Cabin camping near Washington Depot, Connecticut offers options within the Litchfield Hills region, an area characterized by rolling forested terrain with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,100 feet. The camping season typically runs from mid-May through early October, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during daytime hours and drop to 55-65°F overnight.
What to do
Hiking on established trails: Lake Waramaug State Park Campground offers a short but rewarding hiking trail behind the campground. According to a camper, "There is a really great (but very short .65 miles) hiking trail behind the campground and a cool big rock to climb on near the bathrooms further away from the office and a field that would be good for flying kites, model airplanes or drones behind the state park parking lot."
Fishing in trophy waters: Austin Hawes Memorial Campground provides direct river access. A visitor noted, "Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots. Excellent campground for tent campers." Another mentioned, "Trophy trout river with excellent fishing, but catch and release only."
Water activities at nearby locations: When staying at Kettletown State Park Campground, visitors can take advantage of nearby water activities. One camper reported, "We enjoyed playing there, especially chasing the Canadian Geese by the lake." If the lake at your chosen campground is closed, a visitor suggests, "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."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: White Pines Campsites offers more secluded options in certain areas. A camper shared, "We stayed at site 85 in Sunny Crest and liked having some privacy. The sites nearby had some trees providing space between each site." For those seeking privacy, this is important to note as many Connecticut campgrounds have sites close together.
Clean facilities: Black Rock State Park Campground maintains good standards according to visitors. A recent reviewer reported, "The staff greeted with warm welcomes and big smiles... The grounds staff smiled and waved as they went by." Another camper commented, "The sites are very spacious and clean. The park it self is also well kept and clean. Lot of good hiking trails with a scenic view and waterfall to discover."
Weekday tranquility: At Lake Waramaug, visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere midweek. A camper advised, "If you go during the week the place is a ghost town." Another mentioned, "Good spot for a week-day group to stay." This timing can make a significant difference in your camping experience, especially at popular locations.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many cabins and campgrounds in the area have poor connectivity. At Lake Waramaug, a camper reported, "No cellphone service, which is either a good or bad thing, depending on how you feel about it." Another noted, "Cell service is basically non-existent. Our trip this weekend was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years."
Wildlife awareness: Bears and other animals are active in the region. At Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground, a visitor reported, "We have stayed there many times. We have a few favorite sites. We have also seen a bear eating food from the dumpster at housatonic meadows." Another camper at White Pines mentioned, "We and several other neighboring campers spied a pretty big black bear not far enough away in the late morning hours."
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds have variability between sites. At White Pines, a camper advised, "A lot of the sites we drove by were pretty sloped—I would recommend a drive through if you can beforehand." At Kettletown, another reported, "The campsites are varied, you can tent camp, use a camper, or they also have a few cabins you can rent. Be advised, there isn't a kitchen or bathroom in the cabins!"
Tips for camping with families
Seek campgrounds with activities: Cozy Hills Campground offers organized events for children. A visitor 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. Sites are well maintained, with fresh wood chips and groomed gravel. Family activities, like archery, were excellent."
Look for pool access: On hot summer days, pool amenities are valuable for families. At Cozy Hills, a visitor noted, "Pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids." Another visitor mentioned, "The pool is nice, no deep end. It's very hilly. A golf cart is recommended if your site is far from the pool."
Pack entertainment for weekdays: Some state parks have fewer organized activities compared to private campgrounds. A camper at Lake Waramaug advised, "There is ONLY swimming and biking on a somewhat busy road, no playground. The campground store is likely not going to be open so bring everything you need." Bringing games, books, and outdoor equipment can help keep children entertained.
Tips from RVers
Check site conditions: At Lake Compounce Campground, RV sites are arranged in a specific pattern. One RVer reported, "The sites were long so even though you face your neighbor, the sites were long enough that our door wasn't directly across from our neighbor." Another mentioned, "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded."
Limited hookup options: Some campgrounds offer only partial hookups. A camper at Lake Compounce noted, "None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out." Another camper added, "It is adjacent to an amusement park so there were lots of families here. Wifi was okay, but we couldn't stream anything from it."
Cabin alternatives for RVers: For those without an RV seeking similar amenities, Lake Compounce offers alternatives. A visitor mentioned, "They have cabins, teepee and tent sites. This is attached to an amusement park but far enough away not to be a bother." These options can provide comfort similar to RV camping with less equipment.
