the other side of campground. We absolutely will not be back.

  • Emily F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

    Perfect for a chill weekend with friends

    I can here to spend time with friends and i feel like we got lucky with our site. It had a nice wooded area behind us and felt more private than some of the other site.

    The swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock. Close to great hiking.

  • G Y.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Waramaug State Park Campground
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Lake Waramaug State Park Campground

    Quiet Rustic Camping

    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. Note that we are a Scout family and my husband and son have camped many days well off the grid with only the gear and food in their backpacks. That skews our point of view. 

    First off, Connecticut’s state campgrounds are not KOA’s. 

    Do not expect top of the line activities that private campgrounds have.

    What it does have are clean, large sites that are partially wooded and not out in the open. 

    The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing. Bring your own gear but kayak and canoe rentals are available. The swim area is marginal- best for little ones. 

    This park is remote from all conveniences- pack it in or expect a drive. There have been several times I’ve driven to the Dunkin Donuts miles down the road for coffee but I find using a French press is more convenient. For takeout there’s the White Horse on 202. It’s ranked a top restaurant in the state - the food is good. 

    Never have we had issues with wildlife besides squirrels and ducks. Leave no trace is important - it keeps the unwelcome wildlife out. 

    There have been issues with the bathrooms off and on over the decades. It seems like they’ve finally fixed everything. Our trip of 7/27-28 showed everything was fine.

    The only on-site services are firewood and ice sales. The little food shack is out of business. 

    Yes, cell service is basically non-existent. Our trip this weekend was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years. Actually we were a bit disappointed because this camp ground is a great place to disconnect and relax. Being forced to put away the devices is heaven in my mind. You can drive about 5+ minutes out and get cell service. Regarding rowdiness, of the 20+ times we’ve camped only twice was it a problem. 

    Also, this place is not glamping. The area is rural, so cows do moo at 6am, and kids are up even earlier. If you like to sleep in skip and rent a B&B. 

    Also if you want a better place to swim go to Mt.Tom state park about 10 minutes up the road. It’s a day use only park-no camping- but the lake is gorgeous and there are very few people there.

  • mike
    Camper-submitted photo from Fieldstone Farmstead
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Fieldstone Farmstead

    Amazing experience!

    My partner and I booked a weekend at Fieldstone Farmstead and it was such a pleasant experience.

    The outdoor shower and outhouse were such an appreciated amenity. The proximity to hiking trails and lakes was such an added benefit as well. We would have been happy hanging out in the alpaca pen all day, but it was great to cool off in the nearby lake.

    The campsite was clean and free of leaves and sticks.

    Always felt safe on the property and the star gazing was a beautiful sight. Clean, quiet and cozy weekend. Would recommend to anyone.

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Lazy River
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Lazy River

    Great Campsite for Families and Kids

    Great first tent camping experience for kids. Lots of activities, clean restrooms. One thing to keep in mind is the tent sites on the opposite side of the road from the river has no shade. Site gets pretty hot on a sunny day. Sites by the river have some shade.

  • Bianca D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Fieldstone Farmstead
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Fieldstone Farmstead

    Peaceful and relaxing stay

    Although we were rained on in the beginning, the stay was very relaxing and pleasant. Dave and Kate were extremely kind and helpful. The animals were also very adorable and sweet to be around. I would definitely recommend staying here and visiting parks in the area.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Croton Point Park
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Croton Point Park

    First time campers, loved it

    I took my 5 year old-son and wife, all of us first time campers. this place was great. The site was very nice, all the people friendly and area beautiful.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Spacious Skies Woodland Hills
    Jul. 1, 2024

    Spacious Skies Woodland Hills

    Great weekend site

    We rented a rustic campsite for a long weekend and it was way better than expected. The staff was helpful, the site was pretty and there are so many places to hike and the best of the Berkshires so close by. There are only two showers in each gendered bathroom, but there are so many RVs here it never was an issue. The pool is being renovated so it is currently closed.



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